ViaMar Health

09/15/2026

One more graphic about Heather, this time, with comments from our Director of Alumni, Julia Giltner.

"Heather is one of the kindest, most compassionate, and understanding people I know, which is honestly a little excessive….but it’s true. Anyone else who knows her can corroborate my story.

She has worked incredibly hard in her own recovery and has been deeply involved in the alumni community. One of the things I admire most about her is watching her find her voice. She has officially retired from being “needless and wantless,” and now shares her opinions and desires (respectfully, of course!)

A former teacher turned spiritual director, Heather hopes to use expressive arts to support others affected by eating disorders and depression.

Heather also happens to have been my very first roommate in treatment, so we share a bond formed under extremely normal and not-at-all-intense circumstances… and now she’s one of my best friends!"
:-) ~Julia

09/14/2026

09/11/2026

A powerful night of connection, courage, and letting go. Swipe to read!  

09/02/2026

ViaMar Alumni participate in a service project--writing letters to current patients! We love our alumni!

07/01/2026

🎥 New Video Alert!
Watch the full video on ViaMar Health's YouTube channel by searching for "Rally for Recovery – ViaMar Alumni Speakers."

📍 Event: Rally for Recovery (hosted by the National Alliance for Eating Disorders)
📍 Location: Lexington, Kentucky • March 2026

ViaMar alumni Kiley B. and Sandy M. (a daughter and mom duo!) shared part of their recovery journey at the Rally for Recovery. Together, they spoke about ups, downs, and lessons they learned (and are still learning!)

One main point of their share was highlighting the unfortunate reality many patients face, which is that specialized higher levels of eating disorder care are not always available close to home. For Kiley, that meant traveling from Kentucky to Florida to receive the treatment and support she needed.

This video was recorded on a friend’s phone, so it may be a little shaky — but the message is powerful.

At ViaMar, we are honored to welcome patients and families from across the country. We are so proud of Kiley and Sandy for sharing their voices, their experience, and their hope with others.
💙 Your story matters. You matter.



Photos shared with written permission from the alumni featured.

06/29/2026

I met Lucas S. for the first time as a "neighbor" when I came down for one of my weeks in Florida (I live in Indianapolis).
During a group I was leading, he said, "Hi, I think we're neighbors... I hope I'm not too loud!" 😊 (He was not too loud.)

Since becoming part of the alumni program, Lucas has been so much fun to get to know. He's up for anything—craft night? Sign him up! Helping a peer with feedback? Check. Joining in on answering random questions during the Question Jar group? Count him in. Need a volunteer? He'll help you out!

I'm thankful that our alumni program allows me to continue connecting with others in a safe, recovery-focused space. 💙✨
~ Julia, Director of Alumni Services

Photos used with written permission from alumni.

RecoverySupport

06/24/2026

Welcome to the Recovery Kitchen 💙
Fuel your body. Lift your mood. Keep things simple.

For many people in recovery, the kitchen isn’t a neutral place—it’s loaded.
It might feel like a battleground one day and a safe, cozy corner the next. It might hold fear around food, old rules, and memories of how you used to eat… and also small moments of warmth, nourishment, and connection.

At ViaMar’s Recovery Kitchen, we make space for all of that.
Our Recovery Kitchen blog explores gentle ways to reconnect with food at your own pace without perfection, judgment, or pressure and offers recovery‑supportive recipes you can try.

The goal isn’t a perfect plate; it’s creating a more peaceful relationship with food.
👉 Explore recipes and reflections here: https://viamarhealth.com/blog/category/recovery-kitchen/

If you’re looking for eating disorder treatment or support, learn more about ViaMar Health’s programs at: https://viamarhealth.com/

06/19/2026

🎨 Painting Switch Night was a huge success!
This was one of our favorite alumni events in 2024 at the ViaMar office.
Everyone started with a blank canvas, paint, and brushes. After five minutes of painting, we called "SWITCH!" and everyone passed their artwork to the next person. The new artist could add to the painting however they wanted by enhancing it, transforming it, or taking it in a completely unexpected direction.

Every five minutes we switched again, so by the end of the evening each painting had been touched by several different people. The final pieces were creative, collaborative, and full of personality. It was amazing to see how everyone's unique style contributed to the finished artwork.

After painting, we enjoyed dinner from Bolay, spent time reconnecting, and wrapped up the night with live music when one of our talented alumni pulled out a guitar and played for the group.

Events like these remind us that recovery thrives in connection. We're grateful for every alum who joined us and helped make the evening such a fun and memorable experience. 💙

To join future events or update your info, email Julia at [email protected] so we can keep you in the loop. 💙

Photos used with written permission from alumni.

06/15/2026

Nothing brings people together quite like trying something new and maybe a little adventurous 😊🪓

In March 2024, our ViaMar Health Alumni came together for an in-person outing at Bigfoot Axe Throwers, and it was everything we hope these events can be: fun, supportive, and full of genuine connection.

These gatherings are all about creating space for alumni to reconnect and build new memories in a low-pressure, welcoming environment. Whether it’s sharing laughs, cheering each other on, or just enjoying time together outside of treatment, moments like these remind us that recovery doesn’t happen alone, it happens in community.
We’re so grateful for everyone who joined us and made the day so special 💚

If you would like to join future events, email Julia at [email protected] so we can keep you in the loop. 💙

Photos used with written permission from alumni.