With 17 years of experience as a college health and nutrition instructor and four years as a high school health teacher, I observed the growing mental health crisis alongside the rise in eating disorders across genders, races, and age groups. To address this, I expanded my school-based health program to include mental health education for grades K-12. This updated curriculum emphasized a holistic approach to health, introducing the “5-1-8-1 Rule”: five servings of fruits and vegetables, one hour of exercise, eight hours of sleep, and at least one positive coping skill daily.

Clients often seek me out for my expertise in disordered eating because of my personal and professional understanding of the condition. I help clients unpack the societal, familial, psychological, and physiological factors that contribute to disordered eating, enabling them to move past stigma and denial to seek appropriate treatment. Together, we explore the difference between physical and emotional hunger, helping clients reconnect with the fundamental purpose of food: to nourish, energize, and satisfy their bodies. Through this process, they learn healthier ways to address emotional needs and regain a balanced relationship with food, body image, and overall well-being.