Meet Our Treatment Staff

Samuel E. Dey, Jr., M.D., M.B.A.

Psychiatrist

Dr. Dey is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology in General Psychiatry and possesses certification for Added Qualifications in Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Dey received his Medical Degree from Loma Linda University. Dr. Dey holds numerous positions in the community including Medical Director at Community Hospital of San Bernardino and Vista Pacifica Treatment Facility. Additionally, Dr. Dey is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences at University of California, Riverside.

Gloria Woodruff, MA, MFCI 38774

Program Director

Gloria holds a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and more than 20 years of both clinical and teaching experience in behavioral health. Her specialized training in eating disorders has helped to create a dynamic clinical program at the Advanced Center for Eating Disorders at Whiteside Manor. Gloria was instrumental in establishing Whiteside Manor's Women's Program as a leader in addiction and dual diagnosis treatment. As the Program Director, Gloria ensures that all aspects of the treatment process are encouraging and respectful of each individual's recovery.

Jennifer Gabet, MPH, RD

Dietitian

Jennifer is a registered dietitian and received both her Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition and Master's Degree in Public Health from University of California Berkeley. She has previously coordinated a nutrition and eating disorders prevention program at UC Berkeley and worked as a clinical dietitian specializing in psychiatric care and chemical dependency at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. Jennifer has also provided alcohol and other drug education at Santa Barbara City College and coordinated a Wellness Program in Montana. As a health educator, Jennifer brings a positive approach to dealing with food and weight issues.

George H. Tucker, PhD

Consulting Testing Psychologist

Dr. Tucker is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the effects of learning challenges and mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorder and their implications for alcohol and drug addiction. Dr. Tucker has been licensed in California since 1981. His book, Problem Children: It's Not Always the Parents' Fault, which details Dr. Tucker's work with the above-mentioned issues, has been praised by professionals and parents alike. Dr. Tucker's book is available for purchase through Advanced Center for Eating Disorders at Whiteside Manor, and consultations are available to conduct psychological evaluations for clients who come into treatment.

Amarra McHale, MA

Marketing and Administrative Consultant

Amarra holds a bachelor's degree in Women's Studies and has a Master's Degree in Political Science with a specialization in Human Rights. Her extensive research on gender issues and eating disorders helped the Advanced Center for Eating Disorders to establish its cutting edge approach to treatment and recovery. With over 5 years of experience in behavioral health, Amarra oversees our standards of treatment and maintains compliance with our accrediting agencies.

Erika Vargas, J.D., MFT, Primary Therapist, License #43855

Therapist

Erika has over 6 years of experience working in the behavioral health field. The primary focus of her practice has been working with women and women with trauma. She has a particular talent for working with people who have an eating disorder as well as a dual diagnosis, such as depression or anxiety. We love Erika's creativity, she has the ability to have fun and make the "treatment" experience much more comfortable. In addition, Erika holds a Juris Doctor from University of Southern California and is a professor at Chapman University. The combination of her experience and extensive training as both a therapist and an educator have given her a special aptitude for grasping the underlying conflict, stresses, perceptions, distortions and self-worth issues involved with eating disorders.

Ron Vervick, J.D.

Executive Director

Ron has been the Executive Director of Whiteside Manor for twenty years. He has established himself as a leader in program development, implementation, and evaluation. Ron's dedication has been the driving force behind the expansion of Whiteside Manor's treatment services to include 124 CARF accredited treatment beds. Ron is continually working to expand and improve the services offered, which now includes our Intensive Outpatient Program for eating disorders.