Mary Elizabeth Akinaka, LPC-S, CEDS-C, currently serves as Vice President of Clinical Services at Alsana Eating Disorder Recovery Community in Birmingham, Alabama. With over a decade of experience in the eating disorder field, Mary Elizabeth has dedicated her career to supporting compassionate, individualized, and effective care for clients in recovery. She is especially passionate about leading multidisciplinary teams that create brave spaces where clients can engage deeply in their healing journeys. Mary Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Special Education from Auburn University and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, along with a Certificate in Marriage and Family Counseling, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

An advocate for weight-inclusive, client-centered care, Mary Elizabeth regularly presents on topics related to eating disorder treatment and health equity. She has also been featured on several podcasts where she shares insights into weight-inclusive approaches, compassionate leadership, and the evolving landscape of eating disorder recovery. Mary Elizabeth is energized by authentic connection and believes that growth often comes through engaging with stories that differ from our own. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two sons.