The Feeding Connection
Our providers are Speech-Language Pathologists (specialists in treating feeding and swallowing disorders), Occupational Therapists, and RNs with years of infant feeding experience, specifically in the high-risk population (NICU graduates or feeding disorders), who are also current IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) or working towards IBCLC as current Certified Lactation Counselors. They are passionate about supporting breastfeeding and lactation, serving the mother-infant pair as a whole. If you have found yourself in a high-risk pregnancy, we want to partner with you, especially. We practice exceptional evidence-based, collaborative care, and it is our hope and prayer you feel that through each step of our process!
Our Team in Dallas-Fort Worth
Melanie Van Noy MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC, CNT, NTMTC
Melanie is the owner/manager of The Feeding Connection, LLC and has been a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, specializing in infant feeding and swallowing since 2011. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Certified Neonatal Therapist, and is certified in Neonatal Touch and Massage Therapy. She is a full-time educator and provides mentorship and training to therapists in her field, but her most favorite work is with infants and their families. Helping families make connections with their children through the act of feeding is a life-long passion and service. Melanie has served in many settings over the years including home health, outpatient, and acute services in a level 4 NICU. She is thrilled to be working with you and your family.
Paige Vidrine MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC
Paige became a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist in 2017 and her special interest in infant feeding led her to a certification in lactation counseling. She is now actively and proudly working towards IBCLC. She has experience in infant and pediatric feeding in private practice and has a passion for serving the pediatric population and their families. Paige lives in Fort Worth with her husband and daughter, Riley, who had feeding difficulties during her NICU stay at birth and infancy. Paige desires to bring hope and support to families with infants with feeding challenges through individualized, evidence-based, and compassionate care.
Jessica Broom OTR/L, CNT, NTMTC, CLC
Jessica has over 20 years of experience in NICU and holds numerous certifications to support our littlest patients, include the GMA Prechtl Certified professional for the specialized testing of possible CP. She is a recognized leader in neonatal therapy, providing evidence-based and compassionate care for the infants and families she serves. Her greatest joy is empowering parents to care for their high-risk infant with confidence as well as mentoring other clinicians to do the same!
Tori Helfrich MA, CCC-SLP, IBCLC
Tori is a speech-language pathologist and certified lactation counselor with eight years of experience in pediatric care. She has worked in diverse settings, including private practice, outpatient clinics, and home health. As a lifelong learner, Tori is committed to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest research to provide the best support for her clients. Her goal is to equip families with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to feel empowered and achieve a positive breastfeeding experience. Knowing that it takes a village to raise a child, Tori is excited to be a part of that village for the women and families in her community.
Paula Halbach MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
Paula is a dedicated and compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist with over 25 years of experience in pediatrics. Her passion for pediatric feeding and swallowing developed early in her career, guided by mentorship from seasoned speech and occupational therapists. Paula has worked in pediatric home health, schools and private practice. As a mother who raised two picky eaters, she is attuned to the stress that can surround mealtimes. Driven by her commitment to infant and medically-complex feeding, she became a Certified Lactation Counselor to expand her expertise. Difficulties with feeding are incredibly stressful for families. Paula is excited to help families and babies with lactation support through The Feeding Connection.
Hannah McKay, BSN, RN, IBCLC
Hannah is a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. After working on a postpartum unit at the hospital caring for mothers and newborns, she quickly recognized the breastfeeding support mothers needed. She witnessed the stress families experience when navigating how to feed their baby, especially with so many different opinions and voices telling them what they should do. She became even more inspired to help mothers after she had her own struggles with breastfeeding her son when he was a newborn. Hannah is passionate about helping mothers achieve their feeding goals and thrive throughout their entire breastfeeding journey.
Kristin Taylor, MOT, CLC, CNT, NTMTC
Kristin Taylor has a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. She is also a Certified Lactation Counselor, working towards her International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, a Certified Neonatal Therapist, and is Certified in Neonatal Touch and Massage. She has 20+ years experience working with the NICU population and has developed and implemented system-wide changes to continually provide evidence-based care and education for peers, colleagues, and patients. She is passionate about providing support and excellent care for the infants and families she serves.
Nicole earned her masters in speech-language pathology in 2017 and later pursued her certified lactation counselor (CLC) credential, building on years of pediatric experience. Inspired by her experiences as a mother of two, Nicole understands the joys and challenges of breastfeeding, and recognizes the vital role of lactation support. Nicole is committed to empowering families and instilling confidence at feeding times by blending evidence-based practices, clinical expertise, and personalized care tailored to each family’s needs and goals. She is excited to work alongside you and your family.
Nicole Spear MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
Shelby Kysar MA, CCC-SLP, CLC
Shelby is a speech-language pathologist with experience in multiple settings including home health, outpatient, private practice, and NICU. Her interest in infant feeding motivated her to become a certified lactation counselor so she could provide support to those who experience breastfeeding challenges. Shelby is passionate about providing guidance, education, and encouragement to help families feel confident and empowered when it comes to their breastfeeding journey. She looks forward to serving families in the Fort Worth area.
Our Team in Amarillo
Lauren Harris MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
Lauren Harris is a mother of 3 young children, a speech language pathologist, and certified lactation counselor (CLC). The experience of mothering and feeding her own children spurred her interest toward feeding within the realm of speech pathology. Her own experience of navigating the NICU with her third child gave her a greater understanding of the emotional support needed for breastfeeding moms of NICU babies. She has experience in pediatric home health and is passionate about assisting families to feel at ease feeding their child in their own homes. Lauren is excitedly pursuing her IBCLC so she can serve Amarillo and the Texas panhandle with a more extensive knowledge of feeding and lactation. She is eager to serve you and your family!
Kate Lovato MS, OTR/L, CLC
Kate is a pediatric occupational therapist and certified lactation counselor actively pursuing her IBCLC. She has extensive experience treating infants and children with neuro-motor, musculoskeletal, developmental, and feeding delays and disorders. Her professional experience includes business development, community engagement, and consulting, where she truly thrives in bringing community partners and healthcare providers together to serve children and families using a team approach. Kate is a mother to 4 girls that keep her on her toes. Her own journey with feeding challenges following the birth of her first daughter cultivated per passion for supporting and empowering breastfeeding mothers.