Staff Spotlight, Sam Green

Tell us about yourself!

Hello! My name is Sam. I am a phone intake therapist at The Emily Program. I am licensed as a clinical independent social worker and have been with The Emily Program for two years. I work remotely with clients seeking eating disorder care over the phone. I have worked in many different types of settings in my short career and have loved the experience the variety has provided me! My husband and I have a super cool pooch named Kevin. He is a French bulldog/miniature Australian shepherd mix who is stubborn, smart, and dapper. When I am not working, I enjoy hiking, riding my bike, reading, watching movies and documentaries, playing video games, and photography.

What have our clients taught you?  

The clients I have worked with in my time at The Emily Program have taught me so many important things. I’ve learned that recovery, treatment, and learning to manage a life with an eating disorder are as complex and as unique as the person living with the eating disorder. I’ve learned that recovery is absolutely possible and may look different from what you anticipate, but regardless, it is just as valid and important. I’ve learned that being one of the first staff that clients might interact with is such a privilege—being able to provide a safe first conversation for someone reaching out for care can be pivotal in their journey. I admire the courage I see in the clients I get to work with and how they are such fierce advocates for themselves and their recovery!

What one thing do you wish everyone knew about eating disorders?

There are certainly many things I wish people knew about eating disorders, but if I had to choose one thing, I would want them to know that eating disorders are influenced by and develop because of so many different things. It is not just one thing that causes an eating disorder. As we know, eating disorders are majorly (but not only) influenced by diet culture. To dismantle the systems involved in diet culture, you also have to address sexism, racism, ableism, and many other oppressive factors. It’s a lot of work but it’s absolutely necessary!

What motivates you to show up for work each day?

I’m motivated to show up for work each day by the interactions I can have with both clients and my colleagues. I value the moments where clients feel heard and understood when they are talking about their eating disorder for the first time—when they know they aren’t alone in dealing with it. Sharing information about an eating disorder is a scary thing to do and takes a lot of courage!

I also value my colleagues as they are compassionate advocates for clients, and we try our best to provide the highest quality of care in moments of need for our clients.

Strangest job you’ve ever had?   

The strangest job I ever had was a volunteer position at a “dog house” for seeing eye dogs. My childhood best friend worked there as the “Puppy Lord” (yes, this was her actual job title). Her many responsibilities included whelping, socializing, training, and preparing the puppies to be evaluated as seeing eye dogs. I was often enlisted as a volunteer to help socialize the puppies. Essentially, I got to hang out with an entire litter of puppies, give them puppy massages, and play with them to expose them to different situations, people, noises, and interactions. It was the COOLEST.