Public Speaking: Eating Disorder Awareness

Kristin is passionate about sharing her story with others to show that full recovery from this illness is possible. The intent of Kristin’s presentations are to bring attention to the severity of eating disorders as well as inspire others in their own personal growth and acceptance, whether or not they are struggling with an eating disorder. By allowing others to gain insight into the mind and life of someone struggling with an eating disorder, Kristin hopes attendees will walk away with a better understanding of some of the thought processes intertwined with having an eating disorder, learn how to identify warning signs, and feel more confident assisting those who may be struggling with an eating disorder get the appropriate support they need.

Past Speaking Engagements / Interviews / Publications

• March 9, 2023 – USA Gymnastics Athlete-to-Athlete Webinar

• November 2022 – Book, Co-Author—Peak Performance: Mindset Tools for Athletes (Chapter 14: Identity, Freedom, and the Love of Sport)

• October 2018 – Gürze/Salucore Eating Disorders Resource Catalogue ENewletter Article – “Eating Disorder Warning Signs in Elite Athletes” – https://www.edcatalogue.com/eating-disorder-warning-signs-elite-athletes/

• September 28, 2017 – Long Beach, California – Long Beach City College – Guest speaker to Jennifer Miyagawa’s nutrition class

• May 4, 2017 – Long Beach, California – Long Beach City College – Guest speaker to Jennifer Miyagawa’s nutrition class

• November 17, 2016 – Long Beach, California – Long Beach City College – Guest speaker to Jennifer Miyagawa’s nutrition class

• March 17-18, 2016 – Akron, Ohio – New Beginnings Counseling Center – Speaker at monthly “Hope and Inspirational” meeting and “Girls Night” discussion about faith, life, and recovery

• November 12, 2015 – Long Beach, California – Long Beach City College – Guest speaker to Jennifer Miyagawa’s nutrition class

• June 5, 2015 – St. Louis, Missouri – Speaker at the 2015 Eating Disorder in Sport Conference

• May 7, 2015 – Long Beach, California – Long Beach City College – Guest speaker to Jennifer Miyagawa’s nutrition class

• April 16, 2015 – Wheaton, Illinois – Wheaton College – Guest speaker to Dr. Susan Vendeland’s “Obesity and Eating Disorders” class

• April 14, 2015 – Winnetka, Illinois – New Trier High School – Guest speaker to varsity rowing team

• April 8, 2015 – Logan, Utah – Utah State University – Guest speaker for campus National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

• April 16, 2014 – Wheaton, Illinois – Wheaton College – Guest speaker to Dr. Susan Vendeland’s “Obesity and Eating Disorders” class

• February 24, 2014 – Cape Girardeau, Missouri – Southeast Missouri State University – Guest Speaker for campus Eating Disorder Awareness Week

• September 18, 2012 – Wheaton, Illinois – Wheaton North High School – Guest Speaker for eating disorder awareness and prevention to seven health classes

• April 18, 2011 – Wheaton, Illinois – Wheaton College – Speaker to Dr. Susan Vendeland’s “Obesity and Eating Disorders” class

• December 1, 2010 / October 5, 2010 – Wheaton, Illinois – Wheaton College – Speaker to Dr. Susan Vendeland’s “Wellness” classes

• November 15, 2010 – Wickenburg, Arizona – Chapel Speaker at Remuda Ranch Eating Disorder Inpatient Treatment Center

• April 20, 2010 – Feature in article “Dying to Be Thin” on iVillage.com … http://www.ivillage.com/dying-be-thin/4-a-152420?p=2

• February 24, 2010 – Wheaton, Illinois – Wheaton College – Speaker on panel for campus Eating Disorder Awareness Week forum

• February 22, 2010 – Wheaton, Illinois – Wheaton College – Speaker to two of Dr. Susan Vendeland’s “Wellness” classes

• February 18, 2010 – Wheaton, Illinois – Wheaton College – Speaker to Dr. Brian Hunt’s “Wellness” class

• December, 2, 2009 / October 5, 2009 – Wheaton, Illinois – Wheaton College – Speaker to Dr. Susan Vendeland’s “Wellness” classes

• April 28, 2009 – Canton, Illinois – Canton High School – Guest Speaker for eating disorder awareness and prevention to seven gym/health classes

• February 23, 2009 – Peoria, Illinois – Bradley University – Guest Speaker to campus for Eating Disorder Awareness week

• February 20, 2009 – Feature in Peoria Journal Star newspaper – http://www.pjstar.com/features/health/x426336407/The-Body-Project-at-Bradley-University-raises-awareness-about-eating-disorders

• February 13, 2009 – Colorado Springs, Colorado – United States Olympic Training Center – Speaker to parents and coaches of USA Rhythmic Gymnastics Program on basic nutrition and eating disorder awareness

• Fall 2008 – Peoria, Illinois – Bradley University – Speaker to Dr. Lori A. Russell Chapin’s graduate class

• Fall 2008 – Feature (“Gymnast overcomes hurdles”) in Bradley University Alumni publication Bradley Hilltopics

• Winter 2007 – Feature (“My Life Story”) in Teen Magazine

• December 6-7, 2007 – Northbrook, Illinois – Glenbrook North High School – Speaker to Kim Petti’s “Psychology for Living” class

• October 19, 2007 – Indianapolis, Indiana – Poster Presenter at the Academy for Eating Disorders Athlete Special Interest Group One-Day Conference

• June 10-12, 2007 – Las Vegas, Nevada – Speaker at the 4th Annual International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference

• April 13-15, 2007 – Austin, Texas – Student Poster Presenter at the 23rd Annual Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionists (SCAN) Symposium

• Spring 2007 – South Barrington, Illinois – Video of “Kristin’s Story” shown during Easter services at Willow Creek Community Church

• March 27, 2007 – Peoria, Illinois – Bradley University – Speaker to Dr. Janette Davidson’s “Medical Nutrition Therapy” class, Speaker to Dr. Kevin Randall’s “Family Relations” class

• February 27, 2007 – Feature on Channel One Livewire News

• January 24, 2007 – Feature in Chicago Tribune (Tempo-Woman News section)

• January 18, 2007 – Feature in Winnetka Talk newspaper (Pioneer Press Publication)

• January 8, 2007 – Feature in Chicago Tribune Red Eye newspaper

• November 15, 2006 – East Peoria, Illinois – Speaker at OSF St. Francis Medical Center Eating Disorders Support Group Parent/Patient Night

• October 14, 2006 – Newton, Massachusetts – Speaker at Massachusetts Eating Disorder Association (MEDA) Monthly “Hope and Inspirational” Meeting

Disclaimer: KJ Olsen Coaching, LLC is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. As a non-clinical coaching service, we provide emotional support and guidance within the scope of our training. If at any point your needs extend beyond this scope—such as requiring clinical diagnosis, trauma processing, or treatment for disordered eating—we will recommend that you seek support from a licensed therapist or medical professional. Specific to eating disorder meal support and recovery integration coaching—this is a non-clinical service. This is designed to complement—not replace—licensed therapeutic or nutritional care. This service is intended for emotional support only and does not include medical advice, nutritional counseling, or therapeutic intervention. You are encouraged to maintain care with licensed professionals and to consult your providers before making any changes to your recovery plan. Additional support throughout the week in this way can be an integral part of your recovery journey but not the only part.