Food Chaining 101 for Picky Eaters

Heather Winegard

Heather Winegard, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a certified speech-language pathologist who brings over 15 years of pediatric expertise to families at Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center. Since joining the clinic in 2017, Heather has helped hundreds of children overcome communication barriers and feeding challenges, empowering them to express their needs, connect with others, and participate fully in daily life. Heather's educational journey began at Butler University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2008. This undergraduate foundation sparked her passion for helping children develop the fundamental human skill of communication. She continued her training at Arizona State University, earning her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2010, followed by successful completion of her Clinical Fellowship Year and ASHA certification. As a CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology), Heather has demonstrated advanced knowledge and adherence to the highest professional standards set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Her clinical practice addresses the full spectrum of pediatric communication needs, including expressive language development such as vocabulary expansion, grammar usage, and narrative skills; receptive language comprehension including following multi-step directions and understanding complex concepts; functional communication strategies for children with limited verbal abilities; articulation and phonological disorders affecting speech clarity; and feeding and swallowing disorders that impact oral motor skills and safe eating. Heather's therapy sessions are carefully individualized to match each child's developmental level, learning style, and family priorities. She collaborates closely with parents and caregivers, providing coaching and home practice activities that reinforce skills between sessions. Her ability to make therapy engaging and her commitment to celebrating every communication milestone—whether it's a first word, a clear sentence, or successful mealtime—reflect her deep understanding that communication is connection, and every child deserves to be heard.