Melinda (Mindy) Hartfield, MS, OTR/L, SCFES, NTMC, C/NDT

Personal Statement

I have been an occupational therapist for 26 years.   I grew up in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.  Then completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees at The University of Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Indiana.  I have a background treating in a variety of settings including inpatient rehabilitation, school system, private clinics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).  I currently specialize in treatment of feeding difficulties in children born prematurely to age 12.

I have also worked with children and adults experiencing neurological diagnoses, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorders, genetic disorders and Cerebral Palsy.  Currently I hold Specialty Certifications in Feeding, Eating and Swallowing awarded by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Neuro Developmental Treatment, and Neonatal Touch Massage.  My post graduate training includes SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding, Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders, Intervention for the High Risk Infant, The Soffie Method for Feeding in Premature Infants; Developmental and Brain-Oriented Care for the NICU Therapist, Infants Born Preterm: Identifying and Addressing Their Special Needs in Early Infancy to Support Development”, Intervention for the High Risk Infant Providing Services In the NICU and the Transition Home, Tools for Treating Feeding in the Medically Challenging Child,  The Texas Children’s Interdisciplinary Feeding Clinic was developed by a speech language pathologist and I at the West Campus in 2013 to facilitate acceptance of foods and oral motor skill development through group or individual therapy.  I feel that working as a team with other disciplines is an essential part of assessment and treatment of the whole child while providing the best possible treatment strategies and care.  I love helping children work through their difficulties to discover their abilities through creative fun activities.

I have the following experience/certification:

• Specialty Certification in Feeding, Eating and Swallowing 

• Neonatal Touch and Massage Certification

• Co-Founder of TCH West Campus Feeding Clinic

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* Texas Children’s Hospital physicians’ licenses and credentials are reviewed prior to practicing at any of our facilities. Sections titled From the Doctor, Professional Organizations and Publications were provided by the physician’s office and were not verified by Texas Children’s Hospital.