About Us
Mission & Vision
SEA WAVES, a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization, is committed to empowering the military community by focusing on proactive wellness and preventative approaches to disordered eating. Our mission is to deliver accessible prevention strategies, comprehensive education, and meaningful connections that support individual wellness before disordered eating develops into a diagnosed disorder. We're dedicated to pioneering efforts that close the gaps in care, ensuring no one in or connected to our military community faces these challenges alone.
We envision a future where our community is not only informed and engaged but also proactive in both preventing and addressing disordered eating as part of a broader wellness strategy. Our aim is to foster open discussions, provide comprehensive support, and create a stigma-free environment. Together, we're working towards a future where everyone has the knowledge, resources, and support needed for holistic wellness, preventing the escalation of disordered eating.
Team Members
About our Founder
Leah Stiles is a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, advocate, and survivor who has faced the harsh reality of battling an eating disorder in silence. For over 30 years, Leah struggled with disordered eating—much of that time while serving in the military.
As Leah fought for her own healing, she saw a much larger problem: thousands of service members and veterans suffering in silence, many unable to access the care they desperately needed.That’s why she founded SEA WAVES—to break the stigma, change the conversation, and make sure no one else has to fight this battle alone.
Today, Leah is using her voice to spark change and save lives, ensuring that those who serve our country don’t have to choose between their health and their careers. Through SEA WAVES, she is building a community of support, education, and advocacy, proving that healing is possible—and no one has to navigate it alone.
Gallery
Do you have questions or need support? Don’t hesitate to reach out – our team is here to help and would love to hear from you!
Sponsors
Waves of Hope is a dedicated eating disorder treatment center that proudly supports military service members, veterans, and their families. As a TRICARE-approved provider, Waves of Hope ensures that those who have served our country have access to high-quality, compassionate care tailored to their unique experiences. Their expert team understands the intersection of military culture and eating disorders, providing specialized treatment that fosters healing and long-term recovery. By offering a safe and supportive environment, Waves of Hope empowers individuals to reclaim their well-being and navigate their recovery journey with strength and resilience. SEA WAVES is honored to collaborate with Waves of Hope in breaking down barriers to care and expanding access to life-saving treatment for the military community.
Magnolia Creek
Magnolia Creek is an eating disorder treatment program located just outside of Birmingham, Alabama, serving adolescent females ages 12-17 and adult women 18 and older. We provide care at the residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels.
Our property boasts a private lake, walking trails, outdoor therapy areas, a firepit, and a recovery garden. Our residents live in a comfortable, home-like environment where they feel safe and supported.
We are dually licensed as an eating disorder center as well as a mental health treatment center and can tailor a dual diagnosis program for co-occurring mental health conditions, including mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attachment disorder, dissociative disorders, and personality disorders.
We work with all major insurances, including Tricare East Select for females 20 years and under. Magnolia Creek is a part of the Odyssey Eating Disorder Network.
Monte Nido
Monte Nido is a national mental health provider committed to eradicating eating disorders by offering industry-leading care to adults and adolescents of all genders in a healing environment. Our clinically comprehensive, research-backed treatment in inpatient, residential, day and virtual treatment programs show exceptional outcomes. Our clients get well and stay well. Founded in 1996, our expert staff of eating disorder professionals deliver compassionate care, breakthrough outcomes, and long-term recovery for our clients. Monte Nido operates over 50 virtual and in-person programs across 28 states within our family of programs: Monte Nido, Monte Nido Walden, Monte Nido Rosewood, and Monte Nido Clementine.