Christie Dondero Bettwy

Executive Director

Christie came on as Rock Recovery’s first staff member in April 2013 after serving as a faithful volunteer for three years. Having gone through recovery herself, Christie understands the depth of support needed to recover and is passionate about spreading the message that complete freedom from an eating disorder is possible, and she loves sharing her journey with the community. Christie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Spanish from NC State University.

christie@rockrecoveryed.org

Stephanie Auriemma - MS, LMFT

Clinical Director

Stephanie is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of North Carolina and Virginia, and an approved supervisor in the state of Virginia. Stephanie earned her BS in Psychology in 2008 and MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hall University in 2012. She has 10 years of experience working with both adolescents and adults with eating disorders and a variety of co-occurring disorders at all levels of care (residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient). Stephanie utilizes an empathetic, person-centered approach to create a safe space to encourage self-exploration, personal growth, and acceptance. She is also passionate about providing accessible, high quality care to underserved communities. Stephanie provides virtual individual therapy to residents of Virginia, in-person individual therapy to residents of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC, and leads our virtual Lunchtime Breaking Bread meal support therapy group for Virginia residents.

stephanie@rockrecoveryed.org

Kristyn Y. Soto – MS

Director of Community Partnerships

Kristyn became Rock Recovery’s second full time staff hire in October of 2017. She was drawn to Rock Recovery’s powerful, Christ-centered mission to serve those struggling to find recovery and freedom from eating disorders. Kristyn has an educational background in Developmental Psychology, having obtained her BA from Messiah University and her MS from the University of Pittsburgh.

kristyn@rockrecoveryed.org

Mikayla Bryant

Development & Communications Manager

Mikayla joined the Rock Recovery team in October 2023. With a deep passion for helping others, Mikayla was drawn to Rock's mission through the connection she felt due to her own experience with disordered eating and body dysmorphia. She hopes to utilize her own recovery journey to inspire others, and ensure no one has to go through recovery alone or concerned with financial barriers. Mikayla holds a Bachelor's degree with a double major in Communication Studies and English and a minor in Music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

mikayla@rockrecoveryed.org

Izy Johnston

Administrative & Outreach Manager

Izy joined the Rock Recovery team in October 2023. She is passionate about creating spaces for authentic community and encouragement, and is excited to help others find healing from disordered eating. Izy holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics from Wheaton College. 

izy@rockrecoveryed.org

Allison Gasca-Backman - MS, LCSW

Therapist

Allison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia and Maryland, and an approved supervisor in the state of Virginia. She joined the Rock Recovery team in December of 2025, after opening her own private practice and subsequently realizing that she missed working with collaborative treatment teams. Allison loves to support individuals on their journey to healing, especially in helping them build compassion for themselves. Allison leads groups from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens, focusing on ways that Diet Culture and other structural systems in society contribute to certain types of bodies being prioritized over others. She is trained in EMDR and DBT and often uses a blend of these modalities, along with nervous system regulation strategies, in her groups and individual sessions. Allison leads our virtual Bridge to Life body image therapy group for Maryland and Virginia residents. 

Rebekah Haile - M.Ed.

Resident in Counseling

Rebekah is a Resident in Counseling in the state of Virginia, dedicated to providing quality care to those suffering with eating disorders. She also has several years' experience working as a Licensed Educational Psychologist with a specialization in Clinical & Educationally Related Mental Health Counseling in the public school setting. Rebekah is passionate about providing trauma-informed care and addressing complex situations from a person-centered approach. She is also excited to integrate faith in individual therapy with those who desire to explore their food and body issues from a spiritual lens. Rebekah provides virtual individual therapy to residents of Virginia and in-person individual therapy to residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, DC, and leads our in-person Bridge to Life body image therapy group.

Adrian Hosler - MS, LGPC

Therapist

Adrian joined the Rock Recovery team as a counseling intern in 2022 and completed her Master’s in counseling from Adams State University. She has supported communities with suicide prevention and helped domestic violence survivors regain control of their lives. She is passionate about facilitating groups that connect individuals navigating life’s ups and downs. Adrian enjoys empowering people through collaborative and culturally inclusive therapy. She is an LGPC in D.C. and Maryland. Adrian provides virtual individual therapy to residents of Maryland and Washington, DC and leads our virtual Breaking Bread meal support therapy group.

Jamie Hunt - LPC, RDN, NCC

Therapist

Jamie is a multi-disciplinary provider who is passionate about helping people heal relationships with food and their bodies. She is a DC-licensed LPC, having completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Adams State University in 2020. Jamie also has a background as a dietician with several years of experience since earning her credentials in 2015, and is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Size Inclusive Fitness Specialist. Jamie’s therapeutic approach uses person-centered and mindfulness techniques, blending in her multifaceted experience. She brings her love of empathetic connection to each session. Jamie provides virtual individual therapy to residents of Washington, DC.

Natasia “Tasi” James - MA, LPC

Therapist

Natasia "Tasi" James is a Therapist in the state of Virginia. She received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021 at the University of Kentucky. She has a wide breadth of experience in the mental health field, including experience with both adolescents and adults with eating disorders in the Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient levels of care. Expect Tasi's energy to be upbeat, warm, compassionate, and humorous. Her approach is to create a space for clients to feel comfortable and safe, encourage self-exploration to resolve core issues regarding their disordered eating/negative body image, and help clients to evolve in their authenticity. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces, and access to high quality of care for underserved communities. Natasia provides in-person or virtual individual therapy to residents of Virginia.

Brigitte “Bri” Sandoval

Therapist

Brigitte “Bri” joined Rock Recovery as a Clinical Intern in January 2024, and joined the clinical team as a Therapist in January 2025. She received MA in Clinical Psychology through Pepperdine University. Bri is passionate about supporting clients on their healing journey, emphasizing the mind-body connection. She takes a holistic approach to dealing with life's challenges and promotes change through mindfulness and acceptance. Brigitte provides virtual individual therapy to residents of Virginia and in-person individual therapy to residents of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.