Staff Spotlight, Krista Kubiak Crotty

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Krista Kubiak Crotty, and I’m currently the Director of Brain-Based Therapies and a Clinical Education Specialist (my title is always changing!). I work remotely now but live in Spokane, Washington.

I have been with The Emily Program for just over seven years. Funny story: My first introduction to TEP was the day my youngest son was born. Just hours after he was born, the marketing person called me to see if I would meet with Jillian Lampert the following week when she was in town to discuss the potential of TEP-Spokane. We were in the midst of talking to family and friends when she called. I did actually go and meet Jillian a few weeks later. My son was about 2 weeks old when I first met Jillian and the TEP crew who were looking to expand to Spokane.

What is your favorite memory of the last seven years at Spokane?

Opening day will forever be my most favorite. Seeing staff come into the space, knowing that it forever changed eating disorder treatment in Spokane and the Pacific Northwest. 

What has and hasn’t changed over Spokane’s seven years?

The one thing in life that is a constant is change. Everything has changed – from leadership, to the footprint of the Spokane office, to staff, program(s), and clients. Spokane has grown and changed so much and will continue to grow and change. I hope TEP-Spokane continues to serve more people, and to be really well-known for exceptional ED treatment for all ages.

What do you like most about your job? 

My job now is fun. I love teaching and speaking both internally and externally. My role as the Director of Brain Based Therapy allows me to focus on brain-related treatments and teach them, which is SO FUN! Speaking and teaching about eating disorders and supporting clinicians to be the best they can be is a job I love way more than I thought I would.

I do miss leading staff at times and investing in each of them, something I did for many years. I don’t get to have the in-depth relationships I had before with staff on a site but having a chance to help more clinicians both inside and outside of TEP be more effective in treatment of ED is very rewarding.

Why did you choose this career path?

I usually say it chose me. I love the intersection of biology (medicine/nutrition) and psychology. I thought I would fall into the world of neuropsych, but when we moved to Spokane that wasn’t as much an option. Before TEP, I had treated some ED in California, so when I moved here and there was huge need, my practice ended up filling that way. I loved it and loved the clients I served. So, here I am, a lot of years later, still in the ED arena.

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

We have three boys, so we watch a LOT of sports. I play tennis with friends on a team in Spokane. We love to camp, ski, and adventure around the Pacific Northwest. The PNW is so beautiful – there are so many places to see and things to do!

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I was deathly afraid of public speaking most of my life and incredibly shy. Just shows that you can overcome even those things that scare us most!