At Embody Carolina, we aim to provide support surrounding eating disorders, diet culture, and body image concerns to all students and the greater community. Sometimes, that comes down to an understanding voice and a compassionate conversation.
You are not alone. Submit an anonymous question to be answered on our blog, apply to talk 1:1 with one of our peer support members, or attend our peer support group with us!
You are not alone. Submit an anonymous question to be answered on our blog, apply to talk 1:1 with one of our peer support members, or attend our peer support group with us!
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Peer Support Team Members:
Katie Regittko
they/them, Junior
Hey Tar Heels! College can be really tough, I've been there. My first year was a whirlwind of an eating disorder relapse until I eventually had to leave my second semester to enter a higher level of care. The next year, I navigated classes while also being in intensive treatment at a center nearby. Managing my eating disorder recovery at college has been the balancing act of a lifetime, and it takes a lot of effort and strength. If you need someone to stand beside you as you navigate that process yourself, I am here for you. Some special interests of mine within eating disorder advocacy and support include harm reduction, oppression-based trauma, non-western treatments, carceral structures and abolition, and intersection with disability.
they/them, Junior
Hey Tar Heels! College can be really tough, I've been there. My first year was a whirlwind of an eating disorder relapse until I eventually had to leave my second semester to enter a higher level of care. The next year, I navigated classes while also being in intensive treatment at a center nearby. Managing my eating disorder recovery at college has been the balancing act of a lifetime, and it takes a lot of effort and strength. If you need someone to stand beside you as you navigate that process yourself, I am here for you. Some special interests of mine within eating disorder advocacy and support include harm reduction, oppression-based trauma, non-western treatments, carceral structures and abolition, and intersection with disability.
Kaleigh Thibodeau
she/her, Senior
Hey there! I’m Kaleigh and I’m a senior Psychology and Biology major here at UNC. While I love Carolina, my years here have definitely not been the easiest or most exciting. To say the least, college can be really hard. When adding an eating disorder and/or recovery on top of that, things become way more complex and difficult. As a senior who has personally been through the treatment process while at college, I understand the challenges and can relate to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and fear, etc.
More than anything, I wholeheartedly believe that no matter how big or small you feel your challenges are- they are valid and you are worth it. No one should have to be alone in their situation or their thoughts. Reaching out for support can be really scary, but I would love to be there for you in your own personal journey. I’m here with open ears and no judgement to listen or talk through anything you would like- eating disorder/treatment and mental health related or not…even if you just need a friend! Regardless of what you need or want to talk about, I’d love to just be there to celebrate with you and/or sit in any of the hard moments with you.
she/her, Senior
Hey there! I’m Kaleigh and I’m a senior Psychology and Biology major here at UNC. While I love Carolina, my years here have definitely not been the easiest or most exciting. To say the least, college can be really hard. When adding an eating disorder and/or recovery on top of that, things become way more complex and difficult. As a senior who has personally been through the treatment process while at college, I understand the challenges and can relate to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and fear, etc.
More than anything, I wholeheartedly believe that no matter how big or small you feel your challenges are- they are valid and you are worth it. No one should have to be alone in their situation or their thoughts. Reaching out for support can be really scary, but I would love to be there for you in your own personal journey. I’m here with open ears and no judgement to listen or talk through anything you would like- eating disorder/treatment and mental health related or not…even if you just need a friend! Regardless of what you need or want to talk about, I’d love to just be there to celebrate with you and/or sit in any of the hard moments with you.
Ally Latvala
she/her, Sophmore
Hi, it’s Ally Latvala! I’m a sophomore at UNC and my intended major is Nutrition. I’m a lover of curling up with a good book, spending time outside, music, and peanut butter!! While I haven’t personally been affected by an eating disorder, I am incredibly passionate about helping those that are struggling. College is a wonderful time, but it can also amplify any challenges we’re facing. Absolutely NO one should suffer silently from eating disorders and other mental illnesses. It can be hard to bring up tough topics to friends, family, and even licensed professionals in college, so I think there’s such value confiding in a peer mentor. I want to bring joy back to food and movement for people, because these things can truly add beauty to life. If you identify with any of this and are looking for support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
she/her, Sophmore
Hi, it’s Ally Latvala! I’m a sophomore at UNC and my intended major is Nutrition. I’m a lover of curling up with a good book, spending time outside, music, and peanut butter!! While I haven’t personally been affected by an eating disorder, I am incredibly passionate about helping those that are struggling. College is a wonderful time, but it can also amplify any challenges we’re facing. Absolutely NO one should suffer silently from eating disorders and other mental illnesses. It can be hard to bring up tough topics to friends, family, and even licensed professionals in college, so I think there’s such value confiding in a peer mentor. I want to bring joy back to food and movement for people, because these things can truly add beauty to life. If you identify with any of this and are looking for support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
