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I’m so excited to share a conversation with my longtime friend and fellow OT, Hana Eichele. We go way back to when we were both starting our occupational therapy businesses, navigating the ups and downs of building something from the ground up. While my work has focused on supporting homeschool families with sensory processing, executive functioning, and handwriting, Hana has carved out a specialized niche in pediatric feeding disorders.

Hana's expertise in feeding therapy is incredible, and she has a gift for breaking down the complexities of challenges in a way that makes sense. If you’ve ever wondered what signs to look for when it comes to struggles, Hana shares key developmental milestones and when it might be time to seek professional support.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Overview of Hana's private practice, Roots Pediatric Therapy
• Services offered, including virtual telehealth
• Explanation of how eating fits into the framework of OT
• Connection between motor skills, meal times, and social components
• What families should look for in developmental milestones
• Indicators that something might be wrong
• Stages of development for eating and chewing
• Recognizing when children are behind milestones
• Importance of timely intervention
• Differences between behavioral-based and responsive approaches
• Finding the right professionals and programs
• Resources and practical steps for seeking help
• Mention of Hana's contributions, such as books and online resources
• Encouragement to look into support networks
• Final thoughts and reiterating the importance of supportive connections

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• What is Pediatric Feeding Disorder?- Feeding Matters
• Why Parents Should Use Responsive Feeding With Their Babies- Harvard Health
• Beyond A Bite Parent Edition: Playful Sensory Food Exploration For ASD & Neurodivergent Kids
• Developmental Milestones- SOS Approach To Feeding
• Roots Pediatric Therapy
• Episode 29: Parenting with Co-Regulation
• Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
• Episode 31: Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents
• Episode 41: Building Your Support Network as a Homeschooling Parent Especially during the holiday season
• Do You Need Help Implementing These Strategies In Your Family?
• Connect With Sarah On Instagram

Connect with our Guest, Hana Eichele

Hana Eichele, MOT, OTR/L is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Feeding Specialist with a strong background in providing effective therapy services through her private practice, Roots Pediatric Therapy LLC.

Hana's approach is rooted in the tenets of Responsive Feeding Therapy, which means honoring Autonomy, Relationships, Competence, Holistic ideas, and Individualized solutions during the process. Above all else, this means she partners with families to build new skills needed for successful feeding relationships - and easier mealtimes.

Hana is the co-founder of the feeding collective, an educational platform for professionals. In her love to educate, she also co-authored two books with a dietitian in 2021: Beyond a Bite Professional Edition and Beyond a Bite Parent Edition, both can be found anywhere books are sold.

You can connect with her on Instagram at: @the.mealtime.maven, @roots.pediatricfeeding, or @thefeedingcollective.