Staff Spotlight, Laura Brown

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Laura Brown, MBA, MS, RDN, LD, and I am currently the Manager of Nutrition Services at Veritas Collaborative’s Atlanta, Georgia eating disorder treatment center. I have been with Veritas for almost two years. 

Describe the career path that led you to Veritas Collaborative.

My path is far from linear, but I am definitely at home with Veritas. I received my Bachelor of Science in Recording Arts: Music Business and my MBA from Middle Tennessee State University. I worked at Fortune 500 companies in marketing/management, but I longed to find a career where I really felt like I could help people. Through my own nutrition/eating disorder journey, I decided to return to school to become a Registered Dietitian and give back to the eating disorder community. I received my Master of Science in Nutrition Health Sciences from Georgia State University, which has been the best decision I have ever made. Before coming to Veritas as a Registered Dietitian, I worked for another treatment facility as a diet tech.  

What motivates you to show up for work each day? 

100% the patients and our amazing collaborators. There is nothing like seeing a child or adult come back to life through nutrition and treatment. It is such an honor and privilege that we get to be a part of their recovery journey.

What one thing do you wish everyone knew about eating disorders?

Eating disorders can develop in any body size, and the severity of the eating disorder is not dictated by weight.

What piece of advice would you give to those struggling with eating disorders?

Reach out for help. It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel like you are “sick enough” or if others invalidate your struggles. If an eating disorder is impacting your life in any way, you deserve support and help.

What three words would you use to describe Veritas Collaborative?  

Compassion, teamwork, and dedication.

If you could do another job just for a day, what would it be?  

I can’t imagine doing another job. However, there was a time I wanted to be a singer and travel the world like Celine Dion.

What’s something you’re really proud of?

This question is always really tough for me because I don’t place a lot of importance on awards or accolades. For me, the most important thing is how you treat and help people. The thing I’m most proud of is how I helped coordinate housing, food, and other support for a fellow student struggling with homelessness. They graduated from college the following year, and that was pretty cool.