In 2003, Avalon Hills was founded by Dr. Benita Quakenbush with a heartfelt mission: to provide the most effective and compassionate treatment for females struggling with eating disorders. Inspired by her own recovery journey, Benita set out to create a program where lasting healing was not only possible—it was expected. Since that time, Avalon Hills has helped change the lives of countless adolescent girls and women through deep, individualized care and a relentless commitment to long-term recovery through Avalon’s Treat to Outcome™ approach. As Benita transitions into a new season of personal time and travel, she will continue to serve as President while passing the CEO role to someone who embodies the heart of Avalon Hills: Carrie Bostrom.
Carrie’s connection to Avalon Hills began in September 2003 as a member of the direct care team. Her path led through admissions and leadership roles—earning two master’s degrees and becoming a licensed mental health counselor along the way. She has walked beside clients and families for over two decades and now steps confidently into the role of CEO.
Carrie’s deep roots at Avalon Hills are matched by the tenure of many on our leadership team. Mike Hinds, LMFT, our Clinical Director, joined in 2015. Tera Lensegrav-Benson, PhD, DeeDee Parry, and Lesle Dickey, RN—leaders in psychological services, admissions, and compliance—have been with Avalon Hills since 2006. Together, this team brings a depth of experience and dedication that directly benefits those they serve.
Carrie reflects on her new role with gratitude: “I’ve witnessed more growth, change, heartbreak, and triumph than most at Avalon Hills. I am deeply invested in its success and honored to work alongside this extraordinary team. Our ‘Treat to Outcome’ mission is not just a saying—it’s a promise. We are committed to helping our clients not only recover but truly thrive in life beyond treatment.”
As the team at Avalon Hills turns the page on this exciting new chapter, their mission remains steady and strong: to provide exceptional care that supports lifelong recovery and empowers individuals to reclaim their lives.
About Avalon Hills:
Founded in 2003, Avalon Hills is a Utah-based specialized treatment program dedicated to helping adolescent girls and adult women overcome a full spectrum of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Binge Eating, Bulimia, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Orthorexia, Rumination, and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED). Recognizing that eating disorders often coexist with conditions such as trauma, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, anxiety, and perfectionism, Avalon Hills takes a holistic, individualized approach to care. Through our Treat to Outcome model, we guide clients through the stages of change using evidence-based practices that disrupt unhealthy cycles and foster lasting recovery. Our goal is to treat the eating disorder and heal the whole person, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives. Avalon Hills' multidisciplinary team includes therapists, dietitians, medical professionals, neurofeedback specialists, equine therapy experts, a psychiatrist, and a psychologist, all collaborating to provide comprehensive, compassionate care. Avalon Hills is accredited by the Joint Commission and is in-network with leading insurance providers to make treatment accessible. Take the first step toward recovery today and contact Avalon Hills to learn more about how they can help you or a loved one overcome their eating disorder. www.avalonhills.org