Meet Abby
IBCLC lactation consultant and speech-language pathologist, with NICU experience and lived experience of a hard feeding journey. The dual expertise, and the empathy, that turns feeding stress into a plan you can follow.
I know firsthand how overwhelming and isolating feeding challenges can feel. When my first baby was born, I struggled with breastfeeding in ways I never anticipated. Despite my background as a speech-language pathologist working with feeding issues, I found myself navigating a NICU stay, lip and tongue ties, poor milk transfer, clogged ducts, and the exhausting reality of trying to make feeding work when nothing seemed to go as planned.
That experience changed everything. It showed me the gap between clinical knowledge and the real, raw support that parents need in those critical early weeks. It's what drove me to pursue additional certifications and dedicate my career to making sure other families have the expert, compassionate guidance I wished I'd had.
Expertise & Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from George Washington University and I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I pursued this additional certification, which requires completing 1,000 hours of direct feeding time with infants, in order to serve both the baby and mother dyad more holistically. After my own feeding journey, I wanted to become the nurturing and educated expert I had needed, so I completed specialized training in Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS), Beckman Oral Motor Training, and myofunctional therapy. I also partner with The Lactation Network and Wildflower in order to serve more families and make my expertise more accessible by taking insurance coverage.
My career has focused primarily on dysphagia and feeding management, with specialized training in working with medically complex infants. I've worked in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and special care nurseries in Chicago, supporting families through some of the most challenging feeding scenarios as an SLP, from prematurity to oral motor issues to complex medical needs. Currently, I also still work per diem at Children's Hospital of Atlanta, serving the NICU and PICU/pediatric floors as an IBCLC.
My Approach
My approach is simple: I meet you exactly where you are. Every family is different, every baby is unique, and cookie-cutter advice rarely works when it comes to feeding. There are so many different ways to feed your baby, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or a combination. My goal is to help you find the plan that works best for you and your family.
I believe the foundation of effective support is connection. That's why I take the time to truly understand your specific situation, your goals, and what matters most to you. When you work with me, you're not just getting a list of instructions, you're getting a partner who listens, understands what you're going through, and creates a plan tailored specifically to your family's needs. Whether you're navigating complex medical challenges or everyday feeding concerns, I'll guide you through the next steps with clarity and compassion.
You deserve support that adapts to you, not the other way around.
Life Outside Work
Outside of work, you can find me strolling the Beltline or Edgewood streets with my 4-year-old son, 1-year-old baby girl, and our adorable lab-ish mutt leading the pack. I love painting and traveling to new countries with my husband to immerse myself in new cultures. I especially love exploring the parks, restaurants, and coffee shops around Atlanta. I grew up in Tampa, Florida, attended the University of Florida for my undergraduate degree, and also called Chicago home for several years before settling here.