Welcome
There’s Help. There’s Hope! The Emily Program is a warm and welcoming place where individuals and their families can find comprehensive treatment for eating disorders and related issues. This blog is a place for us to share the latest happenings at The Emily Program, as well as helpful tidbits from the broader eating disorder community. Subscribe via RSS to receive automatic updates. We want to hear your story. Email us (blog@emilyprogram.com) and ask how you can become a contributor!
Leah Graves
Leah Graves
RDN, LDN, CERD-S, FAED
Vice President of Nutrition and Culinary Services
Leah Graves is the Vice President of Nutrition and Culinary Services of Accanto Health, the parent company of The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative.
Leah has been treating patients with eating disorders for over 30 years. Prior to joining Veritas, Leah was the Manager of Eating Disorders Nutrition Therapy for the Laureate Eating Disorders Program in Tulsa, OK. She graduated with the highest distinction from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 1985 and then began her work with individuals with eating disorders.
Leah is a founding member of the Academy for Eating Disorders where she has served on the Academy’s Executive Team, Board of Directors and Chaired the North American Teaching Days for the International Conference on Eating Disorders in addition to serving the Academy on the Nominating, Fellowship Selection, and Membership Recruitment and Retention Committees. She has also been honored with the distinction of Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders.
Leah has been involved in eating disorders advocacy with the National Eating Disorders Association as a member of the Conference Planning Committee and with the Oklahoma Eating Disorders Association where she served as President and Governance Committee Chair. She currently serves on the Clinical Advisory Board for Rock Recovery.
Leah has been invited faculty at many eating disorders conferences including the International Conference on Eating Disorders, Hispano-Latin American Congress on Eating Disorders, International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals Symposium, Renfrew Foundation Conference, Multi-service Eating Disorders Association Conference, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference, as well as numerous regional and local conferences. Leah has written several publications pertaining to nutrition and eating disorders and is highly respected within the eating disorders field for her expertise in medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counseling, clinical supervision, and research.
Liz McCabe, PhD, LCSW
Liz McCabe
PhD, LCSW
Chief Clinical Officer
Liz McCabe is the Chief Clinical Officer of Accanto Health, the parent company of The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative.
Liz joined The Emily Program in 2015 as the Pittsburgh Site Director with the responsibility of expanding access to eating disorders specialty care in the southwestern Pennsylvania region. In 2020 she assumed the role of Chief Clinical Officer and is now responsible for ensuring that clients in all levels of Emily Program care receive effective evidence-based treatment.
Liz brings over 25 years of eating disorders experience to her role as the Chief Clinical Officer. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in inpatient and outpatient settings and across the domains of clinical practice, supervision, program development, administration, teaching, and research. Prior to joining The Emily Program, she served as Clinical Administrator for the Eating Disorders Program and Director of Social Work at Western Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She also served as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Liz received her PhD in social work at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research there focused on predictors of readmission to hospital among individuals hospitalized for treatment of anorexia nervosa. She has authored and co-authored articles and book chapters, and frequently presents to local and national audiences on eating disorders and dialectical behavior therapy. She is a member of the Academy of Eating Disorders and served as Past Co-Chair of the Family Therapy Special Interest Group.
Coronavirus Response — COPY
Coronavirus Response
Last updated April 5, 2022
A message from The Emily Program
Clients, Families, and Friends,
We are continually monitoring the situation with COVID-19 and its spread. We know this crisis creates many anxieties and concerns. The Emily Program is committed to supporting clients, families, and staff as the situation evolves.
We offer virtual treatment services for OP, IOP, and PHP/IDP, preserving the integrity of our clinical care while allowing us to serve clients from their homes for these levels of care.
Our residential programs will continue in-person to meet the needs of clients requiring that level of care. We take stringent precautions around screening and enhanced preventative behaviors at our treatment sites. Please refer to The Emily Program’s Safety Protocols document for full details.
Our task force of medical, clinical, and executive leadership meets daily, and as needed during each day, to ensure safety, update plans, institute new procedures, answer questions, and keep all staff, clients, and families informed. These efforts help to ensure our teams can access the latest information and act quickly. We continue to take stringent precautions around screening clients entering treatment, enhancing preventative behaviors, and ensuring we are informed regarding appropriate community resources.
Lastly, we are heartened by and so appreciative of the community support we’ve received for our continued delivery of care. From families sewing and donating hundreds of cloth masks for use by staff to help keep them protected while they are out in the community getting groceries to distilleries donating gallons of their newest product – hand sanitizer – to make sure we have an adequate supply, we know that the work we do is wholeheartedly supported by the communities we are honored to serve.
We will continue to ensure that we have the safest environment possible for all.
Warmly,
Dave Willcutts,
Chief Executive Officer
Mark Warren,
Chief Medical OfficerQuestions?
Medical leadership staff will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have:
- Pacific Northwest: Kathleen Fugere, ARNP-BC, Kathleen.Fugere@emilyprogram.com
- Midwest: Mary Bretzman, MD, Mary.Bretzman@emilyprogram.com
- East: Mark Warren, MD, Mark.Warren@emilyprogram.com
The Emily Program is committed to keeping clients and staff safe, keeping our sites open, and continuing to provide essential and exceptional care to clients struggling with eating disorders.
We have established a COVID-19 Task Force which includes executive leadership, clinical, medical, and operational staff. The task force meets regularly to monitor frequently fluctuating recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and other resources to ensure our policies and procedures meet the latest guidelines to limit exposure to the virus. Our goal is to implement the most clinically appropriate plans to detect, protect, and respond should anyone in our care show symptoms of this virus.
Refer to The Emily Program's Safety Protocols document for details.
Virtual treatment services are offered for intensive outpatient and day programs (PHP/IDP and IOP) and individual outpatient sessions to reduce traffic in and out of our sites and prevent the spread of infection.
These information sheets detail the process for virtual intensive programs:
- Telehealth PHP/IDP brochure (adults)
- Telehealth PHP/IDP brochure (adolescents)
- Telehealth IOP brochure (adults)
- Telehealth IOP brochure (adolescents)
Visit our Virtual Treatment page for more information on services.
We have added in-person PHP/IDP programs back in many locations, including:
Minnesota
- St. Paul - Como
- Adult IDP (AM)
- Adult IDP (PM)
- Adolescent IDP
- St. Paul - Toogood
- St. Louis Park
- Adult IDP (PM)
- Young Adult IDP
Washington
Ohio
- Cleveland
- Adult DBT PHP/IDP
- Adult PHP/IDP (AM)
- Adolescent PHP/IDP
- Columbus
- Adult PHP/IDP (AM)
- Young Adult PHP/IDP (AM)
- Adolescent PHP
Information Sheets
These information sheets detail our intensive program offerings:
Virtual treatment services also continue to be available for intensive programming.
- St. Paul - Como
If I have a fever and cough, should I still come to treatment at The Emily Program?
No, we are screening all clients, staff, and visitors. These symptoms indicate that you should be home and resting until you are fever-free for 72 hours and no longer have a cough. All entrances have posted signs that ask clients, staff, visitors, and others not to enter if they have signs of illness (such as fever or cough).Will I be asked to wear a medical/flat mask if I attend treatment in person?
Outpatient, IOP, and PHP/IDP clients, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a medical/flat mask and physically distance when possible in these situations:- In all common areas of the site (e.g., lobbies, hallways, restrooms)
- During individual appointments/sessions (including therapy, dietitian, medical/psychiatry, nursing visits, vitals checks)
- In group programming
- During family sessions and visits
- When preparing and plating meals and snacks
- During outings/transportation to outings
Clients in residential programming are not required to wear masks while in the facility, as long as the client tests negative for COVID-19 upon admit. If clients leave the facility for outings, passes, or another reason, medical/flat masks are required.
Can The Emily Program test for coronavirus at our sites?
Yes. We now offer PCR on-site testing at all Emily Program facilities.Are clients and staff required to be vaccinated?
No, we are not requiring COVID-19 vaccinations at this time for staff or clients. We will, however, be tracking whether staff and clients are vaccinated so that we can keep people safe. We are working to determine our system to track vaccination among staff and clients. We will share more information on this system as it is ready.How can I get vaccinated?
We strongly encourage you to get vaccinated. Please contact your health provider or go online to search for vaccination availability near you. COVID-19 vaccination is free and/or covered by insurance. The Emily Program is not offering vaccinations.Can visitors still come to The Emily Program sites?
Residential clients may have up to two visitors (parent/legal guardian, partner, sibling, etc.) visit during on-site visiting hours. Visitors will be screened upon arrival. Visitors will be required to wear a well-fitting surgical flat mask while indoors, with the exception of facilities that have separate family dining room accommodations. If a visitor arrives without an appropriate mask, one will be provided for use while on site. We are supporting virtual visits to continue to support clients and families through these exceptional times.Which levels of care are available in person at this time?
Residential treatment takes place on site. PHP and IDP programs are available in-person and via telehealth (See the Onsite Services tab for a full list of programs available onsite.) We are currently adding in-person PHP/IDP programs back in many locations. IOP and individual outpatient services are still being offered exclusively by telehealth. Call 1-888-364-5977 to learn what is available in your area.Why did you decide to start offering in-person PHP/IDP again?
We believe we can offer in-person services safely by deploying numerous safety features including screening, physical distancing, enhanced hygiene/cleaning procedures, mandatory mask-wearing, and small group sizes. Given that in-person care can be delivered safely, and at the same time, many people prefer to receive services via telehealth, we are offering both options to meet the array of client needs.Will my insurance continue to cover telehealth treatment?
We understand that insurance coverage for telehealth may be a concern. We do not yet have clear information on whether insurance providers will change their telehealth coverage policies. If there is a shift, we do expect to have adequate notice so we can, in turn, give adequate notice to our clients.
Coronavirus Response
Coronavirus Response
Overview
Last updated April 21, 2023
A message from The Emily Program
Clients, Families, and Friends,
We are continually monitoring the situation with COVID-19 and its spread. We know this crisis creates many anxieties and concerns. The Emily Program is committed to supporting clients, families, and staff as the situation evolves.
We offer virtual treatment services for OP, IOP, and PHP/IDP, preserving the integrity of our clinical care while allowing us to serve clients from their homes for these levels of care.
Our residential programs will continue in-person to meet the needs of clients requiring that level of care. We take stringent precautions around screening and enhanced preventative behaviors at our treatment sites. Please refer to The Emily Program’s Safety Protocols document for full details.
Our task force of medical, clinical, and executive leadership meets daily, and as needed during each day, to ensure safety, update plans, institute new procedures, answer questions, and keep all staff, clients, and families informed. These efforts help to ensure our teams can access the latest information and act quickly. We continue to take stringent precautions around screening clients entering treatment, enhancing preventative behaviors, and ensuring we are informed regarding appropriate community resources.
Lastly, we are heartened by and so appreciative of the community support we’ve received for our continued delivery of care. From families sewing and donating hundreds of cloth masks for use by staff to help keep them protected while they are out in the community getting groceries to distilleries donating gallons of their newest product – hand sanitizer – to make sure we have an adequate supply, we know that the work we do is wholeheartedly supported by the communities we are honored to serve.
We will continue to ensure that we have the safest environment possible for all.
Warmly,
Dave Willcutts,
Chief Executive OfficerMark Warren,
Chief Medical OfficerQuestions?
Medical leadership staff will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have:
- Pacific Northwest: Kathleen Fugere, ARNP-BC, Kathleen.Fugere@emilyprogram.com
- Midwest: Mary Bretzman, MD, Mary.Bretzman@emilyprogram.com
- East: Mark Warren, MD, Mark.Warren@emilyprogram.com
Safety protocols
The Emily Program is committed to keeping clients and staff safe, keeping our sites open, and continuing to provide essential and exceptional care to clients struggling with eating disorders.
We have established a COVID-19 Task Force which includes executive leadership, clinical, medical, and operational staff. The task force meets regularly to monitor frequently fluctuating recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and other resources to ensure our policies and procedures meet the latest guidelines to limit exposure to the virus. Our goal is to implement the most clinically appropriate plans to detect, protect, and respond should anyone in our care show symptoms of this virus.
Refer to The Emily Program’s Safety Protocols document for details.
Virtual services
Virtual treatment services are offered for intensive outpatient and day programs (PHP/IDP and IOP) and individual outpatient sessions to reduce traffic in and out of our sites and prevent the spread of infection.
This information sheet details the process for virtual intensive programs:
Visit our Virtual Treatment page for more information on services.
In-person services
We have added in-person PHP/IDP programs back in many locations, including:
Minnesota
- St. Paul – Como
- Adult IDP (AM)
- Adult IDP (PM)
- Adolescent IDP
- St. Louis Park
- Adult IDP (PM)
- Young Adult IDP
Washington
Ohio
- Cleveland
- Adult DBT PHP/IDP
- Adult PHP/IDP (AM)
- Adolescent PHP/IDP
- Columbus
- Adult PHP/IDP (AM)
- Young Adult PHP/IDP (AM)
- Adolescent PHP
Information Sheets
These information sheets detail our intensive program offerings:
Virtual treatment services also continue to be available for intensive programming.
- St. Paul – Como
FAQs
If I have a fever and cough, should I still come to treatment at The Emily Program?
No, we are screening all clients, staff, and visitors. These symptoms indicate that you should be home and resting until you are fever-free for 72 hours and no longer have a cough. All entrances have posted signs that ask clients, staff, visitors, and others not to enter if they have signs of illness (such as fever or cough).Will I be asked to wear a medical/flat mask if I attend treatment in person?
As of April 17th, 2023, medical/flat masks are optional in all Emily Program facilities.Can The Emily Program test for coronavirus at our sites?
Yes. We now offer PCR on-site testing at all Emily Program facilities.Are clients and staff required to be vaccinated?
No, we are not requiring COVID-19 vaccinations at this time for staff or clients. We will, however, be tracking whether staff and clients are vaccinated so that we can keep people safe. We are working to determine our system to track vaccination among staff and clients. We will share more information on this system as it is ready.How can I get vaccinated?
We strongly encourage you to get vaccinated. Please contact your health provider or go online to search for vaccination availability near you. COVID-19 vaccination is free and/or covered by insurance. The Emily Program is not offering vaccinations.Can visitors still come to The Emily Program sites?
Residential clients may have up to two visitors (parent/legal guardian, partner, sibling, etc.) visit during on-site visiting hours. Visitors will be screened upon arrival. We are supporting virtual visits to continue to support clients and families through these exceptional times.Which levels of care are available in person at this time?
Residential treatment takes place on site. PHP and IDP programs are available in-person and via telehealth (See the Onsite Services tab for a full list of programs available onsite.) We are currently adding in-person PHP/IDP programs back in many locations. IOP and individual outpatient services are still being offered exclusively by telehealth. Call 1-888-364-5977 to learn what is available in your area.Why did you decide to start offering in-person PHP/IDP again?
We believe we can offer in-person services safely by deploying numerous safety features including screening, physical distancing, enhanced hygiene/cleaning procedures, and small group sizes. Given that in-person care can be delivered safely, and at the same time, many people prefer to receive services via telehealth, we are offering both options to meet the array of client needs.Will my insurance continue to cover telehealth treatment?
We understand that insurance coverage for telehealth may be a concern. We do not yet have clear information on whether insurance providers will change their telehealth coverage policies. If there is a shift, we do expect to have adequate notice so we can, in turn, give adequate notice to our clients.Additional resources
Jackie Ottoson
Jackie Ottoson
Vice President of Human Resources
Jackie Kane Ottoson is the Vice President of Human Resources for Accanto Health, the parent company of The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative.
She brings over 25 years of broad corporate and field leadership experience in diverse environments from healthcare to hospitality and non-profit to Fortune 100 organizations. Her previous experience includes McKesson, Caremark, Bon Secours, Deluxe, and Famous Dave’s. Jackie is known for achieving results through building strategic partnerships, leveraging technology, and aligning culture with organizational mission and business objectives. She brings experience in building robust talent pipelines, strategic planning, coaching and mentoring, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and leading through organizational change.
Jackie serves as a board member and operations committee member for Summit Academy, OIC, a community-based vocational training and job placement program in North Minneapolis, Minnesota. She also serves as a board member and Chair of the Governance Committee for HIRED, one of the most respected workforce development organizations in the Twin Cities area. For Tubman, Jackie is a board and nomination committee member.
Kate Norris, JD
Kate Norris
JD
General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
Kate Norris is the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Accanto Health, the parent company of The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative, leading the Legal, Compliance, and Medical Records functions. She studied law at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in the Twin Cities and worked in a variety of capacities within the medical device industry, legal technology, and public defense prior to joining The Emily Program. She is a current adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law and a frequent speaker in university classes and various legal and compliance conferences. Kate has a passion for expanding access to care for adults and adolescents with eating disorders and works closely with government entities in her work to achieve that objective.