Staff for Center for Hope of the Sierras

Brandon W. Keppner, MAIOP – Executive Director

Brandon Keppner graduated from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah with his Bachelor’s of Science in General Psychology and from the University of New Haven in New Haven, Connecticut with his Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. He is also an officially certified Divorce and Child Custody Mediator and has participated in Victim and Family Mediation training from the Supreme Court of Idaho. Brandon has worked in the mental health field for 9 years, working in psychiatric hospitals and general group home settings for at-risk youth. During those times he witnessed several young women struggling with eating disorders, and experienced the frustration of those individuals not receiving the treatment they needed and deserved. This experience helped him develop a passion and understanding for individuals struggling with eating disorders and led him on the path to joining the Center for Hope team.

In addition to being a great leader here at Center for Hope, Brandon is a loving husband to his wife of 11 years (and counting) and an incredible father to his 5 children…all under the age of 9! (Yes, we said 5 children and ALL under the age of 9!). When he is not running the Center, or being Super Dad, he is relaxing and enjoying a football or basketball game or enjoying the great outdoors.

Dwarak "Dr. V" Vuppalapati, M.D. - Medical Director

Dr. Vuppalapati, known as “Dr. V”, graduated from residency training in psychiatry from the University of Minnesota in 1999 and received intensive training on eating disorder treatment under Dr. Elke Ekert and Dr. Scott Crow. Dr. V attended Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1999 for his fellowship/advanced and post-doctoral training in psychosomatic medicine, addiction psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. He later worked as a clinical instructor at Yale University teaching medical students, psychiatry residents and physician assistants. From 2003 to 2004, Dr. V was the assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Yale University’s Hepatitis ‘C’ Clinic.

In 2004, Dr. V moved to Northern Nevada and started his own private practice. In addition to his role as medical director for Center for Hope, Dr. V is the medical director for Behavioral Health Services of Carson-Tahoe Regional Medical Center; the medical director for the Focus Geriatric Unit at West Hills Hospital; leading the New Vision Medical Stabilization for Substance Abuse at the Northern Nevada Medical Center; and also serving as the staff psychiatrist for Senior Bridges, Douglas County Mental Health Center (rural clinics) and Right of Passage.

During his spare time, Dr. V enjoys auto racing, golfing and traveling the world!

Rebecca Perdue, RN, BSN - Director of Nursing

Rebecca Perdue has been with the Center for Hope of the Sierras since the spring of 2008 and has recently been appointed the Director of Nursing for her passion and dedication to the program. She has experience in Emergency Nursing, Oncology, Hospice and Mental Health. Rebecca received a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2010, Rebecca will begin to work toward a Masters Nursing Education at Walden University. Rebecca has two cats, loves reading, remodeling her home, and spending time with her two sons - who love soccer!

Lorraine Platka-Bird, Ph.D., R.D. – Dietician, Nutritionist Therapist

Dr. Lorraine Platka-Bird received her doctorate from Michigan State University in 1980 with a major in human nutrition, and a minor in psychology. She became a registered dietitian in 1982.

As a dedicated professor in the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at the State University of New York for 19 years, Dr. Platka-Bird taught a wide variety of courses including Weight Management, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Nutritional Biochemistry, Sports Nutrition, Human Physiology, Nutrition Across the Life Span, and numerous related courses. During this period of time Dr. Platka-Bird was granted some of the most prestigious teaching awards offered in the State University system.

Dr. Platka-Bird has been counseling individuals with eating disorders for over 25 years. She takes a holistic approach to treatment, considering all aspects of physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In addition to helping patients develop a healthy relationship with food, Dr. Platka-Bird will help them minimize eating disorder thoughts and behaviors, improve their self-image and self-esteem, and develop healthy coping skills and life skills to improve their overall quality of life.

Meghan Eliopulos, B.A. - Intake Coordinator

Meghan joined Center for Hope in 2004 as a resident assistant. After briefly leaving the Center to continue her education, Meghan accepted the position as intake coordinator in 2009. She attended the University of Washington and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature/pre-medicine and a minor in journalism. Meghan is extremely passionate about providing our patients with the best possible experience as they explore eating disorder treatment. She has witnessed the pain and suffering eating disorders inflict on an individual and on a family and is dedicated to helping on the road to recovery. Meghan is a board member for the American Red Cross and a NEDA volunteer. She loves reading, yoga, traveling, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Judith Mathews, MFT - Therapist

Judith Mathews is a Nevada licensed marriage and family therapist. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno's Master's Program in Counseling in Educational Psychology, Judith has received extensive training in trauma recovery work, including EMDR. Judith uses this technique to help Center for Hope patients challenge and break through the negative beliefs that underpin their eating disorders.

As a long time group facilitator, Judith runs the highly experiential Interpersonal Process Group, a therapeutic venue in which patients learn to identify their feelings and interact with honesty, respect and courage.

Besides trauma resolution, Judith's specialties include anger management, addictions, grief and loss. Judith has worked with adults, adolescents and children as well as couples and families. She brings this range of experience to her individual and family sessions with patients at the Center for Hope. She has been in private practice in Reno since 1998, and joined Center for Hope in December of 2004.

Rachael Harriman, B.S. - Professional Relations Coordinator

Rachael joined the Center for Hope of the Sierras staff as the professional relations coordinator in 2009. She is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and marketing. She has gained experience in marketing, public relations and business development across multiple industries and is quickly gaining knowledge in the field of eating disorders. Rachael is eager to build awareness about the Center for Hope’s unique treatment programs, and is excited to be a member of such a caring and passionate team. When not at work, you’ll find her spending time with friends & family, lounging at the lake, snowboarding, traveling and enjoying life.

Paula Allec - Office & Operations Manager

Paula joined the Center for Hope as the Office & Operations Manager in 2009. Paula has been working in the medical billing field for over 10 years. She has worked as the office manager for a major laboratory chain, as well as the billing manager for a family practice office and an orthopedic office. She has extensive background in insurance and third party billing, and has a good track records of getting claims paid. In her free time Paula enjoys hiking, camping and most of all spending time with her children and grandson.

Resident Assistants

Katie Cudworth - Lead Resident Assistant

Katie, like several others at CHS, has worked at the Center since opening in 2003 and completely fell in love with the field of eating disorders. Over 5 years later, she is a true leader at CHS. In addition to managing the resident assistants, she runs a DBT skills group on Tuesday and works directly with the patients to provide the highest level of quality care and support. Katie truly is a "Super Woman" and a positive role model here at CHS.

In addition to working full time at the Center, she is a full time mother of 2, and attends the University of Phoenix part time. Her passion and dedication towards helping women regain their lives, has inspired Katie to work towards earning her license as a marriage and family therapist. Katie has a true talent for helping people and great insight in to the struggles associated with mental illnesses and eating disorders. CHS is incredibly lucky to have her as part of the team. When Katie is not too busy saving the world, she enjoys quality time with her children, going to the movies and indulging in a delicious Italian meal!

Melanie Bolin - Lead Resident Assistant

Melanie, or as she is most commonly referred to as "Mel", truly is Center for Hope's comic relief. Where ever Mel is, patients and staff alike are laughing and enjoying their time at CHS. Mel's greatest strengths are her sense of humor, confidence and warm, welcoming personality. She is a great role-model, as she exudes confidence and encourages others to stand tall and be proud of who they are – her non-judgmental perspective is incredibly inviting and contagious. During her spare time, she loves to read and spend quality time with her 4 children, and beautiful granddaughter.

Shannon Nunnemaker, B.A. - Lead Resident Assistant

Shannon is a true leader at CHS. She first started as a resident assistant worked her way up to her newly appointed role as lead resident assistant. She has always demonstrated true confidence, great leadership qualities and the ability to genuinely welcome every patient that walks through the doors, with open arms. Shannon graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in criminal justice. Her educational background, combined with professional experience and true passion towards women's issues makes her a phenomenal addition to the CHS team. You will most often find Shannon laughing, smiling and engaging in philosophical conversations. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys reading, going out with friends and going to the cinema.

Fun Facts about our Resident Assistants

Resident Assistants provide compassionate care for our patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Chrissy –– is incredibly passionate about raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and is a regular participant in their Light the Night Walk event.  Chrissy exudes healthy strength as she lives an active yet balanced lifestyle.  She is your typical star athlete – you can place Chrissy on any sports team and she will be the MVP!