BERKSHIRES

Meet your chapter leader: Annie Schwartz, she/her

I am so excited to have the opportunity and honor to provide a safe, inclusive space for folks to connect with nature and engage in joyful movement. To me, body liberation in the outdoors means reclaiming access to the spaces that are typically reserved for the most privileged bodies. It is permission to take up space. It's permission to experience the joy of community and connection in nature in your here and now body.

The Berkshires are an incredible place to experience nature, with no shortage of amazing hikes with breathtaking vistas. I very much hope to grow the BLHC community here in the Berkshires and always welcome feedback from folks on ideas for hikes or other community event ideas. I just have the privilege of creating the container YOU will be the ones to bring it to life!

A little bit about me: I am a fat positive Health at Every Size® registered dietitian + nutrition therapist that fiercely believes all bodies are worthy of kindness, respect, and equitable access to unbiased, appropriate and compassionate care. When I’m not raging against diet culture and anti-fat bias both personally and professionally I’m probably planning, planting or tending to my flower and vegetable garden or catching up on my favorite reality TV shows.

Favorite place to hike? Walking or biking the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail that goes from Pittsfield to Adams, MA!

Favorite book? Reclaiming Body Trust by Hilary Kinavey and Dana Sturtevant.