3rd Annual Finding Freedom Gala - Chicago - 2025

We can't wait to share a delightful evening together with music, cocktails, silent auction and a three course dinner. We are excited to offer this fundraising opportunity alongside inspirational speakers, stories of hope and healing.

VIP Meet and Greet ReceptionTicket: please join us for a reception prior to the main event with special guests and award recipients Carolyn Costin and Rachael Steil.This reception will include cocktails and appetizers, photo opportunities and autographed copy of our award recipients recent book. It is graciously hosted by our sponsor monte nido.

Program Guests:

Keynote Speaker and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Carolyn Costin MA, MEd., MFT, CEDS, FAED

Carolyn Costin is a world renowned, highly sought-after eating disorder clinician, author, and international speaker.

Recovered from anorexia in her twenties, as a young therapist Carolyn recognized her calling after successfully treating her first eating disorder client. Carolyn was first to publicly take the position that people with eating disorders can become fully recovered.

After 15 years in private practice and running hospital programs Carolyn was determined to improve the relapse rate and recognized a gap in the eating disorder field. She opened Monte Nido, the first residential facility in a home setting, surrounded by nature, where standard treatment was combined with meditation and yoga and clients were “retrained” to shop, prepare and cook food.

Carolyn’s contributions to the field are extensive. Her 6 books, service in every major eating disorder organization, three decades of training professionals worldwide, free study groups and the outstanding success of Monte Nido all spurred Carolyn to international acclaim.

In 2016, Carolyn left Monte Nido and created The Carolyn Costin Institute, offering Eating Disorder Coach Training and Certification, Continuing Education for clinicians, speaking, consulting and supervision.

Carolyn is an active, passionate, inspiring force in the eating disorder field.

Advocacy Award Recipient

Rachael Steil, B.A.

Rachael Steil (“Style”) is an author, cross country/track coach, and nationally recognized speaker. Her book Running in Silence, which details her experience with an eating disorder as an NAIA All-American runner, challenges the stigma around eating disorders, looks past appearance, and dives into the heart of obsession in athletics.

In 2021, Steil received the Aquinas College Outstanding Young Alumni Award for founding and leading the nonprofit Running in Silence (501c3), which supports athletes and coaches in addressing disordered eating in sports. Her passionate advocacy has taken her to conferences, schools, and athletic organizations across the U.S. and Canada, where she shares honest and inspiring stories from her time as both an athlete and coach.

Steil has been featured on The Dr. Nandi Show, WGVU’s Family Health Matters, and in publications including Vogue, U.S. News & WorldReport, and Women’s Running. She has also written for Runner’s World and Techniques magazine. Known as a forthright and relatable speaker, Steil equips coaches, parents, students, and athletes with practical tools to help athletes thrive—both in sport and in life.

More program information will be forth coming along with Hotel Information for room block reservations, if you choose to stayover with us.