When a renowned treatment center near Chicago decided to reimagine how recovery stories are told, few could have predicted their journey would lead to Milan, Italy. Yet this unexpected path perfectly captures how Timberline Knolls continues to break new ground in mental health treatment and awareness.
A Foundation of Excellence
The story begins in 2006, when the residential facility first opened its doors in Lemont, Illinois. Situated on a serene 43-acre campus, Timberline Knolls quickly established itself as a leading provider of specialized care for women and adolescent girls struggling with eating disorders, trauma, and mental health challenges. The facility’s acquisition by Acadia Healthcare in 2012 further enhanced its ability to deliver exceptional care.
The Journey to Artistic Innovation
The treatment program’s partnership with advertising agency Bakery led to the development of “Every Bite a Battle,” a revolutionary campaign that would transform personal recovery stories into monumental Renaissance-style portraits. The decision to shoot in Milan was both practical and symbolic, connecting modern healing journeys with the city’s rich artistic heritage.
Behind the Scenes
The production process involved elaborate set creation specifically designed for each portrait. Acclaimed photographer Szilveszter Makó, known for his work with Vogue and Vanity Fair, brought his expertise to the project. The result was a series of stunning 15-foot by 20-foot portraits that blend classical artistic techniques with modern recovery narratives.
Healthcare professionals worked closely with the creative team to ensure the campaign maintained both artistic integrity and therapeutic value. The portraits incorporate everyday objects like gummy bears and french fries into epic battle scenes, creating powerful metaphors for the daily victories in recovery.
The Heroes of the Story
Three alumni of Timberline Knolls – Shannon Hostetter, Threasa Kluever, and Heather Seiler – were selected through Zoom casting calls to be the faces of this groundbreaking campaign. Their personal stories of recovery became the foundation for these magnificent artworks, adding authenticity and emotional depth to the project.
The facility’s approach combines evidence-based therapies with expressive treatments, creating a comprehensive healing environment. This integration of clinical expertise and creative expression is reflected both in the campaign and in their overall treatment philosophy.
Impact and Legacy
The campaign’s unveiling generated profound emotional responses within the recovery community. During a presentation to approximately 40 alumni, former patients shared powerful connections to the artwork, with one describing it as the culminating moment in her recovery journey.
Today, these remarkable portraits hang permanently at Timberline Knolls, serving as daily inspiration for current residents and staff. Their presence reinforces the facility’s commitment to innovative treatment approaches and patient empowerment.
Looking Forward
As mental health treatment continues to evolve, this pioneering campaign sets a new standard for how recovery can be portrayed and discussed. By elevating personal stories through classical art, the facility has created a powerful new way to celebrate healing and inspire hope in others beginning their recovery journeys.
The success of this unique approach demonstrates how creative thinking can transform conversations around mental health treatment while honoring the strength and dignity of those who choose to share their stories. Through this artistic innovation, Timberline Knolls continues to lead the way in reimagining how we view and discuss mental health recovery.
The journey from Chicago to Milan represents more than just a creative marketing campaign – it symbolizes the facility’s commitment to finding innovative ways to support and celebrate recovery. As Timberline Knolls moves forward, this groundbreaking initiative stands as a testament to their dedication to transforming lives through comprehensive, compassionate care.