Episode description:

In this episode of Peace Meal, we’re joined by Mindy Elliott, Director of Education at The Emily Program, for a thoughtful conversation about supporting students in eating disorder treatment. With over a decade of experience, Mindy speaks to the concerns that many families face: What happens to school during treatment? Will my child fall behind? She offers both reassurance and practical insight, emphasizing that recovery and academic progress are not mutually exclusive. In fact, with the right support, they can go hand-in-hand.

Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or student yourself, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to choose between your health and education. With compassionate, individualized care, students can keep learning—and keep healing.

About Mindy:

Mindy Elliott, MS, (she/her) is the Director of Education and leads the education and school services at The Emily Program (TEP). She developed the academic programming for our Southeast sites beginning in 2012 and currently works with all TEP sites. She is dedicated to removing barriers to treatment by meeting the unique educational needs of each individual.

A leader in the hospital educator field, Mindy serves on the executive board of the Hospital Educator and Academic Liaison Association, the North American organization supporting professionals who work to improve the educational outcomes of students with medical and mental health needs. Mindy is also an Associate Editor of the international journal, Continuity in Education, focusing on the education of children and young people with medical and mental health needs. She holds degrees in English and curriculum and instruction, earned additional graduate certificates in school leadership and gifted education, and is a licensed principal in North Carolina.

We cover:

What school looks like during eating disorder treatment—and how it’s built into The Emily Program’s care

Why delaying treatment for school can backfire

What affirming support looks like for neurodivergent students

How families and schools can work together to support recovery

What to remember when treatment feels like “bad timing”

In Mindy's words:

On the myth that school has to come first: “There doesn't need to be a choice between school and treatment. Programs like The Emily Program offer school integrated into the treatment setting so that as your child gets well, they can continue making progress in school.”

On how academic accommodations work in care: “Our teachers are barrier busters. They look at each student individually…they can make a plan that’s both supportive of the child’s academic goals as well as their treatment goals.”

On the danger of waiting for the “perfect time:” “Eating disorder treatment is not something that can be done quickly and just timed perfectly for a school break. And so, kind of releasing that idea that school is the major decision maker…can help you focus on your recovery.”

Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. 

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About the podcast:

Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking.

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Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.