Staff Spotlight, Chad Upshaw
Tell us about yourself!
I’m Chad Upshaw, Yoga Instructor with our South Sound and Seattle sites in Washington. All of my yoga groups are online. I have been with The Emily Program for a little over two years. I am a certified yoga instructor and have a Master’s in Counseling. Previously, I had worked in different capacities in HIV social services.
Staff Spotlight, Hannah Halbur
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! My name is Hannah, and I’m a Behavioral Health Specialist at The Emily Program’s South Sound outpatient site in Lacey, Washington. Currently, I am working virtually, assisting the Adult Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). I have a BA from the University of Montana, where I double majored in Psychology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. In the nearly four years I have worked at The Emily Program, I’ve worked in-person, virtually, and with clients in various levels of care.
Staff Spotlight, Tamara Peters
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! My name is Tamara Peters (she/her), BSN, RN, and I am the Lead RN at The Emily Program’s Seattle Residential site. I have worked with the Seattle Residential team as a nurse for over four years, and I hope to remain here for many years to come.
Describe the career path that led you to The Emily Program.
I have been a nurse for ten years. I started my nursing career as an LPN in 2012 and then earned my ADN in 2014. During the pandemic, I returned to university and earned my BSN in 2021. I love being a nurse. It has allowed me to help others and meet many wonderful patients and clients over the years. I have worked in various specialty settings, including adolescent behavioral health, medical-surgical, oncology, and at present, eating disorder treatment.
Introducing CARE IOP, Intensive Treatment for Binge Eating
Most people don’t realize that binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder. In fact, BED is three times more prevalent in the U.S. than anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa combined. And in addition to the millions of Americans diagnosed with BED, many more are living with a pattern of binge eating or compulsive overeating, conditions often diagnosed as Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED).
Despite the prevalence of binge eating disorder and OSFED with a pattern of binge eating, few treatment options are specifically designed to address the unique needs of those affected. Treatment has traditionally been offered in mixed-diagnosis settings that serve people with all types of eating disorders. While these programs do provide an opportunity for intervention and growth, individuals with BED or OSFED with a pattern of binge eating often report feeling unseen, unheard, or misunderstood.
To address this reality, The Emily Program has introduced CARE IOP, a virtual intensive outpatient program specifically for people with binge eating disorder or OSFED with a pattern of binge eating. This stand-alone program is designed to address the unique needs of those struggling with these conditions and honor their diverse and intersectional experiences.
Staff Spotlight, Sarah Fincham
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Sarah Fincham, DNP, APRN, NP-C. I am a Family Nurse Practitioner/Medical Provider based in Spokane, Washington. I’ve been with The Emily Program since November 2018—so just over three years.
I actually have sort of a dual career. Besides my clinical practice here at The Emily Program, I am a Clinical Associate Professor at Washington State University (WSU). I teach in the Family Nurse Practitioner – Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
What motivates you to show up for work each day?
I love working with our clients and supporting them in their journey toward recovery.
Staff Spotlight, Chloé Southcote-Want
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! I’m Chloé Southcote-Want, Office Manager (OM) at the Seattle Outpatient location of The Emily Program. I’ve been in the OM role for about three years, but I’ve been with The Emily Program for six years this December in various other admin roles, both at Seattle Outpatient and Seattle Residential. Outside of work, I’m a proud dog mom of two very stubborn Plott Hounds.
Describe the career path that led you to The Emily Program.
My background is in public health, with a focus on community health. Prior to coming to TEP, I had worked at a few non-profits doing everything from fundraising for housing and community projects to larger health campaign marketing. After having a lot of experience in more broad public health, I wanted to get more specific experience on the clinical aspects of public health. TEP was the right fit for that, as eating disorders are such an all-encompassing disorder. There are so many factors and things that I learned in my training that I see every day at work, be that social determinants and barriers to treatment, or systems of insurance. Mental health clinics are a really important part of community health systems and the wider public health system.