We were lucky to catch up with Dawn Smith-Theodore recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dawn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

I began working in 1999, at Monte Nido, the first 6 bed facility established for women with eating disorders in Malibu, CA. Carolyn Costin began the facility because she had worked in multiple hospitals and wanted to help women recover in a home like setting. The house was located in the Santa Monica Mountains. Carolyn wanted to hire therapists who had recovered from their own eating disorder as she had done.

Carolyn became my mentor, boss and friend who taught me so much about being a therapist and the treatment of eating disorders. I had recovered from anorexia, but had never known other people with eating disorders. Monte Nido was a very special place where women came to heal. I always say that the last part of my journey to recover from my eating disorder came when I sat in group with Carolyn and other women and listened to their stories. I had the opportunity to learn from the best and the time at Monte Nido and working with Carolyn taught me to be the therapist I am today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Dawn Smith-Theodore, MA, MFT, CEDS was a former professional dancer, owned a dance studio for 25 years in Los Angeles and is the author of “TuTu Thin” A Guide to Dancing Without an Eating Disorder. She is also the host of the podcast, TuTu Thin…. How to be a Healthy Dancer or Athlete in Mind, Body and Spirit. Dawn has written articles for Pointe Magazine and her book has been featured in Pointe, Dance Teacher and Dance Magazine. She was most recently interviewed by People Magazine as an eating disorder expert in the entertainment field. Dawn is also a leader in the treatment of eating disorders, adding to her psychotherapy practice the insights of a dance professional, who has personally recovered from anorexia nervosa. Dawn has treated eating disorders for over 20 years and has a private practice in Los Angeles. She was a Clinical Director and National Director of Day Treatment Services for Monte Nido and Affiliates. Dawn appeared on “Starving Secrets” as an eating disorder expert on Lifetime. Dawn enjoys speaking to dancers around the world on how to be a healthy dancer from a psychological perspective as well as helping parents and dance educators on prevention and early identification of eating disorders.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I love what I do and would absolutely choose my career again as a psychotherapist treating individuals with eating disorders. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with my clients and hold the light for them through the dark tunnel when it is difficult to see the light. I believe the fact that I have recovered from an eating disorder helps the clients to trust me and recognize that I know what they are going through.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I believe that compassion, empathy in the relationship with the client is a key component. It is also important to have follow through with returning phone calls as well as meeting other professionals who can be a referral source. Establishing yourself in the community as a leader in your field.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dawntheodore.com
• Instagram: @tutu_thin
• Facebook: TuTu Thin
• Linkedin: Dawn Theodore
• Twitter: @tututhin