Our Mission
At Before It Begins, we believe the most powerful intervention is not what we do when an eating disorder becomes visible—it’s what we change before it begins.
Eating disorders rarely start with food.
They often begin years earlier through comparison, perfectionism, pressure, body dissatisfaction, and questions of self-worth.
By the time the signs are visible, the patterns are often deeply ingrained.
That’s why we’re changing the conversation.
Our mission is to help communities recognize risks earlier, create healthier
conversations, and equip young girls with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.
Our vision is a world where every girl grows up knowing her worth.
Both are critically important.
But what if we started sooner?
What if parents, educators, coaches, counselors, and healthcare professionals knew how to recognize warning signs before a crisis emerged?
What if we could help girls build resilience before harmful beliefs took root?
The Before It Begins Tour was created to answer those questions.
Through research-informed education, honest storytelling, and practical tools, we help audiences understand how awareness today can change a young person’s tomorrow.
For decades, eating disorder conversations have focused primarily on treatment and recovery.
Meet the Speakers
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Therapist • Speaker • Eating Disorder Survivor
Courtney Grimes is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, speaker, and eating disorder survivor with decades of experience helping youth, adults, and families.
She is the Founder of The Collective, Owner and Psychotherapist at Symmetry Counseling, and Clinical Director of RenewED in Nashville.
Courtney is passionate about prevention and early intervention, helping communities recognize the subtle warning signs that often precede eating disorders.
Audiences appreciate her warmth, humor, clinical expertise, and ability to make complex topics approachable and actionable.
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Author • Speaker • Eating Disorder Survivor
Caroline Cook is a Nashville-based author, speaker, and eating disorder survivor who has inspired thousands through her writing and speaking.
She is the author of seven books, including Hungry: Celebrating Life After Overcoming an Eating Disorder.
Known for her authenticity, humor, and powerful storytelling, Caroline helps audiences understand the realities of eating disorders while offering hope, encouragement, and practical insight for moving forward.
Her message is simple:
Every girl deserves to know that her worth is not defined by her appearance, performance, or comparison to others.
Why They’re Different
What makes the Before It Begins Tour unique is the combination of professional expertise and lived experience.
Courtney brings decades of clinical knowledge and therapeutic insight.
Caroline brings the voice of recovery, resilience, and hope.
Together, they create a powerful and unforgettable experience that helps audiences move beyond awareness and toward action.
Because when we recognize the problem sooner...
We can change outcomes.
We can protect confidence.
We can preserve identity.
We can change the timeline.
Before It Begins.
Change the Timeline. Protect the Future.