Staff Spotlight, Kate Opichka

TEP: Tell us about yourself!

Kate: I am an outpatient dietitian and adolescent IOP program dietitian at The Emily Program’s Saint Louis Park location.  Outside of The Emily Program, I like to be outdoors: walking, biking, or being on the lake.  I also enjoy traveling, trying out new restaurants and new foods, and hanging out with my parents’ dog, Wookiee.

TEP: What is the best part of your job?

Kate: My favorite part of my job is being able to see people’s progress and reclaim values (and foods) the eating disorder has taken away.  I’m lucky enough to not only see my clients in IOP but to continue to work with some of them in an OP setting once they graduate from IOP.

TEP: What is your favorite nutrition fact?

Kate: Sugar is sugar and fat is fat regardless of which food it comes from (apple or cane sugar or honey).
Your body is going to use it all the same.  The important piece is practicing a variety of foods and being able to get nutrients from a variety of different foods.

TEP: Do you have any advice for clients struggling to follow their meal plan?

Kate: You’ve gotta nourish to flourish!

TEP: What are you looking forward to this year?

Kate: I’m excited about the opening of our new Anna Westin House West location! I’m also excited about the expansion of adolescent IDP to our Saint Louis Park location.

TEP: What’s the best advice you can give to students who are in treatment? 

Kate: Recovery has its ups and downs and it is not a linear process.  Remember to give yourself some grace and “do the next right thing” as Jenni Schaefer says.

TEP: What’s the best advice you would give to families who have children in treatment?

Kate: Recovery is possible for your child and it is so great that you were able to get them into treatment when you did because the earlier they receive help, the better.