Our Story
Lauren and Elise met in high school and reunited at BC Children’s Hospital where they collaborated to support patients with feeding challenges.
Empowered with the combined expertise to address all the factors that contribute to eating issues and a passion to help families feeling stressed and frustrated with feeding their kids, Picky Eating Vancouver was born.
Six years later, hundreds of families helped, and a growing team of experts, they recognized their impact could be greater.
As we began to offer a greater range of services to support families, we outgrew the Picky Eating Vancouver name. We needed a name that better represented the full scope of our services, and that is how we became The Feeding Group.
As parents and professionals, they understand the frustration when your kid refuses to try a bite, throws their spoon again, and the worry that they’re not getting the nutrition they need.
As parents and professionals, they understand the frustration when your kid refuses to try a bite, throws their spoon again, and the worry that they’re not getting the nutrition they need.
Lauren and Elise are determined to do their best to help families feel supported.
We Work Better Together
The Feeding Group is a team of registered healthcare professionals who offer family support and education through feeding stressors. With pediatric feeding services that are designed to ease feeding times for everyone involved, our integrated approach allows us to work together to find the best path for your child.
Favourite Food:
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Lauren Hershfield
Occupational Therapist & Co-Founder
Lauren earned her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. She has focused her practice on feeding and swallowing both at BC Children’s Hospital and with The Feeding Group. Lauren has specialized training in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding and pediatric feeding disorders and anxiety. She is also a member of the Dysphagia Research Society. Lauren has a special interest in:
- Helping parents navigate the worries of feeding a child with picky eating
- Building connections with children through feeding therapy
- Sensory systems and picky eating
Lauren enjoys building relationships with parents and children to help implement changes that will improve their day to day lives.
Favourite Food:
Mushroom Pizza
Elise Fairey
Registered Dietitian & Co-Founder
Elise received her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from the University of British Columbia. Elise has obtained further training in the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding and the Solid Starts Professional curriculum. She has dedicated her career to working with kids and their families both at BC Children’s Hospital and with The Feeding Group. Elise has a special interest in:
- Helping parents navigate starting solids
- Supporting babies and kids with poor growth
- Picky eating in toddlers
- Optimizing kids general nutrition
Elise is passionate about establishing good feeding practices in childhood so kids can grow up feeling good about food and their bodies.
Favourite Food:
White Cheddar
Mac & Cheese
Allie Saks
Occupational Therapist
Allie received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. Allie has completed further education in the area of feeding, including the Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding and courses through the Get Permission Institute. Allie has a special interest in:
- Supporting babies struggling with solids
- Picky eating in toddlers
- Responsive feeding and difficult mealtime behaviours
Allie is passionate about helping to support your family and child in reaching your individualized goals.
Favourite Food:
Pasta Bolognese
Alyssa Ramanzin
Registered Dietitian
Alyssa earned her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from the University of British Columbia and obtained further training as a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC). She has spent her career working with kids of all ages at BC Children’s Hospital and with The Feeding Group – from premature babies in the NICU to teens. Alyssa has a special interest in:
- Ensuring optimal nutrition for kids with allergies
- Supporting nutrition and growth in young children
- Picky eating in preschoolers
Alyssa enjoys working with families to create manageable goals specific to their child’s needs and family circumstances.
Alyssa is currently on maternity leave and expected back May 2027.
Favourite Food:
Black Bean Enchiladas
Zoë Maika
Registered Dietitian
Zoë received her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from the University of British Columbia. She works with children and their families at BC Children’s Hospital and with The Feeding Group. Zoe has a special interest in:
- Supporting babies and kids with poor growth
- Helping parents navigate starting solids
- Optimizing kids general nutrition
Zoë enjoys helping families develop healthy, sustainable feeding practices while supporting kids to build a positive relationship with food and their bodies.
Favourite
Food:
Crispy CauliflowerTacos
Alessia Vaz
Registered Dietitian
Alessia received her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from the University of British Columbia and obtained further training as a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC). She works with children and their families at BC Children’s Hospital and with The Feeding Group. Alessia has a special interest in:
- Optimizing nutrition for kids with diet restrictions
- Vegetarian and vegan nutrition for kids
- Ensuring optimal nutrition for kids with allergies
Alessia enjoys supporting families by working together towards achieving their goals and is passionate about fostering a healthy and positive relationship with food and eating along the way.
Reduce feeding stress with expert care
Schedule your appointment now or get in touch for an initial consultation.
