About Marlena Tanner, RD

Marlena was born in Switzerland and immigrated to the United States at the age of nine where she lived with her artist parents and older brother in New York.  Being exposed to different cultures, languages and ethnicities, Marlena developed an interest in how people's environments and belief systems affect their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Her experience with diversity gave her the gift of bonding deeply with people from all backgrounds.  Marlena is often described as "psychologically astute" having an innate understanding of the eating disordered mind. Being recovered from an eating disorder Marlena has additional insight and ability to relate deeply with her clientele. 

Professionally, Marlena gained her experience in a variety of settings with a focus in mental health. She earned her degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and completed her dietetic internship at Porterville Developmental Center. She has worked as a counselor for adolescents and adults with disabilities and has extensive 12-step experience. Prior to becoming a dietitian she gained another eight years of fitness and nutrition experience in New York, working as a certified personal trainer and registered dietetic technician.

Marlena guest lectures for California Polytechnic State University nutrition students and Porterville Developmental Center dietetic interns on the topic of eating disorder treatment. Marlena also offers nutrition education and eating disorder awareness in her community. Besides her private practice, Marlena works for Central Coast Intensive Outpatient Program (www.centralcoastiop.com), an alternative treatment approach to residential care.

“It is my hope that through my own recovery I can help other individuals to recover themselves”.