About

Our Mission

Narins Eating Disorder Center was founded in 2018 to deliver respectful, compassionate, evidence-based, and cost-effective treatment to those struggling with a myriad of eating disorder symptoms and presentations. The focus is on delivering quality, individualized treatment by a skilled professional staff and with careful adherence to the highest ethical principles

Our Core Values

Integrity
Compassion
Courage
Connection
Resilience
Well Being
Gratitude
Joy

Our Staff

Tracy Narins Welchoff, Ph.D.
Owner/ Executive Director

Dr. Welchoff is a licensed psychologist who has been practicing in the Buffalo area since 1995. Since opening her practice, she has treated many children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, school and work adjustment, behavioral concerns, and life adjustment issues. Her specialties include the treatment of Eating Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and sports-related psychological concerns. From 2010 - 2018, Dr. Welchoff served as Executive Director of the Buffalo Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders. Instrumental in the opening of the program, she was involved in program development, comprehensive assessment and treatment planning, supervision and training of clinical staff, providing individual, group, and family therapy, and community support. With the opening of the Narins Eating Disorder Center, Dr. Welchoff has brought with her twenty-five years of experience as well as patience, compassion, humor, and persistence in working with this tremendously diverse and incredibly rewarding group of people.

Barbra Lesh, M.D.
Psychiatrist/ Medical Director

Dr. Barbra Lesh is a Board Certified psychiatrist who is licensed to practice medicine in New York and New Jersey. She earned her medical degree at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. Here she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society for the highest academic performance. In addition, Dr. Lesh received the AMWA Janet M. Glasgow Memorial Achievement Citation for graduating among the top five women in her medical school class. Dr Lesh completed her psychiatry training at Yale where she served as Chief of the psychiatric emergency room, Chief of the neuropsychiatric firm, and program wide Chief resident. Formerly the Medical Director of the Buffalo Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders, Dr. Lesh brings her enthusiasm and expertise to the Narins Eating Disorder Center.

Dalinda Condino, M.D.
Medical Consultant

Dr. Condino is Board Certified in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. She earned her medical degree from University at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and continued her training with a Fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (1993). Dr. Condino treats children, adolescents, and adults. She heads the Oishei Children's Hospital Adolescent Medicine Clinic where she supervises the treatment of patients with eating disorders. She is also responsible for the medical care of those admitted for acute inpatient care of severe eating disorder symptoms.

Beth Schupp
Administrative Director

Beth is the first contact and friendly voice greeting callers who are seeking information about Narins EDC. Understanding how difficult this call can be for those struggling with Eating Disorders, Beth kindly and patiently takes people through the intake process and makes this often- intimidating process both welcoming and hopeful. On the administrative end, it's hard to imagine running an office in a more organized and efficient manner. Truly, Beth is the warm, helpful, and approachable face that keeps Narins EDC buzzing.

Jessica Wojtkowiak, MSW
Primary Therapist

Jessica Wojtkowiak, a Western New York native, graduated from the University of Buffalo's Master of Social Work Program. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Nutrition at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. While receiving her undergraduate degree, she interned at Buffalo Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders. Jessica brings many different job and internship experiences; working with adolescents in a school setting as well as with individuals who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. A sports enthusiast, Jessica has coached lacrosse and interned in The University at Buffalo’s Athletics program. Jessica joined the Narins staff in 2018 and has played an important role in the establishment of our PHP Program in early 2019.

Mary Cullinane, LMHC
Primary Therapist

Mary Cullinane, a native of Hamburg, received her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, MD in 2005 and later earned her License in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC). She began her career treating clients with substance use disorders, conducting group and individual therapy at a medication-assisted treatment program in Baltimore. She has since served as primary therapist both in private practice and at several outpatient programs, including Sister's Hospital STAR program, Buffalo Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders, and The Renfrew Center. Mary believes in an eclectic approach to counseling based on one's individual needs, and especially enjoys helping clients find their own motivators and examine the relationship between their thoughts and feelings.

Laura Libruk, M.A., MHC-P
Primary Therapist

Laura graduated from the University of Buffalo with her Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Services with a minor in counseling and Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. After interning at Narins EDC, she accepted a primary therapist position so as to pursue her passion in treating those suffering from eating disorders. Laura brings enthusiasm and compassion to Narins EDC. With her particular interest in Wellness interventions, Laura helps patients infuse personal self-care plans with creativity, humor, connection, physical and emotional well-being, and positivity in facing life's challenges.

Jenna Guadagna, RD, CDN

Jenna is a Registered Dietitian and a Certified Dietitian Nutritionist. She obtained her BS in Nutrition and Dietetics from Buffalo State College where she also completed her internship through the Dietitian Education Program. Jenna is a former retail registered dietitian. She is experienced in planning and attending health fairs, speaking on nutrition related topics for radio interviews, creating and featuring in social media nutrition outreach, and hosting nutrition related tours in the grocery store. Currently, Jenna is on the board of the Western New York Dietetic Association and the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a Media Representative. As a nutrition expert, Jenna appreciates that she is able to share sound, evidence-based nutrition information to help reduce the misinformation people are receiving. Jenna helps her patients set and achieve their overall individualized nutrition goals while helping them maintain long term success. Jenna’s favorite part about being a dietitian is following her patients through their nutrition journeys and celebrating their successes every step of the way.

Sheila Flavin, MS, RDN
Consulting Dietitian

A registered dietitian with an advanced degree in nutrition from Columbia University, Sheila is a recognized expert in food and nutrition. With more than 20 years of professional experience, Sheila makes it her job to keep current on the latest developments in the field. Most important, she knows how to separate the latest nutritional fad from sound evidence-based approaches to nutrition. Working collaboratively with her patients and other treatment team members, she provides support in devising and implementing a plan to make healthy changes in your diet and lifestyle. Although Sheila works with all nutrition problems, she specializes in treating those struggling with eating disorders. A popular speaker in the field, Sheila is highly sought after as a presenter, educator, and expert adviser to multiple media outlets. Finally, Sheila has been an integral part of establishing and nurturing standards of excellence in nutrition through her patient care, teaching and supervision of staff, community consultation, and her current role as supervising dietitian. Learn more at www.sheilsflavinrd.com.

Joie de Vivre ("Joy")

Since joining the Eating Disorder Treatment world in 2016 at the tender age of 3 months, Joy has gained extensive experience and supported the recovery process of many. Her French name Joie de Vive translates to an exuberant "Joy of Life", and she has certainly lived up to her name. From her role as eager receptionist, happily greeting everyone who walks in the door, to her favorite job of snuggling or playing with anyone in need, Joy brings her friendly, playful, loving personality to work each and every day. She loves to roll over, play dead, fetch endlessly, and offer a "high five" upon request.