Description

This engaging and evidence-based course explores how feeding is not just a physical task, but a complex motor learning process deeply influenced by autonomy, motivation, felt safety, and relational context. Using a responsive feeding lens, Jennifer and Heidi equip professionals with tools to support children’s feeding development through responsive, relationship-centered strategies. Participants learn to identify barriers to progress and foster internal motivation to promote lasting skill acquisition. With practical applications across developmental stages—from infancy to independent eating—the course empowers therapists to shift from providing routine motor interventions to developing and providing foundational support that enhances motor learning and develops emotional well-being in a way that leads to lasting change.

Instructor

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

Heidi Moreland, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, is a speech-language pathologist with nearly 35 years of experience helping children and families navigate feeding and swallowing challenges across hospital, outpatient, and home settings. With a background in early childhood education, she brings both warmth and expertise to her work and is recognized nationally and internationally as an authority on responsive feeding. Heidi has presented at ASHA, ISHA, Feeding Matters, Talk Tools, and other leading platforms, and is a co-author of peer-reviewed publications, the Responsive Feeding White Paper, and multiple books on pediatric feeding. She also co-hosts the popular Tube to Table podcast, guiding parents and professionals in supporting children’s healthy relationships with food.

Occupational Therapist

Jennifer Berry, MS OT/L

Jennifer Berry, MS OT/L, is an occupational therapist, and the owner and founder of Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics. She has been treating children for almost 21 years and is a frequent speaker on helping children with complex feeding challenges and feeding tube dependency. She is passionate about working with families and empowering them to help their child progress toward happy and healthy eating.

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.