iaedp-Tucson Chapter Executive Committee Bios
Janet M. Summers, MEd, LMFT, LPC – President
Janet Summers is a founding board member of iaedp-Tucson and for over 20 years has specialized in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, including severe cases with multiple previous treatments. Janet is the co-owner of SummerSmith, Inc., a mental health counseling and consulting practice. She is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified Fitness Trainer.
Janet earned her master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Arizona and her undergraduate degree in psychology and child development. She is a professional member of IAEDP and The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
In addition to her treatment of eating disorders, Janet specializes in the treatment of teens, adults, and couples who suffer from trauma, anxiety, depression, and addictions that often coexist with eating disorders. Her former leadership roles include executive director of a nationally recognized internship-training program for eating disorders and chemical dependency professionals, and vice-president of the Miraval Resort an award-winning mindfulness-based stress reduction program. Janet is the co-author of WisdomOfLearning.com an online course for high school and college students helping them achieve peak academic performance and overcome test-taking anxiety.
Janet’s over two decades of experience combined with her steady, compassionate and positive manner have been the key to her success in helping eating disorder clients.
Janet Summers is a founding board member of iaedp-Tucson and for over 20 years has specialized in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, including severe cases with multiple previous treatments. Janet is the co-owner of SummerSmith, Inc., a mental health counseling and consulting practice. She is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified Fitness Trainer.
Janet earned her master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Arizona and her undergraduate degree in psychology and child development. She is a professional member of IAEDP and The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
In addition to her treatment of eating disorders, Janet specializes in the treatment of teens, adults, and couples who suffer from trauma, anxiety, depression, and addictions that often coexist with eating disorders. Her former leadership roles include executive director of a nationally recognized internship-training program for eating disorders and chemical dependency professionals, and vice-president of the Miraval Resort an award-winning mindfulness-based stress reduction program. Janet is the co-author of WisdomOfLearning.com an online course for high school and college students helping them achieve peak academic performance and overcome test-taking anxiety.
Janet’s over two decades of experience combined with her steady, compassionate and positive manner have been the key to her success in helping eating disorder clients.
Laura Orlich, MS, MC, LPC, NCC Immediate Past President
Laura offers therapy, consults, and referral resources for clients and client families through a private practice. In addition to treatment of eating disorder issues, Laura’s practice supports those suffering sleep disorders. Previously, serving as the Coordinator for Eating Disorder services, she provided therapy to students at the University of Arizona Campus Health Service. During that 15 year tenure at the U of A, Laura addressed student concerns including body image issues, disordered eating, eating disorders, related stresses, and co-occurring diagnoses. Co-facilitating the Body Smart Initiative on the U of A campus, Laura mentored interns and volunteers in their endeavors for improving body image and self-compassion for all students. The Eating Disorder Awareness Week Celebration, which Laura co-coordinated, on campus, increased awareness of body image and eating disorder-related concerns for students, faculty, staff and the community.
Licensed by the state of Arizona and certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors, Laura earned graduate degrees in psychology and research and clinical counseling, and is trained in multiple therapy modalities. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and iaedp and is Member Liaison to National iaedp Board of Directors.
For twenty-one years, Laura was an educator, teaching at the secondary level. She views her current clinical role as a provider of psychoeducation.
Laura offers therapy, consults, and referral resources for clients and client families through a private practice. In addition to treatment of eating disorder issues, Laura’s practice supports those suffering sleep disorders. Previously, serving as the Coordinator for Eating Disorder services, she provided therapy to students at the University of Arizona Campus Health Service. During that 15 year tenure at the U of A, Laura addressed student concerns including body image issues, disordered eating, eating disorders, related stresses, and co-occurring diagnoses. Co-facilitating the Body Smart Initiative on the U of A campus, Laura mentored interns and volunteers in their endeavors for improving body image and self-compassion for all students. The Eating Disorder Awareness Week Celebration, which Laura co-coordinated, on campus, increased awareness of body image and eating disorder-related concerns for students, faculty, staff and the community.
Licensed by the state of Arizona and certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors, Laura earned graduate degrees in psychology and research and clinical counseling, and is trained in multiple therapy modalities. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and iaedp and is Member Liaison to National iaedp Board of Directors.
For twenty-one years, Laura was an educator, teaching at the secondary level. She views her current clinical role as a provider of psychoeducation.
Hana Abdulaziz Feeney, MS, RD – President Elect
Hana Abdulaziz Feeney is the founder of the integrative nutrition practice, Nourishing Results. It is her passion to empower others to create positive nutrition and lifestyle changes that result in the achievement of one’s goals.
With degrees in Exercise Physiology and Nutritional Sciences and over 10 years as a Registered Dietitian, Hana has developed a strong scientific and analytical approach to human health and wellness. As a member of the iaedp-Tucson Board Hana works to increase awareness of eating disorders and advocates for excellent care for persons with eating disorders in the Tucson community.
Hana Abdulaziz Feeney is the founder of the integrative nutrition practice, Nourishing Results. It is her passion to empower others to create positive nutrition and lifestyle changes that result in the achievement of one’s goals.
With degrees in Exercise Physiology and Nutritional Sciences and over 10 years as a Registered Dietitian, Hana has developed a strong scientific and analytical approach to human health and wellness. As a member of the iaedp-Tucson Board Hana works to increase awareness of eating disorders and advocates for excellent care for persons with eating disorders in the Tucson community.
Megan Orcutt, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist – Secretary
Megan is a staff psychologist at the University of Arizona's Campus Health Services. She received her Bachelor's Degree at the University of Colorado and her Masters and Doctoral Degrees from William James College. Megan was originally hired at Campus Health Services to meet the increasing treatment needs of students with Eating Disorders, disordered eating, and body image related issues, although she treats a multitude of concerns. She additionally works with students experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, relationship problems, adjustment problems, obsessive-compulsive disorders, trauma, substance abuse, and self-worth issues. Megan's approach to counseling is relational, psychodynamic, dialectical, and client-centered. She has joined the iaedp-Tucson Board with the intent of becoming more involved with Eating Disorder professionals in the Tucson community and furthering her commitment and expertise in the treatment of Eating Disorders.
Megan is a staff psychologist at the University of Arizona's Campus Health Services. She received her Bachelor's Degree at the University of Colorado and her Masters and Doctoral Degrees from William James College. Megan was originally hired at Campus Health Services to meet the increasing treatment needs of students with Eating Disorders, disordered eating, and body image related issues, although she treats a multitude of concerns. She additionally works with students experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, relationship problems, adjustment problems, obsessive-compulsive disorders, trauma, substance abuse, and self-worth issues. Megan's approach to counseling is relational, psychodynamic, dialectical, and client-centered. She has joined the iaedp-Tucson Board with the intent of becoming more involved with Eating Disorder professionals in the Tucson community and furthering her commitment and expertise in the treatment of Eating Disorders.
Cathy Zipp, MS, LPC, LISAC – Treasurer
Cathy Zipp is a kick-butt therapist whose style is to teach, support, inspire and hold court on accountability and progress. She uses advanced and creative techniques like EMDR and Psychodrama to restore stability in fast, FUN and deeply healing ways.
She works with “Big T” and “little t” traumas through the tears and more importantly, the laughter. She has a Master’s Degree in Counseling, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of two businesses. Her specialties additionally include eating disorders, parenting, infertility, children, teens, young adults, midlife, LGBT and traumatic brain injury. She also has a book coming out soon, MidLife with Style. Cathy lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband of over 25 years and has two incredible young adult children.
Cathy Zipp is a kick-butt therapist whose style is to teach, support, inspire and hold court on accountability and progress. She uses advanced and creative techniques like EMDR and Psychodrama to restore stability in fast, FUN and deeply healing ways.
She works with “Big T” and “little t” traumas through the tears and more importantly, the laughter. She has a Master’s Degree in Counseling, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of two businesses. Her specialties additionally include eating disorders, parenting, infertility, children, teens, young adults, midlife, LGBT and traumatic brain injury. She also has a book coming out soon, MidLife with Style. Cathy lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband of over 25 years and has two incredible young adult children.
Suzanne Lovejoy, MA, LMFT – Education Chair
Suzanne is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and has been in private practice since 1994. She is one of a small group of professionals that founded the iaedp-Tucson Chapter. She has been an active member since the beginning holding positions as secretary and co-education chair. Suzanne’s interest in studying and treating eating disorders grew out of her own struggles with anorexia and bulimia nervosa, which began in high school. In graduate school, Suzanne interned at a local inpatient treatment center for eating disorders and wrote her master’s thesis on the most well-researched models of treatment. Shortly after graduating Suzanne was hired to work with a team of providers at Sierra Tucson, Tucson's first free-standing residential treatment program for eating disorders.
Suzanne’s clinical experience treating people with eating disorders has ranged from inpatient to outpatient settings. She has facilitated group therapy and presented psycho-educational lectures in addition to working with individuals, couples and families. Suzanne specializes in couples therapy and eating disorders. She is theoretically grounded in systems and attachment theory and uses a variety of treatment models including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), interpersonal neurobiology, mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Suzanne is currently on track to become a certified emotionally focused couples therapist. She has begun to use EFT to help couples navigate the road of recovery when someone in the family has an eating disorder.
Suzanne is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and has been in private practice since 1994. She is one of a small group of professionals that founded the iaedp-Tucson Chapter. She has been an active member since the beginning holding positions as secretary and co-education chair. Suzanne’s interest in studying and treating eating disorders grew out of her own struggles with anorexia and bulimia nervosa, which began in high school. In graduate school, Suzanne interned at a local inpatient treatment center for eating disorders and wrote her master’s thesis on the most well-researched models of treatment. Shortly after graduating Suzanne was hired to work with a team of providers at Sierra Tucson, Tucson's first free-standing residential treatment program for eating disorders.
Suzanne’s clinical experience treating people with eating disorders has ranged from inpatient to outpatient settings. She has facilitated group therapy and presented psycho-educational lectures in addition to working with individuals, couples and families. Suzanne specializes in couples therapy and eating disorders. She is theoretically grounded in systems and attachment theory and uses a variety of treatment models including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), interpersonal neurobiology, mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Suzanne is currently on track to become a certified emotionally focused couples therapist. She has begun to use EFT to help couples navigate the road of recovery when someone in the family has an eating disorder.
Jan Courtney, MA, MEd – Hospitality
Jan is the Coordinator of Eating Disorder Services for Counseling and Psych Services at Campus Health, University of Arizona. Prior to that Jan has worked as an adjunct faculty instructor at Pima Community College, co-developed and ran an Intensive Outpatient Program for Eating Disorders, maintained a private practice and worked as an Eating Disorder and Trauma Therapist at COPE Community Services.
Jan holds a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology and Hearing Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Arizona. Jan has extensive post-graduate training including short term dynamic psychotherapy techniques, EFT, Neurolinguistic Psychology, Mediation, Family Systems and EMDR.
Since 1991, Jan’s focus has been helping those who suffer from a wide range of disordered eating and eating disorders to find a way to understand their dysfunctional relationship with food and live their lives more peacefully. Jan uses a collaborative approach working with each individual to recognize factors leading to their current dysfunctional coping strategies, effectively manage anxiety, find constructive means to meet their challenges, and strengthen their sense of self and create positive change in their lives.
Jan is the Coordinator of Eating Disorder Services for Counseling and Psych Services at Campus Health, University of Arizona. Prior to that Jan has worked as an adjunct faculty instructor at Pima Community College, co-developed and ran an Intensive Outpatient Program for Eating Disorders, maintained a private practice and worked as an Eating Disorder and Trauma Therapist at COPE Community Services.
Jan holds a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology and Hearing Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Arizona. Jan has extensive post-graduate training including short term dynamic psychotherapy techniques, EFT, Neurolinguistic Psychology, Mediation, Family Systems and EMDR.
Since 1991, Jan’s focus has been helping those who suffer from a wide range of disordered eating and eating disorders to find a way to understand their dysfunctional relationship with food and live their lives more peacefully. Jan uses a collaborative approach working with each individual to recognize factors leading to their current dysfunctional coping strategies, effectively manage anxiety, find constructive means to meet their challenges, and strengthen their sense of self and create positive change in their lives.
Andrea Hickey, MA – Sponsorship
Andrea Hickey graduated with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in May 2016. Andrea works as a therapist in the eating disorder and substance abuse programs and is the Program Director for the Women's Healthy Intimacy Relationship Group at Desert Star Addiction Recovery Center. After struggling with her own eating disorder for six years, she has a passion to help others who struggle with body image issues and their relationships with food. This summer she will celebrate her eleventh year recovered; and she uses her testimony to give hope that recovery and freedom from an eating disorder is absolutely possible. She completed her internship at an eating disorder facility in Arizona, gaining varied and valuable experience in this field. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. She has been married to her amazing, supportive husband, Matt Hickey, since 2013, and they are building their life in Tucson centered around helping individuals with eating disorders.
Andrea Hickey graduated with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in May 2016. Andrea works as a therapist in the eating disorder and substance abuse programs and is the Program Director for the Women's Healthy Intimacy Relationship Group at Desert Star Addiction Recovery Center. After struggling with her own eating disorder for six years, she has a passion to help others who struggle with body image issues and their relationships with food. This summer she will celebrate her eleventh year recovered; and she uses her testimony to give hope that recovery and freedom from an eating disorder is absolutely possible. She completed her internship at an eating disorder facility in Arizona, gaining varied and valuable experience in this field. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. She has been married to her amazing, supportive husband, Matt Hickey, since 2013, and they are building their life in Tucson centered around helping individuals with eating disorders.
Richard Wahl, MD – Medical Liaison
Dr. Richard Wahl attended the University of Rochester (NY) with a major in Developmental Psychology, and received his M.D. degree from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. He completed his Pediatric Residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and then served with the U.S. Public Health Service National Health Service Corps in Peekskill, NY.
Dr. Wahl moved to Tucson in 1985, and worked for CIGNA Health Care for 10 years as a general pediatrician. He joined the faculty at the University of Arizona in 1995, where he is now a Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Adolescent Medicine training program. He is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. He has served as Medical Director over the past 20 years for a variety of programs, including the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind, the Tucson Job Corps Center, and (previously) at the Pima County Kino Teen Center and Juvenile Detention Center.
Dr. Wahl now bases his clinical practice at the Banner University Medical Center Adolescent Clinic, and has had a long interest in providing medical care for individuals with eating disorders.
Dr. Richard Wahl attended the University of Rochester (NY) with a major in Developmental Psychology, and received his M.D. degree from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. He completed his Pediatric Residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and then served with the U.S. Public Health Service National Health Service Corps in Peekskill, NY.
Dr. Wahl moved to Tucson in 1985, and worked for CIGNA Health Care for 10 years as a general pediatrician. He joined the faculty at the University of Arizona in 1995, where he is now a Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Adolescent Medicine training program. He is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. He has served as Medical Director over the past 20 years for a variety of programs, including the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind, the Tucson Job Corps Center, and (previously) at the Pima County Kino Teen Center and Juvenile Detention Center.
Dr. Wahl now bases his clinical practice at the Banner University Medical Center Adolescent Clinic, and has had a long interest in providing medical care for individuals with eating disorders.
Laura S. Schnaps, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, Clinical – Member-at-Large
Laura graduated from the University of Arizona where she received her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. in Psychology. Laura has worked in the field of eating disorders since she did an externship at the University of Arizona Medical School in 1981, where she coordinated the first Eating Disorders Clinic under the direction of Catherine Shisslak, Ph.D. This clinic provided inpatient and outpatient treatment for women with eating disorders as well as ran multiple outpatient treatment groups. Dr. Schnaps then went on to complete her doctoral internship at the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA where she trained with two top leaders in the field of eating disorders: Michael Strober, Ph.D. and Joel Yager, M.D.
Dr. Schnaps is currently in full-time private practice where she works extensively with eating disorder patients. She also works with children, teens, adults and family issues as well as individual therapy with anxiety disorders, depression and trauma. She has been training over the past six years as an emotionally focused couples therapist working towards certification and now works as a facilitator for trainings in Arizona. She has also facilitated two Eating Disorders Seminars, one which has been ongoing for 17 years and a second one she started about 5 years ago. The focus of these seminars is to train other community professionals in the treatment of Eating Disorders.
Laura graduated from the University of Arizona where she received her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. in Psychology. Laura has worked in the field of eating disorders since she did an externship at the University of Arizona Medical School in 1981, where she coordinated the first Eating Disorders Clinic under the direction of Catherine Shisslak, Ph.D. This clinic provided inpatient and outpatient treatment for women with eating disorders as well as ran multiple outpatient treatment groups. Dr. Schnaps then went on to complete her doctoral internship at the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA where she trained with two top leaders in the field of eating disorders: Michael Strober, Ph.D. and Joel Yager, M.D.
Dr. Schnaps is currently in full-time private practice where she works extensively with eating disorder patients. She also works with children, teens, adults and family issues as well as individual therapy with anxiety disorders, depression and trauma. She has been training over the past six years as an emotionally focused couples therapist working towards certification and now works as a facilitator for trainings in Arizona. She has also facilitated two Eating Disorders Seminars, one which has been ongoing for 17 years and a second one she started about 5 years ago. The focus of these seminars is to train other community professionals in the treatment of Eating Disorders.
