Carlbrook Enhances School

In keeping with its commitment to teach students how to establish a well-balanced, sustainable lifestyle, Carlbrook School is excited to share several recent additions to its programming that focus directly on adolescent health and wellness needs.

Ongoing faculty training and education remain a priority at Carlbrook to ensure that students are consistently receiving the best resources available. Toward this end, Nancy Zucker, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Eating Disorders at Duke University Medical Center, recently met with Carlbrook's advising and student life faculty members to provide enhanced clinical training in working with adolescents experiencing symptoms associated with poor body image and eating disorders. Dr. Zucker is a nationally renowned expert on the development of treatments for individuals with eating disorders, which includes a focus on the integration of family members into this process. She also met with the school's academic faculty to discuss the importance of awareness and sensitivity when interacting with students in the classroom who may have such issues.

In coordination with its current dining services personnel, Carlbrook has also introduced several new dining and snack options, encouraging students to make healthier food selections on a daily basis. Changes include the expansion of our deli, salad and fruit bars, as well as ensuring that lean proteins and whole grains are accessible during all meals; the number of healthy snack options available through our campus student store has also increased. Recognizing that students may not always make healthy choices on their own, the school is also working with adjunct professionals to increase awareness, knowledge and physical fitness on campus.

Christen Newsome, CFT has begun meeting with Carlbrook students on a weekly basis to enhance self-esteem, confidence and overall physical health through personal fitness training and nutrition. Ms. Newsome specializes in exercise science and is also an AFPA certified personal trainer. She is well versed in a variety of fitness models including cardio-boxing and muscle conditioning, and has developed a specialized training program for women. Regular cardiovascular and resistance training, yoga classes, fitness level assessments and discussions on proper nutrition are now available to all students as part of weekend recreational activities.

Lastly, individual nutritional counseling is now available as an optional resource for Carlbrook students; parents are able to contract for these services directly with Jennifer Dietz, RD, CDE, MSPH, a Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator. Ms. Dietz holds a Master of Science in Public Health, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods. Ms. Dietz will also be working with the school regularly to discuss campus-wide nutritional concerns for its students.

As yet another means of enhancing the school's comprehensive curriculum, Carlbrook School is proud to be providing these additional resources for its students and families. If you have any questions about these services, please feel free to contact me directly at annagerard@carlbrook.org.

Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!