About Thrive Feeding Clinic™
Feeding and swallowing support across the lifespan
THRIVE is a multidisciplinary feeding and swallowing clinic in Newcastle, supporting infants, children, adolescents and adults with feeding, mealtime and dysphagia needs. Our team brings together Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Behaviour Support and Psychology to understand the whole picture — not just the food on the plate.
Feeding and swallowing difficulties are shaped by sensory processing, oral‑motor skills, swallowing safety, anxiety, medical history, developmental stage and family routines.
At THRIVE, we look at all of it.
Who we support
Conditions we work with
Where we work
THRIVE provides feeding and swallowing support across:
Why Thrive exists
Thrive Feeding Clinic™ was established to provide specialised feeding and swallowing assessment and intervention for children and adults across the Hunter region.
Our team brings together expertise from Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Behaviour Support and Psychology to better understand the complex factors contributing to feeding, swallowing and mealtime difficulties. By working collaboratively, we provide coordinated, evidence‑based support tailored to the unique needs of each individual and family.
THRIVE grew from a shared passion for improving outcomes for children and families experiencing feeding and swallowing challenges. Although clinically led by Dr Stefani Knijnik (PhD), the service reflects the dedication, expertise and collaboration of an exceptional multidisciplinary team. Together, our clinicians contribute diverse perspectives and specialist knowledge to support meaningful and lasting outcomes.
We believe the best outcomes occur when professionals work together, families are actively involved, and every member of the team contributes their expertise toward a common goal.
Different disciplines, different strengths, one team.
Our multidisciplinary approach
Feeding and swallowing difficulties are complex. That’s why THRIVE brings together:
Speech Pathology
Occupational Therapy
Behaviour Support
Psychology
Together, we build a complete picture of what’s happening — and what will help.
What makes Thrive different?
We don’t force, pressure or push.
No “just try it”.
No “one more bite”.
No exposure‑based feeding.
We use a low‑pressure, neurodiversity‑affirming, trauma‑informed approach.
We look at the whole person.
Feeding is sensory, motor, emotional, developmental, relational and environmental. We consider all of it.
We support families, not just individuals.
Feeding challenges affect routines, stress levels, social life and mental health. We work with families as partners.
We work across the lifespan.
From breastfeeding to solids, from toddler selective eating to complex feeding presentations, from adolescent feeding anxiety to adult dysphagia — THRIVE supports every stage.
We are evidence‑based and clinically grounded.
Our team draws on advanced training, research and international best practice.
Meet the Thrive team
Our clinicians bring expertise in feeding, swallowing, sensory processing, behaviour, infant feeding and mealtime participation — working together to support meaningful, sustainable change.
Our connection with EduCare™ and Mind-Care™
THRIVE Feeding Clinic works in close collaboration with the broader EduCare and Mind-Care teams. Through shared clinical learning, joint professional development and aligned feeding and swallowing approaches, we contribute to building strong, safe, evidence‑based practice across the service. This connection ensures continuity of care for families and strengthens multidisciplinary support across the Hunter region.
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, their goals, their lived experience and their unique needs.
Explore our services
Learn more about the feeding and swallowing support we provide across the lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
We support infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Feeding and swallowing needs change across the lifespan, and our approach adapts to each stage.
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.
Yes. Most feeding assessments include both Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy.
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.
Yes. We collaborate with GPs, paediatricians, lactation consultants, dietitians, OTs, and other clinicians to support coordinated, consistent care.
No. You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment. Referrals from GPs, paediatricians, or other health professionals are welcome but not required.
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.
We are based in Newcastle, NSW, and support families across the Hunter region and Central Coast, including Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Port Stephens.
Yes — we support self‑managed, plan‑managed and NDIA‑managed participants through our parent company’s (EduCare) NDIS registration.
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.
Never. We use a low‑pressure, child‑led, neurodiversity‑affirming approach.
Yes — including neurological conditions, disability‑related dysphagia and age‑related swallowing changes.