Toneisha Bush MA, CCC-SLP (Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change committee Chair)

Toneisha is 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.”

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial:

Feeding Matters 2025 Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change committee volunteer

Meredith Lowden, Parent Advocate

Meredith currently lives in New Jersey with her husband (Gary), 1 year old son (Owen), and another son on the way in November, 2024. Owen began his journey with PFD at 6 months old and after going through his journey, wanted to give back and help other families have a better experience. In the beginning of 2024, she began volunteering with Feeding Matters as a Power of Two coach. Outside of being a mom, Meredith works for a small engineering firm as a consultant. She enjoys going on new adventures with her family, and their favorite places to visit are anywhere in the New England states.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial:

Feeding Matters 2025 Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change committee volunteer

Yomi Ogedegbe

Yomi is mom to Joshua and Joanna. Joshua (7) has had feeding challenges since he was 2 and was recently diagnosed with oral dysphasia. He is currently in feeding therapy and we still have a long journey ahead but he is gradually making incremental progress.

Financial Disclosures: None.

Non-financial Disclosures: Feeding Matters Family Advisory Council Chair

Isuru Dharmarathna PhD (NZ), MSc (UK), BSc Hons. (SL) (Inclusion Representative)

Isuru is a speech-language pathologist with a clinical and research expertise in pediatric feeding disorders. She has worked as a lecturer and a clinician in Sri Lanka and received her doctorate in pediatric dysphagia from New Zealand. Currently, she is pursuing a post-doctoral research fellowship at the Swallowing Rehabilitation Research Laboratory in Toronto Rehabilitation Research Institute, Canada. Her main research interests are to improve the quality of information gathered from videofluoroscopic study of swallowing and to explore biomechanics of food oral processing in children. Isuru is a strong advocate for improving clinical care for children with PFD and their families in under-resourced settings by equipping clinicians and educating families and communities. At present, she is the Councilor- in-Training of the Dysphagia Research Society and is a Council Member of the Sri Lankan Association of Speech and Language Pathologists.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial:

Feeding Matters 2025 Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change committee volunteer

Tovah Feehan MS, CCC-SLP CLC

Tovah is a pediatric speech-language pathologist specializing in Pediatric Feeding Disorder. Tovah is well recognized in her profession for her commitment to collaborative feeding support that honors the whole child and family. She is passionate about empowering caregivers as the experts on their own children. After working at a pediatric hospital for the majority of her career, she founded her practice, Pediatric Feeding Partners, where she offers clinical assessment, instrumental evaluation, and dynamic intervention of feeding and swallowing for infants and children. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor of Dysphagia and health literacy. Tovah can be found @PediatricFeedingPartners where she provides resources to support families navigating feeding challenges.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures:

Feeding Matters 2025 Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change committee volunteer

Lauren Thompson (SGSC committee) , M.Ed. CCC-SLP, CLC

Lauren Thompson is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor with over a decade of experience. Lauren founded Well Fed Feeding and Swallowing Therapy with the goal of providing expert care in client's homes and providing rural communities with access virtually. Lauren has a passion for parent coaching and neurodiversity affirming care. Lauren is dedicated to evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary collaboration, and empowering families through responsive feeding practices that emphasize connection over compliance and trauma-sensitive care.

Financial Disclosures:

Lauren Thompson is the owner of Well Fed Feeding and Swallowing Therapy and is an employee of Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital, both of which she receives a salary from.

Non- Financial Disclosures:

Lauren serves on the 2025 Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change committee, for which she receives no financial compensation.

Katie Geery

Katie Geery is a mom of two, embracing the joys and challenges of parenthood with her 3-year-old daughter, Adelyn, and 8-month-old son, Emmett, with her husband Tyler. Katie started on her pediatric feeding journey when Addie was born and wasn’t gaining weight. In her work life, Katie is a financial advisor, balancing family life with her passion for helping others achieve their financial goals. In her free time, Katie loves to travel and explore with her family. Addie has visited six countries before the age of four. Katie strives to create a life full of meaningful experiences and memories for her family, blending her love of travel with her commitment to work and family life.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Kofi D. Essel, MD, MPH, FAAP

Kofi D. Essel, MD, MPH, FAAP is the inaugural Food as Medicine Program Director at Elevance Health. As a core member of the Health Outcomes Organization team, he works to coordinate with the broader social impact strategy, health equity, and medical policy initiatives throughout the enterprise. He leads efforts in designing innovative approaches to address diet related chronic diseases and social risk using novel food interventions. Dr. Essel is a board-certified community pediatrician at Children’s National Hospital(CNH) and Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the George Washington University(GWU) School of Medicine & Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. Most recently serving as the Director of the GWU Culinary Medicine Program. Dr. Essel has dedicated his career to advocacy/research around healthcare and public health workforce training, health disparities, and community engagement, with expertise and national recognition in the areas of addressing diet related chronic disease and food insecurity with patients and families. Dr. Essel is an award winning author and speaker, and is incredibly passionate about research dissemination and translation. He has been extensively published in peer reviewed journals, frequently appears in lay media, and has targeted his messaging for local, national, and international audiences. Dr. Essel sits on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on Obesity Solutions’ Lived Experience Innovation Collaborative and was nationally recognized by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for helping to create an innovative curriculum to enhance pediatric resident trainee skills on nutrition related disease management. Dr. Essel sits on the board of directors for the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) and serves as physician advisor for the Partnership for a Healthier America’s “Veggies Early & Often” campaign. Dr. Essel is a member of the executive committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Obesity. He also co-authored a national toolkit for pediatric providers to address food insecurity in their clinical settings with the AAP and FRAC. Dr. Essel earned a B.S. from Emory University with a focus on human biology/anthropology and earned his M.D. and M.P.H. in Epidemiology from GWU.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-Financial:

National Committee Member - The Hunger Vital Sign™ National Community of Practice co-convened by Children’s HealthWatch and FRAC. Board Member - Medical Partnership Advisory Board for Common Threads. 3 year board commitment - the American Academy of Pediatrics Aspen Institute Food is Medicine Advisory Board. Coding4Food Advisory Committee. Milken Institute Food is Medicine Task Force American Heart Association-Food is Medicine Advisory Committee: Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition. US Department of Health & Human Services(HHS) Food is Medicine Working Group. Tufts Food is Medicine Network of Excellence - Policy Advisory Group(PAG) Food is Medicine Advisory Committee for Scaling Food is Medicine in Health Care Across the Northeast Region.

Jaclyn Pederson, MHI Chief Executive Officer

With more than a decade of experience in program development, Jaclyn Pederson’s broad knowledge of programming in the public and social sectors includes program and strategic initiative design, fund development, special events, grant writing, and community engagement. A system thinker and positive team builder, she uses transformational leadership principles to develop energized and efficient workgroups that influence significant organizational and systemic change for all affected by pediatric feeding disorder –such as the development of the expanded PFD Alliance. Jaclyn also manages Feeding Matters’ strategic partnerships with numerous professional associations including American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: CEO of Feeding Matters

Praveen Goday, MD

Praveen Goday, MD, is a pediatric gastroenterologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He is the Director of the Nutrition and Feeding Programs, which provide nutrition care throughout the hospital system and care to children with feeding problems. He is a clinical professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University. He is board certified in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. Dr. Goday’s research interests include multiple efforts to improve feeding, nutrition, and growth in children with diverse diseases.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures:

Medical Director of Feeding Matters

Danielle Griffin MS, OTR/L, BCP, CKTP, CEIM (AOTA consultant)

Danielle Griffin is an occupational therapist with 17 years of clinical experience across a variety of pediatric settings. She is currently employed at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital Rehabilitation, and is a Clinical Manager at Kids Choice Pediatric in Ohio. Mrs. Griffin is Board Certified in Pediatrics through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner and Certified Educator of Infant Massage. She uses these certifications to provide holistic treatment, using adjunct modalities to improve general and feeding development. Mrs. Griffin is currently the Co-Coordinator for the Pediatric Special Interest Section of Ohio’s Occupational Therapy Association. In this role, she serves to advocate for feeding education (among other topics) to practitioners in the state of Ohio. Mrs. Griffin has experience providing education to families, students and medical professionals at state and national venues. In 2020, Ms. Petrozelle co-authored “Sibling Supported Feeding Intervention,” which was published in OT Practice. Mrs.Griffin is also Feeding Matters’ AOTA PD Consultant.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures:

2025 Feeding Matters Conference Committee volunteer

Amy Drayton , PhD

Amy Drayton has a PhD in clinical psychology. Following her formal training, she was recruited to join the faculty at the University of Michigan Medical School to start an interdisciplinary pediatric feeding program. Three years ago, she was recruited back to University of Nebraska Medical Center Munroe-Meyer Institute to become the director of the Department of Pediatric Feeding Disorders.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Courtney Bliss, MS RDN

I’m a Registered Dietitian with a passion for helping families find bliss around the table. As a mom myself, I understand the concerns that can come with feeding your child—we often ask ourselves questions like, Are they getting enough? Am I promoting healthy habits?These concerns are totally normal. I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone & are probably doing better than you think! Improving a child’s relationship with food starts with changing the way the family looks at mealtime, and I’m here to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and resources you need to nourish your littles today & set them up for a lifetime of success. I specialize in pediatric nutrition, tube feeding, failure to thrive, formula intolerance and picky eating among other common pediatric feeding concerns. I strongly believe that including a dietitian in part of your child’s feeding team is imperative. Adjusting what is served to improve their nutrition can support growth & development and be an important piece to success in feeding therapy. To limit mealtime stress I utilize Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility in Eating which divides the roles of eating for children and feeding for families. Very often I work with clients on improving energy levels, managing blood sugar and optimizing bowel regimens. I can also help transition children to whole-food blended tube feeding or help wean tube feedings.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Pamela Knight, Parent Advocate

Pamela is a mom of five children. Her daughter, third child, has a pediatric feeding disorder. She had a ng then g tube placed as an infant. Pamela has a background in sciences, maintains her emergency medical technician license, and holds a masters in public health. Pamela is passionate about helping others understand pediatric feeding disorders, and encouraging them to build networks to empower their families. In her free time, she loves to run and volunteer at her children’s school.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Yev Veverka PhD, BCBA-D

Dr. Yev Veverka is the Director of Training and Consultation and Feeding Team Lead at the University of Washington Autism Center. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Washington in Early Childhood Special Education with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). With an interdisciplinary team at the University of Washington, Yev has developed a tiered approach to mealtime and feeding support for early learning settings. Yev finds her most transformative role is that of being a mom to three children. This role has enriched Yev’s understanding of child development and caregiving, especially related to mealtimes beyond her professional and academic expertise.

Financial Disclosures: Author of “Meaningful Mealtimes: Practical Strategies for all Young Eaters”

Non-financial Disclosures: Feeding Matters 2025 Conference Committee volunteer

Yev Veverka PhD, BCBA-D

Dr. Yev Veverka is the Director of Training and Consultation and Feeding Team Lead at the University of Washington Autism Center. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Washington in Early Childhood Special Education with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). With an interdisciplinary team at the University of Washington, Yev has developed a tiered approach to mealtime and feeding support for early learning settings. Yev finds her most transformative role is that of being a mom to three children. This role has enriched Yev’s understanding of child development and caregiving, especially related to mealtimes beyond her professional and academic expertise.

Financial Disclosures: Author of “Meaningful Mealtimes: Practical Strategies for all Young Eaters”

Non-financial Disclosures: Feeding Matters 2025 Conference Committee volunteer

Amber Mieras, FAC Chair, Parent of Child with PFD

Amber 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.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Meghan A. Wall, PhD, BCBA

Meghan Wall is a licensed psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). She completed her doctoral training at Mississippi State University and her residency and fellowship at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine. She holds dual academic appointments as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Her clinical role is within the interdisciplinary feeding program at Children’s Wisconsin. Her interests include innovative and collaborative treatment approaches for PFD and ARFID, and education and training to expand the psychology workforce for feeding disorders.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Marion Russell, OTD, MOTR/L, SCFES

Dr. Marion Russell, Assistant Professor at Creighton University's Occupational Therapy program, specializes in rural families of children with type 1 diabetes, telehealth, enteral feeding's effects on family mealtime, and healthcare disparities for transgender individuals. She offers global telehealth feeding therapy as an occupational therapist with the NoTube outpatient clinic in Graz, Austria, as part of the interprofessional therapy team supporting families worldwide.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures

I am a member of the feeding matters conference committee.

Raquel Garcia SLPD, CCC-SLP, CNT, BCS-S (2025 Conference Committee Co-Chair)

Dr. Raquel Garcia is a trained craniofacial speech-language pathologist who is a core member of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Craniofacial team. She works in the acute care setting in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. She graduated with her M.S. in communication disorders from Nova Southeastern University and her doctorate of speech-language pathology from Northwestern University. Her clinical interests include upper airway disorders, infant feeding, neonatal care, and dysphagia.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial:

NANT Conference Committee member; Feeding Matters 2025 Conference Committee volunteer

Nicole Lattanzio RDN, CNSC, IBCLC

Nicole is a pediatric Registered Dietitian and owner of Nicole Lattanzio Nutrition LLC. She is a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician as well as a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Nicole works with children ranging from 0-3yo. Her background is working with critically ill children in the NICU and cardiac ICU as well as those with long-term complex medical needs. Nicole takes a family-focused and evidenced-based approach to feeding and nutrition.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial:

Feeding Matters 2025 Conference Committee volunteer

RICHARD J. NOEL, MD, PHD

Trained in the care of children with complex airway disorders and the interdisciplinary care of children with feeding disorders, Dr. Noel’s clinical and research interests include pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), eosinophilic diseases of the GI tract, and pediatric endoscopy. Dr. Noel’s numerous contributions to Feeding Matters include International Pediatric Feeding Disorder Conference (IPFDC) presenter; pediatric feeding consortium participant; and member of the website, consensus, and prevalence data committees.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

RONALD M. SERBIN, MD

A graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Dr. Serbin has an interest in treating children with pediatric feeding disorder, special needs, premature infants, adolescent health, and mental health issues. Since receiving his pediatric training at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Maricopa Medical Center, Dr. Serbin has been in private practice at Pediatrix. Dr. Serbin has participated in numerous pediatric feeding consortiums; served as lead on the website committee; been a contributing member of the Smooth Way Home, website, executive, and pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) dissemination committees.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Amy Delaney PhD, CCC-SLP (2025 Conference Committee Co-Chair)

Dr. Amy L. Delaney joined Marquette University in 2018 following 20 years at Children’s Wisconsin. She is the Director of the Neurodevelopmental Feeding and Swallowing Lab. Her research program focuses on the identification of a norm-reference for feeding development to establish diagnostic markers and assessment tools for the earliest and most accurate diagnosis of Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). Dr. Delaney is a Medical Professional Council Founding Member for Feeding Matters, an international organization dedicated to accelerating identification, igniting research, and promoting collaborative care for children and families with feeding disorders. She is Education Pillar Chair for Feeding Matters’ PFD Alliance Executive Council. She co-authored the consensus paper creating pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) as a stand-along diagnosis and the Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire, an on-line survey developed by Feeding Matters, to identify red flags for pediatric feeding disorder.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial:

Feeding Matters 2025 Conference Committee volunteer; Feeding Matters Education Pillar (outgoing)

Emily M. Homer, CCC-SLP

Emily M. Homer, CCC-SLP is known nationally as an advocate for school-based swallowing and feeding services. She helps school districts, state organizations and school teams establish swallowing and feeding procedures. She focuses on utilizing a team approach to establish and maintain safe, efficient, and enjoyable mealtimes for children at school. She also assists parents in navigating the education system. She was awarded ASHA Fellow (2018) and Louis M. DiCarlo (1999) award for this work. She has a book in publication, Management of Swallowing and Feeding Disorders in Schools (2016), and numerous articles focused on providing swallowing and feeding services in the schools in peer reviewed journals.

Financial Disclosures:

Financial Honorarium from Regions 7, 14, and 15 Royalties from Plural Publishing for Management of Swallowing and Feeding Disorders in Schools Royalties from Medbridge Education for videos Compensation for presentations to school districts and professional organizations on this topic.

Non-financial Disclosures:

Contributed to Feeding Matters Family Guide Serving on Feeding Matters committee on school-based services Contributor to ASHA LSHSS Journal forum on PFDs. Consultation with SLPs, their school districts, and state departments of education on this topic with no financial gain.

Meghan A. Wall, PhD, BCBA

Meghan Wall is a licensed psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). She completed her doctoral training at Mississippi State University and her residency and fellowship at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine. She holds dual academic appointments as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Her clinical role is within the interdisciplinary feeding program at Children’s Wisconsin. Her interests include innovative and collaborative treatment approaches for PFD and ARFID, and education and training to expand the psychology workforce for feeding disorders.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Pamela Knight, Parent Advocate

Pamela is a mom of five children. Her daughter, third child, has a pediatric feeding disorder. She had a ng then g tube placed as an infant. Pamela has a background in sciences, maintains her emergency medical technician license, and holds a masters in public health. Pamela is passionate about helping others understand pediatric feeding disorders, and encouraging them to build networks to empower their families. In her free time, she loves to run and volunteer at her children’s school.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Claire Reilly, Accredited Practicing Dietitian

Claire is an accredited practicing dietitian currently pursuing a PhD focused on managing children with temporary feeding tubes. Her interests include pediatric feeding, enteral nutrition, and patient experiences within the healthcare system.

Financial Disclosures:

I receive a salary from Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service for my clinical role as a Dietitian and I receive a PhD scholarship stipend from The University of Queensland.

Non-financial Disclosures:

I am the co-chair of an Australasian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (AuSPEN) sub-committee on blended tube feeding for the past six years, I receive no salary or compensation for this.

Raquel Durban is a registered dietitian specialized in food allergy. 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 numerous medical advisory boards of non-profit allergy focused organizations. She also values her role in academia by contributing to continuing medical education programs, peer reviewed publications and committee work through the American College and American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI and AAAAI). For the College, she serves as Allied Health Committee chair. 

Every opportunity to counsel and educate is viewed with honor and empathy. She really likes her job and the privilege of wearing many hats!

Tracy Camille Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC

Tracy Camille Johnson is a Speech Language Pathologist, Pediatric Feeding Specialist, and Certified Lactation Counselor. Originally from Chicago, she now calls Austin, Texas home. She is the founder and CEO of Buttercup Therapy Services which services the greater Austin region across the lifespan for feeding, swallowing, and communication skills.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures:

She receives no compensation for serving as an NBASLH Committees Member: Government Advocacy and Public Policy (GAPP), Medical SLP, and NBASLH Cares.

Lauren Thompson (SGSC committee) , M.Ed. CCC-SLP, CLC

Lauren Thompson is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor with over a decade of experience. Lauren founded Well Fed Feeding and Swallowing Therapy with the goal of providing expert care in client's homes and providing rural communities with access virtually. Lauren has a passion for parent coaching and neurodiversity affirming care. Lauren is dedicated to evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary collaboration, and empowering families through responsive feeding practices that emphasize connection over compliance and trauma-sensitive care.

Financial Disclosures:

Lauren Thompson is the owner of Well Fed Feeding and Swallowing Therapy and is an employee of Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital, both of which she receives a salary from.

Non- Financial Disclosures:

Lauren serves on the 2025 Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change committee, for which she receives no financial compensation.

Allissa Younan, OTR/L Allissa Younan is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Holistic Abilities LLC, pioneering home-based care models for children aged 0-21 with diverse needs. She has specialized training in sensory integration, trauma-sensitive care and pediatric feeding disorder. Allissa is dedicated to providing care that is strengths-focused, evidence-based and empowers families to implement strategies within their day-to-day lives.

Financial Disclosures:

Allissa is the owner of Holistic Abilities, from which she receives a salary.

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Amber Mieras, FAC Chair, Parent of Child with PFD

Amber 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.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Paula Rabaey, PhD

Paula 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.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Nikhila Raol, MD, MPH, FAAP

Nikhila 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 theMassachusetts 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.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Meg Simione, PhD CCC-SLP

Research Pillar Chair Elect Clinician-Scientist, Mass General for Children; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: Feeding Matters Research Pillar

Cuyler Romeo MOT, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC

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.

Financial Disclosures: Receives a salary from Feeding Matters. Receives hourly compensation from Banner University Medical Center Tucson.

Non-financial Disclosures: Cuyler Romeo facilitates AOTA’s Mealtime Occupation: Feeding, Eating and Swallowing Community of Practice and is an appointed member of the Commission for Continued Competence and Professional Development (CCCPD). She serves on the Board of Directors for the Institute of Perception-Action Approach and is a member of the National Perinatal Association’s Interdisciplinary Workgroup and Dissemination Committee. She is a member of AOTA, ArizOTA, and IAPFS and is Feeding Matters Director of Strategic Initiatives.

Kelly Fitzpatrick, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC

Kelly is a Speech Pathologist with over 10 years of experience in Feeding therapy. Kelly currently works for Toomey & Associates as well as in a Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic, where she established a feeding clinic. She works with children of all ages, but specializes in children birth to 3 years, and those who are G-tube dependent. Kelly has experience working in Early Intervention and in outpatient clinics using the SOS Approach to Feeding program.

Financial Disclosures:

Paid speaker for Toomey & Associates

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Lindsay Beckerman MOT, OTR/L

Lindsay is an Occupational Therapist who has focused on Feeding Therapy for the past 10 years. She currently works at Developmental FX, a non-profit clinic supporting children with a wide variety of developmental needs. Lindsay also works for Toomey & Associates where she presents feeding conferences and creates resources for parents and professionals using the SOS Approach to Feeding program. Lindsay works with clients of all ages but specializes in supporting teens and adults.

Financial Disclosures:

Paid speaker for Toomey & Associates

Non-financial Disclosures:

Unpaid Board Member for Charlotte's Day

Christy Isbell, PhD OTR/L

Christy Isbell, PhD OTR/L is an Associate Professor and Research Coordinator in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OT) Program at East Tennessee State University where she teaches pediatric OT courses and co-teaches the Interprofessional Pediatric Feeding Disorder Certificate courses. She has authored and co-authored books and articles and presented nationally on topics including sensory integration and feeding. Her current clinical practice and research focuses on the development and feeding of prenatally substance exposed children.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Michelle Johnoson, PhD RDN LDN

Dr. Michelle Johnson is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Dietetic Internship program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), where her teaching focuses on maternal and child nutrition and medical nutrition therapy in pediatrics. She is a dietitian for ETSU Pediatrics Baby Steps Developmental Clinic. She researches the impact of prenatal and early childhood nutrition on growth and development in children, and biopsychosocial influences on feeding and growth in rural Appalachia.  

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Teresa Boggs, Ph.D CCC-SLP

Teresa Boggs, Ph.D CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor at East Tennessee State University’s (ETSU) Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program. Dr. Boggs specializes in several critical areas including pediatric feeding disorders in children. She is the co-developer of the ETSU Positive Eating Program serving children with pediatric feeding disorders and the ETSU Interprofessional Pediatric Feeding Disorders Certificate program for healthcare professionals.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Haritha Amunugama, BSc (Speech & Hearing Sp.) Hons

Haritha Amunugama is a speech and language pathologist from Sri Lanka. Since the end of 2022, Haritha has been working with the Frank Hilton Organization in Suva, Fiji, where he has successfully led the first pediatric feeding clinic in Fiji.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Suzanne Hopf, PhD, BApSc (Speech Path) Hons.

Dr. Suzanne Hopf is a Senior Lecturer and Course Director (Speech Pathology) at Charles Sturt University. In Suzanne’s spare time, she is also the Technical Lead (Speech Pathology) at the Frank Hilton Organization. In that role, she supports the management and speech pathology team with service delivery planning and research activities.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Jessamy Routley, B.SpeechPath (Hons.)

Jessamy Routley is an Australian speech pathologist and volunteer paediatric feeding clinical mentor for Speech Pathologists at the Frank Hilton Organization. Jessamy has volunteered in Fiji and Vietnam and currently works at The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading neurorehabilitation center for children with acquired brain injuries.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Chitra Thadathil , MSc (Sp & Hg)

Chitra Thadathil, MSc (Sp & Hg), is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Founder-Director of the Dimensions Centre for Child Development. With expertise in sensory motor interventions for pediatric feeding and speech clarity, she works extensively with autistic children and those with developmental delays. An award-winning professional recognized for her social impact, Chitra is also a certified specialist in numerous advanced therapeutic techniques and an invited speaker at various prestigious national and international conferences.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

M Kusuma, Junior Research Fellow at AIISH, is pursuing doctoral study in Pediatric Feeding Disorders with two years of experience in pediatric communication, feeding/swallowing rehabilitation. Her current research in feeding/swallowing disorders is on understanding feeding skills and treatment in children with developmental disorders. Financial Disclosures: None Non-financial disclosures: None

Kara Larson, MS, CCC-SLP

Kara Larson, MS, CCC-SLP, is the Director of the Feeding and Swallowing Program at Boston Children’s Hospital in the Division of Otolaryngology & Communication Enhancement. Kara has a sub-specialty in Aerodigestive Disorders. Kara has over 25 years of clinical experience. She has published clinical research in the area of pediatric dysphagia. Kara is part-time faculty at Boston University. She is an Executive Board Member of the Aerodigestive Society and speaks nationally on pediatric feeding disorders.

Financial Disclosures:

Kara Larson is a salaried employee at Boston Children's Hospital, Kara receives a part-time salary from Boston University. Kara is a paid consultant for Tomy International. Kara is a paid consultant for Reckitt Mead-Johnson Nutrition.

Non-financial Disclosures:

Kara serves on the Executive Committee of the Aerodigestive Society. Kara serves on the Professional Development Committee of the SIG #13 Special Interest Group of ASHA.

Rachel Rosen, MD, MPH

Rachel Rosen is a pediatric gastroenterologist and the director of the Aerodigestive Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. She has NIH and foundation funding to explore the interrelationship between the gastrointestinal tract and the lung. Her research focuses on novel diagnostic tests and therapies for gastroesophageal reflux and oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Financial Disclosures:

Dr. Rachel Rosen is a salaried employee of Boston Children's Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Rosen has R 01, NIH Grant funding to study changes in the microbiome in patients receiving proton pump inhibitors.

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Toni Solari, BS, RD

Toni Solari is a registered dietician and Clinical Nutrition Specialist II at Boston Children's Hospital in the Aerodigestive Center at Boston Children's Hospital. She specializes in blenderized diets for tube fed children. Toni presents nationally on the topic of blenderized feedings and weaning from tube fed to oral feedings.

Financial Disclosures:

Toni Solari is a salaried employee at Boston Children's Hospital

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Heidi Moreland, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC

Heidi is a speech therapist and feeding specialist, who has worked with children with feeding and swallowing problems for over 30 years. Relying on her training in communication, childhood development and feeding and swallowing development, Heidi helps children develop a trusting relationship with food that allows their skills to flourish. She loves helping children and families work together to develop happy and healthy mealtime communication and habits that will last and grow as they do.

Financial Disclosures:

Heidi receives a salary from Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics, whose outcomes will be discussed in this presentation. She has contributed to the feeding app Easy Bytes, for which she received compensation.

Non-financial Disclosures:

Heidi is a member of RF Pro and author of the Responsive Feeding White Paper, for which she receives no compensation. She is a contributing author in Case Studies in Pediatric Dysphagia, for which she receives no compensation. She is a co-host of the podcast Tube to Table, and the upcoming podcast, Eat, Love, Thrive.

Jennifer Berry, OT/R

Jennifer Berry is an occupational therapist and feeding specialist with Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics. Jennifer has more than 2 decades of experience helping children overcome challenges they face when it comes to eating. Using her extensive knowledge of learning, sensory processing, attachment, and motor skill development, Jennifer facilitates children's abilities to trust, understand and relate to food now and long into the future.

Financial Disclosures:

Jennifer is the owner and receives an owner’s draw from Spectrum Pediatrics, which utilizes the treatment philosophy and methods discussed.

Non-financial Disclosures:

Jennifer is a member of RF Pro, and a contributor to the Responsive Feeding White Paper. She is co-host of the Tube to Table podcast, and the Love, Eat, Thrive podcast on this topic, for which she receives no financial compensation.

Asa Russell, ILMHP

Asa Russell holds a degree in mental health counseling and works in private practice in Nebraska and Maine. His clinical work centers around providing services for children and their families, as well as individuals with eating disorders. Outside his work as a therapist, he edits and translates for No Tube Interdisciplinary Therapy Center in Graz, Austria and does research on early childhood eating and feeding disorders alongside his colleagues at the Medical University of Graz.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Marion Russell, OTD, MOTR/L, SCFES

Dr. Marion Russell, Assistant Professor at Creighton University's Occupational Therapy program, specializes in rural families of children with type 1 diabetes, telehealth, enteral feeding's effects on family mealtime, and healthcare disparities for transgender individuals. She offers global telehealth feeding therapy as an occupational therapist with the NoTube outpatient clinic in Graz, Austria, as part of the interprofessional therapy team supporting families worldwide.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures

I am a member of the feeding matters conference committee.

Lisa earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Nutrition from Washington State University, and completed her dietetic internship at Fairview University Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. Lisa practiced as a home infusion dietitian, specializing in pediatric tube feeding and weaning, for over 20 years before making the transition to research. She consults for various feeding teams in Eastern Washington. She has served in many active leadership roles within the nationally recognized Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group.

Financial disclosures: Paid consultant for Growing Independent Eaters.

Non-financial disclosures: Member of the Medical Advisory Board for Growing Independent Eaters.

Becky graduated from Washington State University with a BA in Speech and Hearing Sciences, followed by a master’s degree in Communication Disorders. She began working as a speech language pathologist and quickly found her passion for helping pediatric patients and their families. In 2016, she co-launched Growing Independent Eaters (GIE), which serves families whose children are on feeding tubes and helps them to learn how to eat on their own.

Financial Disclosures: Co-owner of Growing Independent Eaters (GIE) and receives a salary from GIE.

Non-Financial disclosures: Member of the Medical Advisory Board for Growing Independent Eater

Dr. Kristin Furfari is an Associate Professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, specializing in inpatient care. She earned her MD from the University of Colorado and completed her residency in Family Medicine and a fellowship in Hospital Medicine at the same institution. A dedicated medical educator, Dr. Furfari has received the Golden Stethoscope award for her contributions to teaching. She serves as the Director of the Health Systems Science curriculum, which emphasizes the socioecological determinants of health and approaches patient care through a health equity lens. Dr. Furfari also holds a Master’s in Healthcare Ethics and serves as the Medical Director for the ethics consult service at University of Colorado Hospital, as well as the Director of ethics education at the School of Medicine. Financial disclosures: Paid consultant for Growing Independent Eaters. Non-financial disclosures: None.

Stephanie Waters, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC

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 completed the Certified Lactation Counselor Course (CLC) and holds a New York State Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) certificate. She works full-time at St. Mary's Hospital for Children specializing in pediatric feeding disorders, airway management, and language development.

Financial Disclosures:

Employed full-time at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children Employed per diem at NYU Langone Hassenfield Children’s Hospital Adjunct Professor at Adelphi University.

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Jenna Capozzi, M.S. CCC-SLP, CLC,

Jenna Capozzi M.S. CCC-SLP, CLC, graduated from Adelphi University with a B.S in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a M.S in Speech-Language Pathology. In addition, she recently became certified as a Lactation Counselor (CLC). She currently works full-time as a Speech-Language Pathologist at NYU Langone at a pediatric gastroenterologist office providing feeding therapy for children with pediatric feeding disorders.

Financial Disclosures:

Jenna is employed full-time at NYU Langone Pediatric Gastroenterology Associates- Lake Success.

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Erin Browning, MA, CCC-SLP

Erin Browning is a 21-year seasoned Speech Pathologist working for many years in rural health. She has extensive expertise in feeding and swallowing with a variety of diagnoses. Her private practice, Evolved Therapy, is located in the greater Boston area, and helps people breathe, eat, and speak with ease. Erin has developed presentations nationally for a variety of organizations & served on the WV Board of Examiners, as well as ASHA’s Committee of Ambassadors.

Financial Disclosures:

Owner of Evolved Therapy LLC and employed by Vandalia Health of WV. She receives a salary from Vandalia Health where she provides telehealth SLP services and from Evolved Therapy, LLC where she provides services and is the owner.

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Andrea Begotka, PhD

Dr Begotka is a licensed pediatric psychologist at Children’s Wisconsin and is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Andrea has been practicing at Children’s Wisconsin for 18 years, with specialty areas including Pediatric feeding disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, and behavioral caregiver training.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Karlo Kovacic, MD

Dr Kovacic is a pediatric gastroenterologist and assistant professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is the medical director for the interdisciplinary feeding team at Children's Wisconsin and an expert in esophageal motility.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Nashifa Momin, SLP-D, CCC-SLP

Dr. Nashifa Momin, SLP-D, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric feeding and swallowing specialist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, focusing on infants and children with congenital heart defects. She also serves as an Allied Health Research Scientist in her institution. She is passionate about integrating evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and research to enhance developmental outcomes for pediatric cardiac patients.

Financial Disclosures:

She is an employee at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Non-financial Disclosures:

She is a member of the Cardiac Newborn Neuroprotective Network, for which she receives no compensation.

Clinical speech therapist at Fundació ASPACE Catalunya. Master in orofacial myofunctional therapy and applied clinical research in health sciences. Experience in population with neurodevelopmental disorders and multiple disabilities. Specialized in myofunctional therapy, feeding, swallowing, and communication disorders.

Financial disclosures: None.

Non-financial disclosures: None.

Ana Lago Battezini , Specialist

SLP/Feeding Therapist from Brazil, living in Sydney, AUS, where participated in a research project in the University of Sydney about feeding assessment in babies for 2 years. Have been studying and working with feeding difficulties for almost 10 years. Instructor/teacher and co-founder of Ânima Alimentari (@animaalimentari), where courses and other services (such as mentoring) are offered. Master's Degree research is in FD and cow's milk allergy.

Financial Disclosures:

CEO and Co-Founder at Animal Alimentari (@animaalimentari)

Non-financial Disclosures:

volunteer at Feeding Matters

Dr. Blair Carsone is a licensed occupational therapist with over 10 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 and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator at Gannon University, Dr. Carsone provides instruction in the entry-level doctorate program. She continues to serve as a clinical director at numerous outpatient pediatric clinics.

Financial Disclosures: Dr. Carsone is paid as a professor from Gannon University and clinical director from Kids SPOT.

Non-Financial Disclosures: She is the co-founder of Carsone Kids Inc., for which she receives no compensations.

Dr. Bryce Smith is the co-founder of Carsone KIDS Inc. She specializes in lymphedema and oncology rehabilitation. Most of her publications are in pediatrics and education.

Financial disclosures: None

Non-Financial disclosures: Co-founder of Carsone Kids Inc.

Beth Conlon PhD, RDN

Beth Conlon, PhD, RDN, is a Pediatric and Family Dietitian with 14+ years of experience in various healthcare settings. Owner of From the Start Nutrition, LLC in New Jersey, she specializes in nutrition counseling for feeding therapy, eating disorders, and disordered eating. With a PhD in Biomedical Science and advanced training in SOS Approach to Feeding, she blends evidence-based practices with compassionate care to support nutrition and health outcomes for children and families.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Sonia Trejo, OTD, OTR/L, SWC

Sonia Trejo's doctorate degree focused on the development of the Re.F.R.A.M.E. Mealtimes Model, a framework for holistically supporting children and families with feeding challenges. Her passions include feeding assessment and intervention, interdisciplinary collaboration, and family-centered care. She also enjoys finding solutions to address the needs of families as well as program development. She serves at the Feeding Clinic Coordinator and provides clinical services in a pediatric mental health setting.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Jennifer Jones, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, SWC

Jennifer Jones has extensive experience working with children with developmental delays and disabilities, and has completed advanced training in Sensory Integration and Feeding and Swallowing Assessment and Intervention. She provides occupational therapy services for children with mental health diagnoses, who often also have a co-occurring developmental disability. She is committed to providing family-centered and culturally relevant care. She has taught graduate level coursework in clinical reasoning, therapeutic use of self, and reflective practices.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Margaryta Kuzmin (SGSC committee) MA, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE

Margaryta is a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist and child educator who specializes in feeding and swallowing disorders, as well as augmentative and alternative communication. With over 10 years of experience, she has serviced hundreds of mild to severely delayed and medically complex children in school and early intervention settings. Margaryta is also an author of a children’s book titled ‘Baby Zoo’ and has contributed to various publications. She has received multiple awards throughout her career.

Financial Disclosures:

Employed by NYC DOE Employed by Right Start Early Intervention Agency

Non-Financial Disclosures:

ASHA Member ASHA SIG 13 Member ASHA SIG 16 Member NYSSLHA Member Feeding Matters Alliance Shanon Goldwater Summit for Change Committee

Ana Lago Battezini , Specialist

SLP/Feeding Therapist from Brazil, living in Sydney, AUS, where participated in a research project in the University of Sydney about feeding assessment in babies for 2 years. Have been studying and working with feeding difficulties for almost 10 years. Instructor/teacher and co-founder of Ânima Alimentari (@animaalimentari), where courses and other services (such as mentoring) are offered. Master's Degree research is in FD and cow's milk allergy.

Financial Disclosures:

CEO and Co-Founder at Animal Alimentari (@animaalimentari)

Non-financial Disclosures:

volunteer at Feeding Matters

Bibiana Fuzer, SLP

Bibiana Fuzer da Silva is a SLP graduate from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) - Brazil and holds a Master's in Genetic Pathology, She is a professor and co-founder of @animaalimentari. Bibiana has various training in pediatric feeding disorder treatment, including AEIOU - An Integrated Approach to Pediatric Feeding , S.O.S Approach to Feeding, Feed The Peds, Responsive Feeding Therapy, and Get Permission approach to Pediatric Mealtime Challenges.

Financial Disclosures:

CEO and Co-Founder at Anima Alimentari @animaalimentari. Speaker; receives compensation for creating and presenting the follow courses at Elevation Movement LLC: Sample Evaluations in Pediatric Feeding Disorders Creating a Treatment Plan for Pediatric Feeding Disorders

Non-financial Disclosures:

Member, Brazilian Society of Speech-Language Pathology, Member, Brazilian Academy of Dysphagia

Nicole Rostoker is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Chair of the Southern California Council for Feeding Matters. Nicole is a graduate of San Jose State University's Occupational Therapy bachelor of science program, (1990); Advanced Practice Swallow Certified, State of California (SWC), Lactation Educator since 2006 via University of California San Diego (CLE). Pediatric specialty in feeding therapy, Neonatal care, and Congenital Heart populations. Chair for the Southern California council chapter of Feeding Matters since 2022.

Financial disclosures: None

Non-Financial Disclosures: Chair of the Feeding Matters Southern California Council

Kristen Warren is a Speech Language Pathologist, wife, and mother of three daughters including one with Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). She has worked across the continuum of care including NICU, PICU/Med Surg, sub-acute, and outpatient rehabilitation clinics. Across these settings, she has observed the professional practice gaps in care of children with PFD and their families. She blends passion, empathy, collaboration, and her excitement of quality improvement to advance care for this population.

Financial disclosures: None

Non-financial disclosures: Feeding Matters Southern California Council member.

Andrea Martinez-Fisher, MA, CCC-SLP is a bilingual SLP specializing in providing thoughtful and appropriate services to diverse families with infants and children with medically complex needs. As a member of a minority culture, she prides herself in treating the client’s dysphagia/feeding difficulties, always considering how it will impact the client/family within their culture. She has been privileged to work in a variety of settings, collaborating in multidisciplinary teams for complete care of the client/family.

Financial disclosures: None

Non-financial disclosures: Co-president of New Mexico Speech Language Hearing Association.

Barbara O'Rourke is a clinical staff / research nurse from Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, IA. As an active neonatal clinician with over 30 years’ of experience, Barb is passionate about caring for extremely low birth weight infants and neuroprotective care. She has been a driver of multiple developmental and feeding initiatives. Barb is a published author, participates with ongoing research, and is nationally recognized as a speaker and consultant.

Financial Disclosures: Speaker Bureau of Mead Johnson and receives a stipend for presentations.

Non-Financial Disclosures: Board of Directors for ESAS LLC.

Emily is passionate about massage and bodywork for kids. She is an Occupational Therapist and Acupuncturist. In 2006 she trained to be an Infant Massage Instructor. Her Occupational Therapy practice has focused on manual therapy and myofunctional therapies since 2007. She is a teaching assistant for the Upledger Institute. She sees PFD first and foremost as an imbalance between the Rest and Digest (Parasympathetic) nervous system and the Fight, Flight and Freeze (Sympathetic) nervous system.

Financial disclosures: None

Non-financial disclosures: None

Amanda graduated with a clinical doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology from RMUoHP with a focus on clinical education and pediatric feeding. Providing quality education related to pediatric feeding, specifically to therapists with limited access, became Dr. Graves’ passion after moving to a rural part of Texas and experiencing the difference in the care her premature daughter received and the lack of learning opportunities available for professionals.

Financial disclosures: Instructor for CIAO Seminars. Owner and intellectual property rights of Itty-Bitty Mouths –Feeding SLP.

Non-financial disclosures: Volunteer for Feeding Matters- Physician Outreach Project. Volunteer presenter at Texas Tech University of Health Sciences Center

Speech Language Pathologist. Master's Candidate in Neonatal and Pediatric Deglutology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome / School of Pediatrics, Ospedale Bambino Gesù. Master's Candidate in Deglutology and Related Disorders, UNICAMILLUS, Rome. Visiting lecturer for undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the University of Chile and the Comunidad de La Leche. Experience and training in pediatrics, neurorehabilitation, intensive care, and oncology.

Financial disclosures: None

Non-financial disclosures: None

SLP graduated from the University of Chile, with experience in providing feeding therapy for pediatric patients with feeding difficulties in the public health system in Chile, specializing in pediatric feeding and swallowing areas.

Financial disclosures: None

Non-financial disclosures: None

Occupational Therapist with eight years of experience in pediatric and neonatal units: intensive care, neurorehabilitation, and oncology. Specialized in neurodevelopment and neurorehabilitation.

Financial disclosures: None

Non-financial disclosures: None

Akhila Rahul, MSc Speech Language Pathology

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist and researcher from India. I am working as an Assistant Professor in Speech-Language Pathology at the Nitte Institute of Speech and Hearing (Nitte Deemed to be University), Karnataka. I have been specialising in feeding and swallowing disorders in young children. I am working on the early identification of feeding and swallowing difficulties in children and supporting parents with the best quality support and care.

Financial Disclosures: None

Non-financial Disclosures: None

Anjali Nair is currently pursuing a Master's of science in speech Language pathology from Nitte institute of Speech and Hearing , Mangalore. Nair is interested in the field of child language disorders and completing their dissertation on pediatric feeding behaviors. After completion of post graduation , their hope is to work in the field of child language disorders and contribute more on assessment and rehabilitation of pediatric feeding and language disorders.

Financial disclosures: None

Non-financial disclosures: None

Dr. Jayashree S. Bhat, is a speech-language pathologist with over 31 years of experience in academics, research, and clinical practice. Currently, she is affiliated with the Nitte Institute of Speech and Hearing and am part of a dedicated craniofacial team, where I focus on enhancing speech and communication outcomes for children. With a research grant in hand, Bhat is passionate about advancing the field through innovative research and evidence-based clinical approaches.

Financial disclosures: None

Non-financial disclosures: None