history:  (to contact Andrea's Voice, please click here)

Andrea's Voice came into being following the death in 1999 of Tom and Doris Smeltzer's 19-year-old daughter, Andrea, after 13 months of bulimic behaviors. Since then they have created various eating disorder prevention/educational presentations (which have now been given as Keynotes at hundreds of universities, conferences and organizations nationwide and internationally), and this web site to educate others on this so often misunderstood illness. To continue this outreach and to provide the organizational support of their mission, in early 2006, Tom and Doris Smeltzer co-founded the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, Andrea's Voice Foundation (AVF).

official mission:

Andrea's Voice Foundation (AVF) is dedicated to promoting education and understanding toward the prevention, identification, diagnosis and treatment of disordered eating and related issues. 

ultimately, we are...

Transforming perspectives...one person at a time

current projects: AVF 2010 Annual Report

In order to accomplish our mission and to continue to transform perspectives we are in the process of developing an educational curriculum for professionals and lay people alike. We anticipate a 2012 release date. To view a video sample of this curriculum and to sign-up to be notified when it becomes available, please click here. We also continue our outreach efforts in the local community and beyond via presentations and workshops at school districts, colleges, universities, professional organizations, and treatment centers. For an up-to-date calendar of these events, please click here. A few testimonials to the power of this work:

"It was after your presentation that I realized I couldn't win, that I might die if I continued on my path ... now four and a half years later ... I am applying to medical school. I just wanted to thank you for spreading your message, and I wanted you to know that I may not have made it to where I am today if you hadn't come to Amherst to talk to the students." --Former Amherst College student

"[Your presentation] opened my eyes to the impact of the negative messages we give children about body image. I really learned a lot and was glad I could participate. I will use the information to shape my curriculum in my class and to support my students with body image issues." --Half-Day Educator's Workshop Attendee

"Doris is amazing! She received the highest marks on Avalon Hills Family Week evaluations from staff, parents and clients. We will continue to bring her to Avalon Hills!" --Benita Quakenbush-Roberts, PhD, Executive Director Avalon Hills, UT

"You have done a fabulous, over the top, ridiculously unbelievable job with this [educational curriculum]. It could be one of the most valuable tools ... yet." --Mary Ellen Clausen, Executive Director, Ophelia's Place, Liverpool, NY (Series Pilot Location)