I have been working with individuals of all ages that struggle with eating disorders for almost 20 years, and find these individuals to be some of the most intelligent, intuitive, and compassionate people I've ever known. I am certified as an Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS) by the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp).  In addition, I am an iaedp-Approved Consultant (CEDS-C) for the training of others who wish to specialize in eating disorder treatment.  For those struggling with eating disorders, their respective struggles with food, ironically, actually have precious little to do with food, and everything to do with how they see themselves in their world, and how they've been treated by others.  Behavior is a language, and the struggle with eating disorders and related behaviors comprise a narrative that requires exploration to understand why food and body have become targets. Once this is understood, freedom from an eating disorder is possible.

As I myself danced semi-professionally for 24 years, I also carry a specialty in work with performing artists and competitive athletes.  When I retired from dancing, I took with me an unwavering love of the art and athleticism of the craft.  Through my years dancing I experienced both the soul-capturing, existential benefits of dancing,  and a deep sense of community; while also bearing witness to the pain and heartache that can accompany engagement in an art built around a foundation of perfectionism and associated body ideals.  

 Additionally I have extensive experience working with children & adolescents and their families both generally and specific to eating disorder treatment.  I have been working with families for my entire career, in an array of settings - from residential treatment, to PHP, intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient therapy - and possess a keen understanding of effective family communication, family systems, and how to repair family dynamics when nothing else seems to be working.  There are no definitive manuals for parenting, and often parents feel overwhelmed by the pace of their child's development, even into young adulthood. As a result, sometimes families need a hand as they journey forward.  My goals in working with families, are to help the children feel heard by caregivers and other adults that are important to them, and to work with the family or caregivers to teach them to hear and respond effectively, and with confidence, to whatever struggles their children are confronting.

I am passionate about my direct work with clients in the private sector, and it is consequently also of great importance to me that future clinicians are well prepared to serve this community in the same vein.  To that end, I also work with the University of Tennessee College of Social Work (UTCSW) as an Assistant Professor training Master's level clinicians to enter the behavioral health field well-equipped to serve their communities.  I teach clinical courses that focus on the practice of therapy, including courses targeting the specialized areas of Eating Disorder Treatment and Treatment of Trauma. I created and developed the course, Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders, and first launched it under special topics in the Master's program in the Spring semester, 2023.