INVITED SPEAKERS

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Natasha Burke (Fordham University). Dr. Burke leads an interdisciplinary research group that focuses on eating- and weight-related disparities by addressing measurement, models, and interventions for multiply marginalized children, adolescents, and emerging adults. Dr. Burke’s areas of research encompass the complex interplay among weight status, sociodemographic characteristics, psychological comorbidities, and associated risk factors. Given the persistence of significant eating- and weight-related health inequities, the goal of Dr. Burke and team is to continue to inform research and interventions in racialized communities and economically disadvantaged populations.

Intersectionality’s Applicability in Eating Disorder Research, Clinical, and Advocacy Work: A Voice for the Multiply Marginalized

Summary and Objectives:

A prerequisite to adequate mental health treatment inherently includes understanding the complexity of people, human nature, and the human experience. Intersectionality allows such contextualization as it recognizes that an individual’s interlocking aspects of identity operates within existing systems of power, privilege, and oppression that differentially influence and predict one’s experiences and outcomes. During Dr. Burke’s talk, she will define intersectionality and its historical underpinnings, discuss intersectionality’s applicability in eating disorder research, clinical, and advocacy work, and highlight practical steps individuals can take within their spheres of influence to help address the needs of their participants and patients. As part of this discussion, Dr. Burke will focus on areas of ongoing tension within the field, particularly related to historically – and currently – marginalized populations within the eating disorder field. Specifically, Dr. Burke will touch on bias and stigma related to weight, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and gender. Considering intersectionality in the field of eating disorders is critical as it has important implications for risk, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

This keynote will:

Define intersectionality and discuss its applicability in the eating disorder field
Highlight practical steps to incorporate intersectionality in practice
Examine intersectionality in the context of the multiply marginalized

Michael Ungar, Ph.D.

Michael Ungar, Ph.D., is a Family Therapist and Professor of Social Work at Dalhousie University where he holds a prestigious national Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience. His research on resilience around the world and across cultures has made him the number one ranked scholar in his field, with numerous educational institutions, government agencies, and not-for-profits, relying on his research and clinical work to guide their approaches to nurturing the resilience of children and adults. He is the author of 17 books for parents, educators, mental health professionals, and employers, including his most recent works Change Your World: The Science of Resilience and the True Path to Success, a book for adults experiencing challenges.

Nurturing Resilience: Finding the Personal Qualities and Social Supports We Need to Thrive

Summary and Objectives:

Throughout this fast-paced, story-filled keynote, Dr. Ungar will show that resilience is much more than just personal ruggedness in the face of adversity. It is instead a reflection of how well individuals, families, and employers work together to create opportunities for us to access the resources we need for well-being while making those resources available in ways that we experience as meaningful. Based on Dr. Ungar’s research around the world and his clinical practice, this presentation explores how those who help others can avoid burnout and maintain their own career and life resilience when stressors pile up at home and on the job. Twelve factors that make us more resilient as adults will be discussed, along with practical tools participants can use to find the resources they need to cope successfully in culturally and contextually relevant ways. Dr. Ungar will also show how these same factors can help the people we work with achieve their life goals, emphasizing the value of clinical and community work as a resource for resilience. Finally, Dr. Ungar will talk about vicarious resilience, the positive impact we experience as helpers when we nurture resilience in others.

Specifically, this workshop/keynote will:

Show that resilience involves being both rugged and resourced.
Discuss 12 factors associated with resilience.
Identify strategies individuals can use to make themselves more resilient, even during times of extreme stress.

Plenary Speakers

Ameilia Austin, Ph.D.

Wendy Preskow

Sierra Turner

Plenary abstract:

This presentation will examine, critique, and challenge traditional conceptualizations of recovery from an eating disorder. Its overarching aim is to expand historical views of recovery using real-world considerations from research and lived experience, while engaging the audience in meaningful conversation. The role of recovery alongside data from real world contexts will be shared by Dr. Amelia Austin, while Sierra Turner and Wendy Preskow will share realities and lessons learned from personal and caregiver lived experience perspectives, respectively. An interactive conversation between presenters and the audience will be led by Dr. Josie Geller, providing attendees the opportunity to reflect upon their own experiences and engage with presenters from both personal and professional perspectives. This session will provide a unique opportunity to discuss some of the challenges of real-world recovery that may not fit into traditional conceptualizations. It is hoped that attendees will leave feeling a new understanding of recovery and foster hope around how to better support patients and clients, with greater attention to patients’ individual needs.