Walden has a stellar eating disorder treatment team in Georgia, so we thought we’d introduce you to a few of them!
Our adult residential eating disorder program, located in Dunwoody, is the only residential eating disorder program in Georgia and provides an intimate, home-like setting for adults who need a more structured and monitored treatment environment. One thing people are often surprised to learn is that you don’t have to be a Georgia resident to seek treatment there.
We also offer day and evening eating disorder treatment programs at our additional three locations in Dunwoody and Alpharetta, Georgia.
Lhe’Riise McMillan (She/Her/Hers), Lead Mental Health Counselor in Dunwoody, Georgia
“One word that I would use to describe Lhe’Riise is driven. She pushes herself in her role at Walden, but ultimately is working to propel herself further and further in her career by getting her master’s degree – all while working full-time and being a full-time parent to her son. What makes her an asset to the Georgia team is her curiosity, her dependability, her willingness to face things that scare her head-on, and her passion for the work that she does every day. She’s someone that the rest of the staff trust and that is invaluable.” – Ashley Scott, LCSW, Program Director, Georgia Ambulatory
Read on to learn a little more about Lhe’Riise.
Who inspires you?
My son. Being a mom is one of my biggest accomplishments. He’s pushed me to be the best that I can and work hard to achieve goals that I’ve set for myself. I want to provide the best life I can for him and also teach him that hard work and determination pays off.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Fear should be noticed but not obeyed if it keeps you from growing. When I started with Walden five years ago, I was shadowing a group and heard a clinician say that to the clients. It really resonated with me because I tend to get complacent because of the fear of failure. Hearing that pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and has since opened up a lot of opportunities for me.
What’s a secret talent of yours?
I have an artistic side. Before getting into mental health, I wanted to go to school for interior design. Through life experiences, I found an even bigger passion in the mental health field.
What’s one professional skill that you’re currently working on or hope to work on in the future?
I’m currently working on an MSW and will eventually become an LCSW. Helping has always been my passion, and I want to be able do so in as many ways as I can.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Funny, reserved and compassionate
What does a typical day look like for you?
As Lead MHC/OM at our Dunwoody, Georgia, facility, it varies from day to day. Each day is a mix of clinical and administrative tasks.
Bailee Bunn (She/Her/Hers), Clinician in Alpharetta, Georgia
“Bailee is one of our newer clinicians and she is one that was hired right after completing her internship with us. Obviously, she learned a lot during her time as an intern, but what makes her an asset to our team is her natural rapport-building ability and her willingness to sit with clients no matter where they are in their recovery journey. She has been called a ‘total star’ by a recent client, and I couldn’t agree more – we are lucky to have Bailee on our Georgia team.” – Ashley Scott, LCSW, Program Director, Georgia Ambulatory
Read on to learn a little more about Bailee.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
To treat others as they want to be treated, not as you want to be treated.
What’s a secret talent that no one knows about?
I’ve got a mean green thumb.
What do you do to recharge/relieve stress?
I do yoga, go to therapy, take baths, spend time alone reading/journaling/meditating.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
I wasn’t sure, so I asked my best friend. She said: hilarious, genuine, compassionate.
When you’re not in the office, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy being outside, taking weekend trips, being with friends/family, reading, cooking, and making candles.
What does your job entail?
My job entails clinical and case-management duties at our Alpharetta, Georgia, facility. I think of myself as my client’s advocate and point person. If I can’t answer their questions, I will find someone who can. One of my favorite things about being a clinician at Walden is the highly individualized care that we provide clients as well as our team-based approach that allows me to receive advice and different perspectives to make sure my clients get the best care possible.
What is one place you have always wanted to travel to?
I’ve always wanted to travel to Costa Rica or Iceland, because they both have a lot of biodiversity and beautiful outdoor activities.
Sophia Jean-Pierre (She/Her/Hers), Clinician in Alpharetta, Georgia
“‘Chill, but challenging’ is how a client recently described Sophia’s therapeutic approach. Since being hired at the end of January 2020 (just in time for everything to go sideways!), Sophia has used that approach to manage some of the most complex cases and to make her clients feel simultaneously safe and pushed. That clinical talent has also made her Facing Fear group a client favorite. The fact that clients praise a group designed to make them uncomfortable says probably everything you need to know about Sophia’s distinctive and balanced way of working!” – Taylor Trussell, LAPC, Assistant Program Director, Alpharetta, Georgia
Read on to learn a little more about Sophia.
Who inspires you?
My mom has worked to help people all her life, and I wish to do the same.
What’s one professional skill that you’re currently working on?
I’d like to develop my leadership skills.
What do you do to recharge/relieve stress?
Play video games, use my virtual reality headset, read and watch Netflix
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Compassionate, loyal and friendly
When you’re not in the office, what do you enjoy doing?
Go on walks and explore
What does your job entail?
I’ll have sessions with clients, provide case management by emailing and calling insurance companies, and reach out to outpatient providers on behalf of clients at our Alpharetta, Georgia, facility.
If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in anything, what would it be?
I’d like to learn how to code.
What are you currently reading?
“Think Again” by Adam Grant
What is one place you have always wanted to travel to?
Korea. I like an occasional Korean drama and Korean BBQ is my favorite cuisine as evidenced in my photo.
Kathryn Walker (She/Her/Hers), Lead Therapist in Dunwoody, Georgia
Read on to learn a little more about Kathryn.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by everyone and everything around me. My mother and family of course, but also the kindness I sometimes see from strangers or how our clients help each other. I’m inspired by the desire to inspire others. If I can make just the smallest positive impact, I feel I have played a part in the definition of the word life.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I once had a pastor say during his sermon “faith and fear do not belong together.” That has stuck with me. Regardless of one’s faith or spiritual beliefs, if you have faith in yourself, you will accomplish your goals. I remember not to fear the uncertainty but to embrace it. Everything that has happened has led me to become a better person, mother, clinician and friend, I hope.
What’s a secret talent of yours?
In college I was able to speak three languages almost fluently, now I’m barely speaking two! I need to practice my language skills more to be able to help multiple populations!
What’s one professional skill that you’re currently working on or hope to work on in the future?
I am currently a LMSW at our Georgia residential facility and taking supervision to purse my LCSW. I am also considering obtaining my PsyD. I love educating myself and I never want to stop. The more information I obtain, the more useful I will become in all aspects.
What do you do to recharge or relieve stress?
SLEEP! I have two children with one on the way. I love to put on National Geographic and quietly fall asleep to the TV!
What is your favorite place in the world?
Costa Rica. I went there for undergrad, and it took everything in me to come back. They have a phrase in Spanish “Pura Vida,” which basically translates to Pure Life in English. But the phrase is subjective based on the person. For me, Pure Life means: balance, purity, wholesomeness, equality, and just overall seeking joy in your life.
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We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know more about our amazing Georgia team. We know finding eating disorder treatment can be tough. Walden is here for you. If you are concerned that you, or a loved one, may have an eating disorder, please reach out by completing the form on this page or email us at intake_coordinators@waldenbehavioralcare.com.
