Virtual support groups
Support for Every Step of the Feeding Journey
Virtual Support Groups for Parents & Caregivers
Parenting a child with feeding differences can feel isolating, especially during everyday routines, school, vacations, or holidays. Our virtual support groups provide a safe, welcoming space to connect with other caregivers, share experiences, and gain practical strategies. Each group is guided by experienced facilitators and focuses on small, manageable steps to support your child’s feeding journey.
Join a Group Today!
You don’t have to face your child’s feeding differences alone. Our virtual support groups are a safe, welcoming place to share, learn, and find community. Build connections, get practical strategies, and take small steps toward mealtime confidence, for both you and your child.
Space is limited to keep groups small and supportive. Sign up for the one series that resonates with you or for all four and join a community that truly understands your journey. Groups will meet every other week via Zoom. Each quarterly group will meet for 6 sessions.
SERIES ONE
Small Steps, Big Wins
January 15 – March 26
Facilitator: Christie Alonso, M.Ed.
This series will focus on manageable, goal-oriented strategies. Participants will share small victories and celebrate progress while connecting with other caregivers who understand your journey. Leave each session feeling encouraged, supported, and part of a caring community.
Thursdays from 6 – 7pm AZ/8-9pm Eastern; *Due to time change, March sessions will be held from 6-7pm AZ/9-10pm ET
SERIES TWO
Feeding on the Go
April 8 – June 17
Facilitator: Heather Kleinhans
Preparing for a vacation? Get tips, strategies, and peer support to help your child eat comfortably while traveling. Share experiences, learn from others, and feel confident knowing you are not alone.
Wednesdays from 6 – 7pm AZ/9 – 10pm ET
SERIES THREE
Lunchbox Wins: Feeding at School
July 9 – September 17
Facilitator: Christie Alonso, M.Ed.
Back-to-school routines can be challenging. Learn practical ways to support successful
mealtimes at school and at home while building connections with other parents navigating similar experiences. Together, you can celebrate progress and share encouragement.
Thursdays from 6 – 7pm AZ / 9 – 10pm ET
SERIES FOUR
Celebrating Together, Eating Together
October 8 – December 17
Facilitator: Heather Kleinhans
Holidays and family gatherings can feel overwhelming. Our group helps you navigate celebrations with confidence while connecting with other caregivers, sharing strategies, and finding encouragement in a community that truly understands.
10 – 11am AZ / 1 – 2pm ET; *Due to time change, November and December sessions will be held from 10 – 11am AZ / 12 – 1pm ET
Meet the facilitators
Early Interventionist & PFD/ARFID Advocate
Christie Alonso has over a decade of experience supporting young children and families across the U.S. and Latin America. She is part of the team at Expanding Horizons in Johnson City, TN, where she supports children with developmental, sensory, and complex medical needs, including those navigating pediatric feeding disorders (PFD). A former kindergarten teacher, Christie has also mentored families in Peru, facilitated therapeutic movement workshops, and coached caregivers using individualized, family-centered strategies.
As a Virtual Support Group Facilitator with Feeding Matters, Christie is dedicated to creating safe, welcoming spaces where caregivers feel seen, understood, and supported on their feeding journey.
Doula, Childbirth Educator, Lactation Specialist, Parent Coach and PFD/ARFID Advocate
An Arizona State University alumna, Heather has a background of working in pediatric speech, language, oral motor/myofunctional, and feeding therapy for 15+ years. As an IBCLC, Feeding Specialist, NICU Doula, Childbirth Educator and Babywearing Consultant, she currently dedicates her time to supporting new and growing families with lactation and feeding needs, babywearing support, NICU doula education and support, as well as volunteering as a Power of Two Parent Coach with Feeding Matters and with Valley Children’s Hospital’s NICU.
As a mother of two, she brings both professional and lived experience, having navigated pediatric feeding challenges with her own children and managing her own feeding-related medical conditions. She is dedicated to creating a safe, understanding space where caregivers can connect, feel supported and gain confidence as they support their children’s feeding journeys.