Eating Disorder Advocacy & Awareness: Creating Space for Recovery
My involvement in the Boise Community
My advocacy work comes from a belief that every person deserves compassionate, evidence-based care. I have spent more than a decade working in eating disorder recovery, suicide prevention, and DBT, and I’m passionate about reducing the barriers that keep people from reaching out.
Eating Disorder Recovery Research
Through my collaboration with the Body Image Lab at Boise State University within the Boise State University Department of Psychological Science, I have contributed to research exploring topics related to athletes, temperament, body image, and eating disorder recovery outcomes. Working alongside Mary Pritchard, PhD, and undergraduate and graduate researchers has strengthened my understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals navigating eating disorder recovery.
Advocating for Eating Disorder Awareness and Access to Care in Idaho
Too many people struggling with eating disorders suffer in silence because of stigma, misunderstanding, or uncertainty about where to find help. Increasing awareness and improving access to compassionate, evidence-based eating disorder treatment are important steps toward making recovery more possible for individuals and families across Idaho. I’ve had the honor of working alongside John McCrostie to support eating disorder awareness efforts in Idaho, including the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 38 (Idaho), which recognized Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Educating Our Community About Eating Disorders, DBT, and Mental Health
Beyond my work with individual clients, I am passionate about sharing evidence-based information about eating disorder treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), suicide prevention, and mental health recovery. Through presentations, trainings, and speaking engagements, I work to increase understanding of these topics and provide practical tools for providers.
I have had the opportunity to present research, trainings, and educational workshops in a variety of settings, both locally and internationally. These experiences allow me to stay connected to ongoing conversations in the field while continuing to bring current, research-informed care to my clients.
Building a More Informed Community Around Eating Disorder Recovery
Recovery does not happen in isolation. Supportive families, informed communities, and compassionate professionals can make a meaningful difference in helping individuals feel understood and empowered to seek care.
Through mentorship, teaching, and community education, I have had the opportunity to support high school and college students as they learn more about eating disorders, mental health, and compassionate care. I also serve on the board of Eating Disorder Professionals of Idaho and help create local educational opportunities that bring awareness, resources, and support to individuals, families, and professionals across Idaho.