2025 Spring SAP Consortium
March 31, 2025 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Virtual Program
Topic: Beyond the Surface: Identifying, Understanding, and Addressing Eating Disorders in Schools
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that often go unnoticed in school settings. As educators and staff, you play a crucial role in recognizing the signs, providing support, and fostering a school environment that promotes healthy relationships with food and body image.
This presentation will explore:
• Current statistics and trends in eating disorders, including differences across age and gender
• Common myths and misconceptions that contribute to stigma
• The connection between mental health, personality traits, and eating disorders
• How body image struggles manifest in students
• Practical guidance on supporting students and promoting early intervention
• Resources for educators, students, and families
Join us as we go beyond the surface to better understand the hidden struggles many students face and learn how to create a more informed and supportive school community.
“Mental strength is not the ability to stay out of the darkness; it’s the ability to sit present in the darkness knowing that the light will shine again.”
Guest Speaker: Dianna Chillo
Dianna Chillo, LCSW-R, is a psychotherapist in private practice in New Windsor, NY, with over 24 years of experience. She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, binge eating disorder, OSFED, and body image concerns. In addition, she provides therapy for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions.
Dianna earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the College of Mount St. Vincent and went on to obtain her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University.
Beyond clinical work, Dianna is deeply committed to advocacy, education, and prevention in the field of eating disorders. She has provided in-service training and presentations for educators, students, and counselors, participated in community panel discussions, and supervised fellow clinicians. A recognized voice in the media, she frequently speaks on eating disorders, recovery, and education.
Dianna has partnered with NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) and the EDC (Eating Disorders Coalition) to lobby for legislative changes in eating disorder prevention, awareness, and treatment, both in Washington, DC, and Albany, NY. She is actively involved in National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, collaborating with NEDA to spread awareness through blogs, literature, videos, and social media. Additionally, she is a frequent contributor to NEDA’s online blog, writing about self-care, body image, advocacy, and her own recovery journey.
As a dedicated advocate, Dianna is a member of Project HEAL’s Healer’s Circle, a national network of treatment providers who donate their time and services to Project HEAL grant recipients.
