Bridging the Gap: Feeding & Swallowing Across the Lifespan Event
Saturday, November 14, 2026 1:00–4:00 PM
Rocky River Memorial Hall
21016 Hilliard Blvd. Rocky River, OH 44116
Why We’re Doing This:
One of the biggest problems I see is not always that resources don't exist — it's that people don't know what is available or how to access it.
Families and individuals may not know about a product, specialist, therapy option, community organization, piece of equipment, or resource that could make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Bridging the Gap was created to change that.
We are bringing professionals, organizations, products, education, and community resources together in one place so people can see what is available, ask questions, meet the people behind the resources, and learn how to access the help they need.
Information is important. Access changes lives.
Our Expo message is:
Connecting You to Answers, Resources & Support.
What People Will Find at the Expo:
FREE voicing, feeding, and swallowing screenings
Pediatric feeding
Tube feeding and enteral nutrition
Dysphagia across the lifespan
Sensory challenges and food exploration
Parkinson’s and aging
Nutrition and supplements
Adaptive feeding equipment
Oral care
Community organizations and resources
Vendors and products
Education and practical information
Opportunities to speak directly with professionals and ask questions
For free screenings, attendees will have an opportunity to speak with experienced feeding and swallowing professionals, discuss concerns, ask questions, and learn whether additional evaluation or follow-up may be appropriate.
Meet Our Speakers
Expert Voices. Meaningful Conversations. Hear from professionals and explore questions that matter.
Featured Speaker
Dr. Andrew Bowen
Laryngologist | MetroHealth
The Larynx Between Us
Specialist in voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. Fellowship trained at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
2:00PM
Featured Speaker
Erica Boarman, OTR/L
Pediatric OT | Lactation Counselor
Tounge-Tie & Infant Feeding
29 years of pediatric experience. Chagrin Falls private practice specializing in infant feeding and tethered oral tissues.
3:00PM
Meet Our Sponsors
Explore the organizations helping connect individuals and families with resources and support.
Dr. Brown’s Medical | Silver Sponsor
Supporting Infant Feeding Success
Star Center Foundation is proud to recognize Dr. Brown's Medical as a Silver Sponsor of our Bridging the Gap: Feeding & Swallowing Across the Lifespan Expo.
Dr. Brown's Medical offers specialized infant feeding products designed to support babies experiencing feeding challenges.
Their Specialty Feeding System provides feeding options for infants with certain oral feeding difficulties, including infants with cleft lip and palate.
We are grateful for their commitment to helping infants and families navigate feeding challenges and for their support of our community.
Community Outreach Sponsor
Connecting For Kids
Connecting for Kids provides resources, support and community to families in Northeast Ohio who have concerns about their child. We serve all families, including those children with and without diagnoses.
Vendor Spotlights
Explore the organizations helping connect individuals and families with resources and support.
Kate Farms
Nourishing Every Stage of Life
Star Center Foundation is excited to welcome Kate Farms to our upcoming Bridging the Gap: Feeding & Swallowing Across the Lifespan Expo!
Nutrition is more than just calories. It's about helping individuals receive the nourishment they need to grow, heal, and thrive.
Kate Farms offers plant-based nutritional formulas designed to support children and adults with a variety of nutritional needs, including individuals who rely on oral nutritional supplements or tube feeding.
Baxter
When coughing becomes difficult, technology can lend a helping hand. Did you know that coughing is one of the body's important airway-protection mechanisms?
For individuals with weakened respiratory muscles, clearing mucus and secretions can become a significant challenge. Baxter's Synclara Cough System is designed to assist individuals who have difficulty producing an effective cough.
By using controlled changes in air pressure, this technology helps simulate a cough and move secretions from the airways. This technology may be especially relevant for individuals with neuromuscular conditions and other disorders affecting cough strength.
Synclara Cough System
Veza Innovations
What if a high chair could adapt to your child instead of expecting your child to adapt to the chair?
We are excited to welcome Veza Innovations to the Star Center Foundation's Bridging the Gap: Feeding & Swallowing Across the Lifespan Expo!
Introducing the VezaFlex™, an innovative sit-to-stand high chair designed with input from pediatric specialists.
Adjustable seating and foot support
Supported standing when developmentally appropriate
A design that grows with your child
Converts into a big-kid chair and step stool
Encourages participation and connection at family mealtimes
SWIK Medical Solutions
When swallowing becomes difficult, managing saliva can become a challenge, too.
SWIK is an innovative oral secretion management device designed to provide continuous, hands-free assistance for individuals who have difficulty swallowing their saliva.
Designed to help manage oral secretions
Offers a hands-free alternative to frequent manual suctioning
May help reduce the burden on caregivers
Supports comfort and dignity for individuals with swallowing challenges
Global Health Products
We’re excited to welcome Global Health Products to the Bridging the Gap: Feeding & Swallowing Across the Lifespan Expo. Stop by their table to meet the team, ask questions, and learn about their nutrition products, including LiquaCel® liquid protein, ProCel® whey protein powder, FiberCel® fiber powder, and LiquaCel® TF for tube feeding.
CIAO Seminars / VitalStim® Therapy
Swallowing is something many of us take for granted—until it becomes difficult.
VitalStim Therapy uses neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as an adjunct to swallowing rehabilitation, helping trained clinicians address swallowing challenges as part of an individualized treatment program.
Stop by the CIAO / VitalStim exhibitor table to learn more about this technology, clinical education, and resources for swallowing rehabilitation.
Nestlé Health Science
For individuals facing feeding difficulties, swallowing disorders, or complex nutritional needs, finding the right nutrition can make a meaningful difference.
Nestlé Health Science offers specialized nutritional solutions, including:
Compleat® Pediatric — Nutrition options for children with specialized feeding needs.
Peptamen® — Formulas developed for individuals with certain digestive and nutritional challenges.
- BOOST® — Oral nutritional supplements for individuals needing additional nutritional support.
ThickenUp® — Thickening products for individuals who require modified liquid consistencies.
We believe families and caregivers deserve access to information, education, and choices that support their individual needs.
IOPI Medical
An Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) is used by clinicians to measure your tongue and lip strength and determine whether exercise for these muscles may be useful for you.
Interactive Experiences & Activities
Explore, try something new, and make connections. There’s something for children and adults alike.
Sensory Exploration Adventure - Featured Activity
Discover our giant mouth exhibit and explore how the tongue, teeth, and palate help us eat and swallow. Enjoy opportunities to smell, touch, and explore different tastes and textures. Everyone can participate at their own comfort level!
Meet Our Comfort Dogs
Visit our special Dog Comfort Corner and meet Frodo and Laci, our friendly canine visitors!
FREE Feeding, Swallowing & Voice Screenings
Meet experienced professionals offering free introductory screenings and guidance for feeding, swallowing, and voice concerns across the lifespan.
Ask the Experts
Connect with knowledgeable professionals, ask questions, and learn about helpful resources and next steps.
Discover Feeding & Swallowing Solutions
Explore innovative products, practical tools, and hands-on demonstrations supporting feeding and swallowing across the lifespan.
Meet Charlie Bear — Our Special Mascot!
Meet Charlie Bear, an English bulldog born with a cleft palate. His story reminds us why understanding, compassion, and support matter for individuals facing feeding challenges.
PLIX Interactive Technology
An exciting interactive technology experience. I will provide an actual photograph and additional details.
We Look Forward to Welcoming You.
Free community event. All ages welcome.
Event Information:
Saturday, November 14, 2026
1:00-4:00 PM
Rocky River Memorial Hall
21016 Hilliard Blvd. Rocky River, OH 44116
Have Any Questions?
We’re here to help you plan your visit.
starcenterfoundationorg@gmail.com
440-570-3618
“No one should be navigating feeding, swallowing, or voice challenges alone.”
STAR CENTER FOUNDATION
Thank You to Our Expo Contributors!
Thank You to Our Expo Contributors
Thank you to the organizations that shared samples, educational materials, and other donations for the families, caregivers, and professionals attending our Expo.
Connecting for Kids — Community Partner
Oley Foundation
SimplyThick
Mom’s Meals
Whole Story Meals
TalkTools
ARK Therapeutic
LiveSpecial Magazine
Lansinoh
Heinen’s
Lyons Magnus / Magic Cup
Kavana Therapy — handouts
Cleveland Feeding and Swallowing Center LLC — handouts
