We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sophia Parker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sophia below.

Sophia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Working on graphics for Project HEAL, especially ones specifically related to eating disorder awareness, is extremely important to me. As someone with lived experience of an eating disorder and a passion for the work that Project HEAL does, I think that it is so important to share not only facts, but real stories about people’s experiences. It’s so important to me to educate people about the realities and impacts of eating disorders, as well as how Project HEAL – in addition to the impact it has in treatment sphere – works to include everyone in the conversation

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?

I have my MA in Forensic Psychology, and before working with Project HEAL I worked in case management, specifically with adults diagnosed with mental illness coming out of the prison system back into the community. I worked in this field for a long time, until 2019, when I left work to go back to eating disorder treatment. I spent most of that year in treatment, and later found myself in a position to do more volunteer work rather than going back to a formal job. I joined Project HEAL as an Ambassador, and eventually worked up to being the Ambassador Program Co-Manager. Project HEAL’s Ambassador Program includes people from all over the world, although primarily in the US. I work to onboard and connect with Ambassadors, but also assist in running the program’s Instagram account. Using this account I share resources, news, and awareness and fundraising campaigns. I find that the Instagram is a great way to connect with Ambassadors, and it also allows me to pose questions and start discussion amongst the Ambassadors. I think that my dedication to the organization and passion for the promotion of information about eating disorders – both statistical and personal – make me stand out in my work with Project HEAL and its Ambassadors.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the rewards of my work go beyond financial, as I am working in a volunteer position. I love being able to connect with other people around a topic that has been such a huge and impactful part of my life. I love being able to bring the topic of eating disorders – as well as the barriers around treatment and care – into the conversations of the general public. There is not only an abundance of misinformation out there about eating disorders, but there is a marked lack of information at all. I love being able to bring this extremely and ever-growing topic more visibility, and foster conversation about the complex of eating disorders, not only as a mental illness, but as a system.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think the fact that I am able to work in this field while having a history of an eating disorder really speaks to my resilience. Eating disorder recovery and healing is extremely difficult work, and it can be challenging to navigate my own mental and physical health while being surrounded by material that can be extremely triggering. I think that being able to connect with others, and provide some sort of guidance, despite my own struggles with an eating disorder really speaks to my resilience and passion with my work in this community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Personal: @suppasoph_parker

Image Credits

N/A – personal photos