Kelly Broadwater is the co-founder and Executive Director of Chrysalis Center, where she brings over two decades of experience in the treatment of eating disorders and bariatric care. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies from Clemson University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Appalachian State University. As a licensed psychological associate and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist–Supervisor (CEDS-S), Kelly is known for her dynamic leadership, clinical expertise, and commitment to advancing the field through education, research, and collaboration.

Kelly’s clinical work focuses on the treatment of eating disorders across the diagnostic spectrum, as well as co-occurring concerns such as substance use, social anxiety, and post-operative challenges related to bariatric surgery. She has extensive experience conducting pre-operative psychological evaluations and providing post-operative counseling to support long-term recovery and well-being.

In addition to her clinical work, Kelly is a passionate educator and advocate. She has presented on topics related to eating disorders and bariatric care at local, regional, national, and international conferences. Her research has been published in Addictive Behaviors, and she is a regular contributor to the Obesity Action Coalition blog and Your Weight Matters Magazine. Most recently, she co-authored the book BariEDucated: An Integrated Health Guide for Dietitians and Behavioral Health Specialists Caring for Bariatric Surgery Patients, which reflects her commitment to interdisciplinary care and professional training.

Kelly is a member of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). As an IAEDP-approved supervisor, she is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of clinicians and elevating standards of care within the field.

Learn more about Kelly’s work through these links!

• Professional Disclosure Statement
• BariEDucated Book
• WILMA magazine article
• Women to Watch Finalists – Health Care Category
• Managing Seasonal Stress: An Unwelcome Holiday Guest
• Transfer Addiction Following Bariatric Surgery
• Message in a Bottle: Beware of Post-Operative Alcohol Use
• The Patient’s Perspective on the Effects of Transfer Addiction
• College student drinking: Perception of the norm and behavioral intentions
• Chrysalis Center Blogs
• Guest Blog: OAC 
• Obesity Action Coalition Blog for Mental Health Month
• Signs, Symptoms, and Forms of Postoperative Addiction – Obesity Action Coalition 
  • Video Presentation