Erica King
As a former competitive swimmer, Erica understands the challenges athletes face with body image, performance expectations, and dietary pressures. Her battle with an eating disorder began early in life and escalated during her college years, leading to her withdrawal from competitive swimming before seeking treatment at a residential facility post-graduation. Following her eating disorder treatment, she transitioned into coaching swimming while pursuing a Master’s in Food Science at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Erica currently works as a research and development chef at Meijer corporate in Michigan, utilizing her background to demonstrate that overcoming eating disorder challenges is feasible, aiming to contribute her expertise and enthusiasm to Running in Silence’s mission of raising awareness and promoting preventive measures for eating disorders.
Greg McAleenan
Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the sports industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Event Management, Volunteer Management, Public Speaking, and Media Relations. Strong business development professional graduated from University of Michigan Law School.
Jason Wood
Jason Wood turned his battle with orthorexia into a mission to break the stigma around men’s mental health by publishing his memoir Starving for Survival. He is proud to serve on the board for Running in Silence and SoulPaws Recovery Project. Jason is the Marketing & Communications Manager at ANAD and facilitates the organization’s new men’s peer support group. Through speaking engagements, his writing, and his work, Jason strives to start an important conversation that encourages everyone–especially men–to speak up, share their stories, and get the help they deserve.
Tamara Steil
Education: Kelloggsville High School, Salutatorian 1971, Grand Rapids Junior College (now Community College) Associate in Arts 1973, Western Michigan University Honors College, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude 1976, Aquinas College, Master of Management 1983
Employment: Lifeguard and Swim Instructor at camps, Ys, recreation departments, schools 1972-2020, Secondary School Coach of cross country, swimming, diving 1975-2018, High School Maths and PE Teacher 1977-2010
Other Interests: United Stated Parachute Association (USPA) 1974-1980, member National and Michigan Senior Games (NSO and MSO), Grand Rapids Running (formerly Track) Club (GRTC, GRRC), USA Track and Field (USATF), United States Masters Swimming (USMS), USA Triathlon (USAT), Runner 1979-present at local, regional, state, national, world level, Pool and Open Water Swimmer 2002-present at local, state, national, world level, Triathlete 2006-present at local, state, national, world level, Women’s City Club member 2012-present, board member 2014-2018, Sweet House Foundation member 2012-present, Finance Circle 2012-present, President 2019-2022, Women Who Care of Kent County non-profit 2022-present