Treating Eating Disorders in the Context of Substance Abuse

Katie graduated from Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia and earned a master’s degree in community agency counseling from Montevallo University in Montevallo, Alabama. She has been at A Center for Eating Disorders (ACED) for almost 10 years and has worked with preteen and teenage girls for more than 20 years in various ways. She was an English teacher, a field hockey and lacrosse coach, and a longtime summer-camp counselor. Katie also worked in the community programs Girls’ Inc and Girls On the Run, and served as the director of youth programs on a cruise ship. Katie works diligently to coordinate all adolescent programming and services for ACED’s adolescent clients. She works alongside parents, families and the extended community of all adolescent clients at ACED. She works directly with each client’s school system to provide education and outreach to ensure each client’s academic needs are carefully coordinated and met. Katie is currently completing her advanced Family Based Therapy (FBT) Training, and proud to soon be among the first Southeastern Certified FBT therapists.

Claire Fierman was born and raised in the world of recovery. After family members’ personal struggles with addiction, Claire became passionate about helping others heal. For over thirteen years, Claire has devoted herself to clinical work in the treatment of addiction and mental health issues. As Chief Operating Officer with A Center for Eating Disorders, Claire uses her skills to create a culture and environment where full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Claire’s clinical practice and expertise stem from her own personal therapeutic work. Spending countless hours diving deeply into her own personal history in order to heal, she is able to connect with and support her clients in a unique way. With her clinical experience

Claire has the ability to recognize the inherent wholeness of each client and create a safe and non-judgmental environment where she can witness their stories. Understanding that growth and healing is more powerful when clients find their own answers, Claire leads her clients as they engage in the process of discovering truth and healing. Claire graduated from the University of Montevallo with a Master’s degree in counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has extensive clinical experience, having worked in residential treatment as a primary therapist, Clinical Director, Director of Business Development and also starting her own successful private practice. When she isn’t working, you can find Claire with her kids and pets, porch sitting, listening to music and exploring the outdoors.