Introduction to the Authors

Who We Are?

We are three women who developed trust-filled relationships. As part of the process, we shared our lived experience with eating disorders. Working collaboratively and as a result of our experiences with creative journaling, we developed this workbook to support others who are living with and healing from eating disorders. We encourage you to explore, engage, and reflect on the importance of creative journaling as part of your self-care plan.

Janet L. Kuhnke is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at Cape Breton University. Her research focuses on mental and spiritual well-being while living with chronic illnesses. She is a nurse specialized in wound, ostomy and continence care. She has a Doctorate in Psychology, a Master’s in Family Systems Theories, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Janet recently completed (2022) a Therapeutic Arts Practitioner Certificate. She is passionate about supporting individuals to live well while living with and healing. She is also a working artist.

Sandra Jack-Malik is a retired Associate Professor from the Department of Education at Cape Breton University. She completed her Doctoral work at the University of Alberta. She has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Studies, English as a subsequent language, a Bachelor of Education, and a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Regional Planning. Her research focused on literacies, specifically learning disabilities and research-based interventions.

Hannah McKay holds a Master’s of Nursing and Bachelor degrees in: Education, Biology, and Nursing. She works as a Research Assistant, a nurse in community hospitals and primary care facilities, and as a teacher in elementary schools. She is committed to supporting persons living with eating disorders in community.

A special thank you to the reviewers for their patience and kindness in bringing this journal to life: Laura J. Dann, Avery Tremblett and Ellen Mackay.