CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

A joint project of ConnectEd PH and The Medical City Center for Developmental Pediatrics–Feeding Clinic, Food for Thought: Integrating Feeding, Swallowing, and Nutrition Essentials in Clinical Care is a week-long, multidisciplinary program designed for physicians and allied health professionals. Held November 3–10, 2025 at UNILAB and The Medical City (4th Floor Conference Room, 6th floor Barcelon), the series integrates expert lectures, case-based discussions, and a capstone hands-on workshop on individualized treatment.

This feeding series is designed for doctors, licensed therapists, nutritionists, and other professionals working with children who have feeding disorders. It will cover how to identify each child's unique sensory, motor, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and behavioral factors. Participants will learn how to assess functional limitations, impairments, and participation restrictions, which will aid in evaluating and differentially diagnosing the motor, sensory, and behavioral components of feeding disorders. Additionally, the course will explore the nature and etiology of various conditions that affect feeding. Finally, strategies for treating these difficulties will be demonstrated and practiced.

Participants will:

• Strengthen competencies in diagnosis, referral pathways, and treatment planning for PFD.
• Sharpen clinical observation and decision-making in feeding/swallowing therapy.
• Identify root causes across medical, nutrition, feeding-skill, and psychosocial domains to guide precise interventions.
• Apply clinical nutrition strategies that support growth and neurodevelopment while advancing oral feeding safety and efficiency.

 

About the Instructors:

Sessions are led by international and local experts including Therese McDermott, CScD, CCC-SLP, C/NDT; Madonna Nash, OTR/L, C/NDT for the Doctor's Class and Feeding Series;  and for the Nutrition Class, Lourdes Tanchanco, MD, MSc, FPPS, FPSDBP, IFMCP, with Joemarc Dela Cruz, RND, IFMCP.

Madonna Nash, OTR/L, C/NDT

Madonna Nash, OTR/L, C/NDT, is an internationally recognized Occupational Therapist with over 40 years of experience specializing in pediatric motor and sensory disorders. She is an NDTA-certified instructor who has taught extensively across the U.S., South America, Europe, and Asia, including advanced NDT Baby Courses and certificate programs for therapists working with children with cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disorders. As co-owner of City Kids, Inc. for 24 years and founder of META4KIDS, Madonna has combined clinical excellence with program development, staff mentorship, and continuing education. She has published and presented on topics such as task analysis, therapy through the lifespan, self-regulation, and motor skills, and is a frequent speaker at international conferences and hospitals. Recipient of the 2024 NDTA Award of Excellence, she remains committed to advancing neurodevelopmental practice and empowering therapists worldwide to help children “live life to its fullest.”

Dr. Therese McDermott-Winter, CScD, CCC-SLP, C/NDT

Dr. Therese McDermott-Winter, CScD, CCC-SLP, C/NDT, is a highly experienced Speech-Language Pathologist with over 35 years of expertise in pediatric speech, language, and feeding/swallowing disorders, particularly those related to neurological and neuromotor impairments. She is an NDTA-certified instructor for both pediatric and adult content, teaching certificate and advanced courses internationally across North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

As founder of her private practice, Therese McDermott-Winter, SLP Ltd., she provides direct clinical care, intensive programming, and consultation services, while also serving as a course instructor and mentor for therapists worldwide. Her career includes leadership roles at Pathways.org, City Kids, Inc., and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, where she specialized in pediatric dysphagia and neuromotor speech disorders.

A published author and international presenter, Dr. McDermott-Winter has contributed to advancing evidence-based approaches in dysarthria, respiration, and feeding/swallowing interventions for children with cerebral palsy and other complex diagnoses. She holds certifications in NDT, VitalStim®, and LSVT LOUD®, and is an active member of ASHA, NDTA, and the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine

 

NUTRITION WORKSHOP Speakers:

Lourdes Tanchanco,MD,MSc,FPPS,FPSDBP,IFMCP

Dr. Lourdes Tanchanco is a trailblazer in developmental-behavioral pediatrics and functional medicine.  She is the first Filipino pediatrician to be Certified in Functional Medicine in the country.  She is Director of the Center for Research and Innovation at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health and Vice President of the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. She serves on national committees under the Department of Science and Technology (Brain Research Agenda), Department of Health (Lifestage Technical Working Group), and Commission on Higher Education (Technical Panel for Early Childhood, Basic Education, Special Education).  Dr. Tanchanco is a consultant at The Medical City and The Growing Brain PH. She is Founding Director of MedMom. She graduated Salutatorian from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, completed her fellowship at the Philippine General Hospital, and earned a Master of Science in Epidemiology at the University of the Philippines-College of Medicine under a DOST–PCHRD scholarship.  She completed her training and board certification in Functional Medicine from the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). Her work reflects a deep commitment to improving children’s health through research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration—creating meaningful change in the lives of children, families, and communities.

Joemarc Dela Cruz, RND, IFMCP

Joemarc Dela Cruz, RND is an experienced professional nutrition consultant that passionately believes in “Food isMedicine”. His practice & expertise is anchored by sound evidence-based nutrition science that is applied through a system-biology approach to healing and health optimization. He has obtained his degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from Centro Escolar University. He furthered his training with St Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) for clinical nutrition, Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) for functional nutrition, and Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation – Philippine Association of Diabetes Educators (ISDF-PADE) for diabetes care & education. As a lifelong learning, he is currently undergoing international credentialling with the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA) under the James Joseph PhD Scholarship Award.  He wears many hats in his practice: As a clinician, he provides medical nutrition therapy to patients in collaboration with his network of medical professionals and different clinical settings. And as an educator, he serves as a faculty lecturer for leading universities in metro manila, conducts technical programs for clinical training & mentorship and organizes lay initiatives through corporate wellness programs & speaking engagements.  Joe has made it a personal advocacy to advance for the practice of functional nutrition and empower fellow practitioners alike on the therapeutic qualities of whole foods & nutrition

 

PRC CPD application is pending for OT, MD

 DATE/TIME

(1) PART 1: Doctor's Class

Pediatric Feeding Disorders: Diagnosis, Referral and Treatment Planning for Physicians

This one day session will highlight the importance and clinical value of utilizing the  World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (WHO-ICF, 2001, 2007) framework in the development and implementation of feeding and swallowing treatment plans. Emphasis will be placed on how this model supports functional outcomes and promotes carryover across settings, with a focus on enhancing the child's participation in daily activities. Video case studies will illustrate practical application of the ICF framework in clinical decision-making and intervention planning.

Speakers:

Therese McDermott, CScD, CCC-SLP, C/NDT
Madonna Nash, OTR/L, C/NDT

Date: November 3, 2025

Location: Unilab; 66 United St, Pasig, Metro Manila

(2) PART 2: Feeding and Swallowing Lecture Series

SESSION 1

Pediatric Feeding Disorders: Clinical Observations to Examine Critical Aspects of Development and Feeding/Swallowing Physiology

This 2 day session provides a comprehensive foundation for clinicians working with pediatric feeding disorders. Participants will enhance their clinical observation skills and decision-making processes through a deeper understanding of feeding/swallowing physiology, typical and atypical development, and evidence-based assessment and treatment approaches. The intention is to consider the child’s unique difficulties which interfere with mealtime participation, advancing food textures, safety in oral consumption, general nutrition and growth

Speakers:

Therese McDermott, CScD, CCC-SLP, C/NDT 
Madonna Nash, OTR/L, C/NDT 

Date: November 4-5, 2025 
Location: Unilab; 66 United St, Pasig, Metro Manila

SESSSION 2

Pediatric Feeding Disorders – Identifying Root Causes and Prescribing Treatment

This 2 day session delves into the underlying causes of pediatric feeding disorders, focusing on the “why” behind feeding difficulties. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between physiological, sensory, and motor impairments contributing to feeding challenges. Through an in-depth exploration of differential diagnosis, clinicians will refine their ability to distinguish between physiological impairments (including those related to sensory motor system), feeding aversion/avoidance, and develop appropriate treatment strategies/sequences accordingly.

Speakers:

Therese McDermott, CScD, CCC-SLP, C/NDT 
Madonna Nash, OTR/L, C/NDT 

Date: November 6-7, 2025 
Location: Unilab; 66 United St, Pasig, Metro Manila

SESSION 3

Individualized Treatment of Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Children

This advanced 2 day session workshop focuses on integrating knowledge from previous seminars and/or clinical experience to develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans for pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. Clinicians will explore a flexible, problem-solving approach to therapy that prioritizes functional outcomes, including participation in family mealtimes. The seminar will provide hands-on learning opportunities, including case studies, treatment planning exercises, and a potential practicum experience

Speakers:

Therese McDermott, CScD, CCC-SLP, C/NDT 
Madonna Nash, OTR/L, C/NDT 

Date: November 8-9, 2025
Location :The Medical City; Ortigas Ave, Pasig, 1800 Metro Manila, 4th Flr Conf Rm

(3) PART 3: Nutrition Workshop

Clinical Nutrition Strategies to Support Pediatric Growth and Development in Pediatric Feeding Teams

This one-day workshop highlights the vital role of nutrition in supporting the growth and development of children with feeding and swallowing challenges. Central to this is understanding how the gastrointestinal system influences nutrient absorption, feeding behavior, and overall health. Participants will learn to identify nutrient-dense food choices, recognize how deficiencies impact feeding skills, and apply practical, family-centered strategies that align with the child’s digestive and nutritional needs. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary teamwork to ensure integrated, goal-driven care

Speakers:

Lourdes Tanchanco,MD,MSc,FPPS,FPSDBP,IFMCP

Joemarc Dela Cruz, RND, IFNCP(c)

Date:November 10, 2025
Location :The Medical City; Ortigas Ave, Pasig, 1800 Metro Manila; 6th Flr Barcelon

 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

 

Super Early Bird Registration deadline: September 22, 2025

Early Bird Registration deadline: October 6, 2025

Regular rate registration deadline: October 31, 2025

 

Choose this if you want to attend only one class (Doctor’s Class, Nutrition Workshop, OR any single Feeding Session). This option gives flexibility if you cannot commit to the whole package.

⚠️ Important:

Discounts and applicable privileges will not apply. If you choose to pay with a credit card, here are the applicable fees, including the registration rates:

Session 1: P18,900

Session 2: P18,900

Nutrition: P10,500

 

Steps to Reserve Your Slots via Bank Transfer:

1. You may pay via Bank of the Philippine Islands Bank transfer using the QR code above or via deposit:

Account name: Avry Andal
BPI Savings Acct #:  0576095947

 

* In the case of transfer limits, it can be broken into 2 separate transactions.

 

2. Take a photo or screenshot of your transaction or deposit slip.

 

3. You will need to attach your payment confirmation photo to complete the registration.

 

4. You will need to attach your payment confirmation photo to complete the registration in the "Proof of Payment" box.

 *deposit slip or transaction screenshot will be required to reserve your slot.

 

5. We will send you a confirmation email within 2-3 days. 

For PayPal (Credit Card) Payments:

Please make sure that you are paying the correct fees. There is a separate rate for credit card payments as the Paypal charges a processing fee. 

 

Click this link to pay via credit card: PayPal Link for Credit Card Payments

 

Please follow the instructions accordingly. Take a photo or screenshot of your transaction or deposit slip.

You will need to attach your payment confirmation photo to complete the registration. 

You will need to attach your payment confirmation photo to complete the registration in the "Proof of Payment" box.

 * transaction screenshot will be required to reserve your slot.

Terms and Conditions of Participation

These Terms and Conditions (“T&Cs”) govern participation in all seminars, workshops, lectures, and training sessions (“Event/s”) organized by ConnectEd Kids Therapy Center (“Organizer”). By registering, participants agree to abide by the following:

 

1. Registration & Payment

Registration is confirmed only upon receipt of full payment within the deadline stated by the Organizer.

Slots are limited and assigned on a first-paid, first-confirmed basis.

For optional payment methods offered with some of our classes, credit card and online payment methods may incur additional processing charges, service fees, or gateway costs, which shall be shouldered entirely by the registrant. These fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

The Organizer reserves the right to charge the registrant for any mistakes made during the payment process or request payment of any shortfall due to errors made by the registrant.

 

2. Non-Refundability & Transferability

All registrations are non-refundable.

Registrations may be:

• Transferred to another participant, or
• Applied to a future seminar/training within a maximum of six (6) months from the original event date.
• After this period, the registration and all associated fees will be considered forfeited.

Requests for transfer must be submitted in writing to the Organizer at least fifteen (15) business days before the scheduled Event.

 

3. Substitution of Speakers & Program Changes

The Organizer reserves the right to substitute speakers, modify the program, or adjust schedules if necessary, without prior notice.

 

4. Force Majeure & Event Rescheduling

If an Event is postponed, canceled, or modified due to circumstances beyond the Organizer’s reasonable control (e.g., natural disasters, public emergencies, government regulations, health outbreaks, or venue-related restrictions), the Organizer shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect costs incurred by participants.

Paid registrations may be transferred to a rescheduled date or to another Event within six (6) months.

 

5. Medical Emergencies

Participants are responsible for their own health and safety during the Event.

Any medical emergencies (e.g., medical events, accidents, or other conditions requiring medical attention) and all related expenses, including ambulance services or venue-related charges, shall be at the sole expense of the participant.

The Organizer will assist in facilitating emergency care but assumes no financial responsibility.

 

6. Conduct & Professional Standards

Participants are expected to maintain professional conduct at all times. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the Event without refund.

 

7. Intellectual Property

All Event materials (slides, handouts, recordings, etc.) are the intellectual property of the Organizer and/or speakers.

Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or sharing of Event materials is strictly prohibited.

 

8. Official Receipts & Documentation

Official Receipts (ORs) will be issued by ConnectEd Kids Therapy Center in compliance with BIR regulations.

Registrants must provide complete and accurate billing details (e.g., company name, TIN, address) at least two (2) weeks prior to the Event if the OR is to be issued under a company or third-party entity. Failure to provide details within the stated timeline will result in the OR being issued under the registrant’s personal name.

Any additional documentation requests (e.g., certifications, affidavits, special forms, or other supporting papers not required under BIR regulations) are subject to Organizer’s approval and may incur additional administrative fees.

Any taxes, fees, or charges beyond those covered by the OR (including but not limited to withholding taxes imposed by employers, additional VAT charges, or other third-party requirements) shall be the sole responsibility of the registrant. The Organizer shall not be obliged to process, absorb, or refund such amounts.

 

9. Limitation of Liability

The Organizer’s liability is limited strictly to the amount of the registration fee paid.

The Organizer shall not be liable for travel expenses, accommodation, lost income, or any indirect or consequential damages related to participation.

 

10. Governing Law & Venue

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.

Any disputes arising from participation in the Event shall be filed and resolved exclusively in the proper courts of Silang, Cavite, Philippines.

 

11. CPD Accreditation & Certificates
The Organizer shall endeavor to secure Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation for selected and eligible Events, as may be applicable through the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) or relevant accrediting body.
Certificates of Attendance and/or CPD units (if accredited) shall be released only to participants who:

• Have completed full payment of registration fees,
• Have attended the Event in full and complied with sign-in/out procedures,
• and have complied with all evaluation and feedback requirements of the Organizer. 

The Organizer does not guarantee CPD unit approval in cases where the accrediting body denies, delays, or modifies accreditation, and shall not be held liable for such decisions. Not all Events are subject to the CPD application. CPDs are given to the whole event and not partial participation and attendance in the event.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SELECT THE CORRECT ENROLLMENT TYPE.

Answer all questions accurately. Please select your options carefully, as these will determine the fee you will pay. Once registration is submitted, all selected options and payments are final. Upload your photo or a screenshot of your payment in the 'Bank Transfer Proof of Payment' box. 

 Please select the package or Single Class you are registering for (please refer to the rates/packages above)

* Please complete all selections. Please select N/A (Not Applicable) if you are not choosing that package.

* If choosing package 2 or 3, indicate if you will be taking the Doctor's Class OR the Nutrition Class as part of the package AND indicate which feeding session of the series you will be taking.

* If you select the Nutrition Class in your package, you may still add the Doctor's Class separately.

 

Please note that no refunds or cancellations are allowed for an incorrect registration. You may not be able to enter the class of your choice if you have not selected the correct number of sessions. The organizers may move you to a different class if you selected more than what your paid package is.

This Consent and Policy applies to all participants, speakers, trainers, guest lecturers, clients, and patients involved in any seminar, workshop, or class organized by ConnectEducation Center for Global Education and Training (ConnectED). By registering for, attending, or participating in any Event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Consent to Recording and Use of Media
1.1. ConnectED is authorized to capture photographs, video recordings, and audio recordings during the Event.

1.2. Such materials may be used by ConnectED for:

Educational and training purposes (e.g., incorporation into learning modules, workshops, or presentations);
Marketing and promotional purposes (e.g., website, social media, brochures, newsletters, press releases, or advertisements);
Archival and documentation purposes.
1.3. By attending, I waive any right to compensation for the use of my image, voice, likeness, or participation in said materials and release ConnectED from any claims arising from such use.

2. Confidentiality and Privacy Protection
2.1. ConnectED shall take reasonable measures to ensure that sensitive or personal information disclosed during sessions is not misused or disclosed inappropriately.

2.2. Group photos, event documentation, or seminar shots may be used for marketing and promotional purposes, but ConnectED will avoid publishing content that discloses private or personally sensitive participant information without prior consent.

3. Intellectual Property and Anti-Piracy
3.1. All seminar content, including recordings, presentations, photos, videos, designs, and marketing materials, are the exclusive intellectual property of ConnectED and are protected by Philippine law, including Republic Act No. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines) and Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

3.2. Participants agree not to record, reproduce, copy, distribute, or publicly release any portion of the seminar, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of ConnectED.

3.3. Prohibited recording devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, cameras, microphones, and voice recorders of any kind. ConnectED reserves the right to refuse or revoke any recording request at its sole discretion.

4. Protection of Speakers and Guest Lecturers
4.1. All teaching content, lecture slides, course outlines, methodologies, and live demonstrations delivered by speakers, trainers, or guest lecturers are considered intellectual property protected under RA 8293.

4.2. Participants shall not reproduce, summarize, or adapt such content, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the speaker and ConnectED.

4.3. Unauthorized reproduction or misappropriation of speaker content (including screenshots, recordings, or derivative materials) constitutes a violation of intellectual property rights and may result in civil or criminal liability.

5. Protection of Patients, Clients, and Live Demonstrations
5.1. For any live demonstrations, treatment sessions, or case studies involving individuals or patients, ConnectED shall secure prior written informed consent from the individual (or their guardian, if applicable).

5.2. Such consent shall specify whether the session may be:

Observed live by attendees;
Recorded for educational or training purposes;
Used for marketing or promotional purposes (optional and subject to separate consent).
5.3. If consent for public use is not granted, ConnectED shall ensure anonymization, blurring, or removal of any personally identifiable information (PII) or Protected Health Information (PHI).

5.4. Participants are strictly prohibited from independently taking photos, videos, or recordings of patients, clients, or live demos. Violation will result in immediate removal from the Event without refund, and may subject the violator to legal liability under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173).

6. Marketing Materials
6.1. All marketing materials, photos, videos, forms, designs, and social media content created by ConnectED are its sole intellectual property.

6.2. No participant, speaker, or third party may reproduce, alter, or use these materials without the express written consent of ConnectED.

7. Enforcement and Legal Remedies
7.1. ConnectED reserves the right to suspend, expel, or deny entry to any participant or guest, without refund, who violates this Consent and Policy.

7.2. Unauthorized use, distribution, or recording of ConnectED’s materials or sessions shall constitute a violation of intellectual property and privacy laws and may subject the violator to civil, criminal, and administrative penalties.

7.3. ConnectED reserves the right to seek injunctive relief, damages, penalties, administrative fees, and legal costs against any individual or entity found in violation.