I'm Marlena Tanner, RDN, CEDRD-S
After recovering from my own eating disorder years ago, I was inspired to shed light on this dark disease by counseling others through recovery. My personal experiences with eating disorders, body image, and over-exercising have given me an innate understanding and ability to deeply relate to my clients. The most important message I want each of my clients to walk away with is that recovery is possible.
As a Swiss immigrant who moved to New York at the age of nine, I was exposed to many different cultures, languages, and ethnicities early on. As time progressed, I developed a strong interest in how people’s environments and belief systems affect their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Prior to moving to California and becoming a dietitian, I spent years working as a registered dietetic technician and certified personal trainer in New York. Once in California, I earned my degree in Applied Nutrition from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and completed my dietetic internship at Porterville Developmental Center in 2007. During this time, I had the unique opportunity to work with clients with a variety of developmental disabilities—a population I loved connecting with prior to settling on the profession of dietetics.
I was fortunate that fate soon led me to Francie White, MS, who's worked as an eating disorder dietitian and teacher for more than 30 years. She, along with Terry White, MFT, became my early mentors. Through these mentorships, I was given the unique opportunity to develop an eating disorder partial hospital program in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Ultimately, fifteen years working in a variety of mental health fields and more than a decade running an IOP/PHP program for eating disorders led me to open my private practice in San Luis Obispo in 2010. My practice is focused on bringing an individualized, non-diet approach to nutrition counseling.
Today, my work as a Certified Eating Disorder Dietitian Supervisor and Certified Creative Journal Expressive Arts Counselor is dedicated to helping people overcome eating disorders so they can lead lives free from fear of food and body obsession.
On a personal note, I live on an organic farm in Cambria, CA with my farming husband, son, and animals. Harvesting and watching the hard work that goes into growing food has given me an even deeper gratitude for nutrition. I’m a dietitian who appreciates whole, natural foods—but also enjoys the balance of all foods, including my nightly ice cream.
I’m here to help you find freedom from food and body obsession through nourishment and self-love. Learn more about my services »