Jan Clarke has been a finalist in many awards across the decades. Teacher of the Year, Telstra Business Woman of the Year, and Nominated for Australian of the Year, but her proudest moment was when she pitched the Door 2 Story and won Founder of the Year in the Launch Victoria pitch event. 

Jan describes herself as an ‘old lady with a startup’ but in reality she has always been telling stories, advocating on behalf of others for their voice to be heard.  A passionate advocate for people on the inside of an eating disorder ‘Insiders’, and their families on the outside, struggling to understand how to reach their loved on and be effective in supporting their recovery.  

With a Master of Education, Jan is recognised Australia wide as an expert in Developmental Education with close to 40 years experience in the delivery of programs across multiple sectors.

Her expertise in the field of Eating Disorders has led to opportunities to consult, coordinate and lead teams of multiple stakeholders to deliver humane, sustainable and positive outcomes for people with complex eating disorders and their families.  

After a lifetime working in the Eating Disorder and Education fields,  raising 4 fabulous adults and 9 wonderful grandchildren, Jan retired to the farm to enjoy the view from her verandah.   

It was Audrey who pulled on her heartstrings and got her off that porch and out of retirement.  In 2019, after 6 years of ‘evidence based’ mainstream eating disorder treatment,  the arrival of adulthood and the independence that comes with this, Audrey had relapsed and her family was in the fight of their life to save her. 

For the first time in her eating disorder treatment, Audrey was given the space for her voice to be heard.  .  Working together, Audrey, her family, Jan and her treatment team supported this amazing Insider until she gained the insight, skills, strength and capacity to lead her own recovery.  

In 2021, Jan pitched an idea that was novel and untested.  A program to help families and carers understand  the ‘Inside’ experience of their loves ones with eating disorders.  What was intended to be a 6 week pilot program of education, skills and support, hosted by Jan and guided through the ‘Insider’ experience, delivered unexpected outcomes.  

A beautiful symbiotic relationship between Insiders and carers ‘Outsiders’ emerged.  One where both sides felt validated, understood and supported.  A relationship based on genuine connection, trust, honesty and commitment to one another was the result.  

Door 2 has evolved from this original idea into a comprehensive program that is backed by research through practice informed evidence.  

Socials:

Website: https://door2.com.au/

Insta: Door 2 - Recovery from Eating Disorders @door2eatingdisorders

Podcast: Inside Door 2

Enjoy the visual here on Youtube