According to the National Eating Disorder Association, in America alone, more than 10 million women and 1 million men will struggle with a clinically significant eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. Many of these struggles begin in childhood, and experts are recommending prevention programs starting by age six. The objective of this session is to promote broad, inclusive understanding of the nature, prevalence and prevention of disordered eating and unhealthy relationships with food and body image. In this session, participants will learn about the basics and potential causes of disordered eating and how their efforts in the classroom and with parents can help prevent eating disorders and related issues. The session will help to dispel myths and equip teachers with tools and resources they need to build a healthy environment and dialogue around body image, nutrition, emotional resilience and self-care.

Speaker Information

Christie Dondero, Director of Development & Community Programs, Rock Recovery

Christie Dondero is the Director of Development and Community Programs at Rock Recovery, a Washington, DC area non-profit organization that supports the journey to freedom from disordered eating through individual recovery and community empowerment programs. In her role at Rock Recovery, Ms. Dondero leads business development efforts and strategic partnership programs and manages community outreach initiatives and events. She brings more than nine years of combined experience in public relations, change management, project management and development. Prior to Rock Recovery, Ms. Dondero held roles with PricewaterhouseCoopers and with Habitat for Humanity’s seventh largest affiliate office. Ms. Dondero holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Spanish from NC State University. She currently resides in Washington, DC.

DC Metro Teacher Wellness Symposium Presentations