On Monday, December 5th, students had the opportunity to participate in a Disordered Eating Awareness program. The program, organized by Director of Counseling Nicole Siciliano with students Lindsey Taylor ’23 and Maddy Isabelle ’25, aimed to bring awareness to disordered eating and eating disorders. The National Association of Anorexia & Associated Disorders reports that eating disorders affect at least 9% of the population worldwide, with the most common age of onset between 12-25 years of age.
Learning from peers
Lindsey Taylor, a first-year senior boarding student from Burlington, Vermont, and Maddy Isabelle, a second-year sophomore day student from Gilford, New Hampshire, bravely shared how disordered eating has affected their lives. Their reflections gave a first-hand glimpse into the dangers of disordered eating and how seemingly benign behaviors can spiral into more serious issues. With their stories fresh in the minds of the audience, it was time to bring in an expert to provide clinical, educational context.
Hearing from the experts
Dr. Scott Schinaman, a local psychologist and eating disorder specialist, provided educational content, highlighting the differences between disordered eating and eating disorders. Learning to recognize signs of either is an untrained skill for many. Dr. Schinaman illustrated the complexities and details by sharing statistics and valuable insight. He also emphasized the importance of students and community members alike seeking professional help if they are concerned for themselves or a friend.
The presentation concluded with a question and answer session, wherein students had the opportunity to submit questions anonymously to Dr. Schinaman. Following the end of our time together in school meeting, many questions remained from our students as they considered the words of their peers. Dr. Schinaman took time to address them during the week and assembled them into a helpful resource for students. Students and community members can read more online.
About Dr. Schinaman
Dr. Schinaman is a graduate of the University of San Francisco, Southern New Hampshire University, and the California School of Professional Psychology. He holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist. Dr. Schinaman has presented at local and national symposiums on adolescent eating disorders and eating disorders in performance athletes.
Prior to dedicating himself to his local practice, Growing Roots, in Plymouth, New Hampshire, Dr. Schinaman served as the Senior Adolescent Eating Disorders Specialist, Program Coordinator, and Director of Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Programs at Walden Behavioral Care in Waltham, Massachusetts. He is a veteran of both the US Army and the US Air Force.
