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About Us Our Team

A treatment community that meets and exceeds your needs.

Collaborative. Committed. Creative.

Our team is hand-picked by our founder, Dr. Joanna Bronfman. We’re specialists in eating disorder treatment: educated, experienced, approachable, and one hundred percent dedicated to your success. We’re available to you – our patients and families – twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. For our team, commitment means service, and service means meeting the highest standards.

Leadership Staff

Dr. Joanna Bronfman, MS, LCSW, Psy.D.

Founder & Exec. Clinical Director
Dr. Lindsay Moskowitz, M.D.

Psychiatric Medical Director
Dr. Amanda Jacobs, M.D.

Physician
Chase Bronfman, MBA

CEO
Hannah McKiernan, LCSW

Director of Clinical Services - CT
Sara Wilton, LMHC-A

Director of Clinical Services - RI
Samantha Kronenfeld, LMSW

Lead Therapist

Clinical Staff

Emily Johnston, LMSW

Primary Therapist
Katherine Tague, LPCA

Primary Therapist
Joanna Clayton, LMFT

Family Therapist
Emma Clark, LMSW

Primary Therapist
Stella Balbino, LMSW

Primary Therapist
Carlie Silva, LMHC

Primary Therapist
Molly Gerster, RD

Registered Dietitian
Reuby Staviss, RD

Registered Dietitian
Lauren Belkin, RD

Registered Dietitian
Simone Rinaldi, RD

Registered Dietitian
Alyson Gaylord, RD

Registered Dietitian
Mary “Meg” Gilbar, RD

Registered Dietitian
Mirzana Calhoun, RN

Registered Nurse
Sonia Grafos, RN

Registered Nurse

Educators, Specialists and Care Coaches

Nicole Palumbo, MS

Education Liaison, Teacher
Katherine Raffio, BS

Human Resources Specialist
Alison Midollo, BS, RYT, RCYT

Community Outreach Specialist
Ariella Rahbani, MS, RYT

Mindful Movement Instructor
Jackie Addino, BA

Operations Manager & Care Coach
Taylor Kozemko, BS

Admissions Coordinator & Care Coach
Elizabeth Stahl, BS, RYT

Clinical Intern & Care Coach
Mila Diaz, BS

Office Manager & Care Coach
Edilys Encarnacion, BA

Care Coach
Angelica Carey, BA

Care Coach
Brianna Barnes, BS

Care Coach

Always Listening

Communication is the foundation of healing relationships, which makes communication the hallmark of the Backcountry Wellness approach to treatment.

When you need us, we’re here.

We’re Ready to Connect. Call Now.

Call (203) 992-1700

Dr. Joanna Bronfman, MS, LCSW, Psy.D.

Founder & Exec. Clinical Director

Dr. Joanna Bronfman is a thought leader in the field of eating disorder treatment. She holds a doctoral degree in psychology (Psy.D), a master’s degree in social work (MSW) and a master’s degree in education (MS). As a pioneer in the field of eating disorders, Dr. Bronfman lectures at major academic institutions such as Yale University and the University of Connecticut. She’s also a sought-after guest speaker, having accepted invitations to share her knowledge at The Nantucket Project and school districts nationally. Dr. Bronfman’s clinical work has focused on private clinical practice in conjunction with New York Presbyterian Hospital / Cornell Medical Center and the Pleasantville Public School District. Dr. Bronfman was formerly the Clinical Supervisor at the Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders of Greenwich, Connecticut. She earned her Psychology Doctorate from California Southern University, her Master’s in Social Work from New York University, her Master’s in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and her B.A. in English from the University of Pennsylvania.

Under Dr. Bronfman’s leadership (“Dr. B”), Backcountry Wellness offers the premier eating disorder treatment program in New England. She upholds an environment filled with acceptance and compassion, rather than stigma and judgment. Dr. B understands the social, emotional and psychological distress that adolescents and young adults go through when they struggle with an eating disorder.

Dr. B is committed to changing the paradigm in eating disorder treatment. Her life’s work – and her passion – is to create an open, inclusive, and inviting environment where everyone who needs help will seek help, and where everyone who seeks help will learn to heal in the way that works best for them. The right way.

Dr. Lindsay Moskowitz, M.D.

Psychiatric Medical Director

Dr. Moskowitz has a passion for treating children and adolescents. Her warmth, empathy, genuineness, honesty, and gentle demeanor aid in establishing a good rapport with her patients. She has a unique skill set in treating patients with eating disorders based on her comprehensive background in nutrition in addition to her psychiatric training. Dr. Moskowitz served as the Psychiatric Director of the Eating Disorder Program at Cohen Children’s Medical Center at Long Island Jewish Hospital through Northwell Health for nearly 8 years and left in February 2020 to focus on her private practice. She is board certified in both Adult and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She was recently an assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. She earned her Medical Doctorate from SUNY Upstate Medical University and her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Studies from Cornell University.

Dr. Amanda Jacobs, M.D.

Physician

Amanda M. Jacobs, MD is a board-certified specialist in Adolescent Medicine and Pediatrics with over 20 years of experience. She serves as Chief of the Section of Adolescent Medicine at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Health Physicians of New York, and she is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at New York Medical College. Dr. Jacobs has extensive expertise in the comprehensive management of eating disorders across inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings.

Previously, Dr. Jacobs served as an Attending Physician and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. She also held the role of Director of Health Services for a New York City agency supporting children in foster care and juvenile justice. Prior to her current position, Dr. Jacobs worked as an adolescent medicine specialist in private practice in Westchester County.

Dr. Jacobs earned her M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemical Engineering from Lehigh University. She completed her Pediatrics Residency at Montefiore Medical Center and her Fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Chase Bronfman, MBA

CEO

In 2019, Chase joined the BCW leadership team to oversee the business, operations, finance, and regulatory aspects of Backcountry Wellness. Previously, Chase worked as an Investment Banking Associate in New York City, managing a junior team that worked on large-scale corporate M&A, debt financing, and equity financing transactions. Prior to his work in the banking sector, Chase earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the NYU Stern School of Business and a Bachelor’s of Arts from New York University.

Hannah McKiernan, LCSW

Director of Clinical Services - CT

Using Family-Based Treatment at the heart of her work family therapist, Hannah McKiernan, takes a strengths-based approach to supporting families healing from an eating disorder, believing that every family possesses their own unique gifts and abilities to aid their loved one to long term recovery. As Lead Therapist at Backcountry Wellness’ day program location, Hannah guides families who are supporting their loved one in the home environment; providing them with evidence-based skills whilst empowering them to take an active, loving role in restoring their family member back to health. With over 10 years of experience working with children and families in the UK and US, licensed master of social work, Hannah provides a compassionate and collaborative space to help families navigate the challenges of recovering from the illness.

Sara Wilton, LMHC-A

Director of Clinical Services - RI

Sara has been the Lead Clinician of the Intensive Outpatient Program since opening the Providence office in January 2023 and now serves as the Director of Clinical Services. She is a neuropsychotherapist who integrates her extensive background in neuroscience with deeply relational, attachment-based treatment. Sara is a graduate of Brown University, Rhode Island College, and Loyola University, and holds advanced degrees in clinical counseling and neuroscience. Her thesis research focuses on neuroplasticity in acute eating disorder treatment, and her clinical background includes Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and several years in the biotech field, where she led the largest global clinical trial for the first medication to treat OCD.

Sara is passionate about bridging neuroscience with relational, attachment-based care. With over three years of training and direct supervision in Internal Family Systems, she brings a uniquely holistic and authentic presence to her work, allowing each patient a compassionate, individualized, and sustainable path to recovery. Sara enthusiastically serves on the boards of IAEDP Rhode Island and the NCAA’s Mental Health Best Practices. A former Division I athlete, she feels deeply passionate about the intersection of identity, achievement, and recovery. Above all, Sara believes in the power of healing through community and considers growing and laughing with her beloved patients to be the greatest joy and honor of her life.

Samantha Kronenfeld, LMSW

Lead Therapist

Samantha received an undergraduate degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s in social work from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Samantha spent time in graduate school at the Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, where she received psychodynamic and behavioral training in the treatment of eating disorders. Prior to her work in eating disorders, Samantha’s experience included helping women achieve economic independence through careers in the skilled construction, utility, and maintenance trades at Nontradition Employment for Women and providing crisis support on RAINN’s sexual assault hotline. Samantha’s warm and empathetic approach helps clients explore the function that their eating disorder serves and pursue recovery through self-understanding and self-compassion.

Emily Johnston, LMSW

Primary Therapist

Emily has experience working in residential and outpatient settings. Aside from her extensive experience working with eating disorders, Emily has also worked for a non-profit organization with a focus on Runaway and Homeless youth. Emily has a strength based approach to treatment and believes in empowering individuals to take charge of their recovery. Emily is trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. Emily earned her Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University and her B.A in Counseling from Lesley University.

Katherine Tague, LPCA

Primary Therapist

Katherine is passionate about helping clients achieve holistic healing in their eating disorder recovery. Katherine is a pragmatic, goal-oriented therapist who works with clients to take values-driven action as they manage difficult symptoms of stress, anxiety, and fear. Katherine believes strongly in client individuality and helps clients to gain coping skills that work for them. Additionally, Katherine works with clients to help them gain insight into the function of their eating disorders. Katherine graduated with her Bachelor of Arts from Boston College and received her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling & Spiritual Integration from Fordham University.

Joanna Clayton, LMFT

Family Therapist

Joanna is an LMFT with an M.S in marriage and family therapy and behavioral sciences. She has a background serving the behavioral and emotional needs of children, adolescents, and young adults and significant clinical experience. Joanna has a strong objective to empower and support her clients creating a relationship and environment filled with warmth, empathy, and compassion. Her mission is to help her clients explore and identify a deep understanding, and acceptance of themselves through providing treatment that is collaborative and compassionate. Joanna aims to create an open environment that allows honest dialogue and effective communication. She believes every person has the capacity to make meaningful changes in their lives while helping clients build the necessary tools to cope with their challenges. Her goal is to create a safe space for her clients where they can learn, grow, and heal.

Emma Clark, LMSW

Primary Therapist

Emma is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of eating disorder recovery with compassion and authenticity. She integrates evidence-based approaches while tailoring care to each client’s unique needs. Her goal is to create a supportive space where clients can strengthen coping skills, deepen self-understanding, and move toward lasting healing. Emma has experience working in residential level of care with both adolescents and adults, supporting clients and families through the intensity of recovery with warmth and collaboration. Emma graduated with her Bachelor of Arts from Boston College and received a Master of Social Work from Boston College.

Stella Balbino, LMSW

Primary Therapist

Stella earned her bachelor’s degrees in General Psychology and Music from Hunter College and her LMSW from Rutgers University. She has extensive experience working with children and teenagers in both educational and recreational settings, as well as a background in music performance. After working at BCW for two years and witnessing the powerful impact that social workers can have on clients with eating disorders, Stella was inspired to pursue a career in social work. Stella is passionate about supporting patients as they navigate complex emotional experiences, with a particular interest in the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Her clinical aspirations are rooted in ACT’s core processes, such as fostering psychological flexibility, helping clients identify their values, promoting mindfulness and present-moment awareness, and supporting committed action toward meaningful life goals. Stella’s creative nature and empathic presence allow her to form genuine connections with patients, helping them develop tools to tolerate distress and move toward lives aligned with what truly matters to them.

Carlie Silva, LMHC

Primary Therapist

Carlie received her BA in Cultural Anthropology from Vassar College and her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy from Lesley University. She utilizes an empathetic, creative, and personalized approach in her individual and group work, offering clients a pathway to growth and self-compassion. Carlie employs techniques like IFS, ACT, and DBT, all of which can be enhanced by her specialization in movement and expressive arts. She is also receiving training in Somatic Experiencing, a trauma-informed body-centered therapeutic modality that aims to restore a sense of safety and well-being in the body and nervous system. Outside of her work as a therapist, Carlie enjoys doing yoga, cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and loved ones.

Molly Gerster, RD

Registered Dietitian

Molly earned her Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. She has a strong background in biology and uses her scientific knowledge to develop nutritionally appropriate meal plans for the whole body. She is attuned to the emotional role food plays for many people, and factors this in when creating a plan that works for both mind and body. Molly obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology from Bates College.

Reuby Staviss, RD

Registered Dietitian

Reuby is a registered dietitian whose goal is to help her clients learn to love food again. Reuby completed her master’s degree in nutrition and dietetic internship at Boston University and went on to complete a Nutrition Fellowship in Adolescent Medicine from Boston Children’s Hospital. This is where Reuby developed her love for working with kids and adolescents (and their parents!) on their journey to eating disorder recovery. Reuby believes that all foods fit into a healthy diet and through her counseling, works with her clients to feel the same way.

Lauren Belkin, RD

Registered Dietitian

Lauren Belkin is a Registered Dietitian with a background in communications and marketing. After earning her undergraduate degree at Tulane University, she pivoted to nutrition, completing her Master’s in Clinical Nutrition at New York University and her clinical dietetic internship at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. Lauren’s approach as a dietitian is highly collaborative and client-centered. She ensures that each person she works with feels heard, supported, and empowered in their journey toward better health. Grounded in science yet fueled by creativity, Lauren integrates her enthusiasm for cooking and food into her practice, making nutrition approachable, sustainable, and enjoyable.

Simone Rinaldi, RD

Registered Dietitian

Simone has worked in the field of Eating Disorders since 2014, working at various levels of care from outpatient services, IOP, PHP, and Residential with adolescents and adults. She has been impassioned by the delicate balance of offering emotional support at an incredibly vulnerable time in order to challenge the eating disorder in a way that feels safe. She enjoys getting creative with exposure therapy, and loves to encourage her clients to have a positive relationship with food with a “Health At Every Size” and “Intuitive Eating” Approach.

Alyson Gaylord, RD

Registered Dietitian

Alyson Gaylord, MS, RD, (she/her/hers) is a registered dietitian who aims to provide clients with a patient, supportive, and encouraging space throughout their treatment process. It is her goal to provide clients the necessary education to fight back against diet culture, shifting focus away from “smaller is better”. Aly specializes in the treatment of disordered eating and eating disorders, as well as the physiological complications of Low Energy Availability (LEA) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Aly utilizes motivational interviewing (MI) to challenge clients’ preconceived notions regarding food and body while practicing from a weight-inclusive, Health at Every Size® (HAES) approach. Aly’s primary goal is to help clients rebuild trust in their bodies to regulate appetite and metabolism, honoring both hunger and cravings. Aly completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics. She then went on to obtain her RD licensure and complete her master’s degree in Health Promotion Sciences at the University of Connecticut, where she had the opportunity to work with clients struggling with disordered eating and/or eating disorders. In this setting, Aly’s passion for helping this population grew immensely.

Mary “Meg” Gilbar, RD

Registered Dietitian

Welcome! My name is Meg and I am a Registered Dietitian that specializes in eating disorders and co-occurring mental disorders. My approach is HAES inspired, inclusive, trauma informed and individualized. Disordered eating, unfortunately, can manifest in many ways and runs rampant in the media and in the social/cultural constructs that we live in. My favorite thing in the world is helping others to heal their relationship with food and their bodies, unlearn diet culture and begin to free the mind from the confinement of their eating disorder! I can’t wait to meet you and be a part of this journey with you!

Mirzana Calhoun, RN

Registered Nurse

Mirzana (“Zana”) Calhoun obtained her nursing degree from the University of The State of New York. She has over 8 years of experience in the eating disorder field previously working at the Monte Nido residential eating disorder treatment program. As someone who is recovered and also a parent, Zana has great compassion for the patients and their families. Prior to coming to the United States, Zana did a lot of philanthropic work with Bosnian orphan war children and has always been a children’s advocate. Her motto is that even on a bad day- it’s just a bad day and not a bad life. She is currently pursuing her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner degree.

Sonia Grafos, RN

Registered Nurse

Sonia began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working in a pediatric primary care practice before earning her Associate Degree in Nursing from St. Vincent’s College and becoming a Registered Nurse. She later completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Fairfield University. With 15 years of experience on the medical-surgical unit at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, she became a Certified Pediatric Nurse, contributed to the revision of the hospital’s Eating Disorder Protocol, and educated nursing staff on best practices for caring for patients with eating disorders.

Building on her own recovery journey, Sonia shifted her focus towards helping individuals with eating disorders more directly. She became a Certified Eating Disorder Coach through the Carolyn Costin Institute and now integrates her lived experience, clinical expertise, and specialized training to guide and support individuals on their path to recovery.

Nicole Palumbo, MS

Education Liaison, Teacher

Nicole Palumbo comes to Backcountry Wellness with over two decades of mathematics education and administrative experience. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she is a graduate of Buffalo State College and Canisius College. As a mathematics instructor, she has highly developed people and problem-solving skills. As chairperson for the Mathematics Department at Claremont Preparatory School & St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s School, she became an expert in budgeting, long-term planning, and staff management. Additionally, Nicole is an active member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Outside of professional interests, she gardens, reads, and enjoys living in Chappaqua, NY with her daughter, cats, dog, and one fairly ferocious hamster. Nicole regularly fosters kittens for a local animal shelter, and volunteers time and financial support to organizations such as the SPCA and Farm Sanctuary.

“Be true to yourself and kind to others, and the rest will fall into place.”

Katherine Raffio, BS

Human Resources Specialist

Katherine oversees Human Resources at Backcountry Wellness and enjoys assisting employees in all aspects of their work. She received her bachelor’s in psychology from High Point University and previously worked for a Family Resource Center. Prior to her work in Human Resources, Katherine spent several years working in land conservation in Colorado.

Alison Midollo, BS, RYT, RCYT

Community Outreach Specialist

Alison holds a bachelor’s degree in business marketing from Tulane University and is a Certified Yoga Teacher, Holistic Health Coach, and Reiki Practitioner who guides her students and clients to restore the mind and body back to balance and peace so that they can transform physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Her philosophy is rooted in slowing down and self-care.

Through her own recovery from burnout, trauma and disordered eating, Alison has quickly grown to be recognized as a self-care and wellness leader who truly lives by the simple self-care and stress relief practices she shares.

Ariella Rahbani, MS, RYT

Mindful Movement Instructor

Ariella Rahbani is a yoga and movement instructor with certifications in vinyasa yoga, aerial yoga, Mat pilates, Sup yoga, and group fitness. Ariella earned a B.S. in Psychology from Western Connecticut State University and M.S. in Nutrition from Adelphi University. Ariella incorporates her knowledge into providing a full mind, body, and spirit connection for students who take her classes.

Jackie Addino, BA

Operations Manager & Care Coach

Jackie oversees Operations at Backcountry Wellness and also serves as a Care Coach, supporting clients in their recovery journeys. Jackie brings a strong background in both organizational management and direct client support, combining her skills to ensure that both staff and clients have the structure and resources they need to thrive. She is passionate about fostering an environment where clients feel empowered in their recovery, while also streamlining day-to-day operations to keep the program running smoothly.

Taylor Kozemko, BS

Admissions Coordinator & Care Coach

Taylor graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s in psychology. During her time at Rutgers, she worked in a lab focused on child development, and completed an internship at the Rutgers Behavior School where she gained an abundance of experience in the mental health field. Taylor is now pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology at The New School where she incorporates her experience working in the field of Eating Disorders into her research.

Elizabeth Stahl, BS, RYT

Clinical Intern & Care Coach

Liz graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently in her second year of the Master of Social Work program at Fairfield University. As part of her graduate training, she is completing her clinical internship at BCW, where she is passionate about walking alongside clients in their recovery journeys. Liz has extensive experience working with children and adolescents and is dedicated to creating a supportive, compassionate space that fosters growth and resilience. In addition to her clinical track, she is also a certified yoga instructor and deeply values the mind–body connection, often weaving this philosophy into her approach to care. Liz is committed to helping others build balance, self-awareness, and lasting wellness.

Mila Diaz, BS

Office Manager & Care Coach

Mila is an Office Manager & Care Coach for Backcountry Wellness in Providence, where she is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and supportive client experience. She manages administrative operations for the clinical team and assists with all aspects of patient coordination. Mila is currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston and plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology.

Edilys Encarnacion, BA

Care Coach

Edilys received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University at Albany and is a current graduate student at Pace University pursuing a degree in Mental Health Counseling. She has experience working with children and adolescents in an educational and mental health setting.

Angelica Carey, BA

Care Coach

Angelica Carey has over six years of experience supporting adolescents and teens through their recovery from eating disorders, across all levels of care. Her particular areas of interest include helping clients build emotional resilience through Emotion Coaching; supporting athletes in recovery; and helping to guide clients through transitions such as returning to school and preparing for college.

A graduate of Louisiana State University with a BA in Journalism, Angelica also works as a freelance corporate communications writer, sharpening her ability to connect authentically with clients.

Brianna Barnes, BS

Care Coach

Brianna is a graduate of James Madison University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is passionate about mental health and plans to pursue a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Brianna has experience working with adolescents in supportive settings and is committed to fostering growth, healing, and compassion.