Our Staff

Dr. DeSarbo is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and is the Founder and Director of the ED-180 Treatment Programs here in Garden City. He is also the Director for the N.Y. Eating Disorder Medical Group and was formerly on the Board of the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) of Long Island. Dr. DeSarbo's private practice includes treatment for adolescents and adults with about 70% of his caseload dedicated to the specialized treatment of eating disorders and the remaining 30% for general psychiatric conditions. Dr. DeSarbo also spent 3 months of elective time working closely with bariatric surgeons for specialized training in the psychiatric evaluation and management of bariatric patients. In addition to psychopharmacological management, Dr. DeSarbo also practices psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and existential therapy.

Dr. DeSarbo graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in banking and finance in 1985. Having wanted to become a doctor since high school, he returned 13 years later to Hofstra to complete a post-bac program for medical school. He attended medical school at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his psychiatric residency training in the New York University (NYU) School of Medicine Psychiatry Residency Program at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. Dr. DeSarbo is a national speaker to medical professionals and clinicians and well as to the public and has been on radio and television. He is a member of NEDA, IAEDP, AED, AMA, APA, and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. For more information about Dr. DeSarbo you may go to www.DrDeSarbo.com.

Dr. Potruch is a clinician and program supervisor with twenty two years of experience in the field of treating dual disorders. Dr. Potruch received the Masters in Social Work in 1989 from Adelphi University. She continued her education at New York University, Silver School of Social Work where she received the Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work in 2001 and furthered her clinical training at the Post Doctoral Training Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis at New York University. Prior to her career in social work Dr. Potruch worked for the New York City Department of Education as an elementary school teacher. She received the Masters in Education from the City University of New York, Hunter College with a certificate in Puerto Rican Studies. As an elementary school teacher she came to fully appreciate the multifaceted issues children and their families face on a daily basis. This realization is what led her to pursue a career in social work and to become an adjunct Assistant Professor at the Hunter College School of Social Work, Graduate Division.

Dr. Potruch began her clinical work at Project Outreach, an outpatient satellite clinic of North Shore-LIJ Health System specializing in the treatment of addictive and compulsive disorders along with other mental health issues. She moved into an administrative position as Program Coordinator at Project Outreach where she assumes both clinical and administrative roles that involve clinical supervision and program development. She was a member of the team that developed the intensive outpatient dual disordered program that began at Project Outreach nearly twenty years ago. Dr. Potruch believes in a family systems approach to treatment while utilizing Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and supportive therapy to treat the chronic nature of addiction and other compulsive behavior such as eating disorder, gambling and nicotine addiction. She utilizes individual, family and group modalities to provide individualized treatment that best meets the unique needs of each of her clients. Along with her work at the health system Dr. Potruch has maintained a private practice in Manhattan, Great Neck and Garden City since 1999 specializing in treating dual disorders.

For more information and to make an appointment please call (516 )317-1493

Judi is a registered dietitian specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. She has been a registered dietitian since 1994 and has worked clinically in a hospital setting as well as various outpatient settings, including consulting for the New York Eating Disorder Medical Group and Eating Disorder Associates. Her treatment approach is to collaborate with the treatment team.

Judi is a graduate of the University of Maryland and completed her master's work at Long Island University, CW Post campus. There she graduated with distinction receiving an academic award for her thesis work related to disordered eating. Judi is a member of the American Dietetic Association, obtaining advanced certifications in both Adult and Child/Adolescent weight management. She is also a member of the National Eating Disorder Association, the Academy of Eating Disorders and the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals.

For more information and to make an appointment please call (516) 669-1411

Hilary received her Master's in Social Work from Columbia University in 1994 and has received her post-masters certification specializing in the treatment of eating disorders from the Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia in New York City. Additionally, Hilary has studied DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) at the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapy in New York.

Hilary was a Senior Therapist at the Renfrew Center of New York for many years before leaving to work exclusively in her private practice and with the ED-180 programs. At the Renfrew Treatment Center, Hilary worked in the Day Treatment Program, the Intensive Outpatient Program, as well as the Outpatient Program, giving her unique experience in treating eating disorder patients with varying degrees of needs and using various treatment techniques. Her experience and knowledge with many different treatment methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and has received her certification from Behavioral Tech in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psycho-education, Exposure Therapy, Analytic, and Relational Therapy, allow her to tailor her client's treatment program, specifically to their treatment needs.

In addition to her work and experience with eating disorders, Hilary has extensive experience in the field of substance abuse. She served as a primary therapist at the Greenwich House Counseling Center of New York City and Reflections Counseling Center in Plainview, N.Y. where treated patients with a duel diagnosis of an eating disorder and a substance abuse disorder/or alcoholism.

For more information and to make an appointment please call (516 )280-3544

Meg received her Master's in Social Work from S.U.N.Y. Stonybrook and is a psychotherapist who has been in private practice for over 20 years specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. Meg has been trained in and utilizes an array of therapeutic techniques including CBT, DBT, the Maudsley Approach, Gestault therapy, EMDR, family systems, and is a licensed NLP /Hypnotherapy practitioner trained in the Kathy Welter-Nichols Intensive Outpatient Bulimia Breakthrough and Binge Eating Program.

Meg is the Founder/Director of Eating Disorder Associates treatment centers of Long Island in Hauppauge, NY and is a former Vice-President and Executive Board Member of the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) of Long Island. Meg is also a member of the Academy for Eating Disorders, the International Association for Eating Disorders, NEDA, and the National Association of Social Workers. Additionally, Meg is on the C.W. Post Advisory Board and provides supervision for therapists in training.

Donna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy to adolescents and adults in the context of individual, group, and family therapy. Donna graduated from Adelphi University's advanced standing master's program in social work in 1992 and has worked in a variety of settings including the Family Service League, the International Center for the Disabled in Manhattan, and the North Suffolk Mental Health Center. She received training in family systems theory at the Family Therapy Institute at North Suffolk Center.

In addition to her substantial background in working with family systems, Donna has also received training in chemical dependence treatment and has worked as the Clinical Supervisor for both the inpatient and outpatient programs at Quannacut Addiction Services, Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport, NY. She has extensive experience in the treatment of dual diagnosis, and developed treatment programs to address the changing needs of patients while at Eastern Long Island Hospital. As an addiction specialist she has been providing evaluation and treatment for patients receiving Buprenorphine since 2003. She is a member of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University.

She has dedicated her career to the understanding, prevention, and treatment of chemical dependence, mental health, and eating disorders and has provided extensive treatment with clients who have a dual diagnosis. Utilizing Family Systems Theory, MI (Motivational Interviewing) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) she provides a compassionate, realistic, and positive process for recovery and brings comfort to individuals and families who seek healthy relationships.

For more information and to make an appointment please call (917) 903-9989

Dr. Siony is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and related issues including depression, anxiety, and interpersonal difficulties. Using a comprehensive eclectic treatment approach, she compassionately helps eating disorder sufferers uncover maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors, interpersonal dynamics, and crystallized core self-beliefs.

Dr. Siony received her Doctorate in Psychology from Yeshiva University at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and has had extensive training and experience working with eating disorders and has been a consultant with the New York Eating Disorder Medical Group since 2007 and is the Director of Psychological Testing for the ED-180 programs.

For more information and to make an appointment please call (516) 509-6773

Susan received her Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration from Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY and her experience with ROAED and her passion to help others has influenced her decision to pursue a second Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus. Susan is the ED-180 Program Coordinator, working directly under the supervision of the Program Director, Dr. Jeffrey DeSarbo. Susan provides a variety of clinical services to clients in the programs including treatment plan development, intake assessments, group therapy and individual therapy.

She has worked with several leading medical practices in a variety of roles, including Patient Coordinator and Practice Administrator and Director of Marketing. Since 2009, Susan has been a volunteer and Board Member and is currently the President of Reaching Out Against Eating Disorders (ROAED), an all-volunteer, not-for-profit eating disorder organization that provides support services to those suffering from eating disorders, as well as their friends and families. Susan has been a facilitator for several support groups in New York City and Long Island for those suffering from Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder and Women Over 40 with Eating Disorders. She is also actively involved in ROAED's mentor program, and provides one-on-one support to those recovering from an eating disorder. Susan regularly participates in speaking engagements related to eating disorders, speaking at conferences, workshops and high schools and has contributed to various publications on eating disorders.

For more information and to make an appointment please call (516) 280-3544

Donna has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and teaching for 7 years. She has obtained her National Yoga Alliance Certification through Hofstra University. Donna teaches yoga to all fitness levels and age groups, from children to athletes to seniors. She teaches throughout Long Island in group classes, fitness clubs and privately. Her style of instruction is a blend of all disciplines, offering modifications to build flow and redirect energy in the body. These therapeutic applications bring strength, balance and flexibility to all systems of the body and enhances body satisfaction through mindfulness training. She incorporates the ancient healing techniques of yogic breathing and guided meditation to create a sense of peace, calm and relaxation of the mind. Donna's certification in Power Pilates is integrated into her instruction to help build core strength and spine health for her students of all levels and restrictions.

Eliza Pszeniczny is the Office Administrator and has been working with Dr. Rahmani since summer 2014. She manages all insurance and billing issues as well as appointments, scheduling and all other administrative duties.

She received her Bachelor Degree in Business Management from Baruch College in NYC. She has been exposed to various areas of business management. She decided to change her career path in 2010. After selling her own business she developed interest and passion in managing health care industry.