About Us
Feeding and Swallowing Therapy
Provided by speech-language pathology and occupational therapy professionals with extensive experience in assessing and treating feeding and swallowing disorders across the lifespan.
Anais Villaluna, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC
Anais Villaluna is an SLP, Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, and Certified Lactation Counselor. Anais earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2006 and her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2008 from Texas Woman’s University. Anais is a doctoral candidate in Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) at Northwestern University. Anais has specialized training in a variety of feeding and swallowing interventions methods, instrumental assessment of swallowing via VFSS and FEES, breast and bottle feeding, Passy Muir Valve, and dysphagia management with tracheostomy and ventilator dependent individuals. She practices in a variety of pediatric hospital settings including pediatric hospital inpatient, pediatric hospital outpatient, multidisciplinary specialty clinics with gastroenterology and otolaryngology. Anais expanded her reach from hospital-based dysphagia services to also include concierge dysphagia services as she has a passion for improving access to highly qualified dysphagia services in a variety of settings. Co-lead of the Pediatric Committee for the IDDSI USIRG, she has an interest in the standardization of thickened liquids in the pediatric population. Anais has presented locally at TSHA Conventions, nationally at ASHA Conventions, and virtually on many platforms. Anais is a published author on the subject of pediatric feeding and swallowing. Anais also volunteers her time with Feeding Matters by serving on the PFD Alliance to help improve access to resources for families and professionals through her contribution as the chair for the Digital Outreach Committee. As a mother of three children, one being a NICU graduate, Anais strives to provide the highest level of care and compassion when partnering with families impacted by pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders.
Dana Kizer, MS, OTR/L, BCP
Dana Kizer is an occupational therapist, Board Certified in Pediatrics, and has a special interest in feeding as well as sensory processing. Dana earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2012 from Virginia Tech. She furthered her education at Virginia Commonwealth University and received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2015. Dana has a variety of pediatric experience including pediatric hospital, speciality clinic, private practice, and home health experience. Dana has presented on the subject of feeding therapy and interventions nationally and across a variety of virtual platforms. Dana is a published author on the subject of pediatric feeding disorders. In addition to her professional experience with feeding disorders, Dana was first introduced to OT and feeding therapy as a child when accompanying her younger brother to his therapy appointments. She has seen first-hand the difference therapy can make in the lives of patients and their families.
Jayme Gage, MS, CCC-SLP
Jayme Gage earned a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi in 2011. After two years as a lead chemist in a petroleum lab, Jayme went back to school to earn a post baccalaureate of Science degree in Communicative Disorders with a minor in Psychology. Jayme then went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University in 2019. Jayme has since practiced in a variety of settings including NICU, adult acute care hospital, pediatric private practice, and pediatric outpatient hospital. Jayme’s clinical interest include pediatric and dysphagia, feeding and swallowing therapy, childhood apraxia of speech, speech and language developmental disorders and treatment, as well as acquired speech and swallowing disorders. Jayme is excited to continue to expand her knowledge and skills through continued education and hands-on experience with her clients.
Jonathan Forfa, MS, CCC-SLP
Jonathan Forfa has been a speech-language pathologist since 2016 with primary pediatric hospital experience in California as well as previously in Texas. He specializes in feeding and swallowing disorders, especially for tracheostomy and ventilator dependent patients. He has experience with patients throughout the lifespan treating dysphagia and feeding difficulties. Jon has received extensive training in Modified Barium Swallow Studies, Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, surface electromyography and Vital Stim therapy for swallowing disorders. He is also a trained lactation educator counselor. Jon received his Master of Science degree in communication sciences and disorders from Chapman University. He is licensed by the state of California, holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a current member of the ASHA. He is also an active member of the IDDSI USIRG Pediatric Committee as he has a clinical interest in the application of thickened liquids in the pediatric population.
Trisha Thorne, PT, DPT, PCS, c/NDT, CNT, NTMC
Dr. Trisha Thorne is a licensed physical therapist and Board Certified Pediatric Specialist in Physical Therapy (PCS). She has 15 years of clinical expertise in pediatric settings including NICU levels II/ III/IV, multi-disciplinary NICU follow-up clinic, pediatric hospital inpatient and outpatient settings, home health, and private practice. She holds certifications as a Certified Neonatal Therapist, Certified Neonatal Touch and Massage Therapist, and a Certified Neurodevelopmental Therapist. She specializes in the treatment of infants and children. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology in 1999 from The University of Texas at El Paso and her Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy (2007) and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree (2009) from Texas Woman’s University. Trisha has specialized training in treating infants with torticollis, children with neuromuscular impairments, and children global developmental delays.