Staff Spotlight, Caleb Kaihoi

TEP: Tell us about yourself!

Caleb: I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Site Director at the St. Paul, Como Avenue location, which is an adult outpatient clinic. I have been at the Como location for almost a year and I previously was the Site Director at the Anna Westin House for Adolescents and Young Adults for two years. Prior to that, I was a Therapist at the Anna Westin house for two years. Outside of work, I spend my time with my wife and two daughters. I like to spend time outside playing with the girls, golfing, or working on outdoor projects. Other interests include listening to music, completing house projects, spending time with family and watching sports, especially Gophers basketball, volleyball, and the Minnesota Twins.

TEP: Why did you choose to work for The Emily Program?

Caleb: I chose to work for the Emily Program because I wanted to join an organization that strives to be the best at what they do, in this case, the best at treating eating disorders. I believe strongly in the mission of The Emily Program and the values that it upholds. I feel very fortunate to work with amazing colleagues and fantastic clients.

TEP: What is the best part about being a site director?

Caleb: My favorite part about being a site director is being able to support the amazing team of clinicians at Como in order to provide the best services and client experience that we can. I have the amazing opportunity to see all aspects of what The Emily Program is doing and I work to make decisions that are going to enhance client experience and ultimately help improve the quality and accessibility to care at the Como location and throughout The Emily Program. I also get to see the progress that clients make, including the clients I knew from residential treatment who are now moving forward with rewarding aspects of their lives such as having families, finishing school, or pursuing careers.

TEP: What is the best advice you could give to someone that is just starting eating disorder treatment?

Caleb: My advice would be to be patient, be kind to yourself, and really focus on what gives you value as a person. Eating disorders so often convince us that we are only valuable if we adhere to certain food rules, look a certain way, control our emotions, achieve, perform, or meet some other unrealistic standard that has formulated within us over the years. It is important to return to truly knowing, believing, and experiencing the reality that each person is equally valuable just as they are.

TEP: What are you looking forward to this year?

Caleb: I am looking forward to taking my girls to tee ball and soccer and playing in the yard. I am looking forward to cookouts, family time, listening to great music and enjoying summer and fall. I am also looking forward to continuing to grow with my team and the clients at Como and the work we are doing to reduce the impact of eating disorders to improve lives through treatment at The Emily Program.