The Eat Breathe Thrive Facilitator Awards recognize exceptional leaders working to prevent and help people recover from eating disorders.
At Eat Breathe Thrive, we know that one person, armed with compassion and knowledge, can bring about a world of change. These awards shine a light on leaders who are living their yoga in action — sharing their time, knowledge, and heart to empower individuals and communities around the world. Their invaluable contributions have not only made a difference in the individual lives they've touched, but also built stronger, more supportive communities.
FACILITATOR OF THE DECADE AWARD
This award celebrates the remarkable dedication and enduring impact of facilitators who have helped Eat Breathe Thrive become the organization it is today. This prestigious honor recognizes those who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our mission and made a lasting impact in the communities they serve.
recipient
Hannah McCarthy has been an enthusiastic and committed facilitator since 2019, bringing warmth and compassion to every space she touches as a facilitator. Her own recovery journey has given her an unwavering commitment to help others and a deep well of compassion for those in the midst of their struggles. Hannah is beloved by her participants for the safe and nurturing space she creates with her presence, and the depth of insight she shares in her teaching. In addition to being an exceptional facilitator, Hannah has stood out as a mentor and leader for other facilitators. She has given her time to nurture the growth of others, support our organization through the challenges of a global pandemic, and further her own growth and development as a professional and leader. Her dedication has helped numerous individuals to access crucial resources on their recovery journey.
recipient
Rebecca Stephens, an experienced yoga teacher and wellness coach since 1993, has dedicated her life and work to the health and well-being of others. One of our longest standing facilitators, Rebecca has generously given her time and heart to our organization and community even through periods of rapid growth and change. Becca is beloved by her participants for her authenticity, empathy, and capacity to make just about anyone feel at ease. She’s tirelessly committed herself to helping people in her community get access to tools and support for skills for mindful eating, emotional resilience, and positive embodiment. She’s played an instrumental role in our research initiative and was one of the pioneering facilitators of our Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery curriculum. We celebrate and express gratitude for their profound contributions.
finalist
Lara Scriba has been a dedicated Eat Breathe Thrive facilitator since 2015. She draws from her own journey of overcoming anorexia, depression, and anxiety to create experiences that foster acceptance, authenticity, and self-love. Lara’s contributions to Eat Breathe Thrive have been incalculable — she has led community courses, school courses, research programs, virtual courses, and continuing education offerings for other facilitators. Lara played a pivotal role in our research initiative and the development of our Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery curriculum. She is beloved by her participants and fellow facilitators for her kindness, empathy, depth of knowledge, humor, and generosity of spirit. Countless individuals have benefitted from Lara's dedication and support of their recovery journeys.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND FACILITATOR AWARD
The Going Above and Beyond Facilitator Award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates facilitators who have made an extraordinary contribution, well above the ordinary requirements of facilitation. This esteemed honor recognizes individuals who have generously given their time, knowledge, and resources to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
Recipient
Kim ten Hoeve, a licensed Art Therapist, Yoga Teacher, and Peer Supporter from the Netherlands, has provided peer support to people with eating disorders at Ixta Noa since 2013. Her experience overcoming an eating disorder fuels her belief in yoga's transformative power. Kim joined our team in 2021, not only learning to facilitate the Eat Breathe Thrive Seven-Week series, she additionally took on the remarkable task of translating our curriculum into Dutch, making it accessible to people in the Netherlands for the first time. Kim recently completed the Yoga for Eating Disorder Facilitator training and is currently working on translating it into Dutch.
finalist
Esther Estey, Ph.D., an esteemed Eat Breathe Thrive facilitator since 2017, led the first randomized controlled trial on the Eat Breathe Thrive curriculum under the supervision of Dr. Catherine Cook Cottone. Recognized for her exceptional work carrying out the largest ever randomized controlled trial on yoga and eating disorders, Esther received the prestigious Seymour Fisher Outstanding Body Image Dissertation Award and earned her fellowships at Harvard Medical School and the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion. Her contribution to the Eat Breathe Thrive community cannot be overstated, and we’re so grateful for her knowledge and commitment to the study of yoga and mindfulness interventions in mental health.
finalist
Hannah McCarthy has been giving her time, heart, and knowledge to the our community since 2019. Having triumphed over anorexia and trauma, she has dedicated her life to helping others navigate mental health challenges with warmth and empathy. Hannah has gone above and beyond the call of duty as a facilitator in countless ways — supporting the organization in its COVID-19 response by training to deliver the Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery curriculum and facilitating countless crisis intervention calls with participants in need of support. Hannah has also given her time, knowledge, and boundless encouragement to mentor new and up and coming facilitators. Her expertise and genuine passion provide invaluable support and guidance to our community.
OUTSTANDING NEW FACILITATOR AWARD
The Outstanding New Facilitator Award is a prestigious accolade that honors exceptional new leaders who demonstrate a remarkable potential for lasting impact. This esteemed recognition acknowledges individuals who are already making big waves to empower individuals and communities in the early stages of facilitation.
RECIPIENT
Kelly White, with 14+ years of military experience, is an accomplished 200-RYT yoga teacher, Ayurveda specialist, and nutritional counselor. As an Eat Breathe Thrive facilitator, she seamlessly integrates the transformative Seven-Week series into her work at the White Pine Center for Healing in Erie, PA. With a passion for preventive outreach and supporting post-clinical recovery, Kelly's compassionate approach enhances overall well-being, positively impacting those she serves.
Finalist
Gigi Sunley, a Vinyasa yoga teacher from South West London, is currently undergoing facilitator training and is on the path to graduation. Her teaching style is influenced by her transformative experiences with yoga, creating an inclusive and uplifting space for students to connect with themselves. Gigi's courage shines through as she recognized the need for balance and requested a co-facilitator. Working alongside Hannah, Gigi has nurtured the Eat Breathe Thrive chapter community in London while also growing personally in collaboration. This partnership exemplifies the value of balance, collaboration, and honoring personal aspirations.
finalist
Isabella Holder, a yoga instructor since 2019, specializes in Trauma Informed Yoga & Embodied Social Change and Yoga for Stress & Burnout. She prioritizes accessible mental health, body confidence, and community support. During training, Isabella collaborated with Nottingham Trent University City Campus to offer their students the Eat Breathe Thrive Seven-Week series for free. Her dedication to sustaining this partnership demonstrates her commitment to sharing the program's transformative impact and eating disorder prevention.
FOUNDERS CHOICE AWARD
This award is a prestigious honor reserved for individuals who exemplify our core values and vision. This award is a tribute to those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in their efforts to prevent and aid in the recovery from eating disorders. Chosen by our founder, Chelsea Roff, this accolade celebrates individuals whose work embodies the essence of compassion, knowledge, and positive change.
recipient
Lara Scriba has been a dedicated Eat Breathe Thrive facilitator since 2015. She draws from her own journey of overcoming anorexia, depression, and anxiety to create experiences that foster acceptance, authenticity, and self-love. Lara’s contributions to Eat Breathe Thrive have been incalculable — she has led community courses, school courses, research programs, virtual courses, and continuing education offerings for other facilitators. Lara played a pivotal role in our research initiative and the development of our Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery curriculum. She is beloved by her participants and fellow facilitators for her kindness, empathy, depth of knowledge, humor, and generosity of spirit. Countless individuals have benefitted from Lara's dedication and support of their recovery journeys.