San Diego District Meeting

This presentation is designed to help clinicians understand the predisposing factors in pre-teen and adolescents that lead to eating disorders. It is also designed to help parents and clinicians understand how to navigate this highly impactful transitional stage of development in an effort to increase self-esteem and decrease eating disordered behaviors by creating acceptance and sense of belonging. The focus is on prevention and knowledge being power before an eating disorder fully develops.

2)Establish with pre and early teens ways to confront media messages by building self-esteem and not succumbing to negative body image influences

3)Support pre and early adolescents with a sense of belonging and acceptance to avoid potential pitfalls toward eating disorders & recognize early signs of eating disorders and treatment options

About the Presenter:

Valerie J. Piacitelli, MSW, LCSW, LMT, is the Executive Director of Montecatini Eating Disorder Treatment Center and is an Academic Advisor for Boston University’s School of Social Work on-line program. Piacitelli brings over 20 years of social work, leadership and instructional experience to the position and is responsible for the operational management of the facility. Valerie has a breadth of healthcare and leadership experience, and her dedication is to providing the highest quality of care to clients.
Piacitelli has worked in both treatment and academic environments. She served as the Clinical Director for a residential treatment and outpatient program for eating disorders in Phoenix, Arizona. In this position, she provided operational oversight, staffing supervision, and regulatory compliance for the facility. Concurrently, she served as an Associate Professor for Arizona State University’s social work program and owned and operated a therapeutic massage facility. Previously, Ms. Piacitelli was Director of Residential Operations for a licensed therapeutic behavioral health residential treatment center for teens, Program Coordinator for an SMI treatment program, and a therapist providing individual and family counseling for patients with eating and co-occurring disorders.
Piacitelli earned her Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University where she graduated Cum Laude. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Massage Therapist, as well as certified in non-violent crisis intervention, aroma therapy, and yoga/Pilates training. Valerie has illustrated two text books for the Arizona State University School of Social Work Program. She has presented nationally on eating disorders at the Southwest Adolescent Treatment Alliance Conference in Houston, Texas.
Valerie believes in the body/mind principle and holistic healing. She enjoys long walks on the beach, in the woods and with her two dogs. Valerie is an artistic and writer.