Meet Christina Conte M.S. CCC-SLP, CNT of The Feeding Fix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Conte M.S. CCC-SLP, CNT

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a licensed and certified Speech Language Pathologist for 16 years, I’m also a Certified Neonatal Therapist and I specialize in pediatric oral motor development, feeding and swallowing. My career spans from working in the medical setting in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs), with premature infants, as well as toddlers, and children, to working with adults with various medical diagnosis, in the hospital and rehabilitation settings.

After having my son, I experienced first-hand stress and challenges with breast and bottle feeding, difficulties with consoling my son throughout the day, sleep challenges as he was frequently upset, and irritable during physical activities, such as tummy time.
Working in my profession was a great asset. However, everything went out the window, as I was stressed, sleep deprived, hormonal and couldn’t believe this was happening to us. Therefore, I decided to gather as much information as possible. Unfortunately, finding support was difficult; and I suspected that my son’s challenges were more than just “colic,” as I had been told.

I worked hard at advocating for my child; receiving assessments with an IBCLC, pediatric Physical Therapist and pediatric Speech Language Pathologist who specialized in feeding and craniosacral therapy. My eyes were opened to the impact tongue tie could have on feeding, body tension and discomfort, and in turn torticollis, head shape and mobility challenges. It put a spotlight on how education was needed in the community for parents to be able to confidently advocate for their children and to help medical professionals with referrals to the appropriate specialists.

The number one thing that has been evident over the course of my career in healthcare, and after my own personal experience, is that people need to be heard, and their concerns need to be acknowledged and respected. Additionally, adequate time needs to be given to families for education, learning, practice, and reassurance.

I, therefore, started my private practice, The Feeding Fix, in 2023, in order to pay forward all I have learned personally and professionally. Also, to provide services that empower families through education, compassionate listening and hands on functional one on one therapy, in their homes. This support and connection can help families feel heard, respected, not alone and confident with new-found skills.

Another important aspect of care I uphold is working with a team, which includes other providers, and family members and referring to appropriate specialists, as necessary. A team approach to care allows for the most optimal level of care and success.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Working in healthcare for almost two decades, I have experienced the evolving and changing demands of the industry, and how this impacts the quality of patient care and also quality of life for those working in healthcare. I’m a single mom, supporting my household while also being actively involved in all aspects of my child’s life.

Having my own private practice allows me to provide the quality of patient care that I feel is necessary for positive patient outcomes without the burden of insurance and corporate restrictions. It also provides more control over my own schedule, so I can be present for my child.

Building my own private practice, while being a single mom, has been the most challenging, stressful, mind expanding and rewarding experience. Working at a medical facility while growing my business, then coming home to dedicate time to The Feeding Fix, plus the responsibilities of parenting, can be taxing. I am grateful for my wonderful support system; my son, parents, significant other, friends and family, who encourage me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Feeding Fix?
I have continued to take thousands of hours of post graduate course work, immerse myself in books, journal articles, parent support groups, mentor groups and collaboration with providers.

The Feeding Fix provides in home services across Scottsdale, Phoenix, the East Valley, and some of the West Valley. I bring my services to the client’s natural environment, in order to make it easier, comfortable and functional for the family. I apply a holistic approach in my therapy. This includes assessing and incorporating the psychosocial dynamics of the family, home environment, nutritional needs, feeding/swallow/oral motor skills, physical difficulties and needs, and if there are medical issues, all which can have an impact on feeding abilities. I also strive to offer timely services, without waitlists or delayed initiation of therapy services. The sooner early intervention can start, the better!

My specialty areas include tethered oral tissues, oral motor development, NICU graduates, prematurity, feeding and swallow difficulties. I work with babies and toddlers who are having difficulties with breast and bottle feeding, who are picky eaters or having difficulties with eating solids or using cups vs bottles. I help determine if choking and gagging can be related to swallowing difficulties, assist with transitioning from feeding tubes to eating and drinking by mouth, determining appropriate food and liquid textures to eat and drink, and how the mouth and face muscles are working for safe and comfortable eating, swallowing and even the impact they can have on the airway.

Another service I provide is craniosacral therapy (CST), which is a gentle form of body work. Craniosacral therapy helps to regulate the nervous system, taking one out of fight or flight (stress) and back to a state of rest and digest (calm). This therapy can help relieve fascial tension, which can create discomfort in the body, and can assist with more comfort and ease with feeding.

I’m thankful for the path I’ve taken. I truly believe I was meant to be in this profession; to connect with and help families and their little ones!

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Scottsdale, AZ has been my home since I moved here 22 years ago, from New York City. The one thing that has always stood out for me is the openness of the sky and the amazing sunrises and sunsets with the mountain views. Over the years, much growth has happened in this area, which is positive, however it has also unfortunately taken away the natural beauty of the desert due to increased construction and congestion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thefeedingfix.com
• Instagram: @thefeedingfix
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089620882766