It is with deep appreciation for the time, commitment, and passion of our dedicated advocates and volunteers that Feeding Matters is launching a monthly Q & A series. They help with events, participate on committees, and coach in our Power of Two program. The advocate and volunteer spotlights will share the stories of our growing network of change agents, the driving force behind our vision to create a world where children with pediatric feeding disorder will thrive.

Bianca Roe has been instrumental in our volunteer outreach program. She is always willing to offer her knowledge as a registered dietician to help our families who are in desperate need (even with her busy school schedule).

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A native New Zealander, or “Kiwi”, I grew up in California and moved to Tucson in 2010 where I graduated from the University of Arizona. As a childhood cancer survivor, food was my solace and nutrition was the most reasonable method to manage the chronic pain. Driven by this personal experience, I became a Registered Dietitian and specialized in clinical pediatrics working for the Children’s Clinics for Rehabilitative Services and Mealtime Connections, LLC. both in Tucson, AZ. My time at both can be described as nothing short of invaluable and inspirational. A large part of my caseload was partnering with feeding specialists to support children and families with feeding difficulties. It was within this time that I realized I wanted my graduate studies to allow me to be able to offer families more and thus I applied and was accepted into NAU’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program located in Downtown Phoenix.

2. How long have you been a volunteer with Feeding Matters?
I connected with Feeding Matters when I relocated to Phoenix in August of 2017.

3. In which volunteer activities have you participated?
So far, I had the opportunity to help out at the big Annual Feeding Matters Community Luncheon and work to connect Feeding Matters with available grad students when volunteer events come up.

4. What motivated you to become involved?
While I love my program, I very much miss patient care and communicating with families. I met with Feeding Matters the week I moved to Phoenix and fell in love with the organization and the work they do to support families and facilitate education on feeding related issues. Feeding Matters is a way for me to stay involved in the feeding community and to offer support and help when I can.

5. What has been your favorite part of volunteering with Feeding Matters?
The people! Where else could you surround yourself with so many incredible individuals who are kind, smart, and well-spoken advocates for an underrepresented population! And I get to support families who need resources while surrounding myself with such inspirational people? PERFECT!

6. In your opinion, what sets Feeding Matters apart from other organizations?
Feeding Matters has taken on a monumental task of working to support everyday families while also pushing for a change in healthcare, both from the provider level and policy level. They are dynamic in adjusting to the needs of families and the current social environment and are arguably pursuing a much more challenging mission than if they were to simply offer financial support. Feeding Matters is a force of good in the world with long-term goals that will change lives.