Johanna Kandel

Johanna Kandel is the founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders (formerly known as The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness). She is a prominent advocate for mental health and eating disorder recovery, inspired by her personal experience battling anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder for over a decade.

Kandel launched the Alliance in 2000 with the mission to raise awareness, provide education, and offer support to those affected by eating disorders. Under her leadership, the organization has become a nationally recognized nonprofit.

She also authored the book, "Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder: Reclaim Yourself, Regain Your Health, Recover for Good," in which she shares insights from her personal recovery journey and offers practical advice for those struggling with eating disorders.

Kandel and the Alliance are well-regarded for their efforts to provide inclusive, accessible support for individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The organization is especially known for hosting 'celebrations of recovery' and conferences to foster a sense of community among those in recovery and their families.

Her work has been highlighted in national media, and she is frequently invited to speak on issues related to mental health, eating disorders, and recovery.