Meet the Co-Founders

Behavioral Director: Debra Gill, Ph.D Licensed Psychologist with more than 10 years experience running group programs for weight management. Has clinical expertise in treating individuals and addressing the emotional, social and practical complexities of weight loss, body image, eating disorders, and lifestyle change.

• Completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Weight Management and Eating Disorders at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center where she ran treatment groups and directed a study on the factors that contribute to childhood weight gain.
  
  
• Earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a B.A. as a Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia (UVA).
  
  
• Is a nationally-certified fitness instructor and personal trainer who has been teaching a variety of exercise formats to groups and individuals since 1990.
  
  
• Has been featured in Family Circle and Parenting magazines for her work with teenagers and families who want to adopt more active and healthful ways of living.

Contact Dr. Gill - dgill@barnabashealth.org

Meet our Expert Staff

Dietitian: Mildred “Mitch” Bentler, MA, RD, CSP

• 25 years of clinical experience helping children, adults and families achieve health and wellness goals.
  
  
• Board Certified Pediatric Nutrition Specialist since 1992
  
  
• Served as Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – School of Health Related Professions, Dietetic Internship.
  
  
• Recognized for Outstanding Service, American Dietetic Association, 1999
  
  
• Extensive public speaking experience. Audiences have included medical professionals, lay public, children, and health educators. Media experience includes radio, television and newspapers.

Clinical Social Worker: Melissa Jacobs, LCSW, CDE

• Has been helping families make difficult health-related lifestyle changes for more than 15 years.
  
  
• Certified diabetes educator and healthy-lifestyle counselor.
  
  
• Experienced coach for parents in the Healthy LIFE program to develop skills and strategies to better support their children.

To learn more, contact our Program Coordinator at
(973) 322-7620 or HealthyLife@barnabashealth.org