Meet the Staff – Toni Vandenbrink

Author: Toni Vanderbrink R.D.

In this edition of “Meet the Westwind Staff,” we get to know Toni Vandenbrink, one of our newest team members. Toni is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about supporting individuals with eating disorders on their road to recovery.

Q. What led you to Westwind?

A. I was originally drawn to Westwind when I was in school to become a Dietitian. I had a very disordered relationship to food and exercise growing up and recovering from that was what motivated me to get into Dietetics, so working at Westwind was very aligned with my goals/vales. I started out as a support staff when I was in school and loved the holistic, team approach to recovery. I’m thrilled to be on the team as a Dietitian now!

Q. What has inspired you about working with Eating Disorders?

A. The resilience and bravery that is required day in and day out in recovery is so inspiring.

Q. What do you love about your work at Westwind?

A. I love connecting with the residents and learning all about their lives! Getting to chat and laugh together is what makes my days.

Q. If you could say one thing to someone seeking treatment, what would it be?

It sounds so cheesy, but this truly is the best thing you can do for yourself. Your life will change for the better in ways you didn’t even think were possible. You are amazing!!

Q. What is one thing you practice to maintain positive mental health?

A. If I had to pick just one it would be getting outside! I find sitting in nature to be so grounding. If I’m having a tough day and I have the time, I will go find a big tree to sit against, bring my journal and some music and just get everything that’s on my mind onto the page. I will always leave feeling renewed!

Q. What are 3 fun facts about yourself?

1. I played volleyball for 12 years from elementary until varsity! Finding my identity outside of being a competitive athlete was one of the hardest transitions I’ve been through. I definitely think there needs to be more support for athletes going through that transition!

2. I lived and worked in New Zealand for several months in my mid-twenties! I lived in a little beach town and would spend so much of my free time in the ocean either playing in the waves or attempting to surf! New Zealand will always feel like a second home to me!

3. I love going to music festivals! To me there is nothing better than listening to your favorite music & dancing in the sunshine with friends! My favorite one I’ve ever been to is called Tomorrowland and it’s in Belgium. If you’ve ever been or want to go I love talking about it and sharing stories!

Q. What is your favorite TV show?

A. I recently went on a Love is Blind bender, where I watched all 10 seasons back-to-back for the first time! I’m also loving The Pitt right now, so two very opposite vibes for TV but both entertaining!