Specialized Pediatric Feeding, Swallowing, and Myofunctional Therapy.
Approved Early Intervention Provider
Serving Butler & Mercer Counties
Thrive Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Therapy provides specialized, one-on-one pediatric feeding and swallowing therapy through both Pennsylvania Early Intervention and private services for infants, toddlers, and children in their natural environments, including the home, daycare, school, and through teletherapy when appropriate.
We support children experiencing feeding challenges such as selective eating, difficulty transitioning to solids, gagging with textured foods, feeding aversion, oral motor delays, and support for children in collaboration with their medical team during medically directed transitions from tube feeding (NG, G-tube, or GJ-tube) to oral feeding.
Services are available to families throughout Butler and Mercer Counties, including Cranberry Township, Mars, Zelienople, Slippery Rock, Butler, Grove City, Hermitage, Mercer, Greenville, and surrounding communities.
Choose Your Child’s Age
Same specialized therapy. Different ways to get started.
Birth to Three
Early Intervention Services
No Cost for Eligible Children
Age 3 and Older
Private Feeding Therapy
Private Pay (Out-of-Network)
Meet the owner
Kayla Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP, CPFTâ„¢ is the owner and lead therapist of Thrive Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Therapy. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist and certified pediatric feeding therapistâ„¢ in the state of Pennsylvania. Kayla, a pediatric feeding and swallowing specialist, has completed over 200 hours of continuing education in feeding, swallowing and/or myofunctional therapy.
Over the past 11 years, she has gained extensive experience working with a wide array of infants, toddlers, and children with pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. Specifically, she has extensive experience supporting infants and children with complex feeding needs, including infants born premature, NICU graduates, children with tube feeding dependence, oral aversions, low muscle tone, and medically fragile conditions.
Kayla's background allows her to confidently support infants to children across a wide spectrum of feeding needs.
Kayla Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP, CPFTâ„¢
Areas of Specialization
Specialized Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Care
Oral motor and myofunctional skills related to feeding
Pediatric swallowing therapy
Oral and pharyngeal phase dysphagia
Supporting families during medically directed tube weaning
With focus on safe oral skill development, feeding progression, and collaboration with the child’s medical team
Feeding and oral motor function related to possible oral restrictions, with emphasis on function, coordination, and feeding performance
Evaluation focuses on functional feeding skills rather than structural diagnosis, which is determined by a trained medical provider
Functional support related to oral function, breathing patterns, and feeding development
With referral to appropriate medical providers for airway concerns when indicated
Sensory motor aspects of feeding (i.e. heightened gag, food aversions, selective eating, etc.)
Parent coaching and caregiver education
Private in-home, daycare, and school-based therapy services
Outcomes
Families often report:
Safer, more efficient eating.
Less stress and anxiety at mealtimes.
Improved chewing, swallowing and food acceptance.
Greater comfort and flexibility with foods.
Clear strategies parents can use at home.
Improved oral resting posture and breathing patterns when related to feeding function.
Increased confidence for both child and parent.
Progress looks different for every child. We focus on steady, meaningful modifications and improvements - not quick fixes - that are guided by each child's unique needs, medical history, and family goals.
Stay Connected with Thrive
Stay connected with Thrive for pediatric feeding tips, therapy resources, and updates.
