About Dawn

Dawn Smith-Theodore, LMFT is a specialist in the treatment of eating disorders. Dawn is the author of the book: “TuTu Thin” … A Guide to Dancing without an Eating Disorder and “Mother, Men and Me” A Memoir of Anxiety, Anorexia and Affairs. Dawn is licensed to practice in California, New York, Florida, and Hawaii and has a private practice in Los Angeles. Dawn offers both in person and telehealth services.

Dawn worked for seven years at Monte Nido Residential Treatment Center in Malibu, CA with women suffering from anorexia, bulimia and exercise addiction. She has worked as a primary therapist as well as a facilitator of the weekly multi-family group, cognitive behavioral, dance therapy and creativity groups. She worked for 6 years as an Eating Disorder Consultant for Visions Adolescent Treatment Center in Malibu, where she worked with adolescents who suffer from drug addiction, alcoholism in addition to having an eating disorder. Dawn was the Clinical Director of the Eating Disorder Center of California in Brentwood (Los Angeles) for 5 years. Dawn worked as the National Director of Day Treatment Services for Monte Nido and Affiliates for 4 years. Dawn was a consultant for Alsana Treatment Centers.

She was also an eating disorder consultant at Wonderland Treatment Center in Los Angeles. She appeared on Health Zone with Amy Hendel and Recovery Talk Network as a therapist with a specialty in the eating disorder field. She has also been a guest teacher at Pepperdine University and California State Dominguez Hills. She spoke on a panel about Women’s Issues in Recovery at the Southern California Recovery Summit. Dawn appeared with Tracey Gold in the Lifetime Television show about the treatment of eating disorders entitled "Starving Secrets." Dawn is an international speaker having spoken to the dance department at Boston Conservatory, The Joffrey Ballet School, The Frank Sinatra School of Performing Arts in New York City, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Hollywood Connection, Steps on Broadway, Maria’s Project, The Washington Ballet School, City Dance DC, Brandywine Ballet, Festival Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, JKO School in NYC, Oklahoma University, Texas Christian University, Bella Academy in Mumbai, Grand Rapids Ballet, Puerto Rico Classical Dance Center, and Dallas Conservatory. Dawn is passionate about educating dancers, parents and dance educators on how to be a healthy dancer and prevention of eating disorders. Dawn has presented at International Association of Dance, Medicine and Science in Helsinki, Finland, Montreal, Tokyo, Ireland, Denver, CO and Columbus, OH. Dawn has also presented at Performing Arts Medicine Association. Dawn is recovered from Anorexia Nervosa herself.

Dawn’s podcast, TuTu Thin….. How to be a Healthy Dancer and Athlete in Mind, Body and Spirit began in June 2022. Dawn interviews individuals every other week to help inspire and offer education to dancers and athletes.

Education

Bachelor of Arts from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio in Psychology and Social Work 

Masters of Arts from Antioch University, Los Angeles, CA in Clinical Psychology.

Certifications

Dawn is a member of CAMFT, IADMS, AAMFT and IAEDP. She also served as Vice President on the Los Angeles Chapter Board of Directors for IAEDP.  Dawn is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist.