Eating Disorders & Public Policy, a Researcher’s Perspective with Rachel Presskreischer

Rachel Presskreischer is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Psychiatric Epidemiology Training Program in the Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. She is a mental health policy and services researcher with primary interests in leveraging health and social policies to improve outcomes for people with mental illness, health insurance coverage and design, and access to treatment for people with eating disorders.

Her work is informed by both her academic training and her prior experience as a social work intern at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and employee of the National Eating Disorders Association. Rachel completed her PhD in health and public policy at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MSSW in social policy from Columbia University, and BA in individualized study from New York University. 

Rachel is a member of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED),serving on the research practice committee from 2018 to this year and as co-chair from 2021-2024. In July Rachel will start a new position as a Research Assistant Professor in the department of Psychiatry (in the Suicide Prevention Institute) at UNC Chapel Hill. 

Our Hosts:

• Linda and John (Jack) Mazur founded a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in 2022 in memory of their daughter, Emilee which provides peer support, social connection, and education for adults with eating disorders, their family members, and communities. For more information or to contact them go to: www.theemileeconnection.com
• Linda and John (Jack) Mazur wrote, Emilee: The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, to honor their daughter’s wish to raise awareness, evoke compassion, and foster change in how eating disorders are viewed and treated.
• Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/Emilee-Story-Family-Hijacked-Anorexia/dp/170092012X
• Linda and Jack can also be reached through the book website:  https://emileethestoryofagirl.com or at [e-mail]
• Ellen Bennett is the director of KMB for Answers, a non-profit charity providing educational and financial support for mental health professionals as well as assistance for families in search of resources. For more information about Ellen Bennett and the foundation founded in memory of her daughter Katlyn, go to: www.Kmbforanswers.com