Kristin Faulkner, MS, CCC-SLP/L, CLC

Director of Feeding and Nutrition, Certified Lactation Consultant

Kristin Faulkner, M.S., CCC-SLP, is  a certified speech language pathologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of children with feeding disorders. Using strategies developed over more than 20 years of practice, Kristin works closely with families, as well as a team of providers including occupational therapists, physical therapists, and dietitians to promote safe feedings for the child and enjoyable mealtimes for the entire family. Kristin’s experiences include working at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois, developing the current feeding program at Easter Seals, and visiting homes and schools to promote successful feeding for children. Kristin’s experience has included working with a wide variety of children including children transitioning from g-tube feedings to oral feedings, children on the autism spectrum, as well as “picky eaters.” Kristin has had the opportunity to publicly speak regarding pediatric feeding at the local level as well as through Illinois State University. Kristin is currently involved and has held past board positions through the Peoria Area Speech and Hearing Association (PASHA). She became certified as a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) in 2021 in order to further support breastfeeding mothers/infants in central Illinois.

An 8-week program for children age 4-5 with sensory processing differences

Children with sensory processing differences have difficulty with regulation, which sometimes makes it difficult for them to interact with the world around them. Our Sensory Explorers group targets regulation in order to build engagement! This group is led by pediatric occupational therapist Mackenzie Baldock and developmental therapist/PLAY Project Consultant Brenna Thompson, both of whom specialize in using developmentally appropriate strategies to support children so they can learn new skills. Group meets once/week for 60 minutes.

Wondering if this class is appropriate for your child? Some characteristics of kids who benefit: easily frustrated with play, repetitive play, difficulty sitting/keeping still to engage in play, refuses to allow others to engage in play, unable to be messy, overly busy, quickly overwhelmed in a busy environment, picky eater, difficulty tolerating grooming/dressing/diapering routines, struggles with transitions/following a group plan/routine. 

Goals of the group include:

  • Child participating in a variety of sensory play activities
  • Engaging socially with others in the group
  • Providing a non threatening environment where children can experience new sensations with the support of a pediatric Occupational Therapist and PLAY Project consultant
  • Providing personalized resources to caregivers, so they better understand the sensory system and learn strategies to assist their child with regulation outside of group
  • Opportunity to meet with other local families
 
 

GROUP MEETS for 8 weeks:  Caregivers must stay on the premises to support their child and learn helpful strategies. Children will separate from caregivers for the session; caregivers can socialize at our coffee bar in the lobby (we will also provide a few toys for siblings to play). Caregiver education is a key component of this program. 

 

OPTIONAL Summary Report available at close of session. This 2 page report will summarize your child’s participation in the class and provide helpful sensory strategies to increase their participation in activities. This report could be given to teachers in classrooms & daycares or utilized to help educate other caregivers about ways to help your child participate. This option includes a 30 minute Zoom meeting with Brenna and MacKenzie to review the report and discuss your child’s progress in Sensory Explorers. COST: $100 due at sign up