Description

This engaging webinar builds upon our previous discussion on supporting diverse families and offers practical, evidence-based strategies for both clinicians and caregivers. Together, we will explore the latest research findings, real-world case studies, and creative approaches that highlight how interdisciplinary collaboration, advocacy, and innovation can improve health outcomes for diverse populations. The session will also address current legislative changes and provide actionable tools for families and professionals alike—empowering everyone at the table to think “outside the box” and respond to the complex evolving needs of children with feeding challenges and their loved ones.

Instructor

Emma Justice, MS, CCC, SLP,CLC,NTMTC

Emma is the owner of Justice for Infant Feeding Therapy and Lactation, specializing in infant and pediatric feeding and swallowing, with a focus on NICU graduates and culturally diverse populations. Through JFI she provides in-home and telehealth services, parent and clinician coaching as well as online resources and guides such as How to wean your toddler from a pacifier and more. In addition to her private practice, Emma works for Boston Public Schools, where she has served as a primary member of the team to develop policies and guidelines for feeding and swallowing in the public school setting. She also treats pediatric patients at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, both in outpatient rehab and in their special care nursery. A Boston native, Emma earned her undergraduate degree from Bridgewater State University, and Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University. Her experience spans various settings including pediatric acute care and has been a part of various interdisciplinary teams such as Cleft and Craniofacial, Aerodigestive, and Complex Care teams in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Beyond clinical practice, Emma speaks regularly on topics related to pediatric dysphagia and serves as the primary pediatric consultant for the Swallowing Wellness Center, where she teaches about infant and pediatric swallow studies. Emma co-created BABY S.T.E.P, with Dr. Ianessa Humbert a pediatric adaptation of Humbert’s S.T.E.P. (Swallowing Training Educational Portal), designed to provide accessible, affordable, and evidence-based swallowing education to clinicians and graduate students. Additionally, she actively contributes to the field and public health through her volunteer roles on Boston’s March of Dimes committee and The Massachusetts Speech and Hearing Association’s Scholarship committee. As a former NICU baby herself, Emma is deeply passionate about social determinants of health, trauma-informed care, and breastfeeding advocacy, particularly in marginalized communities.

Amanda Pericles, MS, CCC-SLP, CBS

Amanda is a bilingual licensed speech-language pathologist and certified breastfeeding specialist based in Charlotte, NC. She currently serves as Department Lead and Lead Diagnostician at a pediatric private practice, serving a large bilingual Spanish speaking population. She is also a voice artist at The Informed SLP and volunteers as a peer facilitator for Chocolate Milk Cafe, a lactation support group for families of the African diaspora. Amanda is an alumna of Boston University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences in 2014. She also earned a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University in 2020. Amanda’s passions include: neurodiversity affirming care, multilingualism, lactation and feeding, clinical education, mentorship and supervision, and discussions surrounding salary transparency.

Instructor

Megan Richmond, DHA, MS, CCC-SLP

Dr. Megan Richmond has over twenty years of clinical, research, and healthcare leadership experience. Her clinical experience includes both pediatric rehabilitation and acute care hospitals providing direct patient care in NICU, PICU, and outpatient therapy settings. She has completed multiple certifications to support evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for medically fragile patients. She has a passion for infant feeding and tube weaning. As a health services researcher, Dr. Richmond has evaluated outcomes of patients who received feeding therapy services using Medicaid data. She is an active member of ASHA’s Health Care Economics Committee where she advocates for improved access to care on a federal level and is engaged in procedural code development.

Chanelle Tignor MS, CCC-SLP

Chanelle is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in infant and pediatric feeding and a breastfeeding peer counselor residing in Charlotte, NC. She holds a B.S. from Winston-Salem State University and an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of the District of Columbia. With experience across various settings across the lifespan, she currently leads the development of an infant and pediatric feeding program for her hospital system, builds NICU-based therapy services to ensure continuity of care, and oversees SLP care at a NICU follow-up clinic. Now pursuing certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Chanelle is committed to expanding breastfeeding support, including radiation-free swallow assessments like FEES for breastfeeding mothers and is a strong advocate for equitable access to feeding support, maternal mental health, and pushing boundaries to create opportunities in her field for students and other SLP’s. She also enjoys mentoring, public speaking, and creating accessible resources for aspiring pediatric feeding therapists.

CEUs

Certificates will be issued verifying participation in 2.0 hours of continuing education once a passing grade is received on the quiz. Check with your professional organizations licensing bodies to determine exactly what may be accepted for you. This course is eligible for ASHA’s professional development hour requirements. You will not require ASHA pre-approval for this. See here [https://www.asha.org/certification/FactDef/] for more information. As we are based in Illinois, we are more confident that our events count towards our local organizations (e.g. ILOTA). Our events are not formally submitted through any registry, however if you track your hours independently they may count towards your professional development requirements, and your certificate may stand as proof of your participation. We also submit for credit approval with the Illinois Early Intervention Training Program. This is not required for all states, and may not apply to you. Please refer to your state/local organization for further information regarding CEU requirements and if our events are considered eligible activities by their standards.



Cancellations

Cancellations must be in writing and will incur a $10 fee. If more than 10% of the course has been viewed, we are unable to issue a refund. If the Chicago Feeding Group or speaker should need to remove the course, course fees will be refunded or transferred to another course at the discretion of the participant.