Eileen Stellefson Myers, MPH, RDN, LDN, CEDRD, FAND 

Eileen Myers is the owner of Eileen Myers, LLC, providing consulting services for Nutrition and Healthcare.  Eileen has presented, written, and consulted with business and industry on the topic of behavior change for the past 30 years including developing an international motivational interviewing professional toolkit.  She is skilled in stages of change, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and shared-decision making.  Her publication, “Winning the War Within: Nutrition Therapy for Clients with Eating Disorders”, a cognitive-behavioral manual, has served as an invaluable resource for eating disorder professionals and is now on its third edition (2017).

How did you get started in your career?  

I was fortunate to be chosen to work in the Behavioral Science Department at Hershey Medical Center while a student at  Penn State. Back in the 1970’s I learned to help people focus on hunger and fullness by helping them focus on behaviors rather than calories.  At the Medical University of South Carolina in the 1990s, I worked as the Nutrition Specialist for the eating disorders program and was trained on cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.  This led to me writing my book,  “Winning the War Within: Nutrition Therapy for Clients with Eating Disorders” to help people in the field of eating disorders be more effective in nutrition counseling. 

What advice would you give to someone new to the field?  

If you are new to the field, find a supervisor or mentor who will help you better understand how to help someone with an eating disorder.  If you do not understand the thought process of someone struggling with an eating disorder, you can do more harm than good.  

Winning the War Within

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Marci Evans MS, CEDRD-S, LDN, cPT

What is your current position?

I am the owner of Marci RD Nutrition Consulting. My business has two main focuses. The first is to provide nutrition counseling for those recovering from eating disorders or chronic dieting. Our approach is rooted in Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size principles. The second focus is providing training for clinicians who want to specialize in treating eating disorders, disordered eating, and negative body image. I do this through my online trainings, clinical supervision, and my position as co-director for Simmons’ College Dietetic Internship Eating Disorder Specialization.

How did you get started in your career?

I was introduced to the field of eating disorders during my dietetic internship but didn’t start working in the field until my 3rd job after getting my RDN. I got my start working at a treatment facility at the partial hospitalization level of care while pursuing a masters degree that blended business entrepreneurship and eating disorders counseling. Most of my career has been spent at the outpatient level of care.

What advice would you give to someone new to the field?

Invest all that you are able into attending conferences, reading books, and in clinical supervision. We need more dietitians in the field but in order to thrive you must approach your role far differently than how you were initially trained in dietetics. It takes a substantial amount of ongoing training in psychology and counseling strategies to thrive in this field. In the current climate of social media, it is easy to take short cuts by getting your education on instagram. Don’t let this be you! Dive deep and you will soar!

If you are interested in learning more about me and my offerings you can visit my website, connect with me on social media (@marciRD), and my online training platform.

Amy Culp, RD, CSSD, LD

Assistant Athletics Director, Performance Nutrition & Clinical Wellness | Intercollegiate Athletics | The University of Texas

How did you get started in your career?

I always knew I wanted to have a private practice, but never intended on specializing in eating disorders.  To build my practice, I put an ad in a local fitness magazine.  The first call I received was from a girl struggling with an eating disorder.  I gave it a shot, knowing that I could refer to another RD in town if it didn’t go well.  I got supervision from another RD to help me with the case, and after our first few sessions I was hooked.  I realized it was a challenging, yet fulfilling work.  I then went to Eating Disorders Boot Camp to hone my skills and continued to build my practice specializing in eating disorders, sports nutrition and weight management.  I worked full time in my private practice for about 10 years until I came to build and lead the performance nutrition department at the University of Texas.  The skills I gained working with clients with eating disorders and disordered eating in my private practice enabled me to be successful working with athletes who sometimes struggle with the same challenges.

What advice would you give to someone new to the field? 

Go for it…while getting training and support.  I highly recommend Eating Disorders Boot Camp & Molly Kellogg’s Counseling Intensive, as well as Molly Kellogg’s phone supervision.

Rebecca Bitzer, MS, RD, LD, CEDRD

Founder of Rebecca Bitzer and Associates: A Dietitian for Every Condition

www.rbitzer.com

How did you get started in your career? 

I have always been drawn to food, nutrition, and psychology.  I also wanted to help people so a Registered Dietitian seemed like a natural fit for me.  

Like many dietitians, I started working at a hospital, then worked for the government and lastly started a private practice.

Once I started my private practice, I loved spending time doing one-on-one medical nutrition therapy. Soon, I learned that I had a natural gift as a counselor which inspired me to become a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian. 

Over time, I hired other dietitians and realized that it was essential for me to develop strong business skills. Subsequently, I have learned that many Registered Dietitians are in need of such skills, so I help others who want to start and/or expand their own practices. 

I love to inspire and empower professionals to think big and dream big. To find out more about my business coaching services, take a look at our website and contact us for a complimentary 15-minute phone call to see if we are a good fit to help you meet your business goals. You can also contact me at [email protected].

I have co-authored a book for Registered Dietitians in private practice to help build and expand their business.  The book is titled Welcome to the Rebelution Seven Steps to the Nutrition Counseling Practice of Your Dreams.

What advice would you give to someone new to the field?  

Learn and practice extraordinary self care. Practicing self-care requires commitment and intention.  Make sure that you schedule some daily self care to help you bring your best self to work and that you have energy to take to your personal life. 

Self care also includes asking for help, especially if you are in private practice and/or working with clients with eating disorders.  Make sure that you put key people in place in your life to help you grow personally and professionally. Doing this will help prevent you from burning out. It will help you counsel your clients better and also make your counseling much more authentic, powerful and inspirational.  

To find out more about self care by following our Instagram and to find out how we can help empower your career, reach out to me at [email protected] to set up a complimentary coaching session.

Welcome to the Rebelution

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Also for an instant copy of our ebook, use this link to purchase your copy now.

Anna Lutz, MPH, RD, LDN, CEDRD-S

www.lutzandalexander.com

www.sunnysideupnutrition.com

Instagram: @annalutzrd @sunnysideupnutritionists

Facebook: @lutzandalexander @sunnysideupnutritionists

Twitter: @annalutzrd @Sunnysideupnutr

What is your current position? 

I co-own a private practice in Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC, Lutz, Alexander & Assoc. Nutrition Therapy, where I provide nutrition therapy for people with eating disorders and clinical supervision for Registered Dietitians. I work closely with a team of incredible weight inclusive RDs. I also am the co-creator of Sunny Side Up Nutrition, a blog about nutrition, family feeding and simple cooking.  Sunny Side Up Nutrition is a resource, free of any diet or weight loss messages, for people that want simple cooking ideas, help around getting food on the table fast, and support in feeding their family. 

How did you get started in your career?

I became interested in eating disorders when I was an undergraduate studying psychology at Duke University. I found it interesting to learn about why people eat the way they do.  I decided to study nutrition in graduate school with the goal of working with people with eating disorders.  I have learned a lot of my skills on the job and through lots of continuing education and clinical supervision!

What advice would you give to someone new to the field?

Seek out clinical supervision from another RD, even though it’s not required to practice. The work we do is challenging and ever changing. With clinical supervision, you don’t feel as alone. You can learn and grow in your counseling skills and learn more about yourself as a clinician.  It’s invaluable.