WHY WE CREATED CEDAR..
Formerly known as Supported Families, CEDAR was founded in 2021 by Deirdre Reddan and Zuzanna Gajowiec.
Rooted in compassion and knowledge excellence. Growing recovery together.
CEDAR was founded to transform how eating disorders are understood and supported — beginning with a recognition that families are too often left out of the conversation.
What began as Supported Families with Deirdre & Zuzanna grew from a simple but urgent truth: eating disorders affect not just the individual, but the entire family system. Caregivers needed guidance, understanding, and a place to turn.
Over time, our work expanded. Through continued learning and experience, we became aware of how many professional spaces still lack sufficient expertise in eating disorders — and how closely this connects to areas like neurodivergence, body image, and the risks within fitness and body-focused environments.
Inspired by the cedar tree, our work is rooted in strength, resilience, and connection. Along this journey, we have had the privilege of connecting with professionals and advocates who have enriched our perspective and helped our community grow — building a more multidisciplinary, compassionate network dedicated to improving care at every level.
We believe recovery is not something anyone should face alone. It grows through understanding, the right support at the right time, and people willing to walk alongside you.
OUR MISSION
We provide whole‑person eating‑disorder support through an early‑identification, stepped‑care approach that ensures people can access the right help at the earliest opportunity.
As a voluntary community social enterprise, we deliver optimal care, reduce stigma, and strengthen awareness so individuals and families can heal and thrive.
OUR VISION
A world where eating‑disorder care is accessible at the earliest sign, where every person is met with understanding and connection, and where communities, families, and professionals work together to create environments that support recovery.
We envision a future in which stigma is replaced with compassion, barriers are dismantled, and whole‑person wellbeing is supported across the entire lifecycle of an eating disorder.
MEET THE CO-FOUNDERS
Hi, I’m Deirdre. I support parents, families, and caregivers (parents, partners, family members and friends) affected by eating disorders by helping them understand their role in recovery and providing practical tools and guidance.
Drawing from both personal experience and professional training, I deliver workshops and programmes that empower caregivers and raise awareness around eating disorders.
Hi, I’m Zuzanna. I’m a clinical psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with more than a decade of experience supporting individuals with eating disorders and their families.
My work focuses on the connection between eating disorders, sensitivity, trauma, and the nervous system, helping people move toward healing, self-understanding, and deeper connection.
I’m passionate about supporting families and creating spaces where people feel seen, understood, and empowered in their recovery journey.
MEET THE TEAM
Silvia Quintana is a Body Trust provider who is passionate about raising awareness around harmful beauty standards and helping people feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin.
She is also deeply interested in marketing and supports the team by developing ideas and strategies for social media and communication.
Maggie Lawler is a HAES-aligned gym owner and the host of the podcast Inclusive Movement & Nutrition Ireland.
She is a strong advocate for the non-diet approach and works to connect size-inclusive movement and nutrition professionals who are committed to creating spaces where people of all body types, shapes, sizes, and abilities feel welcome.
Her work is supported through her gym, Simple Strength Leixlip.
Sean Blake is an anorexia survivor who shares his lived experience to raise awareness about eating disorders and the role exercise can play in mental health.
He advocates for the use of respectful, non-stigmatizing language and encourages people to avoid making assumptions about others’ bodies or experiences.
Sean believes that guidance around exercise and nutrition should come from qualified professionals, and he shares his story to help increase understanding and awareness in this area.
Aga brings 22 years of teaching experience and a Master's in Psychology to the CEDAR team.
Passionate about language, learning, and personal growth, she creates educational content that helps individuals and families better understand eating disorders and recovery.
Ewelina brings over a decade of experience in business and commercial operations to the CEDAR team, supporting its growth through funding research, corporate partnerships, and strategic development.
She believes that no one should have to face a difficult journey alone and that the right support, at any stage, can make all the difference.
Outside of work, she loves hiking and encouraging others to reach summits they never thought possible.
Invited Talks & Training
Two-day specialist training on Eating Disorders and Neurodivergence, delivered alongside lived experience expert Emily Nuttall.
Series of educational webinars supporting athletes and staff in understanding eating disorders and body image.
Workshop on eating disorders and body-focused environments, delivered by Deirdre.
Deirdre spoke at the conference 'Our Complicated Relationship with Food and Body' as an invited speaker.
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Zuzanna and Deirdre were speakers in the Faculty of Eating Disorders Conference.
Zuzanna and Deirdre have delivered talks as part of the Parenting Programme
Children’s and Young People’s Eating Disorder Services Training Day by Zuzanna and Deirdre.
Zuzanna presented 'Untangling the Complexities: Equipping Clinicians to Support Neurodivergent Individuals with Eating Disorders and Their Families'
Series of talks from Deirdre.