Sarah Gleason RD LD CEDRD-S

My entry into the world of nutrition happened after much searching and a few changes in majors. I spent the first three semesters of college bouncing around from Elementary Education to Speech Pathology to Undecided. It was strongly suggested that I pick a major, so I chose nutrition. After graduation I worked in gyms, nursing homes, ENT floor, outpatient diabetes center etc. and I didn’t find the right fit. In the back of my head I kept hearing “eating disorders” being whispered to me. In 1999, my husband and I moved across the country to Arizona. A position at Sierra Tucson opened up soon after moving to Tucson. I applied, got the job, and never looked back. Since then, my life’s work has been nutrition therapy for eating disorder recovery. 

I was the 2nd person in Missouri dietitian to earn the CEDRD credential. I specialize in working with binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, and OSFED. I work with people face to face and in the virtual setting. I am currently licensed to work with clients in Missouri and Illinois. 

Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian- Supervisor (CEDRD-S). 

Being a CEDRD-S means I have advanced expertise and proficiency in the field of eating disorders. I was the second dietitian in the Midwest to earn the credential.  A CEDRD credential will promise that the knowledge base of the dietitian is extensive, focused and robust in the realm of eating disorder disorders. A person with a CEDRD has routine education fine-tuning their nutrition education skills for eating disorder recovery as well as having access to education into the medical and therapy side of recovery. Being a CEDRD-S indicates a dietitian has shown such a strong proficiency in this field they are able to offer supervision, also known as mentorship, to other dietitians or therapists who want to learn more about eating disorders recovery. 

When searching for the right dietitian, you don't need to work with a dietitian who has a CEDRD. There are highly qualified dietitians without this credential so don't dismiss a possible team member without asking pointed, direct questions about their expertise in eating disorders nutrition recovery. Not all dietitians are the same and the best person for you may take some time to find. Reach out and ask questions.

Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor 

As a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, I have been trained and certified by the founders of Intuitive Eating to use the Intuitive Eating principles. I use this education to help people find peace with food and create a healthy relationship with their mind and body again. 

Health At Every Size (HAES® ) Expert

As a HAES expert, I have taken the Health At Every Size pledge to practice and advocate for: size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Check out the Association for Size Diversity's statement of the HAES®Principles here.

Past Chair of the Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetics Practice Group (BHN DPG)

BHN is a group for dietitians who are interested/practice in the field of behavioral health, eating disorders, addictions and intellectual development disorders. As Chair of this organization, I brought awareness about eating disorders to dietitians whether they work in this field or not. I worked along side like-minded dietitians to increase the amount nutrition resources available. 

Past Secretary of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp), St. Louis chapter

 I held the executive committee  position of Secretary for the Missouri St. Louis IAEDP chapter. The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp) is the premier organization that brings together eating disorder professionals. 

Registered and Licensed Dietitian (RD/LD) 

I am a registered dietitian, not be to confused with a nutritionist. I went to college for 5 years, and I passed the necessary exam to become a registered dietitian. I have yearly continuing education to keep me updated on medical nutrition therapy, nutrition in Eating Disorders recovery and I continue to learn about medical complications related to ED as well as new psycho-therapies involved in recovery. A nutritionist could be someone who took a weekend course at the local community college.