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1295 Bandana Boulevard West
Suite 310 & 210
St. Paul, MN 55108
P: 651-645-5323
F: 651-621-8490
Toll-Free: 1-888-364-5977

Megan Wetherbee

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Megan Wetherbee

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MSW, LICSW

Senior Professional Relations Specialist

AL & GA

Megan (she/her) is a Senior Professional Relations Specialist for Veritas Collaborative, covering Alabama and parts of Georgia. She enjoys connecting with other clinicians to help their patients find lasting healing—a passion developed through years of professional experience in various healthcare settings, including the eating disorder treatment space.

In addition to a decade in sales and outreach, Megan is a licensed clinical social worker, bringing many years of clinical expertise to this role. Megan received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from the University of Alabama. She has been a licensed clinical social worker since 2006 and maintains a small private therapy practice outside of her outreach role with Veritas.

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Jordan Alvarez

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Jordan Alvarez

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MA

Professional Relations Specialist

GA

Jordan (he/him) is a Professional Relations Specialist for Veritas Collaborative. Armed with deep clinical knowledge and experience, Jordan strives to make eating disorder treatment more accessible by providing valuable education to local providers. Before joining Veritas, Jordan conducted mental health research centered on eating disorders, body image, and LGBTQ+ mental health concerns.

Jordan is originally from New York and received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Skidmore College. He furthered his education at Auburn University, completing his Master’s in Counseling Psychology.

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Jami Croslow

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Jami Croslow

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MSW, MPA, LCSWA

Regional Outreach Manager

National, TN-SC

Jami (she/her) is passionate about bringing eating disorder awareness to those in her community and dismantling barriers to care. A mental health advocate long before joining the Veritas team, Jami holds over 15 years of experience working in both clinical and outreach capacities within the field. Jami left her native Washington state to complete her undergrad degree in Social Work from the University of Guam, her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boston College, and her Master’s in Public Administration from The University of Southern California. Her love of travel aligns well with her role in outreach, as she works to strengthen and grow our provider network across the Southeastern United States.

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Marybeth Sullivan

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Marybeth Burns

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Professional Relations Specialist

Piedmont Western Carolinas

Marybeth (she/her) is a Professional Relations Specialist for Veritas Collaborative, covering western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina.

She thrives on the communication and relationship-building aspects of her role, having spent many years running her own full-service marketing company before joining the Accanto team. Marybeth considers her role at Veritas to be her dream job – one that perfectly complements her extensive background in marketing and sales, along with previous positions held at the Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders. Marybeth received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Christine Elkhoury

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Christine Elkhoury

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MBA, RD, LD/N

Professional Relations Specialist

FL-TX

Christine (she/her) is a Professional Relations Specialist for Veritas Collaborative. As a Registered Dietitian certified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Christine boasts over 13 years of experience treating eating disorders. Her passion for supporting patients led her to outreach, where she provides awareness and a wide breadth of clinical knowledge to communities in Florida. Apart from increasing access to best-practice care, Christine values her role’s opportunities for resource-sharing and relationship-building.

Christine received her undergraduate degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Administration at Northern Illinois University. She then completed a Dietetic Internship coordinated with a Master’s in Business Administration at Dominican University.

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Kelsey Ford

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Kelsey Ford

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MBA

Director of Outreach

National

Kelsey (she/her) is the Director of Outreach for Accanto Health. Her passion for challenging stigma and systemic inequities around eating disorders is rooted in years of experience in mental health advocacy and awareness education. She is very passionate about challenging stigma, societal misconceptions, and systemic inequities around eating disorders so that more people are able to access quality services and care. Kelsey holds an undergraduate degree in Health and & Wellness Management from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and an MBA-HC from Concordia University-St. Paul.

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Ryan Sobus

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Ryan Sobus

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MPH, RD, LDN, CEDS-S

Professional Relations Specialist

Eastern NC-DMV

Ryan (she/her) is passionate about creating partnerships with providers that share her love and deep commitment for the eating disorder community and thrives when working collaboratively with multiple disciplines. Prior to joining Veritas, she co-owned and operated an outpatient medical nutrition therapy practice specializing in eating disorders for thirteen years and is a licensed registered dietitian. Ryan earned iaedp’s Certified Eating Disorder Specialist certification in 2016 and has been active in her local iaedp chapter ever since, serving various roles from former president to coordinating events through hospitality. A proud Tar Heel, she acquired her Master’s Degree in Public Health Nutrition from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 2005. Her unique collection of clinical and growth skills has proven successful in facilitating excellent care for patients with eating disorders and their families.

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Conferences and Networking Events

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Conferences & Networking Events

Be part of our collaborative community.

We are passionate about raising awareness of eating disorders and promoting best-practice care⁠–but we can’t do it alone. Please join us!

Conferences

National

Renewed Eating Disorders Conference: Friday, September 29th. Learn more and register here

North Carolina

North Carolina Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions: Friday, September 28th–Sunday, October 1st. Learn more and register here

Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders’ 16th Annual HEAL Conference: Thursday, October 5th–Friday, October 6th. Learn more and register here

Licensed Clinical Counselors of North Carolina State Conference: Saturday, October 14th–Sunday, October 15th. Learn more and register here

Networking Events

Check back soon for upcoming networking events. 

Please note that CE credits will not be offered by Accanto Health for the events listed on this page. We will be attendees or exhibitors at these conferences/networking events.

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Presentations

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Recorded Presentations

Learn from experts you can trust.

Find recordings of our virtual presentations below. Please note that these are previously recorded courses to be used as resources only. We are unable to provide CE credits for viewing these videos. If you would like to attend a live presentation for CE credits in the future, see our Continuing Education page for upcoming dates.

  • ED 101: Understanding Eating Disorders, Treatment, and Recovery

    ED 101: Understanding Eating Disorders, Treatment, and Recovery

    Eating disorders are becoming increasingly better understood by our society. However, many are not fully aware of the prevalence, seriousness, and range of individuals affected by this illness. The purpose of this workshop is to identify the causes, signs, effects, and treatment options for eating disorders, from the perspective of individuals who are struggling as well as their loved ones and treatment providers.

  • Binge Eating Disorder 101

    Binge Eating Disorder 101

    Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, and yet it is often overlooked or misunderstood. This presentation will provide an overview of the etiology, assessment, and nutritional and therapeutic treatment approaches, as well as the impact of weight, weight bias, and weight stigma on those with binge eating disorder.

  • ARFID 101

    ARFID 101

    This presentation will highlight the similarities and differences between ARFID and other eating disorders. Medical consequences will be explored, including cardiac abnormalities, growth and pubertal delay, and co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses. Evidence-based treatment, including specific coaching and food discovery, will be reviewed so that attendees can begin to incorporate them into their practice.

  • MD 101

    MD 101

    Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses with significant medical complications. Disordered eating behaviors, including restriction, bingeing, purging, and selectivity, can lead to medical complications in patients of all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic statuses. Early detection is critical, as many of the medical complications of eating disorders are not fully reversible but may be minimized with early intervention. Providers caring for patients can help to decrease the morbidity and mortality that is a direct result of eating disorders behaviors by understanding and recognizing the associated medical complications.

  • RD 101

    RD 101

    Our society is saturated with messages about diet culture and weight bias. These pervasive messages even extend into the healthcare field, making it difficult for Registered Dietitians to navigate nutrition conversations with patients in eating disorder recovery. In this course, we will review key concepts in nutrition for the treatment of eating disorders and practical methods of application for the Registered Dietitian. This will include nutrition assessment, common nutrition therapy practices, tools, and interventions.

  • The Cultural Culinary Challenge: Managing Varying Nutritional Needs in Eating Disorders Care

    The Cultural Culinary Challenge: Managing Varying Nutritional Needs in Eating Disorders Care

    Our cultural culinary environment is diverse and ever-changing. Individuals with eating disorders and their families often come to treatment with multiple dietary limitations. Popular dieting beliefs, food trends, nutritional science, and cultural and spiritual heritage all must be considered when assisting any individual with adapting to eating patterns. This workshop provides practical advice for managing common dietary restrictions and limitations that individuals with eating disorders and their support systems identify at the initiation of care. This will include learning how to script conversations regarding changes to eating patterns.

  • Ethical Considerations in the Treatment of Eating Disorders

    Ethical Considerations in the Treatment of Eating Disorders

    During this presentation, Krista Crotty, LMFT, PsyD reviews common ethical principles as they apply to mental health and eating disorder treatment. The primary goal of this session is to start a dialogue among eating disorder treatment providers and to develop a forum to support each other with difficult decisions relating to eating disorder treatment. Involuntary hospitalizations are also discussed, as well as the risks of remaining at a lower level of care when a higher level of care is clinically and medically indicated.

  • Embodied Dignity: Considerations for Clinical Practice at the Intersections of Eating Disorders and the Dazzling Spectra of Sexuality & Gender Identity

    Embodied Dignity: Considerations for Clinical Practice at the Intersections of Eating Disorders and the Dazzling Spectra of Sexuality & Gender Identity

    In this presentation, eating disorder specialist and advocate Chase Bannister, MDIV, MSW, LCSW, CEDS, shares important information related to eating disorders in the context of LGBTQIA+ communities, both broadly and with particularity. Time is set aside to learn and relearn terms often expressed as meaningful by persons who identify as LGBTQIA+, to encounter common themes amid specific populations within LGBTQIA+ communities, and to reflect on the experience of encountering dynamic (if not elusive) nomenclature in a clinical world built for categorization.

  • Advocacy and You

    Advocacy and You

    During this presentation, Chase Bannister, MDIV, MSW, LCSW, CEDS, shares how clinicians, researchers, and advocates with lived experience have influenced public awareness and public policy as it relates to early intervention, access to care, and treatment of eating disorders. Learn about the history of advocacy in the field of eating disorders, the ethical imperative for legislative advocacy in clinical work, and forward-looking pathways toward civic engagement and advocacy.

  • Eating Disorders and College Campuses: Unique Opportunities, Challenges, and Responsibilities

    Eating Disorders and College Campuses: Unique Opportunities, Challenges, and Responsibilities

    In this presentation, Dr. Sydney Brodeur-Johnson, Accanto Health’s Director of Clinical Services and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, outlines circumstances that may place college students at greater risk for the development of an eating disorder. Additionally, there is a discussion on university resources and efforts to support students with eating disorders.

  • Suicide and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Eating Disorders

    Suicide and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Eating Disorders

    In this program, Alyssa Kalata, PhD, discusses the relationship between eating disorders and suicide. The session includes an overview of diagnostic criteria, prevalence rates, and quantitative and qualitative assessments of eating disorders, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injurious behaviors. There is also a discussion on integrated case conceptualization, as well as a review on empirically supported interventions for suicidal ideation and nonsuicidal self-injurious behaviors. The program closes with a review of key take-home points, an activity focused on helping participants translate training into practice, and a question and answer session.

  • Eating Disorders and the Holidays

    Eating Disorders and the Holidays

    The holidays can be challenging for anyone, but especially for those who have an eating disorder or struggle with disordered eating. The focus on food and social interactions can worsen an individual’s psycho-emotional state and exacerbate disordered behaviors. In this presentation, we review effective coping strategies and techniques for providing guidance and support to help patients navigate difficult situations, help sustain recovery efforts, and reduce distress.

  • After the Assessment: Levels of Care and Why They’re Important

    After the Assessment: Levels of Care and Why They’re Important

    In this presentation, Dr. Jillian Lampert reviews eating disorder levels of care and why it’s important to be familiar with level of care options when working with patients who have or may have an eating disorder. Common questions regarding referral timing, presenting options to families, insurance coverage, and transition supports will be addressed to help equip providers and clinicians, particularly those in outpatient settings, with the tools they need to support their critical work.

  • Mind-Body Connection: Why We Practice Yoga in ED Treatment

    Mind-Body Connection: Why We Practice Yoga in ED Treatment

    In this session, presented by Amy Fogarty, DNP, RN, C-IAYT, and Becky Pike, MSW, LICSW, we explore why yoga is a supportive practice to integrate into eating disorder treatment.

  • Not Just a Phase: Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents

    Not Just a Phase: Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents

    In this presentation, Anna B. Tanner, MD, FAAP, FSAHM, CEDS-S, discusses how children and young adolescents have unique medical complications that may be harder to detect, often set in the context of growth and development. She also explains how some of these complications are irreversible if not detected early and treated aggressively.

  • The Family Dynamic: When an Eating Disorder is in the Family System

    The Family Dynamic: When an Eating Disorder is in the Family System

    Family therapy/family care can be a critical component for both adults and adolescents in eating disorder treatment. In this presentation from Accanto Health’s Director of Clinical Outreach Education and Brain-Based Therapy, Krista Crotty, LMFT, PsyD, details how support persons are instrumental in helping patients reach treatment goals and support progress in recovery. Equipping caregivers with tools and support is key in their confidence as supporting loved ones.

  • Beyond Picky Eating: Transdisciplinary Treatment Strategies for Treating Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

    Beyond Picky Eating: Transdisciplinary Treatment Strategies for Treating Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

    In this presentation, Anna B. Tanner, MD, FAAP, FSAHM, CEDS-S, and Leah L. Graves, RDN, LDN, CEDRD-S, FAED, discuss how Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) often begins in early childhood and brings the potential to derail physical and social development. One of the newer diagnoses in DSM-5, ARFID has presented providers with diagnostic and treatment dilemmas. This presentation walks through the foundational tenets of ARFID care using a multidisciplinary lens. Participants are presented with real-life treatment paradigms to illustrate novel strategies for supporting ARFID patients across a spectrum of ages, medical complexity, social impairment, and nutrition deficits.

  • Moving into Attunement: Joyful Movement is Possible

    Moving into Attunement: Joyful Movement is Possible

    In this presentation, Stacy Schilter Pisano, LMFT, CEDS-S, and Shena Washburn, RDN, CD, CEDRD, identify motivators and obstacles to engagement in physical activity, review evidence-based literature to assess for problematic patterns, and collaboratively identify interventions that support ALL patients to develop an attuned relationship with movement and their bodies.

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Informational Materials

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Informational Materials

Informational materials from Veritas Collaborative.

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Continuing Education

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Continuing Education

Expert knowledge for best-practice care.

Eating disorders are mental illnesses with serious consequences. We are committed to providing the most current information about the signs, symptoms, and treatments. Earn continuing education credits as you learn the latest about eating disorders and related topics at an upcoming continuing education event.

Accanto Health, the parent company of The Emily Program, Veritas Collaborative, and Gather Behavioral Health, is the sole planner and provider of all courses, content, and continuing education credits. This program is made possible with support from The Emily Program Foundation.

Webinars

Hiding in Plain Sight: Eating Disorders in Cis Males

Thursday, October 5th, 12–2pm ET

 Learn more and register here
Inviting the Body Back: When and How to Re-introduce Intuitive Eating in Eating Disorder Treatment

Thursday, November 9th, 12–1:30pm ET

 Learn more and register here
Comorbid Psychiatric Conditions: An Evidence-Based Guide to Treatment

Wednesday, December 13th, 12–1:30pm ET

 Learn more and register here

About the Speakers

  • Alyssa Kalata

    Alyssa Kalata

    PhD

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    Alyssa Kalata

    PhD

    Alyssa Kalata is a Licensed Psychologist in the State of North Carolina. After receiving both her Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Clinical Psychology from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, she completed her predoctoral internship at Duke University Medical Center with a focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy.

    Alyssa has served in various roles during her professional career, including Clinical Supervisor, Research and Program Development Associate, Associate Clinical Director, Clinical Director, and Clinical Trainer working with patients diagnosed with primary eating disorders and primary substance use disorders in settings that provide services at a variety of levels of care.  Alyssa currently serves as the Clinical Training Coordinator for Accanto Health, with brands The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative. 

    Alyssa has a passion for the dissemination and implementation of empirically-supported treatments, particularly third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapies, with an emphasis on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Her areas of expertise include the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Mood Disorders, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and other trauma-related concerns and symptoms. Alyssa firmly believes that all individuals and their families and supports have the right to competent, compassionate care and her approach to treatment is one that balances understanding and validation with a focus on cultivating change.

  • Anna Tanner

    Anna Tanner

    MD, FAAP, FSAHM, CEDS-S

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    Anna Tanner

    MD, FAAP, FSAHM, CEDS-S

    Dr. Anna B. Tanner is Vice President for the Department of Child and Adolescent Medicine. She is a board-certified Pediatrician who has specialized in the care of complicated adolescent patients, in particular patients with eating disorders, for over 20 years. Dr. Tanner completed medical school and residency at Vanderbilt University, and then remained there to serve on the Pediatrics faculty in the Division of Young Adult and Adolescent Medicine. Dr. Tanner has been very involved in advocacy and education efforts and serves on national and international committees for eating disorders education. She speaks frequently across the United States on the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders, especially as they affect children and young adolescents. Dr. Tanner currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics for Emory University School of Medicine and as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics for Morehouse School of Medicine. She is on the Academy of Eating Disorders (AED) Medical Care Standards Committee and the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) Certification Committee Task Force. Dr. Tanner is a Fellow in the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM), a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and a Certified Eating Disorders Supervisor. She has been named by Atlanta magazine as a “Top Doctor” every year from 2013 to 2020 and named by Castle Connelly as an Exceptional Woman in Medicine and one of America’s Most Honored Doctors.

  • Chase Bannister

    Chase Bannister

    MDIV, MSW, LCSW, CEDS

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    Chase Bannister

    MDIV, MSW, LCSW, CEDS

    Chase Bannister, Founder of Veritas Collaborative, is Senior Vice President of Community Engagement for Accanto Health, the parent company of newly merged Veritas Collaborative and The Emily Program. Chase attained his concurrent graduate degrees in Clinical Social Work & Divinity from The University of  North Carolina at Chapel Hill School and Duke University. Chase is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is credentialed as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. Chase is Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors for the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action. He is also an active member of the Academy of Eating Disorders and the Eating Disorders Leadership Summit, as well as the REDC  Consortium. Chase’s career is marked by achievements in many areas, including federal legislative initiatives, standards-of-care creation, clinical program innovation, healthcare entrepreneurship,  professional education, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns. We are ecstatic to have him join us at Accanto Health and also as today’s speaker.

  • Dee Myers

    Dee Myers

    MS, LMHC

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    Dee Myers

    MS, LMHC

    Dee Myers is the Site Director of The Emily Program in Spokane. She is a multi- decade leader in the Eastern Washington eating disorders community, with over 25 years of experience, and is proud to be at the helm of the Spokane Emily Program treatment team. She graduated with her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Washington University. Increasing access to care and creating a collaborative provider network has always been a passion for Dee. With extremely limited eating disorder resources in Spokane, in the early part of her career, Dee ran eating disorder support groups and worked to meet other eating disorder professionals in the area. She specialized in treating clients in private practice for over 15 years and ran an eating disorder professional coalition to unite the community and help provide resources and education to our area. Dee has proudly worked at The Emily Program for 9 years and was a part of a small group of providers who encouraged the company to open a location in Spokane to help the growing need throughout the pacific northwest. She has had a lifelong passion for this work and has treated clients individually, in groups, and at all outpatient levels of care. Outside of work, Dee enjoys many outdoor activities around the beautiful city of Spokane and loves spending time with her husband and two young adult daughters.

  • Hilmar Wagner

    Hilmar Wagner

    MPH, RDN, LN, CD

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    Hilmar Wagner

    MPH, RDN, LN, CD

    Hilmar Wagner is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN), Licensed Nutritionist in the State of Minnesota and Certified Dietitian (CD) in the state of Washington. Hilmar joined the Emily Program in 2006, and currently serves as the Training Coordinator for Nutrition Services, Dietetic Internship Coordinator and Clinical Education Specialist. In this role he assists in internal nutrition-related education and training, coordinates dietetic intern experiences across all locations and provides external continuing education on eating disorders and nutrition for community providers professional organizations. He regularly presents on eating disorder and nutrition topics at local, regional and national conferences. Hilmar received his Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition/Dietetics and Master’s in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Minnesota. He has worked in the field of eating disorders for the past 15 years. Hilmar has extensive experience working with clients of all eating disorder diagnoses in both individual and group settings. He has a particular interest in mindfulness and body-centered approaches to eating disorder recovery.

  • Jillian Lampert

    Jillian Lampert

    PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED

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    Jillian Lampert

    PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED

    Dr. Lampert is the Chief Strategy Officer of Accanto Health, the parent company of The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative.

    Additionally, Dr. Lampert is Co-Founder and President of the REDC, the national consortium representing eating disorders care focused on treatment standards, best practices, access to care, and collaborative research. She is also a Board Member of the Eating Disorders Coalition, a DC- based national organization for eating disorders policy and advocacy, and a Board Member of WithAll, a Minnesota-based organization that empowers eating disorder prevention and strengthens support for recovery. She holds an adjunct graduate faculty position in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota.

    Dr. Lampert completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders.

    Dr. Lampert has served on the Board of Directors of the Academy for Eating Disorders as the Electronic Media Portfolio Director and co-chair of the Academy for Eating Disorders Nutrition Special Interest Group. She is a Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders (FAED) and a member of the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association), and BHN (Behavioral Health Nutrition) dietetic practice group. Dr. Lampert is the author of numerous book chapters and articles addressing the nutritional treatment of eating disorders, body image, sports participation, adolescent health, and disordered eating and she regularly speaks regionally and nationally on numerous eating disorder-related topics.

    One of her primary goals in life is to have the kids in her house (and everywhere!) have confident, loving relationships with their bodies and themselves.

  • Kelly Pertzsch

    Kelly Pertzsch

    LPCC

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    Kelly Pertzsch

    LPCC

    Kelly Pertzsch is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of Minnesota. She began working at The Emily Program in 2015, and has worked in a variety of clinical positions since then, she is currently a Clinical Education Specialist. Kelly received her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Richmond, the American International University in London and her Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a certificate in Eating Disorder Studies from the Lewis and Clark College. She has treated eating disorders her entire career and has worked in community mental health, private practice, and a college counseling center. Kelly has a particular interest in the intersection of eating disorder treatment and social justice, as well as Health at Every Size.

  • Krista Crotty

    Krista Crotty

    LMFT, PsyD

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    Krista Crotty

    LMFT, PsyD

    Krista is the National Director of Brain Based Therapies and Director of Clinical Outreach Education. Clinically she draws from a variety of methods including TBT-S, EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, FBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy and often incorporates the use of the creative process in conjunction with the more traditional therapeutic process. She earned her Master’s of Science from Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Psychology and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in family and pediatrics from Azusa Pacific University. She trained at Harbor UCLA medical center and Loma Linda Children’s Hospital in neuropsych. Away from work, Krista loves being a mom to her three boys, playing outside, going on adventures with her family, skiing, hiking, biking, and camping.

  • Leah Graves

    Leah Graves

    RDN, LDN, CERD-S, FAED

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    Leah Graves

    RDN, LDN, CERD-S, FAED

    Leah Graves is the Vice President of Nutrition and Culinary Services of Accanto Health, the parent company of The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative.

    Leah has been treating patients with eating disorders for over 30 years. Prior to joining Veritas, Leah was the Manager of Eating Disorders Nutrition Therapy for the Laureate Eating Disorders Program in Tulsa, OK. She graduated with the highest distinction from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 1985 and then began her work with individuals with eating disorders.

    Leah is a founding member of the Academy for Eating Disorders where she has served on the Academy’s Executive Team, Board of Directors and Chaired the North American Teaching Days for the International Conference on Eating Disorders in addition to serving the Academy on the Nominating, Fellowship Selection, and Membership Recruitment and Retention Committees. She has also been honored with the distinction of Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders.

    Leah has been involved in eating disorders advocacy with the National Eating Disorders Association as a member of the Conference Planning Committee and with the Oklahoma Eating Disorders Association where she served as President and Governance Committee Chair. She currently serves on the Clinical Advisory Board for Rock Recovery.

    Leah has been invited faculty at many eating disorders conferences including the International Conference on Eating Disorders, Hispano-Latin American Congress on Eating Disorders, International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals Symposium, Renfrew Foundation Conference, Multi-service Eating Disorders Association Conference, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference, as well as numerous regional and local conferences. Leah has written several publications pertaining to nutrition and eating disorders and is highly respected within the eating disorders field for her expertise in medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counseling, clinical supervision, and research.

  • Shena Washburn

    Shena (Sheena) Washburn

    RDN, CD, CEDRD

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    Shena (Sheena) Washburn

    RDN, CD, CEDRD

    Shena Washburn is the Director of Nutrition and Culinary Services at Accanto Health. She has over 10 years’ experience supporting individuals who are in recovery from an eating disorder, in various levels of care and healthcare settings, and is an IAEDP Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian. In addition to her experience in the field of eating disorders, Shena holds a special interest in sports nutrition, mindfulness, gut health, Exposure Response Prevention, and building strong collaborative multi-disciplinary teams!

  • Sydney Brodeur Johnson

    Sydney Brodeur-Johnson

    PhD, LCP, CEDS

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    Sydney Brodeur-Johnson

    PhD, LCP, CEDS

    Dr. Sydney Brodeur-Johnson’s passion is providing best-practice, research-informed and multiculturally competent treatment to patients and their families suffering with eating disorders. She is committed to increasing access to effective treatment, training professionals to deliver gold-standard care, and empowering them to be the best providers and people they can be.

    Dr. Brodeur received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2005 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a concentration in the interdisciplinary treatment of adolescents with eating disorders. She assisted with the opening of Carolina House, a residential eating disorder treatment facility in Durham, NC, and was the first Center Director there. From 2008 – 2019 Sydney served as the eating disorder specialist and Associate Director for Training at University Counseling Services at VCU. In that role, she maintained APA accreditation of the psychology internship program and was the administrator for the training program for students in psychology, social work, and counselor education. She also served as a member of the center’s executive team.

    In her free time, Sydney enjoys spending time with her children and partner, being outdoors, listening to music, and traveling.

  • Taylor Rae Homesley

    Taylor Rae Homesley

    LPC, CPCS, CEDS-S

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    Taylor Rae Homesley

    LPC, CPCS, CEDS-S

    Taylor Rae Homesley started with Veritas Collaborative when we opened the Atlanta, GA, site in 2017, and is currently the Executive Director at the Child, Adolescent, and Adult Hospital in Atlanta. In her role, she oversees all site operations and works with the on-site leadership team to ensure they are providing safe and effective patient care.

    Taylor Rae is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Richmont Graduate University. Prior to attending Richmont, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in childhood and family development from the University of Georgia. She is a Georgia approved supervisor and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Approved Supervisor. Taylor Rae has been working with patients with eating disorders since 2012 across multiple levels of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment settings. She has a particular interest in working with patients with ARFID and assisted in the development of the ARFID specific programming at Veritas.

    Taylor Rae finds meaning in working with the Atlanta team to provide the best care possible to patients and families so that they are able to recognize their own strengths and reach a pace of recovery.

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Refer a Patient

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Provider speaking to patient

Refer a Patient

Supporting your patient as they take the next step.

We know that collaborating with providers is vital to the recovery process. If you suspect your patient has an eating disorder, please talk to one of our professionals today at 612-402-3061 or refer a patient through our online form so we can schedule an eating disorder assessment. We’re here to help.

When to Refer a Patient to Veritas Collaborative

As with other mental and physical disorders, a healthcare professional must recognize the signs of a problem or potential problem, and then intervene effectively. If you suspect food, body image, weight, and/or eating issues, the American Academy of Family Physicians and American Psychiatric Association suggest that you act quickly.

Know the Common Eating Disorder Symptoms

Use the common symptoms list and simple screening tool below. We also offer educational events to help your team screen for eating disorders, understand their effects, and access available treatment resources.

Eating disorders present physiologically and behaviorally. The multidisciplinary team at Veritas Collaborative recommends checking for common symptoms, such as:

  • Dramatic weight gain or loss
  • Verbal preoccupation with food, weight, and shape
  • Medical complications, such as amenorrhea, bradycardia, unexpected osteopenia or osteoporosis, electrolyte abnormalities, low body temperature, orthostatic hypotension
  • Rapid or persistent decline or increase in food intake
  • Purging; restricting; binge eating; compulsive eating; compulsive exercising; abuse of diet pills, laxatives, diuretics, or emetics
  • Denial of food and eating problems, despite concerns of others
  • Eating in secret, hiding food, disrupting family meals, feeling out of control with food

Start the Conversation

Ask if it is okay to discuss eating habits: “I’m concerned about your eating (or weight, body image, etc.). May we discuss how you typically eat and your relationship with food?”

Then ask your patient these questions:

  • Do you worry about your weight and body shape more than other people?
  • Do you avoid certain foods for reasons other than allergies or religious reasons?
  • Are you often on a diet?
  • Do you feel your weight is an important aspect of your identity?
  • Are you fearful of gaining weight?
  • Do you often feel out of control when you eat?
  • Do you regularly eat what others may consider to be a large quantity of food at one time?
  • Do you regularly eat until feeling uncomfortably full?
  • Do you hide what you eat from others, or eat in secret?
  • Do you often feel fat?
  • Do you feel guilty or depressed after eating?
  • Do you ever make yourself vomit (throw up) after eating?
  • Do you use your insulin in ways not prescribed to manage your weight?
  • Do you take any medication or supplements to compensate for eating or to give yourself permission to eat?
  • Do you exercise for the sole purpose of weight control?
  • Have people expressed concern about your relationship with food or your body? 

Two or more “yes” answers strongly indicate the presence of disordered eating. 

Streamlined Admission

To ensure your patient can get treatment as soon as possible, they will be connected with an Intake Therapist, who will conduct a phone intake within 48 hours of the initial call, determine the level of care, schedule an admit date, and start the process to secure medical data and arrange any necessary lodging. Discover our eating disorder treatment centers.

Stay Involved

To stay informed of your patient’s progress throughout their eating disorder treatment, ask them to complete a Release of Information form so we have permission to share health information with you.

Talk With the Experts at Veritas Collaborative

Veritas Collaborative staff is available to assist. Call us at 612-402-3061, use the referral form on this page, or send your patient to our website to request an eating disorder assessment.

Refer a Patient

Complete the information below or call us at 612-402-3061. We’ll contact your patient within one business day to learn more about their condition. We’ll keep you updated on our progress, too.

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Recovery is Possible

If an eating disorder and/or related issues are diagnosed, we will work with you and your patient to develop a personalized treatment and recovery plan. We treat the whole person with a wide range of comprehensive, personalized treatments using diverse modalities.

Our team is passionate about helping individuals struggling with eating disorders. Together, we can bring your patient hope and healing. Please contact our Admissions team at 612-402-3061 with questions or fax a referral to 844-385-4628.

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For Professionals

Written by adcoinctodd on . Posted in For Professionals.

For Professionals

Trust Veritas with your eating disorder referrals.

We help healthcare professionals recognize the signs and understand the symptoms. We work with the patient, family, and community of support to create an individualized treatment plan designed to provide the tools needed for lasting recovery. If you suspect an eating disorder, don’t wait.

Provider speaking to patient

Referring a Patient

If you suspect food, body image, weight, and/or eating issues, the American Academy of Family Physicians and American Psychiatric Association suggest that you act quickly. Learn to recognize signs of disordered eating and how the team at Veritas Collaborative can assist you and your patient.

Learn more

Meet our Treatment Teams

Our multidisciplinary care teams provide compassionate psychiatric, nutrition, and medical treatment for patients with eating disorders.

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Professional Relations Team

Our Professional Relations Team is dedicated to providing healthcare professionals and communities with information on eating disorders and services at Veritas Collaborative.

Meet our Team

Educational Events

Gain new insights through our educational events. Find a wide range of community and educational events that can help raise awareness, increase access to care, reduce stigma, and educate about eating disorders and related topics.

Learn more

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Informational Materials

Download informational materials from Veritas Collaborative.

Learn more

Join Our National Provider Network

Our Professional Relations Team is available to provide information and updates about our eating disorder treatment centers, programs, and services, along with opportunities for continued education and networking. Connect with us today.

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Professional Relations Team

Written by adcoinctodd on . Posted in For Professionals.

Professional Relations Team

True partners in care.

Many of those who come to Veritas are referred by a healthcare provider. We recognize the importance of that provider-patient bond, and are committed to working collaboratively with those providers, involving them in all care decisions, and ensuring that their patients return from treatment with the tools they need for lasting recovery.

Meet our Professional Relations Team

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  • Christine Elkhoury

    Christine Elkhoury

    MBA, RD, LD/N

    Professional Relations Specialist

    FL-TX

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  • Jordan Alvarez

    Jordan Alvarez

    MA

    Professional Relations Specialist

    GA

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  • Chrystie Soriano

    Chrystie Soriano

    Outreach Marketing Specialist

    National

    View profile

    • Join Our National Provider Network

    Our Professional Relations Team is available to provide information and updates about our eating disorder treatment programs and services, along with opportunities for continued education and networking. Connect with us today.

    Continue reading