Feeding Matters is led by an exceptional team of professionals who dedicate their passion and unique expertise to affect systemic change for pediatric feeding disorder.
Executive Office
Jaclyn Pederson, MHI
Chief Executive Officer
With more than a decade of experience in program development, Jaclyn Pederson’s broad knowledge of programming in the public and social sectors includes program and strategic initiative design, fund development, special events, grant writing, and community engagement. A system thinker and positive team builder, she uses transformational leadership principles to develop energized and efficient workgroups that influence significant organizational and systemic change for all affected by pediatric feeding disorder –such as the development of the expanded PFD Alliance. Jaclyn also manages Feeding Matters’ strategic partnerships with numerous professional associations including American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).
Kathy M. Thomas, CPA
Chief Operations and Finance Officer
With a passion for listening and helping others achieve their goals, Kathy M. Thomas joined Feeding Matters as chief operations and finance officer (COFO) after more than 25 years as a certified public accountant helping nonprofits and small businesses remain sustainable and fiscally responsible. As executive director for Cancer Support Community Arizona, Kathy put her skills to use – expanding the nonprofit’s services and successfully launching Program Latino. With Kathy at the helm, Cancer Support Community Arizona marked a 30% increase in program services and a 60% increase in the youth and family program in 2015. In her role with Feeding Matters, Kathy oversees compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, coordinates annual fiscal audits, ensures proper controls are established, and works in partnership with CEO Jaclyn Pederson to facilitate the annual budget and strategic plan.
Programs & Initiatives
Athena Flicek
Programs and Events Manager
With a background in Communication Studies, Management, and Education, Athena Flicek oversees the planning and facilitation of the International Pediatric Feeding Disorder Conference. She has over 16 years of experience in the education field and a son with pediatric feeding disorder. Athena will be combining all of her passions and experiences to continue delivering exceptional programming for the PFD community.
Jalenna Francois
Communications and Awareness Specialist
With an educational background in family dynamics, Jalenna Francois combines her passion for supporting families and children with her creativity to coordinate awareness and communications for Feeding Matters. In her role as Communications and Awareness Specialist, Jalenna works to make resources easily accessible to families and healthcare professionals through the Feeding Matters website and outside communications.
Jen Lambert, M.Ed.
Director of Programs & Events
A veteran in program delivery that promotes awareness, understanding, and collaborative care, Jen Lambert plans, implements, manages, and evaluates the organizations family support, professional support, and volunteer programs – most notably facilitating the International Pediatric Feeding Disorder Conference. Prior to joining Feeding Matters, Jen held leadership positions of increasing responsibility at Head Start –a program of the United States Department of Health and Human Services that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.
Cuyler Romeo, M.O.T., OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Occupational Therapist and Pediatric Feeding Specialist Cuyler Romeo’s extensive leadership and clinical experience are instrumental in the execution and management of Feeding Matters’ strategic initiatives. In partnership with the CEO, Jaclyn Pederson, Cuyler collaborates with constituents to identify, track, and assess innovative approaches to the PFD system of care. Cuyler also facilitates strategic partnerships with select professional associations including the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Prior to joining Feeding Matters, Cuyler served as a founding partner of Mealtime Connections, LLC, and gained valuable insight on funding trends and industry implications as the director of clinical innovations at Therapy 2000. She is currently a treating clinician in Banner-University Medical Center’s NICU and works to advance the feeding skill domain by facilitating AOTA’s mealtime Occupations: Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing Community of Practice.
Heidi Van der Molen
Program Manager
Mother to a charming son who has pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), Heidi Van der Molen is uniquely suited to help families in the midst of their own journeys with PFD. After three years as a passionate volunteer with Feeding Matters, Heidi officially joined the organization in 2015 – managing the organizations volunteers and family support programs, including Power of Two parent-to-parent coaching, caregiver guide, and educational family support offerings.