What is your current role?
Eating Disorders Dietitian
What is your background?
I have worked in the field of eating disorders and behavioral health for over 12 years. I started my career at a treatment center outside of Nashville, Tennessee where I helped to build the residential eating disorder program. After seven years, I moved back to my hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee where I have been working at Focus Treatment Center for 5 years. At Focus, I serve as Director of Eating Disorders Outpatient Services. This year I earned my Eating Disorder Certification from iaedp.
How would you describe yourself?
I am calm and patient, fun-loving, and passionate about helping others heal their relationship with food.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
Busting diet culture myths and helping clients find food freedom.
How did you get involved with eating disorder recovery?
After graduating from my dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, I searched for jobs and there were few to be found. I saw the posting for an eating disorders dietitian at a nearby treatment center. I was intimidated since I didn’t have experience, but I applied. I must have aced the interview because I got the job. I was fortunate to be trained by my mentor who has years of experience. Together with an amazing team, we built the eating disorder program there. I immediately fell in love with the field of behavioral health and haven’t looked back.
What is your proudest accomplishment (personal or occupational)?
Building a life that I love with my husband, and earning my CEDRD certification.
What is something people do not know about you?
I have 5 godchildren! I feel blessed to have been asked by 5 different friends and family members to be the godmother of their child.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t rush your “happy ending”. Good things come with time and patience.