VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: ELISABETH SCOTT

Published by Feeding Matters on Jul 23, 2018

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.

We are lucky to have a volunteer like Elisabeth Scott. She is fun, energetic, and eager to learn more about pediatric feeding disorder and how to better engage the community and families. No matter what the volunteer project, whether it’s a onetime project or ongoing outreach, Elisabeth is always there to help out (and bring more volunteers).

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m from Sacramento, CA. I moved to Glendale, AZ in 2016 to complete my master’s degree at Midwestern University for Speech Language Pathology. I have loved my time in Arizona, and I hope to continue my career endeavors in the Phoenix area after my graduation in May.

2. How long have you been a volunteer with Feeding Matters?
I have been a volunteer with Feeding Matters since December 2016!

3. In which volunteer activities have you participated?
My first opportunity to volunteer was at the Feeding Matters Conference held in Phoenix. I was warmly welcomed into the Feeding Matters community and learned so much from this conference about the care provided for children with pediatric feeding disorder. I also lead a booth at the Arizona Speech-Hearing-Association Conference (ArSHA), where I was able to inform many speech-language pathologists about Feeding Matters mission. Lastly, I have been volunteering at the Coyotes games to raise money during the 50/50 raffle, which has been a lot of fun!

4. What motivated you to become involved?
Through my schooling to become a speech-language pathologist, I have been educated about pediatric feeding development, pediatric swallowing, and sensory processing disorders. Pediatric feeding is an area that has been close to my heart because I believe every parent should be granted the opportunity to bond with their child at meal time, whether that includes breast feeding or sitting around the table enjoying dinner. Growing up, dinnertime at my house was crucial to my development and the person I am today. Sitting down for dinner every night gave me an opportunity to grow close to my parents and brothers. No parent should have to miss out on this opportunity due to feeding being a stressful time. Pediatric feeding is a tight niche for speech-language pathologists, and the education and expertise of solving pediatric feeding disorder greatly interests me. I hope to become a feeding therapist that can make a positive influence on children and families with pediatric feeding disorder.

5. What has been your favorite part of volunteering with Feeding Matters?
My favorite part about volunteering with Feeding Matters is becoming immersed in a community that cares and understands the “pediatric feeding world.” I love being able to share my passion about pediatric feeding disorder with others at events, and gain new knowledge from family members or other caretakers.

6. In your opinion, what sets Feeding Matters apart from other organizations?
Feeding Matters connects children who struggle to eat and their families to a community where they can feel safe. Feeding Matters is dedicated to providing resources, including a feeding questionnaire, in order to help identify and provide support for children who struggle with pediatric feeding disorder. Feeding Matters values the providers of children with pediatric feeding disorder, who can sometimes be overlooked. There is solely no other organization that values this specific population of people in an organized and professional manner! I feel lucky to be involved in such a wonderful organization!