Julie grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems in 2016. She completed a Master’s degree in Health Informatics in 2019 and currently works at a large healthcare organization in Phoenix. In her free time, she is a lead volunteer at a rescue horse ranch and participates in therapy visits with her registered therapy dog, Jill.
While Julie always enjoyed writing, she first heard the call to share her story in 2017 after attending an eating disorder recovery group. An avid reader of Proverbs 31 ministries devotionals, Julie received an e-mail regarding the She Speaks conference, an annual conference for Christian writers and speakers to network, nurture their skills, and pursue their dreams of writing, speaking, and leading. Julie felt a tug on her heart, one she knew she couldn’t ignore. After much prayer and consideration, Julie attended the conference last year. Her desire to write was not only solidified, but her mission to reach those struggling with eating disorders was affirmed. Julie committed to writing a book unlike any other on the market, one that would candidly discuss eating disorders while encouraging readers to rely fully on Jesus – not themselves – to experience true and lasting recovery.
Julie’s development of an eating disorder during high school was shocking to her family and loved ones. The straight A student and star athlete became a different person, losing sight of her value and falling victim to the deadliest mental illness that thrives on perfectionism and insecurity. Through the ups and downs of eating disorder treatment, trauma, relapse, loss, and the ultimate decision to face the disorder head on, Julie found recovery through complete surrender and dependence on Christ.