About Us

Jean Hawney

Jean Hawney is a pediatric bilingual speech language pathologist with over 13 years of experience working with infants, children and adults with swallowing and communication impairments. Jean graduated with her master’s degree from Queens College in Jamaica, N.Y. and has her advanced degree in Bilingual Speech Language Pathology from Columbia University. Prior to completing her master’s degree, Jean was a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru and worked with families to promote health and environmental initiatives. She is fluent in Spanish. 

About Us
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Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist

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Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)

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Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

Jean's Expertise

Nurturing Speech and Feeding Development Across the Lifespan

As a speech language pathologist, Jean has worked in a variety of settings across the lifespan, including early childhood intervention, outpatient and private clinics, public schools, adult and pediatric inpatient rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities and pediatric acute care. Currently, Jean primarily focuses on supporting parents of breastfed and bottle fed infants, as well as infants and toddlers who have difficulty transitioning to solids. Jean also works closely with medically fragile infants and children who have tracheostomy tubes and weaning of feeding tubes. When Jean works with her patients, her goal is for them to feel empowered to advocate for their needs and to have an active role in their therapy. 

Jean splits her time between private patients and working acute and outpatient at a Pediatric Hospital with infants and children with feeding and swallowing difficulties. She is also the lead therapist for a Pediatric Head & Neck Cancer Program.

Jean splits her time between private patients and working acute and outpatient at a Pediatric Hospital with infants and children with feeding and swallowing difficulties. She is also the lead therapist for a Pediatric Head & Neck Cancer Program. 

Jean holds the following certifications: Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Level 1, and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). Jean has completed trainings with a focus on Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS), Breastfeeding, SOS Approach to feeding, SOFFI Method ™, Passy Muir Valve, Tracheostomy and Ventilator dependent patients, and Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies. 

Jean has presented twice at the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) on cognitive rehabilitation and feeding/swallowing among the infant with cardiac heart defect. She has published articles on children with brain injury and dysphagia in infants with Cerebral Palsy and infants with congenital heart defects. 

 

FAQ

How do I make an appointment?

Scheduling an appointment is easy, click the any of the appointments links on our website, and choose from the available appointments.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash (Venmo, Zelle, Paypal), FSA or HSA, Check, and Credit Card.

We do not accept insurance at this time; however, you will be provided with a SUPER BILL after your visit which can assist in being reimbursed by your insurance.

We recommend you contact your insurance company to verify if they cover speech evaluations and therapy for feeding and swallowing (CPT 92610). 

Where will my evaluation or therapy take place?

Currently offering home visits or via teleheatlh services.

Specialized Solutions for Your Child's Feeding and Speech Development

Our Services

At Little Eaters and Talkers, we recognize that every child’s journey to mastering eating and speech is unique, filled with its own set of challenges. From difficulties with bottle-feeding to the complex transition to solid foods, our compassionate team is dedicated to transforming these challenges into milestones. Our approach goes beyond traditional methods, addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of feeding and speech difficulties.

Difficulty with Bottle-Feeding

Some babies struggle with bottle-feeding, which can be stressful for both the infant and the parents.

Tongue Tie Complications

Tongue ties can restrict a baby’s tongue movement, impacting feeding and speech development.

Oral Aversion

Oral aversion is a condition where children resist or are fearful of eating due to sensory discomfort.

Introduction to Solids

Transitioning to solid foods is a significant milestone that can be challenging for some children.

Picky Eating Habits

Selective eating in children can limit their dietary variety, affecting their nutritional intake.

Challenges in Weight Gain

Adequate weight gain is a sign of healthy development, but some infants face challenges in gaining weight.

Talk to our feeding and speech experts