Our Team

Johanna Kandel
Founder & CEO
Joann Hendelman
PhD, RN, FAED, CEDS-C
Clinical Supervisor
McCall Dempsey
Director of Southern Smash
Owen O’Shea
Director of Development
Rachel Rifkin
LMHC, CEDS-C
Director of Support Group Services
Allie Weiser
PsyD, CEDS
Director of Helpline Services
Monica Alomia
Operations Manager
Courtney Virginia Fox
LMSW
Support Group Manager
Laurie Yurchuck
Outreach & Communications Manager
Victoria Knoll
RSW
Senior Helpline Therapist
Nic Coppage
RCSWI
Helpline Therapist
Ellen Davis
MSEd, LPCC
Helpline Therapist
Allison Ford
LMHC, CEDS
Helpline Therapist
Alicia Chatterton
LMHC, CEDS
findEDhelp Coordinator
Ally Emig
LCSW, CEDS-C, RYT
Education Specialist
Millie Plotkin
MLS, FAED
ED Information Gateway Specialist
Kiara Williams
LMHC, NCC
BIPOC Support Group Supervisor
Teddy
Chief Dog Officer
Jack
Pup Security Officer
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Johanna Kandel (She/Her) is a nationally recognized leader, advocate, and expert in the field of eating disorders. As the Founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, she has dedicated more than two decades to advancing access to care, support, and education for individuals affected by eating disorders and their loved ones. After personally struggling and recovering from a decade-long battle with various eating disorders, Johanna turned her lived experience into purpose—founding The Alliance in 2000.

Under her leadership, the organization has grown into the leading national nonprofit providing referrals, support groups, and advocacy across all 50 states. Johanna is a trusted voice in national mental health policy and legislative advocacy. She has worked closely with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, participated in the first-ever Eating Disorders Roundtable at the White House, and served as a member of the federal Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC) under HHS. She is also the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) and a proud member of the Collaborative of Eating Disorders Organizations (CEDO).

She is the author of Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder (Harlequin), and a frequent media contributor, featured in outlets such as The Today Show, NBC News, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour. Johanna has received numerous accolades for her service and advocacy, including the Jefferson Award for Public Service, the Academy for Eating Disorders’ Meehan/Hartley Leadership Award, and Harlequin Enterprises’ More Than Words Award. A fierce champion for change, Johanna continues to drive national conversations on eating disorders with compassion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to saving lives.

CLICK HERE to email Johanna.

Dr. Joann Hendelman (She/Her) is the Clinical Supervisor of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Dr. Hendelman trains and supervises The Alliance’s Support Group Facilitators and groups that are currently held virtually and across the country.

Dr. Hendelman is author of “Eating Disorders: A Maladaptive Coping Mechanism,” in Stress in the Modern World, published 2017. Dr. Hendelman has spoken on many areas of eating disorders to professional and lay audiences nationally and internationally since 1981.

Dr. Hendelman is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Registered Nurse. Dr. Hendelman is a Fellow in the Academy for Eating Disorders (FAED). She is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS), a Certified Eating Disorders Registered Nurse (CEDRN), and an iaedp Approved Supervisor for those seeking certification. Dr. Hendelman maintains a private practice in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

CLICK HERE to contact Dr. Hendelman.

McCall Dempsey (She/Her), founder of Southern Smash, is an eating disorder survivor and passionate recovery advocate. After a 15-year battle, McCall sought treatment in December 2010. Since then she has made eating disorder awareness and prevention her life’s work and passion. McCall travels the country, sharing her story of hope and healing with audiences everywhere. From high school auditoriums to treatment centers to corporate meetings, her message of authenticity and embracing your inner-uniqueness transcends all ages.

McCall also writes the popular blog, Loving Imperfection. Her writing has been featured in various national television, print and online publications, including Today Show, Women’s Health, Southern Living and Huffington Post. A Louisiana native, McCall now resides in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, with her husband, Jordan, and her two children, Manning and Marjorie.

CLICK HERE to email McCall.

Owen O’Shea studied business and played lacrosse at Notre Dame de Namur University before beginning his career overseas as a civilian in Southwest Asia. Upon returning to the United States from Afghanistan, he dedicated himself to supporting returning military service members through a variety of organizations, with a primary focus on fundraising. Over the course of his career, Owen has helped raise millions of dollars for organizations dedicated to advancing both physical and mental health for military and first responders.

Having lived on four continents, Owen brings a global perspective to his work. He and his wife, Erin, a Registered Dietitian, live in Delray Beach, Florida, with their son, Liam. In his free time, Owen is an avid surfer and enjoys coaching lacrosse.

CLICK HERE to contact Owen.

Rachel Rifkin, LMHC, CEDS-C (She/Her) is a licensed mental health counselor, specializing in eating disorders within the LGBTQ+ community. She received her dual Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Teacher’s College, Columbia University, with a certification in Sexuality, Women, and Gender studies. Her clinical training includes experience as a therapist in eating disorders treatment facilities, and working in her own private practice. As a Queer clinician with lived eating disorder experience, she is passionate about increasing access to care and reducing stigma about mental health.

Rachel has been involved with The Alliance since 2013, and is the Director of Support Group Services.

CLICK HERE to contact Rachel.

Dr. Allie Weiser (She/Her) is the Director of Helpline Services at The Alliance, a licensed Clinical Psychologist, and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). She earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Weiser began her career in the field at an inpatient eating disorders program for children, before joining The Alliance, where she worked in an outpatient eating disorders clinic serving uninsured and underinsured individuals. It was through this work that her passion for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders was solidified.

In her current role, Dr. Weiser supervises the helpline therapists and manages findEDhelp, the Alliance’s database that connects individuals and families to eating disorder care. She is committed to advocating for all individuals experiencing eating disorders, providing education to community members and providers, and connecting individuals and families to treatment. Dr. Weiser also maintains a virtual private practice, where she works with clients navigating eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, and the unique mental health needs of athletes.

When not working, you can find Dr. Weiser at the beach with her dog Jack, The Alliance’s pup security officer

CLICK HERE to contact Dr. Weiser.

When an organization needs… organization, they call Monica Alomia (she/her).  Ever since she was a child in her native Peru and throughout her 20-year career in Florida, Monica thrives on making sure operations run smoothly. And she can do it in two languages! Monica is a Business Administration graduate with extensive experience managing client-centric office operations in Health, Financial and in Public Sectors. She truly prides herself on making everyone around her look good, especially top-level executives.

Working for local government is where Monica found her passion for helping others. In her down time, she volunteers and gives back to the South Florida community she loves so much. That’s why Monica is so excited about joining the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. When she’s not helping those in need, you’ll find Monica crafting, attending music concerts – or just soaking up the sun on one of Florida’s many beaches.

CLICK HERE to contact Monica.

Courtney Virginia (CV) Fox (they/she) is a licensed master social worker and the Support Groups Manager at The Alliance. CV is passionate about supporting people in their healing journeys—particularly around body image, eating disorders, and identity. They bring a relational, humanistic, and strengths-based approach to their work, fostering collaborative, affirming, and anti-oppressive spaces where peoples’ full identities are honored. CV holds a master’s degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, where they completed a specialization in Gender and Sexuality and conducted a capstone project on preventing eating disorders in LGBTQ+ youth.

When not working, Courtney Virginia enjoys reading young adult novels, spending time with her dogs, and fostering kittens.

CLICK HERE to contact Courtney Virginia.

Laurie Yurchuck (she/her) is the Outreach & Communications Manager at the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) in Psychology from the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College at Florida Atlantic University. Laurie has been involved with The Alliance for over a decade in many different capacities. Her lived eating disorder experience, as well as having utilized The Alliance’s services firsthand, has been instrumental in the various roles she has held over the years.

When she’s not working, you can probably find her re-watching Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, or Law & Order SVU for the millionth time.

CLICK HERE to contact Laurie.

Victoria Knoll, MSW, RSW (she/her) graduated with her Master’s of Social Work from Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers, FL. She received her Bachelor’s of Social Work, with a Minor in Psychology, from Toronto Metropolitan University. Victoria is committed to promoting equity and inclusion, while working from an anti-oppressive framework in practice.

Victoria has experience working in case management within the mental health space. She became passionate about working with those affected by eating disorders while completing an internship at the National Eating Disorder Information Center (NEDIC), located in Toronto, during her undergraduate program. During this experience, she worked in the Outreach and Education sector, where she learned about the importance of eating disorder awareness and early intervention. Victoria is driven to promote a non-dieting philosophy, and increase access to treatment to support the recovery process. Victoria is currently working in the Resources Department as a Senior Helpline Therapist at The Alliance. When not working, you can find Victoria at the beach!

CLICK HERE to contact Victoria.

Nicole (Nic) Coppage, MSW, RCSWI (They/Them) graduated with their Master’s of Social Work from the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. They obtained a Bachelor’s in English and Communications with the intention of becoming a teacher, but realized after their own experience with an eating disorder that their passion actually was in mental health and advocacy for those in marginalized identities. Nic’s areas of interest include eating disorders and LGBTQIA+ issues, and they take a social-justice and trauma-informed perspective when working with clients.

Nic completed their master’s internship at a non-profit for those who are unhoused, performing case management and individual psychotherapy. They also served as mental health staff for the Florida-based, LGBTQIA+ nonprofit, CampOUT Florida, which is a week-long youth summer camp for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies. They not only provided mental health support in this role, but also taught workshops to campers on body positivity and provided basic training on eating disorder awareness and non-dieting approaches to staff.

CLICK HERE to contact Nic.

Ellen Davis (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music and Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Dayton.

Throughout her life and career, Ellen has been passionate about serving individuals in marginalized communities and advocating for equitable access to care. Before becoming a therapist, she served with both Mercy Volunteer Corps and AmeriCorps, as well as volunteered with organizations supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including RAINN. Her professional experience includes providing individual, group, and family therapy in community mental health, private practice, and university counseling center settings. She specializes in working with individuals navigating eating disorders, trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression, and is especially passionate about supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Today, as a Helpline Therapist and Support Group Facilitator with the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, Ellen is honored to provide compassionate support, connect individuals and families with treatment resources, and facilitate spaces where people feel seen, understood, and empowered throughout their recovery journeys.

Ellen’s passion for eating disorder advocacy is also deeply personal. As someone with lived experience of eating disorder recovery, she understands firsthand the barriers that can exist when seeking care. Her experience continues to fuel her commitment to increasing access to weight-inclusive, affirming care and to reminding others that recovery is possible. Outside of work, Ellen enjoys reading, making arts and crafts, playing clarinet in her community band, spending time outdoors with her dog, Luna, and exploring local coffee shops.

CLICK HERE to contact Ellen.

Allison Ford, LMHC, CEDS (she/her) is a Helpline Therapist for the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Allison obtained her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, FL. She has gathered experience through different levels of care in community mental health, residential eating disorder treatment facilities, crisis stabilization, and private practice. Allison is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) and has worked closely with Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD).

Allison emphasizes therapy as a safe space where difficult concepts can gently be explored. She is passionate about the healing process and helping guide people back to themselves. When not working, you can find Allison at the dog park with her pup, in yoga class, or enjoying the Florida sunshine with friends.

CLICK HERE to contact Allison.

Alicia Chatterton, LMHC, CEDS (She/Her) is the findEDhelp Coordinator for the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Alicia obtained her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University in IL and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. Alicia has provided therapy services in community mental health settings, gaining experience with individuals facing health condition-related stigma. Additionally, she has provided mental health services within a competitive arts education setting.

Alicia is passionate about helping others find their self-worth apart from external measures. She strives to provide individuals with a non-judgmental space to discover inner wisdom, healing, and beauty unbound by conventional standards. When not working, you can find Alicia watching movies with her husband and kitty cats, sipping a latte, or dabbling in her interests of home décor and makeup artistry.

CLICK HERE to contact Alicia.

Ally Emig (She/Her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Eating Disorder Specialist & Consultant (CEDS-C), and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) in Kentucky and Louisiana. After graduating with her Masters in Social Work from Boston College, she moved to Chicago and began her career as a clinician in a fast-paced Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Program for Eating Disorders. She has over a decade of leadership and specialized experience working in the field – from managing an Eating Disorder Partial Hospitalization Program, to being an Outpatient Therapist, to most recently managing the East Coast and Midwest Clinical Assessment Team at Eating Recovery Center. Since she has settled back into her home state of Kentucky, she is now offering outpatient therapy in her private practice. Ally is passionate about providing highly specialized therapy to individuals of all ages experiencing eating disorders.

Ally is also dedicated to providing education to professionals, schools, community organizations, hospital systems, students, families and more. She believes that increased education leads to early detection and intervention which improves outcomes for all. She’s been involved with The Alliance since 2018 and in addition to her role as an Education Specialist, can also be found regularly co-facilitating their free clinician-led virtual support groups.

CLICK HERE to contact Ally.

Millie Plotkin, MLS, FAED (she/her) is known as the “eating disorders librarian”. After earning her Masters of Library Science from Catholic University in Washington, DC, Milie worked at the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health Library. She was informationist (a specialized medical librarian) for Eating Recovery Center from 2013-2023. In 2021, she was recognized as a Mover & Shaker by Library Journal for creating the Eating Disorders Information Gateway. She is now consulting informationist for ACUTE Denver Health and a medical librarian at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Milie has been volunteering in eating disorders advocacy since 2001 when she founded ANAD‘s annual National Candlelight Vigil. She served as Director of Social and Online Media on the board of the Academy for Eating Disorders and is a Fellow of the AED. She continues to volunteer with committees and task forces for the Academy. In 2023, she raised funds for The Alliance by hiking the tallest mountains in Scotland and Wales. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with two feline research assistants.

CLICK HERE to contact Millie.

Kiara Williams, LMHC, LPCC, NCC (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with years of experience across a variety of settings including intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and private practice. She has specialized experience working with anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma in children, adolescents, and adults. Her therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, utilizing evidence-based practices and focusing on the needs of the client. Kiara takes an integrative approach focusing on the whole client viewing each person from a holistic perspective. Kiara feels passionately about meeting each client where they are in their journey and helping them reach healing.

Teddy, our 4-year-old Australian Labradoodle, brings a very special kind of calm to the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Known affectionately as “Eeyore,” Teddy has perfected the art of quiet companionship. With his soulful eyes, gentle presence, and perpetually thoughtful expression, he reminds us all that it’s okay to have slow days — and that comfort can be found in simply being together. When he’s not lying under a desk offering silent support, you can find Teddy reluctantly participating in group photos, staring pensively out windows, or softly sighing his way through the workday. His mission is simple: to bring a sense of peace, patience, and emotional honesty to everyone he meets.

Jack, our 1-year-old Catahoula–Pitbull mix, is The Alliance’s resident goofball and certified bringer of laughter. Known for his boundless energy, questionable coordination, and impressive talent for opening every office door in the building (whether invited or not), Jack ensures no team member is ever without surprise company. When he’s not dramatically flinching at his own reflection or investigating suspiciously inanimate objects (like printers or birthday balloons), Jack can be found trotting proudly down the hallway, limbs flailing with enthusiasm, ready to “help” with whatever’s going on. His comic timing is impeccable, his heart enormous, and his zoomies legendary. Despite his derpy charm and mild fear of stationery, Jack’s greatest gift is his ability to make everyone laugh — reminding us that joy and lightness are an important part of healing, too.