In her own words: Center for Hope’s Amy Gerberry

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of your position.

Amy Gerberry: Center for Hope (CFH) provides treatment for men and women suffering with eating disorders. CFH offers residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient treatment services. As CEO, I oversee all aspects of the daily functions as well as business development and fiscal management

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Gerberry: 31 years of recovery from an eating disorder is what led me to the counseling field.

NNBW: What do you enjoy most about working in your field?

Gerberry: I’m passionate about giving those suffering an opportunity for healing and recovery

NNBW: What is the most challenging part about your job?

Gerberry: Eating disorders are complex and deadly. Clients are not always motivated to get better and there are so many other issues that come along with eating disorders.

NNBW: What advice would give someone who wants to get in your profession?

Gerberry: Come, help is needed. Working with this population requires training and compassion.

NNBW: What was the best advice anyone ever gave you either professionally or personally?

Gerberry: Be passionate about what you are going to be doing professionally and you will be fulfilled no matter how difficult the challenges are.

NNBW: Has there been someone who was especially influential in helping you establish your career or in reaching your higher goals? If so, who and how?

Gerberry: I have had the privilege and opportunity to work with some of the best clinicians in the country for treating eating disorders.

NNBW: Do you belong to any professional/networking organizations? How has membership benefitted your career?

Gerberry: Certified Eating Disorder Specialist through IAEDP (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals). IAEDP is powerful and offers great opportunities for education and collaboration.

NNBW: Is there any educational advancement that is essential for someone in your career field?

Gerberry: There are so many different professions that make up the effective eating disorder team. Doctors, nurses, dietitians, therapists, and counselors. There are so many ways to be involved.

NNBW: How do you manage your time between the responsibilities of your profession and your personal life?

Gerberry: Purposefully. I have a wonderful husband who helps with this. Give fully when at work and give fully when I am at home.

NNBW: What did you dream of becoming as a kid?

Gerberry: I wanted to be a veterinarian.

NNBW: What are your hobbies? How do you spend your time away from work?

Gerberry: I like spending time with horses.

NNBW: If you had one moment in time to cherish for the rest of your life either professionally or personally what would it be and why?

Gerberry: When the kids were little.

NNBW: Last concert or sporting event attended?

Gerberry: Attend son’s varsity football games and daughter’s horse shows.

NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like about living/working here?

Gerberry: Born and raised on the west side of the country but moved east. I have been trying to get back west closer to family and friends. Thrilled to be in Reno.