Pediatric Connections PLLC

Hi, I’m Michelle Thompson, M.S., CCC-SLP, founder of Pediatric Connections PLLC in Fuquay Varina, NC. With over 30 years of experience as a pediatric speech-language pathologist, feeding disorders have been one of my deepest areas of passion and specialization throughout my career. I understand that when a child struggles to eat, it affects the entire family as mealtimes become stressful, parents feel helpless, and the joy of feeding can feel completely out of reach. My mission is to change that.

My Approach My practice is built on connection, with children, with families, and with the broader care team. I believe that feeding is not just a skill, but it is deeply rooted in relationship. My approach is warm, family-centered, and play-based, grounded in evidence-based practices and shaped by decades of hands-on clinical experience. I meet each child where they are developmentally, emotionally, and sensory-wise, and I build intervention around what is meaningful and motivating for that individual child and family.

One of my greatest areas of joy and clinical passion is supporting children as they transition from purees to solid foods and progress toward full table food participation. Whether a child is navigating the sensory experience of new textures for the first time or working through the oral motor challenges that make table foods difficult, I love partnering with families during this important developmental window to build confidence, expand variety, and make mealtimes something to look forward to.

I take a comprehensive view of feeding, recognizing that difficulties at the table are often influenced by a combination of oral motor, sensory, behavioral, medical, and nutritional factors. Because of this, I work collaboratively with families, pediatricians, dietitians, occupational therapists, and other specialists to ensure every child receives the coordinated, whole-child support they deserve.

Areas of Feeding Expertise

• Transitioning from purees to solids and progressing to table foods
• Sensory-based texture aversions and motor-based feeding difficulties impacting food advancement
• Infant feeding difficulties, including bottle and breastfeeding challenges
• Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD)
• Oral motor and swallowing dysfunction
• Food refusal and limited food repertoires
• Transitioning from tube feeding or supplemental nutrition to oral feeding
• ARFID and anxiety-related feeding challenges

What Families Can Expect Every journey begins with a free consultation involving a relaxed, no-pressure conversation where I get to know your child and your family, answer your questions, and help you figure out the best next steps. From there, evaluations are thorough and developmentally informed, taking time to understand not just your child’s skills but your family’s daily routines, goals, and definition of success.

Therapy sessions are individualized, relationship-based, and never one-size-fits-all. I focus on practical strategies that families can carry into everyday life, because real progress happens between sessions too. I am committed to making sure you never feel alone in this process. I am responsive, communicative, and genuinely invested in your child’s journey from our very first meeting through discharge and beyond.

What Sets Pediatric Connections Apart

• 30+ years of specialized pediatric feeding and speech experience
• Solo practice model — you work with me directly at every session, every time
• Deeply family-centered: parents are active participants, not just observers
• Secure, HIPAA-compliant communication through the Spruce platform so families can reach me easily and safely
• Rooted in the belief that every child deserves to experience mealtimes with comfort, confidence, and joy

I am currently accepting new clients for feeding and speech therapy in Fuquay Varina, NC. I would love the opportunity to support your family.