Jena is the mother of a 4 year old daughter with Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). Her daughter was diagnosed back in March 2020 with failure to thrive and aspiration. Throughout 2020, she was also diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Eosinophilic Gastritis and a micro-deletion on chromosome 7q11.22. She has a G-Tube as her primary means of nutrition and she is on an 8 allergen elimination diet due to having two eosinophilic diseases. Along with being a mother to her daughter, Jena is the Director of Inclusive Health at Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO). In her position she works closely with the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) community providing free health screenings, fitness education and wellness programing to over 20,000 athletes with IDD in Colorado. Her background is in Fitness, Health and Wellness with a bachelors in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Health Promotion and a Masters in Sports Nutrition, helped to prepare her for the work she does and without her knowing to be the mother to her daughter. The knowledge she gained from her education comes in hand with all the medical appointments her and her husband attend for their daughter. With the work Jena does for SOCO, her knowledge, and her passion for helping others, led her to be a mentor in the Power of Two program for Feeding Matters, only 6 months after her journey with PDF began with her daughter. In Jena’s spare time she enjoys working out and spending time with her husband, 4 year old daughter and friends. 

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• None

Cassidy is the mother of a 3 year old son with Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). Her son  was diagnosed at one month of age in September 2020. At this time, he had a g-tube placed after discovering that he had silent aspiration and the inability to swallow effectively. From September 2020 to January 2022, his g-tube was his primary source of nutrition. During this time, Cassidy worked as a private duty nurse for her son in the comfort of their home. He was able to get his g-tube removed in January 2022 after multiple swallow studies, extensive therapies, and success with increasing his oral tone and coordination. He continues to work with speech therapy and occupational therapy to improve his chewing ability and work on his oral aversions.  Along with being a mother to her son, Cassidy is a Nursing Supervisor at Aveanna Healthcare. In her position, she works with medically fragile children and their families, providing support, empowerment, and nursing assistance. She originally worked as a labor and delivery nurse, but her experience with her son provided her with empathy and desire to help support medically complex families. She now works alongside 20+ families who are navigating PFD.  Cassidy inquired about the power of two mentorship program in 2021 after feeling isolated in her PFD journey. Cassidy was matched with Jena, and has been friends with Jena ever since. In Cassidy’s spare time, she enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her family.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• None

Ruth has a clinical background as an occupational therapist in pediatrics with a specialty area of feeding, eating, and swallowing. She received her bachelors degree in Psychology at Spring Hill College and a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Alabama both in the Mobile, AL. She currently works at the Children’s Hospital in Savannah, Ga on both the feeding team and the occupational therapy team. She has experience in hospital, outpatient clinic, and home based settings. She has enjoyed volunteering with Feeding Matters since 2019.

DISCLOSURES

Financial: 

• None

Non-financial:

• Feeding Matters Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change planning committee member

Jenny McGlothlin, MS, CCC/SLP, CLC, has been a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for 22 years and is also a Certified Lactation Counselor. At the UT Dallas Callier Center, she specializes in diagnostics and treatment of children with feeding challenges from birth through adolescence. She is the co-author of two books, Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating and Conquer Picky Eating for Teens and Adults, which can be found at www.extremepickyeating.com

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Salaried employee at UT Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders
• Co-author & receive royalties for Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating, New Harbinger Publications
• Co-author & receive royalties for Conquer Picky Eating for Teens & Adults, Amazon
  Receive honoraria for CEs and seminars

Non-financial:

• Serves on the Feeding Matters Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change planning committee
• GEAR Board (Gifted Education Alliance of Richardson ISD)
• YMSL Board (Young Men's Service League)

Cuyler Romeo has developed a broad clinical understanding of the needs of families and children by serving as an Occupational Therapist and industry expert in pediatric feeding disorder for over 20 years. As the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Feeding Matters, she assists in developing and executing a strategic plan to bring about system wide change for families struggling with pediatric feeding disorder. She utilizes her clinical understanding and leadership expertise to collaborate with constituents in identifying, tracking, and assessing innovative solutions to system problems.  

Cuyler also has extensive experience facilitating strategic partnerships and aligning diverse groups of people under a common goal. She designed and executed a state-wide multi-disciplinary mentorship program, launched a Community of Practice within the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and advanced professional development through her position on AOTA’s Commission on Continuing Competence and Professional Development (CCCPD). Prior to joining Feeding Matters, she served as a founding partner of a feeding specialty clinic, Mealtime Connections, and rectified system issues on a broader scale as the Director of Clinical Innovation at Therapy 2000. She also treats clinically as a feeding specialist at Banner University Medical Center-Tucson in a Level 3 NICU and speaks professionally.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Receives a salary from Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• AOTA CCCPD Board Member
• AOTA FES CoP Facilitator

Dana Kizer is a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in feeding and sensory processing.  She grew up accompanying her younger brother Sean to feeding therapy. Her personal experience with PFD over many years inspired her to pursue occupational therapy to help other families navigate the complex world of feeding disorders.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Receives a speakers fee from Education Resources Inc. for teaching therapy continuing education courses.

Non-financial:

• Feeding Matters Family Advisory Council Member

• Feeding Matters Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change Planning Committee Member

Amber Mieras is the mother of Jax, 8, and Nayeli, 4. Amber connected with Feeding Matters when Jax was an infant and she was looking for information about feeding challenges. She found a wealth of support and knowledge about feeding tubes, therapies, and connections with other families that impacted her entire family. Over the last 7 years, Amber has continued to utilize the Feeding Matters resources and support, serving as the chair on the Family Advisory Council, as a mentor with the Power of Two program, as well as presenting at the 2021 PFD Conference. Amber was an elementary school teacher, mentor, and professional development facilitator for over 16 years serving the Phoenix area as well as a small community outside of Boston. In her spare time, she loves running and hiking, cheering on her alma-mater Arizona State University Sun Devils, and her beloved Red Sox. She loves spending time with her family, watching movies, and being outdoors.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial Disclosures:

• Chair of the Family Advisory Council
• PFDA Support Pillar Lead
• Volunteer with Feeding Matters
• Amber is a parent of a child with PFD

Deanna was raised in the small town of Erin in South Central New York State. The town is very close to Cornell University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel Administration. She spent many years working various management positions throughout the Hotel Industry in Nashville, Chicago, San Diego, and Phoenix. Deanna's career path changed a when she became a Mom and needed a more flexible work schedule to provide a work/life balance. She entered the Medical Billing field where her love for numbers and detail-focus comes in handy. Deanna competes in Olympic-Style Weightlifting both on the National and International stage and when not lifting, spends time with her husband, two teenage boys, and pups Wrigley and Diego.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-Financial:

• None

Toneisha is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Private-Practice owner from South Carolina. She has worked in a wide variety of pediatric settings to include NICU, outpatient pediatrics, clinic settings, and schools. Over the years, she has developed a love for all things PFD. "My desire is that ALL families and children with pediatric feeding/swallowing disorders receive the best quality care/attention they so desperately need and deserve from loving professionals who truly care about their overall health and well-being." 

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Owner of The Flower Institute

Non-financial:

• 2024 Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change planning committe event Chair

Grant Morris, MD, MPH, FAAP is a native of West Virginia and currently resides and works in Pennsylvania. He and his wife enjoy raising four amazing girls, one of which has pediatric feeding disorder. He first encountered Feeding Matters at the International PFD Conference in 2023 and has since joined the Family Advisory Council. Although his daughter no longer has a G-tube he continues to learn and evolve as a husband and father of a child with PFD. The last sever years of his PFD journey have been filled with moments of challenge and put many things into perspective. In his free time, Grant likes to be outdoors, coach youth soccer, and is an avid fan of West Virginia University Athletics.   

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-Financial:

• Feeding Matters Family Advisory Committee

Georgia A. Malandraki, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow is a Professor of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering (courtesy) and the Director of the I-EaT Swallowing Research Laboratory at Purdue University. She is a neuroscientist and certified speech language pathologist with Board Certification in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. Her research focuses on investigating developmental and treatment swallowing neuroplasticity and developing neurorehabilitative and telehealth interventions for adult and pediatric patients with dysphagia. Dr. Malandraki is the developer of the Intensive Dysphagia Rehabilitation Approach (IDRA) and has been involved in the commercialization of novel wearable technologies that aid in the tele-treatment of dysphagia. Clinically, she serves patients with neurogenic dysphagia across the age span and consults clinicians and regulatory bodies on the use of safe and reliable telehealth services. Her work has been funded by several Institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIDCD, NIA, NINDS, NIBIB), the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, private foundations, and through the Purdue Research Foundation. Among others, she has been awarded the prestigious National Institutes of Health NIBIB Trailblazer Award (2019), she has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2021) and was awarded Honors of the Association from the Indiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association in 2022. Finally, she served as the 2022-2023 President of the international Dysphagia Research Society, and as the co-chair of the 3rd World Dysphagia Summit (2023).

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Grants: NIH (NIBIB, NIA, and NINDS) and Purdue University
• Gift: David C. Greulich & Deanna M. Greulich Research Gift Award
• IP: Patents pending for wearable device development
• Keynote Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• ASHA – Member and 2023 Convention Adult Swallowing Topic Committee co-chair Dysphagia Research Society - Immediate Past President/Board Member ISHA - Member

Effects of Infant-Driven Feeding in the NICU for Premature Infants with Comorbidities

Courtney Green is a speech-language pathologist clinical fellow, who graduated from Elmhurst University in 2021 with her bachelor's degree and Rush University in 2023 with her master's degree. While in graduate school, she completed a thesis that investigated feeding protocol on time to oral feeding milestones in premature infants with concomitant morbidities. Courtney has interests in pediatric dysphagia and is currently completing her clinical fellowship in outpatient pediatrics working with children 19 months to 19 years.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Physiological Measures of Breastfeeding- A Comparison Between Term vs Pre-Term Infants

Isuru Dharmarathna is a speech and language pathologist and currently works at the Swallowing Rehabilitation Research Lab at the KITE as a post-doctoral research fellow. Isuru completed her PhD at The University of Auckland, New Zealand on paediatric dysphagia in 2020 and has contributed to literature on instrumental swallowing assessments by publishing in peer-reviewed journals. She was a recipient of a Commonwealth scholarship to complete her MSc in Clinical Education, University of Edinburgh, UK and is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK. Isuru’s research interests are on improving the quality of instrumental swallowing assessments for children and adults.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• Member of the Feeding Matters Conference Planning Committee

Physiological Measures of Breastfeeding- A Comparison Between Term vs Pre-Term Infants

Buddhika Prasangi completed her Bachelor of Science Honours in Speech and Hearing Science at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Currently she is working as as speech and language pathologist at the Miracle L Speech center, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka. She has special research and clinical interest towards pediatric dysphagia, specific learning disorders and voice disorders

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Feeding Challenges for Infants of Diabetic Mothers, A Research Review

Dr. Leslie-Anne Dietrich is attending physician, Division of Neonatology in the Department of Pediatrics at University of Texas Health San Antonio. She is originally from San Antonio. She completed her medical training at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and pediatric residency at Phoenix Children’s Hospital/Maricopa Medical Center. She subsequently worked as a neonatal hospitalist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She then returned to San Antonio to complete neonatal-perinatal medicine fellowship and thereafter, joined as faculty. She is now the Assistant Program Director of the neurodevelopmental follow-up clinic-- PREMIEre program-- and the Director of the Infant Feeding Support Program in the NICU. Her research interests include implementation of early cerebral palsy detection and interventions in the NICU and follow-up program, lactation support for high- risk mother-infant dyads, and characterization of feeding patterns in infants with complex medical conditions including infants of diabetic mother and infants with aerodigestive conditions. She is an advocate for allied health professionals and nursing in the NICU. She has begun implementing a home nasogastric feeding tube program at her institution and hopes to increase the outpatient feeding and lactation support in the San Antonio community. Dr. Dietrich is a board certified lactation consultant, member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, and co-chair of the ABM's NICU Special Interest Group. She works to improve guidance on how to best support breastfeeding and breastmilk expression in the NICU.

DISCLOSURES

FInancial:

• None

Non-financial:

• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine- Co-Chair of Neonatology Special Interest Group

Feeding Challenges for Infants of Diabetic Mothers, A Research Review

Melanie Van Noy has worked as a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist since 2011 and is currently serving full time as the Feeding Program Director at Therapy 2000, a pediatric home health company throughout the state of Texas. She also provides instrumental assessments such as FEES and MBSS as needed in the NICU, diagnosing and treating feeding and swallowing disorders, and providing education for families and staff. She is a Certified Lactation Counselor, a Certified Neonatal Therapist, and is certified to perform Neuromuscular Electrical Stim therapy. Melanie has served in many settings over the years including home health, outpatient, and acute services in a level 4 NICU.

DISCLOSURES

Financial: 

• Owner of The Feeding Connection, LLC

Non-financial: 

• Councilor of Professional Services for Texas Speech and Hearing Association

Discriminant Validity of the Environment, Attitudes, Temperament, Sensory (EATS) Feeding Assessment

Dr. Blair Carsone is a licensed occupational therapist with over 9 years of experience in pediatrics and adults. She specializes in sensory processing, sensory-based feeding, and mindfulness. Her clinical practice includes work in outpatient, school-based, hospital, and skilled nursing settings. Currently an assistant professor at Gannon University's Department of Occupational Therapy, Dr. Carsone provides instruction in the entry-level doctorate program. She provides consulting services specific to documentation, problem solution, program development, therapist training, and innovative practice development. Her research focus includes feeding, autism, sensory processing, and Beery VMI. Dr. Carsone is the co-founder of Carsone KIDS, a nonprofit organization that provides free parent education resources.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• International Association of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing – Research and Education Committee Member
• International Association of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing – Special Topics in Practice Committee Member
  

Discriminant Validity of the Environment, Attitudes, Temperament, Sensory (EATS) Feeding Assessment

Dr. Bryce Smith is a licensed occupational therapist with 5 years of experience in adults. She specializes in lymphedema and oncology. Her research focus includes feeding, lymphedema, and oncology. Dr. Smith is the co-founder of Carsone KIDS, a nonprofit organization that provides free parent education resources.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Psychometric Properties of SMART Feeding Tool: An Interprofessional Research Study

Anne graduated with a master’s degree in Speech Pathology from Rush University in 2008. While practicing in a variety of settings since that time, Anne found her passion in the neonatal intensive care unit. With over a decade of experience as a speech-language pathologist in a Level III NICU, Anne has worked with hundreds of premature and medically fragile neonates with dysphagia and feeding difficulties. Anne decided to advance her skill set by becoming an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant and provides breastfeeding support to dyads in both the NICU and in her private practice. Anne is the author of a standardized infant feeding assessment tool, the SMART tool, which is being implemented across the Midwest region of Advocate Health. She participates in research to improve feeding outcomes alongside her colleagues Ravi Mishra, MBBS, MD, FAAP and Cynthia Lira-Crame, MSN, RNC-NIC, NPD-BC, with their work being disseminated locally and nationally. As a mother to a former preemie herself, Anne is passionate about laying a positive foundation for feeding skill development in the NICU, with a focus on caregiver education.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial: 

• None

Psychometric Properties of SMART feeding tool: An interprofessional research study

Cynthia is a certified neonatal nurse with over 25 years of clinical and leadership experience in a Level III NICU at an urban Level I trauma center. She has been focused on advancing nursing practice and improving patient outcomes through the implementation of innovative solutions, earning her the Advocate Aurora Health System Innovation award in 2020. Most recently this has included serving as a primary investigator and co- investigator on 3 completed research studies at Advocate Health and has disseminated her work both locally and nationally. Cynthia’s interest in infant feeding began with her master’s thesis in 2014, this initiated the essential collaboration between nursing and speech therapy in the NICU. This is a true full circle moment for Cynthia as a co- investigator on this interprofessional research study where she provides the nursing perspective alongside the creators of the SMART Tool, her colleagues Dr. Ravi Mishra, and Anne Albi MS CCC-SLP, IBCLC.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• None

Psychometric Properties of SMART Feeding Tool: An Interprofessional Research Study

Dr. Mishra completed his Neonatology Fellowship from Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Valhalla, NY in 2002. Currently, he is a practicing neonatologist at Advocate Health. Dr. Mishra’s main areas of interest include neonatal nutrition and neonatal ventilation. Dr. Mishra has created a TPN calculator as part of his work in early nutrition transitions from parenteral to enteral nutrition. For late neonatal nutrition transition, he has created the SMART Tool to assess real feeding skills in neonates. Along with his research team, he has conducted a multicenter trial prospective trial to establish the tool’s reliability and validity.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial: 

• None

Comorbidities in Paediatric Feeding Disorders

Hannah is a Registered Associate Nutritionist at The Feeding Trust with lived experience of a child with a Paediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). Her son was completely tube fed due to a kidney condition for 3 years during which time she found very little understanding of her son’s feeding difficulties within the health service. Around this time, she discovered The Feeding Trust who were able to assist him on his feeding journey and with their help he was weaned from his tube. This experience prompted her to retrain so she could work in this field with the hope of supporting other parents on their child’s feeding journey. She studied an MSc in Eating Disorders and Clinical Nutrition at University College London (UCL) and graduated with in 2022. She is now an Association for Nutrition (AfN) Registered Associate Nutritionist, and she has begun working with other families supporting them nutritionally and working on current research projects at The Feeding Trust.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• Trustee on the board for The Feeding Trust, receives no compensation as a member of the board.

Comorbidities in Paediatric Feeding Disorders

Lucy is Clinical Director and treating Occupational Therapist within The Feeding Trust, the UK Charity for Paediatric Feeding Disorders (PFD). The Feeding Trust provide the only dedicated inter-disciplinary feeding therapy service for children and young people with paediatric feeding disorders (PFD) in the UK. The charity also provides training and education, conducts research, raises awareness and advocates for those affected by PFD in the UK. Lucy is an Occupational Therapist by training and is also Founder and clinical director of Lucy Bates Children’s OT Ltd an independent children’s Occupational Therapy practise in the UK. Her clinical specialism is feeding difficulties in children, sensory processing challenges and the impact this has on occupation. She is currently undertaking a Chartered Management Institute Level 5 Certificate in Business Management.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial

• None

Comorbidities in Paediatric Feeding Disorders

Natalie is Founder and CEO of The Feeding Trust, the UK Charity for Paediatric Feeding Disorders (PFD). The Feeding Trust provide the only dedicated inter-disciplinary feeding therapy service for children and young people with paediatric feeding disorders (PFD) in the UK. The charity also provides training and education, conducts research, raises awareness and advocates for those affected by PFD in the UK. Natalie is a Speech and Language Therapist by training and is also Founder and CEO of Integrated Therapy Solutions, an established multi-disciplinary children’s therapy service in the UK. Her clinical specialism is paediatric dysphagia (children’s feeding and swallowing disorders). Natalie has been awarded the prestigious Shackleton Leader’s Award for her social entrepreneurial work to increase access to specialist feeding therapy services for vulnerable children and families. She is also an accredited expert witness and qualified to assess and report to The Royal Courts of Justice.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Raquel Durban is a registered dietitian specializing in the dietary management of families with food allergies. She received her MS degree in nutrition from the University of Maryland and completed a nutrition internship at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Raquel is a steering committee member of the International Network of Dietitians and Nutritionists in Allergy and serves on the numerous medical advisory boards of non-profit allergy focused organizations. She also values her role in academia by contributing to continuing medical education programs and peer reviewed publications. Raquel also participates in the American College and American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI and AAAAI) where she serves on the organizations’ numerous committees, collaborating with other health care professionals and patient advocacy groups to improve the quality of life and advance understanding for families living with food allergies.

Every opportunity to counsel and educate is viewed with honor and empathy. Raquel will develop practical plans and education to meet the patients and clinicals where they are in their journey. There is there is not a one size fits all answer for success and success is not linear! She will work to find the best balance of meeting nutritional needs with lifestyle demands and ensure collaboration with other members of the care team.

Stefanie LaManna, MS, CCC-SLP, CNT, is a speech-language pathologist, certified neonatal therapist, and Associate Director, Health Care Services in Speech-Language Pathology at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. In her role at ASHA, she serves as the team lead on priorities related to  dysphagia management in medically complex and birth-3 populations. She is the Ex Officio to Special Interest Group (SIG) 13: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. Her clinical interests include neonatal airway disorders and utilizing FEES in the pediatric population. 

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Paid employee of American Speech-Language Hearing Association

Non-financial:

• Ex officio for SIG 13, Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders
• Program Committee member, SENTAC; volunteer with pediatric IDDSI reference group

Brooke Hatfield, MS, CCC-SLP is an Associate Director of Health Care Services in Speech- Language Pathology at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She has more than twenty-five years of experience as a speech-language pathologist with a clinical background in adult neuro rehabilitation in a variety of settings, and recently completed a master's degree in health care administration as a pandemic project.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• Ex officio for ASHA Special Interest Groups 2, Neurogenic Communication Disorders and 18, Telepractice

Lily Gullion is a pediatric occupational therapist who has experience in outpatient and school settings. She began her OT career with a professional fellowship which included mentorship in NICU and in a hospital-based feeding clinic. She then worked in school feeding as a feeding team lead, assessing and teaching teachers how to safely provide meals to students with disabilities. Curious about school systems and the nuances of state feeding policies, she returned to school to start a PhD in Occupational Science, a current third-year student focusing on the way federal, state, and school-specific policies impact the participation of students with disabilities during meals.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Speaker honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Dr Chris Elliot is a General and Developmental paediatrician in Sydney, Australia. He co- founded the SUCCEED Child Feeding Alliance, an Australian not-for-profit collaboration formed in 2017 between families, clinicians and researchers all focused on children with paediatric feeding disorder, especially those children who require tube-feeding. Dr Elliot works in both the public and private sectors, is a popular author and teacher and sits on the board of the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• Board Member, SUCCEED Child Feeding Alliance Not for Profit Organisation Editorial Board, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health

Anna is a co-founder of the SUCCEED Child Feeding Alliance, an Australian not-for-profit collaboration formed in 2017 between families, clinicians and researchers all focused on children with paediatric feeding disorder, especially those children who require tube- feeding. Anna is the parent of a child who tube-fed at home until the age of 2 years.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• Board member, SUCCEED Child Feeding Alliance - Non For Profit Organisation

Dr Nick Hopwood is Professor of Education at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) School of International Studies & Education, and Extraordinary Professor in the Department of Curriculum Studies at Stellenbosch University (South Africa). He has over a decade of experience researching services that support parents of young children, and has been a co-leader of the SUCCEED Study since its inception. In this study his role focuses on co-developing educational resources to improve health practices and help everyone in families with children who tube-feed thrive.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• Board Member, SUCCEED Child Feeding Alliance Not for Profit Organisation

Dr. Adina Seidenfeld is a Pediatric Psychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the Comprehensive Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Program Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University. She is currently an attending within the transdisciplinary intensive feeding program and addresses behavioral feeding concerns outpatient. In addition to her work in PFD, she has expertise in program development and evaluation. Dr. Seidenfeld assisted with program development in PFD in her role as pediatric psychologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Prior to her work in pediatric feeding, she served as a Senior Clinical Scientist at the Center for Training Evaluation and Community Collaboration, Univeristy of Delaware which was aimed at bridging the gap between science and practice. She continues to use an ecological developmental model to inform her work in pediatric care. Dr. Seidenfeld earned her doctorate from the University of Delaware and BA from Washington Univeristy in St. Louis. She completed her residency at Nemours AI duPont Hospital for Children, and her postdoctoral experience at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• Member, International Association for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Research and Education committee

Hayley Estrem, PhD, RN, is an assistant professor in the School of Nursing at University of North Carolina Wilmington. Dr. Estrem’s primary research interests are guided by the NIH Symptom Science model and aim to improve family-centered care for children with PFD and/or developmental disabilities. In her research program, Dr. Estrem combines patient centered outcomes measure development, multi-method integration, and the goal of family-centered care for infants and children with special health care needs. Dr. Estrem’s work started with concept analysis of pediatric feeding problems and measure development and she frequently works with interdisciplinary teams to build evidence that addresses the needs of families and children with PFD. She is the current Research Pillar chair for Feeding Matters and has a child with PFD who inspired her to pursue a career in feeding research.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-Financial Disclosures:

• Founding member of the Feeding Flock research group
• Feeding Matters Pillar chair, and I have a child with PFD

Dr Pamela Dodrill works at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital NICU in Boston. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S) and a Certified Neonatal Therapist (CNT).  She has worked with infants and children with feeding and swallowing disorders for over two decades.

Before relocating to Boston to work at Boston Children’s Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Pamela worked at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, Australia.  Pamela complete her PhD through the Children’s Nutrition Research Center in Brisbane and continues to conduct clinical research in the area of infants and childhood feeding disorders and their management. She is an instructor at Harvard Medical School, and regularly runs specialist training workshops for other health professionals at national and international scientific conferences.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• None

Dr. Jennifer Thomas is the Co-director of the Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, and an Associate Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Thomas’s research focuses on avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and other atypical eating disorders, as described in her four books — most recently Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Children, Adolescents, and Adults; and The Picky Eater’s Recovery Book: Overcoming Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. She is principal investigator on several studies investigating the neurobiology and treatment of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, funded by the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health and private foundations. She is the author or co-author of more than 170 scientific publications. She is the immediate Past President of the Academy for Eating Disorders and recently completed a 5-year term as Associate Editor for the International Journal of Eating Disorders.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Royalties for sale of books from Cambridge University Press & Oxford University Press
• Research funding from National Institute of Mental Health Marcus

Non-financial:

• Immediate Past President of Academy for Eating Disorders

William Sharp, PhD is a Director of Children’s Multidisciplinary Feeding Program (Atlanta,GA) and a Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. At Children’s, Dr. Sharp leads a multidisciplinary team of professionals whose mission is to enhance the overall quality of life for children and their families by providing evidenced-based, comprehensive care for children with pediatric feeding disorder and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). His current research focuses on developing and evaluating innovative, community-viable methods of treatment delivery-based on the need to expand the availability of effective interventions both locally and nationally. He has co-authored a treatment manual for parents on this topic and published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters related to multidisciplinary treatment for feeding disorders. In 2014 and 2020, he was a finalist for the Allied Healthcare Hero Award by the Atlanta Business Chronicle for his dedication to improving treatment and access to care for children with chronic and severe feeding concerns – winning the award in 2014.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• Feeding Matters Research Task Force Chair

Important Evidence-Based Practice Factors to Consider in Pediatric Feeding Disorders

Ross Westemeyer is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Speech & Neurodevelopment Lab at Northeastern University. Ross earned his Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln after receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Northern Iowa in speech-language pathology. Ross’s research interests include using neuroimaging modalities to characterize neural networks and activity during feeding and swallowing in healthy and clinical populations across the lifespan. As a speech-language pathologist, Ross is interested in addressing the researcher-clinician gap and facilitating use of evidence-based practice in the management of feeding and swallowing disorders.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial

• None

Using Parent-Report Tools in Assessment for Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD)

Dr. Marshall is a speech pathologist with many years of clinical experience in pediatric feeding and swallowing. She is currently employed in a conjoint research fellow role between Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service and The University of Queensland. Dr Marshall’s research interests include pediatric feeding disorders and dysphagia, particularly education and training, diagnostics, management, and advocacy. Dr Marshall also has a passion for research translation and in building the links between research and practice.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Income as a writer from The Informed SLP

Non-financial:

• Part of the ASHA Pediatric Feeding Disorder topic committee in 2022 and 2023
• Membership with ASHA (international affiliate), Speech Pathology Australia and the Dysphagia Research Society
• Volunteer lecturing for the Trinh Foundation in Vietnam

Examining the Association between Maternal Postpartum Stress and Infant Non-Nutritive Suck

Alaina Martens is a 4th year Ph.D. Candidate under the supervision of Dr. Emily Zimmerman at Northeastern University. She received her M.S. in SLP from the Universtiy of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed her B.S. in SLP at Texas Christian University. She is passionate about improving developmental outcomes for infants with feeding disordersand is examining sucking and feeding development in special populations of infants during her dissertion.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• None

Creative Mealtimes: Establishing a Sensory Feeding Group with Medically Complex Children

Elizabeth S. Curney, M.S., OTR/L graduated from Ithaca College with a B.S. in Health Sciences and from Ithaca College with a M.S. in Occupational Therapy. She works at St. Mary's Hospital for Children specializing in pediatric rehab, sensory integration, developmental disabilities, visual impairments & assistive technology.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Creative Mealtimes: Establishing a Sensory Feeding Group with Medically Complex Children

Stephanie A. Waters, M.S., CCC-SLP, TSSLD, CLC graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a B.S. in Speech and Language Disabilities and from New York Medical College with a M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. She is a Certified Lactation Counselor and works at St. Mary's Hospital for Children specializing in pediatric feeding disorders, airway management and augmentative and alternative communication.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• St. Mary's Hospital for Children
• NYU Langone
• Therapy Insights
• Adelphi University
• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Chewing in Minimally Verbal and Verbal Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Emily graduated from the MGH Institute of Health Professions with a Master of Science in Communication Disorders in September 2023. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Disorders from the University of Vermont in 2021. She is a Speech and Language Pathology Clinical Fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital, earning her Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Emily’s clinical experience includes working in public schools and outpatient settings. She has experience evaluating and treating receptive/expressive and pragmatic language disorders, swallowing, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and autism spectrum disorder.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Health-Related Quality of Life of Parents of Children with Pediatric Feeding Disorders

Nadeesha Nirmani is a speech and language pathologist graduated in Speech and Hearing Sciences (Hons) from Department of Disability Studies, University of Kelaniya in 2023. She is currently working at the Wickramarachchi Optical and Hearing Care (Pvt) Ltd. She is passionate about working collaboratively with each individual, staff, children and families, to meet their swallowing and communication goals, and to ultimately maximize their quality of lives. Her specific clinical and research interests are; pediatric feeding disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, voice disorders, and augmentative and alternative communication for children.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Physiological measures of breastfeeding: A comparison between term vs pre-term infants

Isuru Dharmarathna is a speech and language pathologist and currently works at the Swallowing Rehabilitation Research Lab at the KITE as a post-doctoral research fellow. Isuru completed her PhD at The University of Auckland, New Zealand on paediatric dysphagia in 2020 and has contributed to literature on instrumental swallowing assessments by publishing in peer-reviewed journals. She was a recipient of a Commonwealth scholarship to complete her MSc in Clinical Education, University of Edinburgh, UK and is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK. Isuru’s research interests are on improving the quality of instrumental swallowing assessments for children and adults.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• Member of the 2024 Feeding Matters Conference Planning Committee

Michelle is an occupational therapist and feeding therapist at DVPT. She has been practicing for 3 years, and graduated from the doctor of occupational therapy program at Northern Arizona University. She is passionate about evidence based practice, research, and providing the highest quality of care to clients and their families. Michelle uses a client-centered, play-based approach to therapy, meeting her clients where they are at. Feeding therapy is her passion and she is thrilled to begin a research project that will contribute to the growing field.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• Adjunct faculty for Northern Arizona University

Ronise Benson is currently working towards her doctoral degree in occupational therapy at Northern Arizona University. Her main goal is to help individuals from diverse backgrounds and ages to be self-reliant in their daily activities and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to accomplish their objectives. Ronise is particularly interested in learning more about pediatric feeding disorders and sensory disorders, and is looking forward to collaborating with families and clients to develop tailored intervention plans that best suit their specific needs.

Madison Farmer is an Occupational Therapy doctoral student at Northern Arizona University. She graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s in psychology and is passionate about working with children and their families to meet their goals. Her specific clinical and research interests are; pediatric feeding disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder and children with developmental disabilities. 

Cuyler Romeo has developed a broad clinical understanding of the needs of families and children by serving as an Occupational Therapist and industry expert in pediatric feeding disorder for over 20 years. As the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Feeding Matters, she assists in developing and executing a strategic plan to bring about system wide change for families struggling with pediatric feeding disorder. She utilizes her clinical understanding and leadership expertise to collaborate with constituents in identifying, tracking, and assessing innovative solutions to system problems.

Cuyler also has extensive experience facilitating strategic partnerships and aligning diverse groups of people under a common goal. She designed and executed a state-wide multi- disciplinary mentorship program, launched a Community of Practice within the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and advanced professional development through her position on AOTA’s Commission on Continuing Competence and Professional Development (CCCPD). Prior to joining Feeding Matters, she served as a founding partner of a feeding specialty clinic, Mealtime Connections, and rectified system issues on a broader scale as the Director of Clinical Innovation at Therapy 2000. She also treats clinically as a feeding specialist at Banner University Medical Center-Tucson in a Level 3 NICU and speaks professionally.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Receives a salary from Feeding Matters.
• Receives hourly compensation from Banner University Medical Center Tucson.

Non-financial:

• Facilitates AOTA’s Mealtime Occupation: Feeding, Eating and Swallowing Community of Practice.
• Appointed member of the Commission for Continued Competence and Professional Development (CCCPD).
• Board of Directors for the Institute of Perception-Action Approach.
• Member of the National Perinatal Association’s Interdisciplinary Workgroup and Dissemination Committee.
• Member of AOTA, ArizOTA, and IAPFS.

Amy Delaney is an Assistant Professor in Speech-Pathology & Audiology at Marquette University. She is the Director of the Neurodevelopmental Feeding and Swallowing Lab focusing on the identification of a norm-reference for feeding development to establish diagnostic criteria and assessment tools for the early and accurate diagnosis of pediatric feeding disorder. Dr. Delaney worked at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin for 20 years in advanced diagnostics and intervention for medically complex children with PFD and dysphagia. She is the Education Pillar Chair for Feeding Matters.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Receives a salary from Marquette University

Non-financial:

• Serves as Educational pillar chair for Feeding Matters
• Serves on ASHA’s annual conference planning committee

Paula Rabaey is Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Minnesota. She has 30 years clinical experience in pediatric occupational therapy including early intervention, outpatient, home health, feeding, eating, and swallowing, and NICU. Dr. Rabaey’s research and scholarship focuses on children with and without disabilities living in marginalized communities both in the US and abroad with a focus on feeding and mealtimes. Her current project is looking at feeding assessments used by practitioners and the alignment with the PFD diagnosis. She is a feeding technical expert forS POON Foundation and has developed a curriculum to train caregivers in orphanages around the world to safely feed children with disabilities.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• Serves as a member of AOTA, WFOT, and SSO-USA

Erin Ross received her Ph.D from the University of Colorado in 2007, followed by a 2-year Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the Section of Nutrition at the University of Colorado Denver. Her Master’s Degree is in Speech and Language Pathology, from California State University Stansilaus, which she received in 1988. Dr. Ross is currently an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado and is on faculty at the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She has authored several book chapters and publications related to feeding preterm infants, infants with medical comorbidities, and children with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). Dr. Ross provides clinical consultation to several NICUs within the HealthONE system in Denver, in addition to providing professional education and research consultation through Feeding Fundamentals. She created SOFFI®, a training program for caregivers in the NICU and in Early Intervention. 

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Receives a salary from Feeding FUNdamentals
• Speaker for Toomey & Associates
• Consultant for Gerber Foods and Intertek

Non-financial:

• Chair of the Advocacy Committee with Feeding Matters

Amber Mieras is the mother of Jax, 8, and Nayeli, 4. Amber connected with Feeding Matters when Jax was an infant and she was looking for information about feeding challenges. She found a wealth of support and knowledge about feeding tubes, therapies, and connections with other families that impacted her entire family. Over the last 7 years, Amber has continued to utilize the Feeding Matters resources and support, serving as the chair on the Family Advisory Council, as a mentor with the Power of Two program, as well as presenting at the 2021 PFD Conference. Amber was an elementary school teacher, mentor, and professional development facilitator for over 16 years serving the Phoenix area as well as a small community outside of Boston. In her spare time, she loves running and hiking, cheering on her alma-mater Arizona State University Sun Devils, and her beloved Red Sox. She loves spending time with her family, watching movies, and being outdoors.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial Disclosures:

• Chair of the Family Advisory Council
• PFDA Support Pillar Lead
• Volunteer with Feeding Matters
• Amber is a parent of a child with PFD

Nikhila Raol is an Associate Professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and health services researcher at Emory, as well as a pediatric otolaryngologist at CHOA. She completed her medical education at the University of Texas southwestern medical center and her otolaryngology training at Baylor college of medicine. She then completed her pediatric otolaryngology training at the Massachusetts eye and ear infirmary, during which time she obtained her Master of Public Health degree at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. Her primary research and clinical interests center on the management of children with pediatric feeding disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. When she’s not obsessing about how other people’s kids eat and sleep, she obsesses over how her three kids and husband and dog eat and sleep. She and her family also love spending time reading, rooting on their favorite sports teams, and enjoying the outstanding Atlanta performing arts scene.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Receives a salary from the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Non-financial:

• None

Harmonizing Feeding Therapy with Different Cognitive Developmental Stages in Pediatric Feeding Disorders

Lindsay Beckerman, MOT, OTR/L received her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Ohio State University. She currently works at Developmental FX, a non-profit clinic supporting children with a wide variety of developmental needs. Prior to this, she worked as a Pediatric Feeding Specialist at SOS Feeding Solutions @ STAR with Dr. Kay Toomey and Dr. Lucy Jane Miller and currently continues to work with Dr. Toomey as an SOS Professor. Lindsay has also worked as a member of a multidisciplinary team with Autism Spectrum Disorders, SPD, emotional/behavioral disorders and feeding problems in a hospital/residential facility. Lindsay has completed the STAR Institute’s Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Intensive Mentorship Programs and is a certified DIR Floortime Provider. She specializes in feeding difficulties in atypical learners, including children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, and multisensory processing difficulties. Lindsay also serves as a board member for Charlotte’s Day, a non-profit group that helps to provide posturally supportive chairs to children in feeding therapy.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Paid Speaker for Toomey & Associates, Inc.

Non-financial:

• Board Member for Charlotte’s Day

Harmonizing Feeding Therapy with Different Cognitive Developmental Stages in Pediatric Feeding Disorders

Kelly Fitzpatrick, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC received her Master of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Memphis. She currently works in a Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic, where she established a feeding clinic. She works children of all ages, but specializes in children birth to 3 years, and those who are G-tube dependent. Prior to working at the GI clinic, Kelly acted as the Assistant Clinical Director of SOS Feeding Solutions @ STAR with Dr. Kay Toomey and Dr. Lucy Jane Miller. She has also worked in the Early Intervention and Pediatric Outpatient Hospital Settings using the SOS Approach to Feeding program. Kelly is completed the STAR Institute’s Intensive Mentorship Program. She is also a Certified Lactation Counselor and a certified DIR Floortime Provider.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Toomey and Associates

Non-financial:

• None

Clinical Insights and Caregiver Voices: Home-Based Medically-Complex Tube Weaning

Brianna Miluk is a speech language pathologist in Greenville, SC who serves patients in home, clinic, and telepractice settings with a clinical focus on medically-complex patients with pediatric feeding disorders. Bri is an Instructor for Pennsylvania Western University and is working on her PhD in Communication and Information Sciences with an emphasis on research and misinformation dissemination on social media in pediatric feeding. When Bri isn't working or studying, she enjoys playing kickball or volleyball and making reels like a true millennial (you can follow her on Instagram @pediatricfeedingslp).

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• Feeding Matters Conference Planning Committee
• ASHA SIG 13 Professional Development Committee
• 2024 ASHA Convention Business and Practice
• Management Topic Committee
• President of Pediatric Feeding Disorders Foundation

Clinical Insights and Caregiver Voices: Home-Based Medically-Complex Tube Weaning

Denise Clark is the mother of a child who had a pediatric feeding disorder. She is a strong advocate for her child and enjoys supporting other caregivers through their journeys. Denise enjoys spending time with family.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• None

ABA's Role in Feeding 101

Theresa is seasoned a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with over 25 years of experience, specializing in aiding children diagnosed with autism, down syndrome, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, Gastrostomy Tubes, chewing difficulties, pill swallowing and ADHD/ADD. Employing the principles of applied behavior analysis, she has dedicated 15 years to enhancing children’s eating habits. Theresa underscores the profound, lasting impact of feeding on both the child and their family, advocating for early intervention to counteract the misconception that “picky eating” naturally resolves. Her expertise, dawn from professional practice and personal encounters, includes successfully addressing her own son’s feeding challenges by applying the same principles she employs professionally. This perspective equips her to comprehend the unique hurdles families encounter and to devise tailored, research-grounded programs for enduring success. Rooted in applied behavior analysis, her approach emphasizes creating observable change through strategic techniques and procedures. Collaborating closely with treatment team, Theresa crafts comprehensive programs that offers a personalized approach to each client, ensuring that children receive dedicated attention aligned with their needs.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• Feeding Matters Southern California Council Committee- Volunteer

Virtual family-based care for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Dr. Jessie Menzel, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Program Development at Equip. A clinical psychologist with over 15 years of specialized experience in eating disorders, Dr. Menzel earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of South Florida and is also the founder and former director of the Pediatric Program at the UCSD Eating Disorders Center. She has conducted national and international training on treating eating disorders and has supervised graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and psychiatry residents. Her research experience includes body image, child & adolescent eating disorders, and the newest eating disorder: avoidant/restrictive eating disorder (ARFID).

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• None

Meeting Halfway: A Multidisciplinary Approach to PFD Treatment in Children With Autism

Jessica joined the UNC Feeding Team in late 2021 as a pediatric gastroenterologist nurse practitioner. Jessica received her BSN from Queens University of Charlotte-Presbyterian School of Nursing. Jessica later completed her Masters of Science in Nursing from Duke University School of Nursing with a pediatric primary care focus while gaining experience as an RN in adult and pediatric medicine at Duke University Hospital. Jessica has a background in pediatric primary care working as a nurse practitioner prior to joining the Feeding Team. Her interests include behavioral approaches to feeding difficulties and the impacts of nutritional deficiencies as it relates to child behaviors and feeding.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Meeting Halfway: A Multidisciplinary Approach to PFD Treatment in Children With Autism

Emily is a speech-language pathologist who is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to infants and children with feeding and swallowing disorders. She graduated with her bachelor's degree from the George Washington University in 2016, and her master's degree in speech-language pathology from the University of North Carolina in 2018. She completed her clinical fellowship and then spent several years working with the intensive feeding program at the Marcus Autism Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where she received extensive training in oral motor development, autism spectrum disorder, and evidence-based therapeutic strategies which benefit this population. In 2021 she returned to North Carolina and joined the UNC Feeding Team. She has continued to grow her skills to support a variety of ages and differences, and has worked to share her knowledge through interdisciplinary presentations and clinical preceptorship of graduate and undergraduate students.

DISCLOSURES:

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Meeting Halfway: A Multidisciplinary Approach to PFD Treatment in Children With Autism

Sharon is board certified in Pediatric Nutrition by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and has worked as a pediatric dietitian for almost 3 decades in various capacities including inpatient teaching hospitals, a private practice, consultative roles and outpatient clinic settings. She has practiced at UNC Children’s Hospital and has been in her current position as a Pediatric Specialty Clinic Dietitian for 15 years. Sharon has been working with the pediatric feeding team since its inception in 2012 and loves watching the transformation in eating skill, growth and overall nutrition that patients develop as an outcome of the interdisciplinary collaboration from the feeding team. Areas of particular interest include children with special health care needs, GI nutrition and enteral feeding. Sharon graduated with a BA in Nutrition with double major in Psychology from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY followed by a nutrition internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial: 

• Feeding Matters Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change Planning Committee Member

Addressing PFD in Neurodiverse Children in Schools: Success Stories and Lessons Learned

Margaryta Kuzmin, MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE, is a Pediatric Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist with over 10 years of experience in the New York City Department of Education District 75 (Special Education) and Early Intervention. She specializes in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, mentors graduate students, and guest lectures at universities. Currently she is pursuing Board Certified Swallowing Specialist accreditation. Margaryta is a published author and a recipient of multiple ACE awards from ASHA and Better Speech and Hearing Month Awards from UFT (United Federation of Teachers). She has also published articles addressing pediatric feeding disorders within school settings for ASHA’s Special Interest Group SIG 16: School-Based Issues.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Author for a children's book Baby Zoo and receive royalty payments
• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• ASHA member
• Feeding Matter PFD Alliance volunteer member
• Lecturer/Guest Speaker at various New York City Universities in CSD graduate programs, mentor, supervise student interns

Kristine is a bilingual feeding therapist with the Feeding Difficulties Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Kristine has been in pediatrics since 2017 and she specializes in the evaluation and treatment of oropharyngeal feeding and swallowing. Kristine has a passion for providing inclusive, patient- and family-centered care which drives her treatment style.

DISCLOSURES:

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• None

Jessica has been an occupational therapist since 2009 and has specialized in pediatrics for most of her career. Early on she developed an interest in the complex area of feeding while working with children in outpatient and early intervention settings. This led to a position at the multidisciplinary Feeding Difficulties Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. She is also a certified lactation counselor and certified children’s yoga teacher.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• None

Stephanie has been an occupational therapist since 2014. Although she has experience with both pediatric and adult populations, she has always had a passion for working in pediatrics. She specializes in pediatric feeding disorders at the Feeding Difficulties Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital for children. She has since received her certification as a lactation consultant and is certified in yoga for children.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• None

Liz Evenson is a pediatric dietitian in the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Lactation and the Comprehensive Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Program at Nationwide Children's Hospital. She is also a Certified Lactation Counselor. She specializes in working with children with pediatric feeding disorder, other comorbid psychological and/or medical concerns by ensuring they are receiving proper nutrition for adequate growth and development.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• Feeding Matters Conference Planning Committee Volunteer

Cassaundra Corbett Miller, EdD, MS, CCC/SLP is an Assistant Professor within the WVU School of Medicine. She has been a practicing SLP for over 15 years and has provided services to children with disabilities for the duration of her career. Dr. Miller is the Director of the WVUCED Feeding and Swallowing Clinic. She is also a clinical supervisor for speech pathology graduate students, an instructor for graduate and undergraduate Disability Studies coursework within the WVU Health Sciences Center, and serves as Program Manager and Mentor for the West Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program. Dr. Miller presents nationally and internationally on pediatric feeding and swallowing.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Amy Kurowski-Burt, EdD, MOT, OTR/L is an Associate Professor in the WVU Division of Occupational Therapy. Dr. Burt has provided services for children with disabilities for over 15 years in a variety of settings including school-based intervention. She is also an instructor for the WVU Country Roads Program. Country Roads is a two-year on-campus learning program designed to prepare students with disabilities for independence. Dr. Burt is the OT for the WVUCED Feeding and Swallowing Clinic and a LEND Mentor. Her most recent publications and presentations center on interdisciplinary care, neurodiversity, and pediatric feeding. Her efforts have been funded through multiple grants and fellowships. Dr. Burt has also contributed to Project SCOPE ECHO and DreamCatchers and recently presented a pre-conference seminar at the national AOTA Convention.

DISCLOSURES:

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Emily C. McGowan MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.  She completed her undergraduate education at Duke University and thereafter spent a year pursuing research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  She completed her medical training at the University of Virginia, internship/residency training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA, and fellowship training in Allergy/Clinical Immunology at Johns Hopkins.  She also completed a PhD in Clinical Investigation at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.  Her primary research and clinical interest is food allergy, and she is actively pursuing projects to better understand the epidemiology and pathophysiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis and other Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases.  Dr. McGowan has received funding through the NIH/National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, AAAAI/ARTrust, FARE, and the American College of Gastroenterology.  She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and is an active member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.  

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Consultant for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and advisory board member for Takeda Pharmaceuticals
• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• On the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology (AAAAI) Eosinophilic GI Diseases (EGID) Committee, as well as the Adverse Food Reactions Committee

Tegan Medico received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition/Dietetics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and completed her graduate dual degree program and dietetic internship at the University of Tennessee, where she earned a Master of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Public Health in Health Planning and Administration. Tegan joined the team at the University of Virginia Health in 2013 as a dietitian in pediatrics. She has worked in a variety of roles: intensive care, gastroenterology, nephrology, transplant, and home health. She now serves the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, the Pediatric Liver Transplant program, and is coordinator for an elective in pediatric nutrition for UVa’s School of Medicine. Additionally, she has held adjunct instructor positions at Piedmont Valley Community College and the University of Virginia. Tegan has given talks on a variety of topics at the local, national, and international levels; has co-written a book, A Kid’s Guide to Short Bowel Syndrome; and currently is program chair for the Council for Pediatric Nutrition Professionals of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Tegan is the 2019 recipient of Compass Group’s Clinician of the Year Award.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• Book licensing fee 
• Consultant fee from Takeda Pharmaceuticals
  
• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• NASPGHAN Council for Pediatric Nutrition Professionals, Program Chair

Feeding Characteristics and Behaviors in Young Children with Food Allergies 

Jennifer has been working as a Speech Pathologist for nearly 20 years across a range of settings. For the last 12 years she has specialised in paediatric feeding managing acute inpatient and hospital outpatient caseloads and community based caseloads. She is currently working full time in community health, managing her local service on a day to day basis and covering a speech and language caseload, and feeding caseload in children aged 0-6 years. Jennifer began her PhD through the University of Queensland part-time, in 2020, investigating the feeding characteristics and behaviours in young children with food allergies.  

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• None

Model for PFD Education in SLP Graduate Students: Knowledge and Skills

Cindy Lund is an Associate Professor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) at Concordia University Wisconsin, with a PhD in Health Sciences from Northern Illinois University. She founded the Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) clinic on the CUW campus, which is staffed by graduate students in SLP supervised by experienced clinicians. Dr. Lund has over 20 years of clinical experience working with infants and children with PFD, across a variety of settings, including NICU, inpatient/outpatient hospital and rehab, clinic, and private practice. She has completed extensive continuing education and training in the area of pediatric feeding and swallowing and is certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment. Dr. Lund’s research has focused on infants and children with PFD and applications to clinical practice.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• President-Elect of the Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Association (WSHA)

Factors Associated with Thickened Feedings and its Impact at 1-2 Months Post-Term

Suzanne Thoyre is Professor at the School of Nursing at UNC-Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on the development of early oral feeding in typically developing and vulnerable children. She co-developed the Early Feeding Skills tool; this clinician-reported tool is used internationally to support the clinical care of infants who are vulnerable to developing chronic feeding disorders. Dr. Thoyre also co-founded the Feeding Flock research team focused on management and prevention of feeding problems of infants and young children. The team extended feeding assessment to the post-discharge period with the development of six parent-report assessment tools for use from 0 to 7 years of age. These tools measure symptoms of problematic feeding, oral and motor feeding skills, parent perception of the impact feeding problems have on themselves and their families, and parent assessment of family management of feeding problems. Currently Dr. Thoyre is completing an NIH-funded R01 which uses these tools to extend our understanding of the development of feeding problems of children with complex medical disorders from birth through 2 years of age.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• Suzanne is a founding member of the Feeding Flock research group

FEEDS: A Transdisciplinary Approach to Navigating Early Childhood Feeding Challenges

Isabella (Bella) Herold (she/her), MPH RDN CLC, received her B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University and her Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Bella’s passion for pediatric nutrition began while working in a pediatric development lab at the University of Michigan where she supported research studies on children’s perceptions and intake of “healthy” vs “unhealthy foods.” Bella completed her dietetic internship through the University of Michigan School of Public Health and started her nutrition career as a dietitian at the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Detroit Michigan. Bella currently works as a community nutritionist at the Community Healthcare Network (CHN) in NYC where she provides individualized nutrition counseling for children and adults.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

FEEDS: A Transdisciplinary Approach to Navigating Early Childhood Feeding Challenges

Nazish Pervez (she/her), RD, CDN, CLC, received her B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from Queens College New York. Nazish completed her Dietetic internship at Queens College as well. As a community Dietitian at Community Healthcare Network, Nazish works with different diverse populations and provides individualized medical nutrition interventions. Prior working at CHN, Nazish worked as a Clinical Dietitian at Highland Nursing Care and Rehab center.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Anya Holit-Gsell (she/her), LMSW, received her B.A. in Anthropology from Willamette University, and her Masters in Social Welfare (MSW) at University of California, Berkeley. As a Healthy Steps Specialist and Behavioral Health Therapist at Community Healthcare Network in New York City, Anya works with children ages 0-5 and their families to provide developmental guidance and behavior support. Anya has experience supporting children with feeding concerns across diverse populations and settings. From previous experience leading therapeutic baking groups in children’s inpatient mental health, to presently cofacilitating an intensive Family Early Eating and Developmental Skills (FEEDS) program for pediatric feeding concerns, Anya is passionate about helping children and their families feel healthy and have fun with mealtimes.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• None

FEEDS: A Transdisciplinary Approach to Navigating Early Childhood Feeding Challenges

Madeleine Amdur (she/her), LCSW, MPH, received her B.A. in English from Denison University, and her Masters’ in Social Work (MSW) and Public Health (MPH) from Columbia University. Madeleine worked as a social worker and health educator before becoming a Healthy Steps Specialist at Community Healthcare Network (CHN). In collaboration with the community nutritionist, Madeleine worked to create a joint behavioral and nutritional support program for parents of young children called the Family Early Eating and Developmental Skills (FEEDS) program. Madeleine is currently the Director of Community Health Programs at CHN and serves as Chair of CHN’s Research Committee.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

The Effectiveness of a 12 week Feeding Program Emphasizing Parental-Clinician

Ida Barresi has been a Speech/Language Pathologist at the Rose F. Kennedy Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (RFK CERC) in the Bronx, New York for 31 years. She is the Co-Director of the Speech Department that supervises and trains colleagues and prospective graduate students in speech language pathology. As the head of Cerc’s Feeding Program, she expanded the program to service more families individually and in groups that run weekly. Ms. Barresi has extensive experience in the treatment and evaluation of speech/language/communication/feeding & swallowing and possesses the following certifications: PROMPT, PECS, and Level 1 SOS Training. In addition she has obtained research reliability in administration of the ADOS-2 . She has experience with patients from infancy through adulthood who have autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, learning disabilities and specific difficulties in the areas of mixed receptive-expressive language, oral motor/motor planning, phonology and articulation, social pragmatics, and selective mutism. Ms. Barresi has research experience in the areas of autism, sleep disorders, oral hygiene, narratives and bilingualism. Ms. Barresi received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech/Language Pathology at Iona College and her Master of Arts degree in Speech/Language Pathology from Herbert H. Lehman College.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• 2024 Speaker Honorarium: Feeding Matters

Non-financial:

• None

Meagan became a leader in both the intestinal malrotation and short bowel syndrome communities after navigating her son Camden's complications from intestinal malrotation and volvulus. Camden began vomiting 12 hours after his birth, and was life-flighted to a nearby hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries over the course of three days. He was left with 55 cm of small bowel and no ileocecal valve. Camden has participated in the experimental drug protocol for Omegaven at Boston Children’s Hospital. Meagan has worked in advocacy roles for the rare disease and nutrition support communities, including TPN and Tube Feeding, and offers a personal 1-to-1 approach to help educate families navigating complex medical and gastrointestinal complications. Meagan is a MedGift ambassador, sits on the Boston Children's Hospital's family advisory board and is a clinically certified speech-language pathologist.

Developments in Screening for Pediatric Feeding Disorder

Lauren is a second year medical student at the U of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix. Through her interest in gastroenterology and pediatrics, she became involved with Phoenix Children's Hospital Aerodigestive Clinic and Feeding Matters. In her free time she enjoys training her two Shikoku Inu dogs, crocheting, and reading fiction.

DISCLOSURES

Financial:

• None

Non-financial:

• Arizona Medical Association Medical Student Section
• Feeding Matters PFD Alliance Volunteer