A Responsive Approach to Motor Learning and Skill Development in Pediatric Feeding
Presented by
Heidi Moreland, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC and
Jennifer Berry OT/L
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.
Important Registration Information
Tickets are available for Parent/Caregivers, Students, or Professionals. Please use the appropriate ticket for your role. Professional are asked to register individually (not as as group).
Where Can I Find The Event Link?
The event link will be included in the confirmation email you receive upon registration. A second email with the link will be sent out when registration closes 24 hours before the live event time.
Time & Date
Please note this event is taking place at 6:30 pm Central Time, and will be held virtually via Zoom. To find out what time this is where you live, look here. Registration will close at 5:00 pm Central Time 11/4/2025. **Please check your spam folder as our emails occasionally end up there.**
CEU Credits
This course is being submitted for credit with the Illinois Early Intervention Program. Please check with your local professional organization to determine additional professional education credit. Those who have paid for a professional ticket and are in attendance for the duration of the full event will receive a certificate of attendance for credit. Those who registered for a student ticket will also receive a certificate, however these will not be eligible for CEUs.
Financial Assistance
Should cost be a concern that would hinder your participation, we may be able to offer financial assistance. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Lindsay Hoffer at lindsay@chicagofeedinggroup.org
Cancellation Policy
Requests to cancel registration for a live course must be made in writing via email to hello@chicagofeedinggroup.org at least 2 days prior to the course date/time. Timely cancellation requests will be honored by a refund of the registration fee minus a $5 administrative fee. Questions regarding cancellations may be directed to hello@chicagofeedinggroup.org.
About Heidi Moreland, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC
Heidi is a speech-language pathologist with a background in early childhood education and development. She began her career as a teacher in an early childhood development center, where she also supported families through home visits focused on parental education. She later earned her graduate degree in speech-language pathology with a focus on early childhood communication. She is a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and a Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S).
For nearly 35 years, Heidi has dedicated her work to helping children and families navigate feeding and swallowing challenges in hospital, outpatient, and in-home settings. Known for her warm and practical approach, she is also recognized nationally and internationally as an authority on responsive feeding. In 2024, she was an invited presenter at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s national convention and has shared her expertise at conferences such as ASHA, ISHA, Feeding Matters, and Talk Tools, as well as through leading online platforms including Get Permission Institute, Responsive Feeding Pro, and the Chicago Feeding Group.
Heidi is a co-author of two peer-reviewed publications on pediatric feeding treatment and the Responsive Feeding White Paper. She has contributed to the textbook Case Studies in Pediatric Dysphagia and to the books Love Me, Feed Me: The Adoptive Parent’s Guide to Responsive Feeding and Anxious Eaters, Anxious Mealtimes. She also co-hosts the popular podcast Tube to Table, which has more than 59,000 downloads, helping parents better understand feeding development and how to support their child’s journey to eating. In addition, she has been a featured guest on the Baby-Led Weaning podcast and First Bite podcasts.
About Jennifer Berry, MS, OTR/L
Jennifer is an occupational therapist, pediatric feeding specialist and child development expert with over two decades of experience supporting children and families with feeding challenges and differences. With a degree in education (BS, Bowling Green State University) and advanced training in occupational therapy (MS, Tufts University), she integrates developmental, educational, and clinical perspectives in her work.
As founder of Spectrum Pediatrics, LLC, Jennifer created its flagship feeding program, Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics, now nationally and internationally recognized for its focus on responsive feeding therapy and tube weaning. Her approach emphasizes that every child is unique, and effective therapy must be strengths-based, trauma-informed, and grounded in respect for the parent–child relationship.
Jennifer has published in professional journals, including OT Practice and Archives of Disease in Childhood, and has been a contributor to the widely referenced Responsive Feeding Therapy White Paper. Her clinical perspective and expertise have also been featured in the work of other authors, including The New York Times Magazine, Parents, and the books The Eating Instinct by Virginia Sole-Smith and Anxious Eaters, Anxious Mealtimes by Marsha Dunn Klein.
In addition to her clinical practice, Jennifer is a sought-after speaker and educator. She has presented nationally and internationally on responsive feeding, tube weaning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and family-centered care. As a team member of Responsive Feeding Pro, she develops continuing education resources for professionals worldwide.