When Ali Eberhardt began her dietetic internship at Providence Health Care in 2009, she had no idea the experience would shape the course of her entire career. But from the moment she stepped into the Eating Disorders Program, something clicked.
“It felt like the perfect place to combine my passion for science and nutrition education with counselling and relationship-building,” says Ali. “I didn’t even consider applying anywhere else. I knew I wanted to stay.”
Now a Registered Dietitian with the Provincial Adult Tertiary & Specialized Eating Disorders Program, Ali works primarily in the Discovery/Vista program—a unique blend of day treatment and live-in care based at St. Paul’s Hospital.
A unique approach to care
Clients attend in-person programming three days a week and continue their therapeutic journey virtually the other two. The focus is on far more than just food.
“We support people in understanding why their eating disorders developed, while also helping them develop practical life skills—like cooking, grocery shopping, even eating in restaurants,” Ali explains. “It’s all about creating the building blocks for a full, connected life.”
Ali’s days are filled with individual nutrition sessions, group education classes, menu planning workshops, and supported meals. But what really fuels her is the chance to help people heal their relationship with food—and with themselves.
“I believe our relationship with food is about so much more than nutrients or energy,” she says. “Helping clients let go of diet culture, reconnect with their bodies, and find joy in eating again—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
The power—and challenge—of the work
It’s also deeply emotional work. Eating disorders are complex and, as Ali puts it, “the recovery journey is not linear.” Many clients have turned to disordered eating as a way to cope with painful emotions or traumatic life experiences. Holding space for those stories takes a rare mix of empathy, strength, and compassion.
“There are hard days. But what keeps me going is the incredible support around me—my team, my friends, my family—and staying rooted in my ‘why’,” Ali says. “This work isn’t always easy, but it’s meaningful.”
What lifts her spirits most on a tough day? Her colleagues.
“My team is everything. They’re brilliant, compassionate, supportive—and we laugh a lot. It makes such a difference.”
A community of support at Providence
That sense of camaraderie and community is part of what makes Providence Health Care so special, Ali says.
“Providence is vibrant, skillful, and deeply supportive. I feel so fortunate to be part of this community.”
For Ali, who also co-hosts the Let Us Eat Cake podcast, Mental Health Week is a time to shine a light on eating disorders, reduce stigma, and remind people that you can’t always “see” mental illness.
“There’s so much misinformation out there,” she says. “Eating disorders don’t have a look—they affect people of all genders, ages, body types, and backgrounds.”
Finding freedom—and purpose
Her message to anyone considering a career in mental health?
“Understanding your own boundaries and taking care of your mental health isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. This work is incredibly fulfilling, especially when you have the right support around you.”
And the moments that make it all worth it?
“When a client tells me they went out to brunch with friends or enjoyed their wedding day without the noise of their eating disorder—that’s the heart of it,” Ali says. “That’s why I do this work. For the freedom, for the healing, and for the life that comes after.”
Join us in supporting mental health—because people need people
Whether you’re thinking about a career in mental health or looking for a way to make a difference, there’s a place for you at Providence Health Care. Learn more about our open roles and discover how you can help change lives from the inside out.
Want to support the Eating Disorders Program and the impactful work they do every day? Your donation helps ensure patients receive compassionate, comprehensive care when they need it most.
Donate to Mental Health Services at Providence
Together, we can break the stigma, build connections, and show that mental health matters—today and every day.
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