In an effort to give back to the profession and provide access to training, education and certification for the next generation of eating disorder professionals the leaders of the North Carolina iaedp™ Chapter began developing a plan to create a scholarship for the chapter early in 2019. In November 2019, the Chapter hosted a fundraising Gala where enough money was raised to bring this scholarship to life.  The award was designed by Chapter President, Ryan Sobus, MPH, RD, LDN, CEDRD-S and the Chapter Certification Chair, Alison Rhyne Allen, MSW, LCSW, LCSW, CCS, CEDS-S. In her role as the first Scholarship Committee Chairperson Alison developed the scholarship application, assembled the review committee, and designed the scoring process. The Scholarship Review Committee comprised of Jenn Burnell MS, RD LDN CEDRD-S, Trisha Scott, MSW, LCSW, CEDS-S, Sara Gonet, MS, RD LDN CEDRD and Bennett Kirkpatrick, MS, LCMHC, CEDS generously volunteered their time to review the applications and select a winner.

The Professional Scholarship was created for a professional who entered the eating disorder field within the past five years and is actively pursuing credentialing through iaedp™. The recipient for the Professional Scholarship received coverage of membership dues for 2021 and the registration fee for 2021 iaedp™ Symposium.

The Professional Scholarship Award was presented by the Scholarship Committee Chairperson at the third quarter chapter meeting on October 30th, 2020. The Chapter had seven applicants for the Professional Scholarship, five of whom were eligible. Out of those eligible, one applicant stood out as the clear winner and the award was presented to Kate Hanson, MSW, LCSWA.

Kate started working with individuals with eating disorders during her social work practicum in graduate school. After graduation, she accepted a position as a staff therapist at Carolina House and recently transitioned to an outpatient provider role at CAS Counseling Psychotherapy Associates. When asked about the recipient, her former  Clinical Supervisor Trisha Scott, MSW, LCSW, CEDS-S shared the following “Kate is an outstanding social worker who has dedicated so much time, energy, and hard work to become a knowledgeable eating disorder professional. Kate is deeply passionate about helping isolated and disadvantaged people access needed services. She is currently working to start an eating disorder therapy group for women over 40.”

Our Chapter is so proud of Kate and excited to celebrate this honor with her. We hope that this scholarship will help her to achieve her goal of becoming a CEDS!

Written By:  Alison Rhyne Allen, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, CEDS-S

Edited By:  Stephanie Farmer, LCMHC, LCAS-A

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