Banyan Eating Disorder Program

Stephanie received both her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, with concentrations in Mental Health and School Counseling from the College of Saint Elizabeth. Stephanie's passion for working with eating disorders began in her undergraduate and graduate studies where Stephanie's research focused on disordered eating in college students, perfectionism, and specific issues impacting adolescent girls.

With over ten years in the mental health field, Stephanie has spent the past 4 years specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. Stephanie has experience working in various levels of care including a residential treatment facility, inpatient psychiatric hospital, inpatient eating disorder unit, PHP/IOP for eating disorders and general mental health, and private practice. Stephanie strives to provide trauma-informed care, utilizing CBT, DBT, and a strengths-based approach to help clients work towards recovery from their eating disorder.

Marie Gaffney was born and raised in New Jersey. After struggling with addiction of her own, she made the choice to change her life around and focus on her recovery and seek treatment in south Florida. Originally, Marie began working as a Behavioral Health Technician at Banyan Pompano, along with hard work and dedication she was promoted to Behavioral Technician Supervisor after relocating to the Banyan Philadelphia. Currently, Marie is the Director of Operations for Banyan Philadelphia. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of the individuals that attend our treatment center and finds success establishing a safe and loving work environment for its employees. Marie’s goal is to continue to grow her knowledge in the industry, to continue to help the never ending battle of addiction in the lives of the patients she serves.

Haley Irvine was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She received her bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2016. Following her undergrad degree, she became a Registered Dietitian in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Before beginning her career at Banyan, Haley began working in the eating disorder field with years of experience with inpatient treatment, PHP, IOP, and private practice. She is a proclaimed “Health at Every Size” (HAES) dietician who strives to create a weight-inclusive and safe environment for all clients. Haley passionately believes that every person deserves to live a life free from diet culture and weight stigmas. She enjoys working alongside the clients, as they rediscover what it feels like to have a peaceful relationship with food and to re-experience the joy and freedom that can come from eating intuitively. Haley’s daily goal is to positively impact as many people as possible and to assist Banyan in forming a prominent reputation of being a lead provider of a compassionate and inclusive eating disorder treatment program.

Trinique was born in Baltimore, MD and moved to Philadelphia in 2012 to study Nutrition at La Salle University. She graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition. Since becoming a Registered Dietitian, Trinique has worked in several specialty areas, including Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation, Public Health, and Private Practice. After seeing an increase in patients suffering from disordered eating patterns and eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, Trinique decided to dive into the world of eating disorder treatment and recovery. Trinique’s goal is to empower clients to challenge the way they think about food and nourishing their bodies. She prides herself on creating a space of compassionate care where clients can meet their goals. Trinique joined the Banyan team as a Registered Dietitian in the Eating Disorder Program in 2022 and is excited to be a part of the journey in treating those struggling.

Jessica Lee graduated from Drexel University with a Post Master's Certificate as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Her clinical experience is in substance-related challenges and psychopharmacology for psychiatric disorders. She has worked with many individuals through issues related to anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, obsessive and compulsive disorders, pregnancy, postpartum, menopausal transition, gender and multiethnic affirming care. Her personal philosophy is a commitment to a distinctively personal approach to your health and wellness. Jessica’s approach is based on warmth, genuineness, honesty and humor.

Xiomara Jimenez was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA with a Puerto Rican background. She received a Bachelor’s degree for nursing at Temple University in 2008 and later on received her Master’s from La Salle University in 2018. Although Xiomara has not first handedly been affected by drug abuse, she has witness the affects it has made on the lives of both friends and family. Xiomara began her career has a Nurse Practitioner working in PHP and IOP level of care for substance use disorders, while simultaneously running a Sub Oxone maintenance program. She then went on to helping women and children who suffered from mental health and substance use disorders. Growing up in North Philadelphia, she witnessed the destruction drugs and alcohol had on the community as well as the impact it had on the families involved and believed how one helping hand could provide the necessary courage and make all the difference in an individual’s life.

Caroline Stang was raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She received both her Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Social Work, with concentrations in psychology and clinical care from Widener University. Following her graduate degree, she became a Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania. Before beginning her career at Banyan, Caroline holds experience working in psychiatric outpatient treatment programs as well as outpatient and inpatient hospital programs. Since beginning her studies in social work, Caroline has been interested in the eating disorders population as well as the brain-body connection. She is invested and motivated in working with clients through both a trauma-informed lens and a valued strengths-based approach.

Stacey joined the Banyan family fall of 2019 as a Behavioral Health Technician in the SUD program and transitioned into a clinical role spring of 2020, before joining the eating disorder program. Stacey received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Temple University in 2015 and is on track to graduate with her Master’s in Social Work with a trauma certificate from Widener University in December 2022. Stacey is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. Stacey has previous experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities, juveniles in a specialized residential setting, and has additional experience in SUD PHP in direct patient care and clinical roles. While working with clients in SUD programs Stacey recognized the prevalence of eating disorders within this specific population and became motivated to help those who are seeking to fully recover from their eating disorder.

Samantha Stevens was born and raised in Shelton, Connecticut. Samantha received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dartmouth College in 2021 and is on track to graduate with her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Villanova University in 2023. Before joining Banyan Treatment Centers full-time, Samantha gained experience interning in Banyan’s eating disorder partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. With a background in Division I track and field, Samantha witnessed the prominence of disordered eating behaviors in collegiate athletes and the effects they have on individuals’ overall well-being. This inspired Samantha’s interest in working with eating disorders. She aspires to foster an inclusive and collaborative environment, in which clients are encouraged to explore the connection between emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Samantha aims to assist clients through a strengths-based approach as they work toward recovery and recognizing their full potential.

Ryah’s background includes Usui and Karuna Holy Fire Reiki Master, Master Yoga Teacher, E-RYT 500, RPYT 85, Ayurvedic Specialist, Yin Yoga, Restorative, Trauma Informed Yoga, Disordered Eating, PTSD, Recovery and Veterans Support Yoga Continued Education. A CEU Facilitator, Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider, Certified Crystal and Chakra Healer as well a Doula, and Aromatherapist (in training), she offers enriching Yoga Alliance Accredited Programs, Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher Trainings, 300 Hr YTTs and multiple CEU programs along with Reiki Trainings. 

She offers supportive, healing and therapeutic Yoga classes, relaxing and insightful Guided Meditation, and Reiki Healing to the clients in our care.

Sidney Turner is originally from a small town in southern West Virginia. After years of struggling with addiction, Sidney found refuge through treatment in the Buck County Area of PA. During early recovery, in addition to a 12 Step Program, fitness became one of the cornerstones to structure and of his new way of life. Over the years Sidney has obtained a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship, a minor in exercises science from American Military University, certifications in personal training and other facades of fitness.

In 2016, Sidney opened Underlying Strength, a fitness studio in Yardley Pa. The mission of Underlying Strength is to empower others through exercise. Sidney is extremely passionate about fitness and helping others learn to live healthier and happier through movement.