In this episode of The Authentic SLP Podcast, host Nicole Yates, MS CCC/SLP, sits down with Kristina Madden, MS CCC/SLP, CLC, founder of Madden Therapy Solutions. With over 18 years as a speech-language pathologist and 10 years as a certified lactation counselor, Kristina shares her professional journey from hospitals to private practice, highlighting the heart, challenges, and evolution of feeding therapy.

This conversation is a must-listen for:

• SLPs seeking deeper insight into feeding therapy and private practice.
• SLP students exploring career pathways and the role of emotional intelligence.
• Parents navigating feeding concerns or child development questions.

Highlights from Kristina’s Expertise

• Hospital vs. Private Practice: Insights on medical cases, emotional demands, and why she created her own practice.
• Building Madden Therapy Solutions: The passion and vision behind her services.
• Feeding Therapy Evolution: Myths, milestones, and what families should know.
• Emotional Intelligence: The foundation of connecting with families and guiding therapy.
• Parent Guidance: Why trusting your instincts matters — and how to find the right professional support.

The Authentic SLP Connection

As your host, my goal is to spotlight experts like Kristina and share resources that truly help families. Through The Authentic SLP, I also support parents in finding the right providers for their child’s needs — from speech and feeding therapy to broader developmental care. My role is to guide families toward clarity and connection with trusted professionals like Kristina.

Takeaways

• Feeding therapy has changed — individualized care makes all the difference.
• Parents’ instincts are valid and deserve respect.
• Emotional intelligence is key for both therapists and families.
• Private practice offers freedom to serve families in more personalized ways.

Chapters

• 00:00 — Introduction to Kristina Madden
• 05:58 — Hospital vs. Private Practice
• 11:55 — Starting Madden Therapy Solutions
• 17:48 — Emotional Intelligence in Therapy
• 23:56 — Services & Specialties
• 27:46 — The Evolution of Feeding Therapy
• 32:54 — Customizing Therapy for Families
• 37:37 — Parental Intuition & Professional Advice
• 44:34 — Key Advice for Parents
• 51:31 — Resources & Support