Michelle Klinedinst, Founder of ViaMar Health: The Heart Behind Healing in Palm Beach County

Michelle Klinedinst is the visionary founder of ViaMar Health, a leading eating disorder treatment center located in West Palm Beach, Florida. Her passion for compassionate, patient-centered care stems from her personal experiences and her love for the ocean, which inspires much of the center’s philosophy. With deep Puerto Rican roots and an unwavering commitment to the community, Michelle has dedicated her life to addressing the complex needs of those struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Under her leadership, ViaMar Health has become a place where hope, empathy, and evidence-based treatment intersect to change lives.

Why did you decide to focus on eating disorder treatment, and what drives your passion for this field?

I’ve always been drawn to understanding the complexities of human behavior and how our minds and bodies are interconnected. When I moved to Palm Beach County, I saw a glaring need for specialized eating disorder treatment. It broke my heart to realize that so many people were suffering in silence, with nowhere to turn for the kind of comprehensive care they needed. My passion for this field is driven by witnessing the courage and resilience of those facing these disorders.

Eating disorders aren’t just about food or body image; they’re about pain, trauma, and a struggle for control or self-worth. It’s a deeply human experience, and I knew I had to create a space where people could find healing, acceptance, and the tools to reclaim their lives. Every success story fuels my commitment to this work.

What unique elements did you incorporate into ViaMar Health to make it stand out from other treatment centers?

From the beginning, I wanted ViaMar Health to feel different—not clinical and cold, but warm, personal, and deeply supportive. One of the most significant elements we incorporated is our small group model. By keeping our groups intentionally small, we can provide a level of individualized care that simply isn’t possible in larger settings.

This way, our therapists and clinicians can truly know and understand each patient, tailoring their treatment plans to their specific needs. We also emphasize a holistic approach, integrating family programming, mindfulness, and therapies that address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing. The ocean’s therapeutic qualities are also a key influence. There’s something incredibly grounding about the sea, and we try to bring that serenity and depth into our programs. Our goal is to create a healing environment that feels as compassionate and supportive as it is effective.

How has your Puerto Rican heritage influenced the development of ViaMar Health and your approach to treatment?

My Puerto Rican heritage is at the heart of who I am and how I approach my work. Growing up, I was immersed in a culture that emphasized the importance of family, community, and resilience. These values shape everything we do at ViaMar Health. Our emphasis on family-based care and community support comes directly from the understanding that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. In Puerto Rican culture, there’s a deep respect for the power of togetherness and the strength that comes from lifting each other up.

This perspective has driven our focus on inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and creating a space where everyone feels they belong. Additionally, the name “ViaMar” itself is a tribute to my heritage and my love for the ocean, symbolizing a journey toward healing and the expansive possibilities of recovery.

What role does the ocean play in your personal and professional philosophy?

The ocean is a constant source of inspiration for me. It’s a place where I feel most at peace, yet it’s also a powerful force that commands respect. This duality reflects the complexities of eating disorders and mental health. On the surface, everything can seem calm, but underneath, there are deep currents of emotion and struggle. Professionally, I use the ocean as a metaphor for the healing journey. Recovery is not always straightforward—it has its ebbs and flows. At ViaMar, we embrace this idea, encouraging our patients to find solace in the present moment while also working through the deeper challenges beneath the surface. The ocean’s vastness reminds me that healing is possible, that there’s so much more to life waiting to be discovered once you emerge from the storm.

What has been one of the most challenging aspects of founding and running ViaMar Health, and how have you navigated those difficulties?

One of the biggest challenges has been building trust—both within the community and among the families we serve. When you’re dealing with something as sensitive and complex as eating disorders, people need to feel confident that you understand what’s at stake and that you’re genuinely committed to their well-being. It took years of dedication, transparency, and consistent results to establish that trust. We’ve also faced the challenge of staying adaptable in a field that’s always evolving.

Eating disorders come in many forms, and what works for one person might not work for another. To navigate these challenges, I’ve made it a priority to invest in ongoing staff training and to stay on the cutting edge of new research and therapeutic approaches. We’ve also built strong partnerships with other healthcare organizations to ensure we’re offering the most comprehensive care possible. It’s been a journey, but every obstacle has made us stronger and more effective.

What makes the ViaMar Health experience unique for patients and their families?

What truly sets us apart is the way we integrate compassion with clinical excellence. Our patients aren’t just numbers or cases; they’re individuals with rich, complex stories, and we treat them as such. We maintain a small patient-to-staff ratio, which allows us to provide intensive, personalized care. Our treatment plans are dynamic and tailored to each individual, evolving as they progress on their journey. Families are also a crucial part of the healing process.

We offer family therapy and workshops because we understand that recovery often requires repairing relationships and building a strong support network. Additionally, the emphasis on holistic healing—addressing not only the eating disorder but also the underlying emotional and psychological factors—sets the tone for true, lasting recovery. Every aspect of our program is designed to nurture, empower, and equip our patients and their families for a healthier future.

How do you handle the emotional toll of working in such a challenging field?

The emotional weight of this work is significant. Seeing people in pain, knowing the depths of their struggles, and carrying the hope for their recovery is a heavy burden. But it’s also a privilege. To manage the emotional toll, I prioritize self-care and lean heavily on my incredible team. We’re a family at ViaMar, and we support each other through the highs and lows.

Personally, I find solace in nature, particularly in the ocean. It’s where I reconnect with myself and remember why I do what I do. I also practice mindfulness and gratitude, celebrating the small victories and remembering that every life we touch is a step toward a better world. Our patients’ resilience keeps me motivated, and seeing them transform is the greatest reward. This work isn’t easy, but it’s meaningful, and that makes all the difference.

What does “holistic care” mean to you, and why is it important in treating eating disorders?

Holistic care, to me, means treating the whole person—not just the symptoms of the disorder. Eating disorders are incredibly complex, often tied to deep-seated emotional, psychological, and even spiritual struggles. Holistic care acknowledges that you can’t fully heal unless you address all of these layers. At ViaMar, we incorporate everything from nutritional counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy to mindfulness practices and family programming.

It’s about creating a comprehensive treatment plan that gives our patients the tools to heal in every aspect of their lives. We focus on body positivity, emotional resilience, and spiritual well-being. By addressing the root causes and equipping our patients with healthy coping mechanisms, we aim to empower them for lasting recovery. Holistic care is essential because it provides a foundation for sustainable, meaningful change, not just temporary relief.

How do you envision the future of ViaMar Health and the field of eating disorder treatment as a whole?

I envision a future where eating disorder treatment is more accessible, more inclusive, and better integrated into our understanding of overall health. At ViaMar, we’re already working on expanding our programs and developing partnerships to reach more people. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of research and adapting our methods to incorporate the latest advancements. In the broader field, I hope to see a continued shift toward early intervention and preventive education.

Eating disorders often go unrecognized until they become severe, but with more awareness and better screening methods, we can start helping people sooner. I also see a future where there’s less stigma around these issues. My dream is for ViaMar Health to be a model of comprehensive, compassionate care that inspires other centers around the world. We have to keep pushing forward, advocating for our patients, and never losing sight of the humanity at the core of this work.

What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to seek treatment for an eating disorder?

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge how incredibly brave it is to even consider seeking help. Eating disorders thrive in silence, and breaking that silence is a monumental first step. My advice is to reach out and start a conversation—whether it’s with a loved one, a friend, or a healthcare professional. You don’t have to have all the answers or be “ready” in every sense; you just have to be open to the possibility of healing. Remember that you’re not alone, and there are people who genuinely want to support you without judgment.

At ViaMar Health, we meet you where you are, with compassion and a plan tailored to your unique needs. Recovery is hard, but you’re worth every ounce of effort it takes. You deserve to live a full, joyful life, and there is hope—always.

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