In this episode of In Session, we’re diving into the world of feeding therapy — exploring how sensory, motor, and emotional factors all play a role in a child’s relationship with food.

Join Westside’s feeding specialists — Rebecca Lonkar, MHS, CCC-SLP/COM/L, Mary Smyers-Karaffa, SLPD, MS, CCC-SLP/L, and Kristalyn Turner, MS, CCC-SLP — as they unpack common challenges families face at mealtime, from picky eating and oral aversion to difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Together, they share insights into how feeding therapy helps children build confidence and comfort with food, while empowering parents with strategies that make mealtimes more positive and less stressful.

Listeners will discover how thoughtful, collaborative feeding support can transform mealtime into an opportunity for connection, growth, and joy.

In this episode of In Session, we’re exploring how speech therapy helps children find their voice — literally and figuratively. Join Westside’s Director of Speech and Feeding Therapy, Kristalyn Turner, M.S., CCC-SLP, along with Rebecca Lonkar, MHS, CCC-SLP/ILCBC/L, and Meghan Covey, M.S., CCC-SLP, as they discuss how addressing speech and language challenges can open doors to communication, confidence, and connection.

From early intervention and play-based techniques to strategies for articulation, fluency, and language development, this episode highlights how speech therapy supports the whole child — empowering them to express themselves and engage fully in their world.

In this episode of In Session, we’re exploring the powerful connection between occupational therapy and counseling — and how working together can support a child’s whole development. Join Westside’s Director of Counseling, McKenna Henning, LCPC, NCC, and Director of Occupational Therapy, Ali McCarrell, MOT, OTR/L, as they discuss how emotional regulation, sensory processing, and everyday functional skills overlap in meaningful ways. From play-based therapy to coping strategies and self-expression, this episode dives into how OT and counseling together help children build resilience, confidence, and balance in both body and mind.