Early Intervention Therapy Services
Feeding Therapy Groups
Feeding Therapy Groups
Our 12-week feeding group program led by an Occupational Therapist and a Speech Therapist (learn about the therapists below). Our play-based program is designed to create a fun environment for groups of 2-3 children and their caregivers to work on creating positive food experiences as well as expand the child’s feeding skills and repertoire. This program will give you and your child tools for more positive experiences centered around food at home, daycares/schools, restaurants, etc.
The 60-minute session will begin with a sensory motor activity, such a simple obstacle course to get the children’s bodies ready to sit and engage in the feeding activity. Children along with one of their caregivers, will then sit at a table with an OT and SLP to engage in a play-based feeding activity. The last 15 minutes will be spent for discussion and recommendations to promote carry-over in other environments. Food/drinks will be provided by us. We will be grouping children based on their ages/abilities.
Kalin Akes, MS, CCC-SLP
Kalin Akes, MS, CCC-SLP
Kalin Akes completed her bachelor’s and master’s of science degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Abilene Christian University in 2011. She has had training in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) feeding approach, the SOFFI Method: Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants, and pediatric modified barium swallow studies. Kalin has experience providing feeding therapy at a children’s hospital in Memphis, TN in inpatient, feeding clinic, G-tube clinic, and outpatient settings. While in the outpatient setting, she led feeding groups alongside other speech therapists and occupational therapists. She is currently providing private speech, language, and feeding therapy in Tallahassee. Kalin has seen firsthand the benefits of feeding groups for families and their children with feeding difficulties. She is very excited to share her experience and partner with other speech therapists and occupational therapists to provide feeding group therapy in the Big Bend area.
Tina Gotreaux, OTR/L
Tina Gotreaux, OTR/L
Tina Gotreaux graduated from Florida A&M University 1998 Magnum Cum Laude with a Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy. She has taken trainings in Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) feeding approach as well as the SOFFI Method: Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants, as well as Beckman Oral Sensory Motor approach to therapy. She has the following experiences working as an OT: Jackson County School System Occupational Therapist 1999-2000. Child’s Play Therapy 2001-2009 Business Owner, contract with Early Steps in the EI Program, Contract with Dick Howser Center, Early Steps, Head Start and Children’s Medical Services. She currently works at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare 2008-present Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (2008-2020) as an Occupational Therapist. Tina is excited to be partnering with other speech therapists and occupational therapists to provide feeding group therapy in the Big Bend area.
How to sign up
How to sign up
Children must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a feeding group:
- Be between the ages of 2-6 years
- Have a recent (past 6 months or less) evaluation by an OT or SLP for feeding/swallowing function
- Be able to follow simple commands/directions
- Have the ability to sit upright at a table
We are starting with groups of children ages 2-3 and 4-6.
Sign up by filling out the referral form and sending it to [email protected]
Once groups are formed, you will be notified of which day/time your group will meet.
Cost of sessions
Cost of sessions
Feeding group sessions are currently private pay only. The cost is $125 per session.
We accept Gardiner/Step Up For Students scholarship and are able to bill the scholarship directly for the sessions.
Please contact us at (850) 909-5521 or [email protected] for any questions about session pricing.