Let's F.E.A.S.T.

Erica Husain - Outreach Somewhat unexpectedly, I am here to introduce myself as acting Outreach Director for F.E.A.S.T. Once upon a time, I set out to build a career in the way that I thought adults did; I chose a subject to study - law - and got myself a degree. I wasn't sure I wanted to practice law, so found a job that liked the degree, but didn't actually need it - industrial relations. Then I met and married someone whose own career took an unexpected turn and sent them to the Far East, and I went too, as what was known at the time as "a trailing spouse" - and, as career turns go, being described like a genus of ivy and denied employment opportunity is not a high spot! - I can see that now.  But then I was young, and starting a family, and it was an adventure.  And I made lifelong friends while there and, with three beautiful babies to have fun with, it was a magical time, and maybe career paths don't have to be predictable.  Seven years later, with thre

Belinda Caldwell It is with a great sense of excitement and some trepidation that I am stepping into the role of Executive Director of F.E.A.S.T., following the footsteps of two amazing people, Laura (Collins) Lyster-Mensh and Leah Dean. The trepidation arises out of the strong desire to ensure that the amazing of work of not only these two previous Executive Directors, but the F.E.A.S.T. Board, past and current volunteers and supporters have done to position F.E.A.S.T. where it is now. The previous announcement (on our email list, blog and other social media) outlines the achievements of F.E.A.S.T. since its inception. The most important achievement in my eyes is the shift in the conversation  around families and eating disorders. Historically, families have been viewed as, at worst, contributors to their child's eating disorder and at best, somewhat benign but not critical members of the care team. The shift to seeing empowered and informed active families as central to a

Important News Flash!   There is a changing of the guard in the leadership at F.E.A.S.T.   Leah Dean Lisa LaBorde After serving F.E.A.S.T. for many years, Leah Dean (Executive Director) and Lisa La Borde (Outreach Director) will pass the baton to a new team.   Both Leah and Lisa will continue to play roles for F.E.A.S.T. as valued and experienced Board members, but both are able to take a well-earned breather from day to day management after all their sterling efforts to date (see more below).   They are owed a huge debt of gratitude by everyone who has had any dealings with F.E.A.S.T., in whatever capacity, these last few years.   Thank you, to both of you, for all that you have managed so competently, courageously and courteously! Leah and Lisa have been a perfect “double act”, and Leah has also been generously offering her time, as support and safety net, while a new duo step up to the plate together next month. From November 1 , Belinda Caldwe

F.E.A.S.T., as you may  know, is an international, non profit, volunteer run organization governed by a Board of Directors. In addition, however, to the informed guidance of our Board of Directors, F.E.A.S.T. benefits greatly from the consultative expertise of a group of international professionals and allies who sit on our Advisory Panel.  Today we would like to introduce you to Dr. Lauren Muhlheim: Lauren Muhlheim, Psy.D., CEDS, is a clinical psychologist who, during graduate school, trained in the Rutgers Eating Disorder Clinic under G. Terence Wilson, Ph.D.  Along with Chris Fairburn, Terry Wilson was instrumental in the development of cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders.  In this research clinic Dr. Muhlheim was trained in cognitive behavioral therapy for bulimia, and eating disorders have remained a primary focus and interest of study.  Since leaving the research clinic, Dr. Muhlheim has continued to employ evidence-based cognitive behavioral psychotherapy f

     F.E.A.S.T., as you may  know, is an international, non profit, volunteer run organization governed by a Board of Directors. In addition, however, to the informed guidance of our Board of Directors, F.E.A.S.T. benefits greatly from the consultative expertise of a group of international professionals and allies who sit on our Advisory Panel.         Today we would like to introduce you to Beth Mayer:       Beth   Mayer , LICSW, the Executive Director of the Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association, has been working in the eating disorders field for 30 years.  She is nationally recognized for her clinical work with eating disorders and has spoken at conferences around the country.       Prior to her tenure at MEDA, she was the Program Director of three community-based adolescent programs for Riverside Community Care, a health and human services non-profit organization that delivers mental health, early intervention, and substance abuse treatment services throughout Eas