We are client centered, professionally-facilitated, with programs tailored to client needs and respectful of individual diversity. There is not one cause for eating disorders, therefore there is not one solution that will be right for everyone. EDSNA is a support network – not a treatment organization.

We are grateful for generous financial support from:

• Alberta Health, Addictions and Mental Health Branch
• You!

Funding, donations, and proceeds from events allow us to continue to offer support and information to the eating disorder community.

Amanda is a lawyer with the Alberta Energy Regulator. She is also a yoga and meditation instructor and avid volunteer. Amanda loves to help out wherever and however she can and was a volunteer with EDNSA before joining the Board. Having lived experience, she is very conscious of the impacts eating disorders have on those who face them as well as their loved ones. Amanda strongly believes and supports EDSNA’s vision that no one should face an eating disorder alone and is passionate about tackling the stigma associated with eating disorders. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing, travelling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Sam is a registered psychologist and clinic owner with a strong commitment to community-centered mental health care. Her professional journey began in a child advocacy centre, where she supported children and families impacted by abuse. Bearing witness to these early experiences of trauma and resilience shaped her deep respect for the human capacity to heal and inspired her to pursue a Master of Counselling degree through City University of Seattle.

Sam was drawn to the Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta (EDSNA) through a shared belief in the importance of community, connection, and compassionate support throughout one’s healing journey. Having seen firsthand how disconnection and shame can isolate individuals in their struggles, and how healing is amplified when people feel seen, heard, and validated, she is passionate about being part of an organization that balances lived experience with evidence-based practice.

When not in the clinic or engaged in community endeavors, Sam can frequently be found “momming” her two young children and trying hard to balance a social life between the demands of the tiny humans and her professional obligations. 

With over a decade of dedicated service as a paramedic and other associated roles, Rhea brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting individuals in crisis. This knowledge has allowed her the opportunity to manage complex operational challenges, optimize team performance as well as support paramedics who have experienced psychological injuries, reinforcing her commitment to mental health and well-being.

Currently, as the Deputy Registrar at the Alberta College of Paramedics, she oversees the registration and fair regulation of paramedics across Alberta, ensuring high standards in the profession and advocating for continuous improvement in emergency services. Her academic background includes a degree in Applied Business with a specialization in Emergency Services Management and an MBA from Cape Breton University.

Her decision to join EDSNA stems from a personal conviction to address the challenges faced by individuals with eating disorders. Throughout her paramedic career, she witnessed the significant difficulties these individuals encounter and the need for effective support. By joining EDSNA, she aims to contribute to the organization’s mission of education and support for individuals and families affected by eating disorders in Alberta.

Lauren is grateful for the opportunity to become more involved with the organization since she began volunteering Fall 2017. Having had her own personal experiences with eating disorders, she recognizes the importance of the work EDSNA is doing, and is excited to be involved in a greater capacity.

Lauren is a MacEwan University graduate, having completed her undergraduate degree with a major in Psychology and a focus on Eating Disorders. Increasing awareness of Eating Disorders in diverse populations, including late onset disorders, diverse ethnocultural backgrounds, and those affecting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, is something she is especially passionate about.

Lauren loves cooking, gardening, and exploring the world.

Laura began with EDSNA in January 2024 and is passionate about mental health support and education in Alberta. A graduate of Grant MacEwan University, she has worked in communications and public relations for the last 16 years and enjoys helping non-profit organizations advance their missions through creative and strategic advocacy.

As Director of Awareness and Outreach, she is excited to help EDSNA continue to break down the stigma around eating disorders, increase awareness, and promote resources available to individuals living with an eating disorder, as well as their caregivers. 

Laura enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs as well as running, biking, being outdoors and hanging out with friends.

Hannah started volunteering with EDSNA in 2015 at the Edmonton Woman’s Show. Since then she has volunteered at many other shows, events, and Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Having lived experience with an eating disorder herself, Hannah hopes to educate and reduce the stigma surrounding eating disorders and mental health. Hannah is committed in both her career and personal life to live by EDSNA’s vision that no one should have to face an eating disorder alone. In her free time, Hannah loves writing poetry, spending time outdoors, and showing off photos of her dog Bella.