About Thrive Feeding Clinic™
Supporting feeding and swallowing across all ages
Thrive Feeding Clinic™ provides evidence‑based assessment and support for feeding and swallowing across the lifespan. Based in Newcastle, NSW, we work with infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, offering clear guidance, practical strategies, and collaborative care for a wide range of feeding and swallowing needs.
Our approach is grounded in clinical expertise, current research, and a deep respect for each person’s lived experience. We take the time to understand what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how to move forward with clarity and confidence
Our Clinical Lead — Dr Stefani Knijnik
Thrive Feeding Clinic™ is led by Dr Stefani Knijnik, PhD, a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and feeding and swallowing specialist with over 13 years of experience. Stef completed her doctoral research at the University of Sydney, exploring Feeding Disorders in Infants: Clinical Presentation, Assessment and Intervention.
Her work combines research, clinical practice, and a strong commitment to supporting families during early and complex feeding challenges. Stef also provides training and mentoring to clinicians across the Hunter region, helping build safe, evidence‑based feeding and dysphagia practice within the broader profession.
What we help with
- Infant feeding and early feeding development
- Paediatric feeding challenges and feeding difficulties
- Oral‑motor and sensory‑based feeding concerns
- Dysphagia and swallowing assessment across the lifespan
- Mealtime routines, participation, and confidence
- Feeding concerns following illness, injury, or medical treatment
Our approach
Evidence‑based
We use current research, clinical reasoning, and best‑practice guidelines to inform every assessment and recommendation. Our approach is grounded in up‑to‑date evidence so families can feel confident in the support they receive
Collaborative
We work closely with families, carers, GPs, paediatricians, lactation consultants, dietitians, OTs, and other health professionals. This teamwork helps ensure consistent, coordinated care that supports each person’s broader health needs.
Person-centred
Feeding and swallowing are personal experiences shaped by routines, preferences, and context. We take the time to understand each individual’s goals and circumstances so support feels meaningful and achievable.
Across the lifespan
We provide feeding and swallowing assessment and support for infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Our approach adapts to changing needs across different stages of life.
Holistic
Feeding and swallowing don’t occur in isolation. We consider medical, developmental, sensory, and environmental factors to build a complete understanding of what’s happening and how best to support it.
Clear and practical
We offer straightforward explanations and realistic strategies that fit into everyday routines. Our goal is to make information easy to understand and support easy to use.
Our connection with EduCare™
Thrive Feeding Clinic™ works in close collaboration with the broader EduCare™ team. Through ongoing training and shared clinical learning, we contribute to building strong, safe feeding and swallowing practice across the service.
Our commitment
We are committed to providing safe, ethical, evidence‑based care in line with AHPRA standards and current best practice. Every assessment and recommendation is tailored to the individual and their unique needs.
FAQ — Feeding and Swallowing
A feeding or swallowing assessment explores what is happening during mealtimes, how feeding skills are developing, and whether any medical, developmental, sensory, or oral‑motor factors may be contributing to difficulties. It includes discussion, observation, and evidence‑based clinical reasoning to guide next steps.
Families often seek support when feeding feels stressful, effortful, or uncertain, or when mealtime routines are becoming difficult to manage. If you have concerns about safety, comfort, skill development, or mealtime confidence, an assessment can help clarify what’s happening.
No. You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment. Referrals from GPs, paediatricians, or other health professionals are welcome but not required.
We support infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Feeding and swallowing needs change across the lifespan, and our approach adapts to each stage.
You’ll receive clear information about the findings, along with practical strategies and recommendations tailored to your goals and routines. If further support or collaboration with other health professionals is helpful, we will discuss this with you.
Yes. We collaborate with GPs, paediatricians, lactation consultants, dietitians, OTs, and other clinicians to support coordinated, consistent care.
Yes. We support families with early feeding development, including challenges related to coordination, endurance, transitions to solids, and mealtime routines. We work alongside medical teams and other professionals involved in your infant’s care.
We are based in Newcastle, NSW, and support families across the Hunter region, including Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Port Stephens.