Guiding parents and neurodivergent kids to master emotions and behaviors. Optimal relationships, self-efficacy and nutritional well-being can be achieved.
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A glimpse into our approach
Play is essential for learning, creates deep bonds, and cultivates problem-solving skills. Children of all abilities and neurotypes benefit from play-based learning. Effective communication also leads to nurturing, connected interactions. I am a certified family trauma expert, integrating my knowledge in the neurology of play, language processing and parent coaching. Together we can turn stressful daily struggles into lasting positive change.
MA/SLP, MSNE, CTP, ADHD-RSP
I believe in relationships based on safety, connection, and trust. With over 15 years’ experience in addressing the whole child, I work with you to design a plan specific to your family’s needs. I am a family trauma, communication and feeding expert who has successfully helped countless families navigate the emotional and behavioral challenges inherent to living with autism, ADHD, language disorders, and mealtime stressors.
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Meet the Founder,
Polina Shkadron
Your child's feeding journey is personal, complex and ever-evolving. By using the 3Es of Mealtime, you and your child will share the joy of food...they will even ask for veggies by name.
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Parent coaching is most effective when caregivers gain the confidence to embrace challenges. With my guidance and support, you will learn how a simple change to your approach can accelerate your child's progress.
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For children who think differently, emotional regulation can be challenging. Figuring out how your child is impacted and viewing the experience from their lens, positively influences their behavior and permanently improves their outlook.
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Play is how children explore, test ideas, solve problems and learn to navigate their emotions. Communication is intertwined with play as it empowers self-expression, fosters critical thinking, and opens the door for improved literacy skills.
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Our daughter Rosie is almost 7 and was diagnosed with autism spectrum when she was 3. We started with Polina at the height of the pandemic, and even though she was remote, Rosie connected with her. Polina has helped Rosie with frustration tolerance, problem solving, sensory issues and coping skills in ways we as parents would never have thought of or schools would not be capable of providing. As Rosie's parents we have had to relearn how we talk to Rosie. It is also incredibly helpful that Polina allows you to join her sessions...not only do you get to talk about what went on in the session, you get to see it unfold, which helps tremendously when trying to incorporate new skills at home. We are very fortunate to have been directed to Polina and that Rosie loves going every week!
Phil & Jen - parents of a creative 7-year-old
We have been working with Polina for almost 2 years. She sees both of my 6-year-old twins every week. We originally came to Polina for speech services, but it has evolved into so much more! Polina works with us on behavior management, impulse control, executive functioning…just to name a few things. In addition to working directly with our sons, we also do parent sessions as often as possible. Polina is amazing. She has helped us through so many
challenges. She has a way of helping children in such a way that they only think they come to
play with her. Her insights are invaluable, and she is always spot on! I would highly recommend
her to anyone who needs a lot or even a little help in any of her areas of expertise. You won’t be sorry!
C.A. - parent of twins who take on challenges
Polina was able to build a strong connection with my child immediately and provided me with tools to be a better parent. She is knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated. I am very grateful that Polina was part of our lives and highly recommend her to families looking for individualized care. I loved that she saw all the positives in my child and genuinely cared about my child thriving.
Polina is a wonderful and warm therapist with a unique approach to children’s therapy via play. Her office is warm, fun and a comfortable space for children and adults. Polina has helped with language and behavior and has provided us with tools to make sure our child is successful in all settings. She genuinely cares about children and has an amazing understanding of child development. Appointments are prompt and efficient every time.
D.P. - parent of an ADHD kiddo
Parent of 7-year-old with newfound executive function skills
Polina was a godsend for my family. My 2 year old daughter was an extremely picky eater and it was really stressing us out - we had tried recipe books, different types of feeding, iPad, TV, nothing worked, and she was underweight. The doctor recommended Pediasure but I did not feel great about that being her main source of calories. As soon as I made an appointment with Polina, I felt more at ease. Polina made the experience fun and effectively eliminated the negativity and stress that we all came to associate with mealtime. She encouraged my daughter to get into the process of making the food which was so helpful. My daughter started trying everything from brussel sprouts to cauliflower. Polina is fantastic with children and very knowledgeable in her field. I would not hesitate to recommend Polina to anyone!
I.N. - parent of a veggie lover
My son struggled with feeding for many months before we found Polina. We had tried other feeding services that helped with some skills, but Polina’s approach changed his whole attitude toward food. She established a great relationship with him, so he trusted her to try new foods with new colors and textures. And she taught me how to replicate her approach at home, carefully explaining how she did things and why they worked. He is now a greedy eater, loves helping us cook, and is even making his way onto the growth chart for his age. We are so grateful!
Leslie - parent of a newly confident eater
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