JD Ouellette

JD Ouellette is a passionate advocate and leader in the field of eating disorder recovery, leveraging both professional expertise and personal experience to transform lives. As Equip’s Director of Lived Experience, JD oversees initiatives that prioritize mentorship, psychoeducation, and skills coaching for families navigating a loved one with an eating disorder. Her journey into this field began in 2012, when her youngest child was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Inspired by her family’s success with early, evidence-based intervention, JD has dedicated her career to ensuring that all families can access the same quality of care and support.

Professional Experience

Director of Lived Experience, Equip (2022–Present)

JD leads Equip’s lived experience programming, integrating family mentorship and psychoeducation into evidence-based treatment. Her innovative approach ensures families feel supported and empowered throughout the recovery process.

Peer Coach (2019–Present)

JD has worked directly with families, offering personalized guidance and practical skills to help them advocate for their loved ones and navigate complex treatment systems.

Senior Program Director, Allied Health Programs, Brightwood College (2013–2018)

JD directed programs for medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and medical billing. She achieved top performance metrics, developed innovative curricula, and fostered student and instructor success.

Contributions and Thought Leadership

JD is a co-founder of World Eating Disorders Action Day, an international movement to raise awareness about eating disorders. She is a frequent speaker at conferences, including the International Conference on Eating Disorders and the National Eating Disorders Association Conference. Her work has shaped legislation through advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and influenced clinical practices worldwide.

Volunteer and Advocacy Work

• Co-Chair, World Eating Disorders Action Day
• Board Member, Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders (F.E.A.S.T.)
• Parent Mentor and Advisory Council Member, UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center

Personal Life

JD resides in California, where she continues to channel her energy into advocacy and mentorship. Her work is deeply rooted in her commitment to ensuring that no family faces eating disorder treatment alone.