Would any of these describe where you are right now?
Is your child between the ages of 0-18 years of age?
And are they struggling to:
Consume any food/liquid safely (frequent coughing, choking, and/or gagging during mealtime?)
Finish meals within 30 minutes
Gain weight consistently
Transition from breast and/or bottle to solids
Eat a variety of tastes, textures, temperatures, or food groups
OR are they struggling to:
Meet developmental milestones
Communicate their wants, needs, desires, and/or feelings effectively
Make and maintain appropriate relationships with others
Do you or others have difficulty understanding what they are trying to say?
Can I let you in on a little secret that most pediatric professionals probably won’t tell you?
When YOU, as a parent/caregiver, take control, advocate, and participate in your child’s growth and development; meaningful relationships are built that you, and your child, will cherish for a lifetime!
If we’re working together, you can expect to:
GROW
GROW your knowledge & understanding.
LEARN
LEARN one new thing each day/session.
GAIN
GAIN strength to keep moving forward. We celebrate ALL wins, even the “small” ones.
NURTURE
Be NURTURING - Be helpful. Be encouraging ……At TFI, we treat your child how we treat our own.
LOVE
Show LOVE. - Be Patient. Be Kind. Be Hopeful
ALWAYS HAVE FUN
Have FUN always - laugh, smile, choose to see the positives & find happiness.
Here’s how it works:
After your initial evaluation for feeding, articulation, speech-language therapy, or parent coaching, we will work together through one of these options:
Option 1: “Non-traditional” HYBRID in-person and teletherapy sessions
Option 2: “Traditional” IN-PERSON all in-person sessions
The frequency and length of treatment is unique and individualized to fit each patient and their family’s needs. At TFI, parents are participants so we will decide which option is best, TOGETHER!
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Q: What services do you offer?
We specialize in Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFD) and pediatric swallowing disorders (also known as dysphagia). However, we do also offer other pediatric speech-language therapy services such as:
• Articulation & Phonology • Childhood Apraxia of Speech • Child Language • Parent/Caregiver coaching • 2nd opinion evaluations • Play Groups • Community outreach & many more services.
Don't see something or want more info, send us your message and we will be more than happy to answer your questions.
+ Q: How do I know if my child needs services?
If you have concerns about your child's feeding/swallowing skills, communication difficulties, or development ALWAYS discuss your concerns with your pediatrician
Review Communication Milestones as reported by ASHA
+ Q: How often/long is treatment?
Frequency and duration of treatment is recommended on an individual basis and is created specifically for each client.
+ Q: Do you currently have a waitlist?
Yes, we do currently have a waitlist for therapy services.
+ Q: A referral for my child was sent over, what do I do now?
If we have received a referral or prescription from your pediatrician, our staff will contact you with further instructions to schedule an evaluation.
Please note that our intake form is time sensitive and MUST BE completed in its entirety BEFORE an evaluation can be scheduled.
+ Q: Do you accept insurance?
YES! We are currently in-network with • Blue Cross Blue Shield • Medcost • Multiplan • SC Healthy Connections/Medicaid and • Tricare (preferred provider). We offer courtesy billing for out-of-network carriers and also offer discounted rates for those with minimal or no speech therapy benefits.
We are also a South Carolina BabyNet provider, providing feeding and speech therapy services for children ages 0-3 years. Request more information from your current Early Interventionist/case manager. Visit SC BabyNet for more information on how to enroll.
+ Q: Do you offer out of state services?
Yes we are currently licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Please contact our office directly to setup out of state services
+ Q: Community Events?
To schedule a community event, please email us directly or use the "Ask A Question" box at the top of our website to contact us for further information.
Be sure to follow us on all social media platforms @TheFlowerInstitute to see what we've been up to!
About Your Speech-Language Pathologist
Hi! I’m Toneisha. I am passionate about all things peds but more specifically pediatric feeding, swallowing, and speech therapy services.
I know what it’s like to be “denied” for medical services that you feel are a necessity. Maybe you’ve been told “no, it’s not necessary at this time”, “maybe later,” or my personal favorite “let’s just wait and see” only to realize waiting did not help at all. I also know how heartbreaking it is to need something but not be able to afford it.
I want to help change the narrative about pediatric feeding/swallowing disorders, speech therapy services, and the “fears” that surround them. I would love to help you walk through a difficult situation or the “unknown” with a different perspective, or even better, provide you with the necessary tools, resources, and support to help guide your family into a brighter and more FUN future.
Through my background as an ASHA certified (CCC) Speech-Language Pathologist and “double speechie” (BA & MA in Speech Pathology), I have discovered that a personal, yet professional parent/child/therapist relationship is not only important, but NECESSARY! There’s no need for you to “figure it out” all on your own or as you go or guess where your child is! You just need a plan and support from a trusted guide to get you where you want to be. LET THAT BE ME!