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Lunch and Learn: Understanding Eating Disorders and Providing Support
January 27, 2020 @ 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Sheena’s Place is a community-based mental health charity that provides free group-based support services for individuals who are living with eating disorders and have difficult relationships with their bodies and food. Approximately one million people in Canada meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder and many more face subclinical symptoms, all of which can be detrimental to physical and mental well-being.
In this presentation, Kaitlyn and Kelsey will debunk common myths about eating disorders and explore how these complex challenges are linked to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and body size. This presentation will also help social work students learn to recognize symptoms of disordered eating in individuals they work with and to provide support to those who are affected.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Kaitlyn Axelrod, MSW, RSW (Program and Outreach Coordinator, Sheena’s Place)
Kaitlyn received her MSW at the University of Toronto in 2018, where she specialized in mental health and health. Kaitlyn has been involved in the eating disorders field through research and practice since 2013 and has worked and volunteered at a variety of mental health organizations (including LOFT Community Services, Jewish Family & Child, and Yorktown Family Services). At Sheena’s Place, Kaitlyn facilitates groups and coordinates and delivers outreach presentations in the community.
Kelsey Johnston, MSW, RSW (Program Manager, Sheena’s Place)
Kelsey received her MSW at the University of Toronto in 2017, where she specialized in social justice and diversity. In 2016 Kelsey joined Sheena’s Place as a placement student, and became a group facilitator following the completion of her degree. Prior to joining the Sheena’s Place team as program manager, Kelsey worked as the Outreach and Education Coordinator at the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC). Kelsey is passionate about providing low-barrier access to mental health care through community-based work.