In an innovative blend of classical art and modern healing, a leading residential treatment facility near Chicago is transforming how society views eating disorder recovery. Through their groundbreaking “Every Bite a Battle” campaign, Timberline Knolls has partnered with acclaimed photographer Szilveszter Makó to create powerful Renaissance-style portraits that showcase the strength and resilience of those who have overcome eating disorders.
A Legacy of Specialized Care
Since opening its doors in 2006, the treatment center has established itself as a beacon of hope for women and adolescent girls struggling with eating disorders, trauma, substance use, and mental health challenges. Situated on a serene 43-acre campus in Lemont, Illinois, Timberline Knolls offers comprehensive care through both residential and partial hospitalization programs.
The facility’s approach to treatment combines evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT with experiential treatments, creating a holistic healing environment. In 2012, Acadia Healthcare acquired Timberline Knolls, further strengthening its resources and ability to provide exceptional care.
Breaking New Ground in Mental Health Awareness
The “Every Bite a Battle” campaign represents a significant departure from traditional mental health marketing. Working with Austin-based advertising agency Bakery, mental health professionals developed a concept that would portray recovery in a revolutionary way.
Three alumni of Timberline Knolls – Shannon Hostetter, Threasa Kluever, and Heather Seiler – were selected to be the faces of this groundbreaking campaign. Each woman’s story of recovery was transformed into a stunning 15-foot by 20-foot Renaissance-style portrait, capturing their triumph over eating disorders through classical artistic techniques.
Artistic Innovation Meets Clinical Excellence
The decision to shoot in Milan was both practical and symbolic, connecting the modern struggle with eating disorders to the city’s rich artistic heritage. The treatment facility’s creative approach demonstrates its commitment to breaking stigmas and celebrating recovery.
Mark Palmenter, chief marketing officer of Acadia Healthcare, explains that the campaign aimed to incorporate personal emotion alongside clinical expertise. This balance reflects Timberline Knolls’ overall treatment philosophy, which combines professional care with personal connection.
Impact and Response
The campaign has resonated deeply within the recovery community. During a presentation to approximately 40 alumni, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room as former patients shared their connections to the powerful imagery. One alumna noted that seeing the portraits represented “the final step in my own journey to recovery.”
Looking Forward
Today, Timberline Knolls continues to push boundaries in both treatment and awareness. The facility maintains its commitment to providing comprehensive care while finding innovative ways to share messages of hope and healing. The portraits now permanently displayed at the treatment center serve as daily inspiration for current residents and staff alike.
The success of this campaign demonstrates how creative approaches can transform discussions around mental health treatment. By combining classical artistic traditions with modern recovery stories, Timberline Knolls has created a new paradigm for representing the journey to wellness – one that emphasizes strength, dignity, and triumph rather than struggle alone.
As the mental health treatment landscape continues to evolve, this pioneering campaign sets a new standard for how treatment centers can communicate their message while honoring the experiences of those they serve. Through this artistic innovation, Timberline Knolls reinforces its position as a leader in mental health care while providing hope and inspiration to those still on their recovery journey.
