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Jen welcomes Lena Levinsky—holistic feeding specialist and speech-language pathologist (SLP)—back from a short podcast break for a conversation that weaves together motherhood, healing, and a root-cause approach to picky eating.

Lena shares how she spent 13+ years as an SLP with a traditionally behavioral training background, but always felt most drawn to feeding because of its “medical” connection and the real-life importance of nourishment. The turning point came after she became a mom: her son was a picky eater, and none of the conventional feeding strategies she had been taught (or used professionally) worked at home. In a powerful moment at her kitchen island, she saw fear and tension flood her son’s body when food was placed in front of him—an experience that cracked open a new lens: picky eating isn’t simply behavior, it’s biology, nervous system safety, oral-motor readiness, and gut-brain communication.

At the same time, Lena was navigating her own health challenges—psoriasis since childhood, severe mold sensitivity, brain fog, and difficulty losing weight after a miscarriage and postpartum. Her personal healing journey (including rebuilding nutrients after veganism and exploring root-cause health) became the bridge to understanding her child’s feeding struggles more holistically.

Lena explains that today she primarily works virtually through parent coaching rather than traditional “child-only” therapy, because picky eating is a symptom—not a diagnosis—and real change happens through the home environment, the daily rhythm, and parent-led support. She introduces her BLOOM framework (Balanced health, oral-motor skills, microbiome, open exploration, and boundaries), emphasizing small realistic shifts—not perfection or overwhelm.

The conversation also explores modern contributors to rising rates of chronic illness and true feeding challenges in kids: toxic load, indoor lifestyles, light environment/circadian rhythm disruption, and how nervous system dysregulation can show up as restrictive eating. Lena shares practical examples of “boundaries with support,” including family meals, “tapas-style” serving, and gentle food chaining (e.g., moving from ultra-processed nuggets/fish sticks toward higher-quality proteins in doable steps).

Jen and Lena bond over the shared experience of being SLPs who felt the holistic dimension was “diluted” in the profession—and how reclaiming all parts of their identity is where the magic and alignment happens. The episode closes with how listeners can connect with Lena through her website, a free strategy call, her coaching program, and Instagram.

✨ Connect with Lena Levinsky

Lena Levinsky is a holistic feeding specialist and speech-language pathologist who supports families through a root-cause, nervous-system-informed approach to picky eating.

🌿 Website: https://lenalevinsky.com
Explore her work, learn about her Picky Eating Reset coaching program, and book a free 30-minute strategy call to see if it’s the right fit for your family.

📱 Instagram: @lena.livinsky
https://www.instagram.com/lena.livinsky?igsh=MTM4amNya2xwNDFyeQ==
Follow Lena for practical tips, education, and reassurance for pa

Find your host, Jen McNerney:

https://jenmcnerney.com/
https://linktr.ee/heartrootedhealing
https://www.facebook.com/jenslpNET
https://www.instagram.com/heartrootedhealing/
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In this episode of the Ripple Effect, host Jen McNerney welcomes physical therapist Kelly Knott, who recently launched her private practice, Elevate Wellness and Physical Therapy, in Woodland Park. The discussion revolves around the often-overlooked topic of pelvic health, especially in the context of menopause and women's health. Kelly shares her journey into physical therapy, driven by her own sports injuries and later, personal experiences with pelvic health postpartum. The conversation tackles common misconceptions about pelvic muscle exercises like Kegels, the impact of lifestyle factors like diet on bladder health, and how pelvic floor therapy can be simple yet profoundly effective. Kelly also highlights the significance of addressing emotional traumas that manifest as physical symptoms. Along with her insights, she shares details about her practice offerings, including in-person and telehealth visits, and emphasizes the importance of investing in one’s health beyond the limitations of insurance. This episode aims to enlighten listeners about the crucial, yet often stigmatized, aspects of women’s health and encourages a more open dialogue around these issues.

Please find Kelly Knott with Elevate Wellness and Physical Therapy via her website and on socials:

https://www.kellyelevatewellnesspt.com/

Facebook & Instagram

00:00 Introduction and Host's Welcome

00:38 Guest Introduction: Kelly Knott

01:49 Kelly's Journey to Physical Therapy

02:42 Pelvic Floor Health and Personal Experiences

04:43 Common Misconceptions and Simple Solutions

09:02 Behavioral Modifications and Emotional Connections

12:10 Trauma, Emotions, and Physical Therapy

15:38 Alternative Therapies and Techniques

17:09 Hypermobility and Related Conditions

18:09 The Hypermobile EDS Population and Autoimmune Observations

19:36 Telehealth and Private Practice Offerings

21:00 Orthopedics and Home Office Benefits

22:39 Insurance and Treating the Whole Person

24:42 Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Impact

29:12 The Importance of Vaginal Estrogen Cream

33:45 Conclusion and Contact Information

Find your host, Jen McNerney:

https://jenmcnerney.com/
https://linktr.ee/heartrootedhealing
https://www.facebook.com/jenslpNET
https://www.instagram.com/heartrootedhealing/
https://www.tiktok.com/@heart.rooted.jen?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

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In this episode Dr. Jacquie Reiser, who is a kinesiology chiropractor chats with me about SO MANY AWESOME healing modalities. We of course chat about chiropractic and "muscle testing" but delve into Quantum Neurology (low level red light therapy), primitive reflexes and micro current frequency tools. This episode is packed with information and Dr. Jacquie has a knack for simplifying things with analogies to understand how and why these modalities work.

Dr. Jacquie treats all ages and is practicing out of Austin, TX with plans to have a satellite office in NY. You can read more about all that she offers and book her services here: Dr. Jacquie Reiser & her bio site

Please find and follow Dr. Reiser on socials:

INSTAGRAM

Facebook

Find your host, Jen McNerney:

https://jenmcnerney.com/
https://linktr.ee/heartrootedhealing
https://www.facebook.com/jenslpNET
https://www.instagram.com/heartrootedhealing/
https://www.tiktok.com/@heart.rooted.jen?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

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In this episode I get to interview Daniel Drew (SLP and Myofunctional therapist) Mr. Myo! He has been on his own expansion journey in adulthood due to sleep issues. We get to chat about it from our professional lenses and also a personal lens. He had a procedure called MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion). I, too, had a surgical device with screws inserted in my maxilla, and now we both have braces.

He is a wealth of knowledge in the myofunctional world and aspect of speech therapy and BREATHING. He is trained in Buteyko Breathing method. He works with people virtually and in person for myofunctional therapy, speech therapy, swallowing, and more: http://mrmyofunctionaltherapy.com/

As you will see he is a delight to chat with and his heart is just pure gold! If you have a child, teen, or you yourself are delving in the world of breathing, sleep issues, tongue ties, and all things myofunctional ~ he is a must know and follow!!!!

He has so much amazing content on socials:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mr_Myo302

Instagram: mr_myo302

Thank you Daniel Drew, CCC-SLP/L for being on the podcast and doing the very important work in this world.

Find your host, Jen McNerney:

https://jenmcnerney.com/
https://linktr.ee/heartrootedhealing
https://www.facebook.com/jenslpNET
https://www.instagram.com/heartrootedhealing/
https://www.tiktok.com/@heart.rooted.jen?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

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This episode is a must listen. I get to interview Manisha Lad, Akhil's mom, who I only just recently connected with due to listening to The Telepathy Tapes and it was something that Akhil communicated in the podcast via typing that really drew me in to getting curious about modalities that helped Akhil integrate into his body causing me to take a leap and reach out to Manisha Lad for this interview.

Manisha so vulnerably shares their journey with Akhil's diagnosis from early on to present day, and all that they learned for what worked for him both in the behavioral stand point as well as bio-medical. It is packed with nuggets and gems of very tangible everyday advice for parenting a child on the spectrum in terms of therapy modalities to beautiful awarenesses you could apply to any of life's situations.

I hope you all enjoy Manisha's insights as much as I did interviewing her!

She is a wealth of knowledge and you can look at her offerings in the form of coaching and helping you navigate your autism journey to working 1:1 with you/your child/teen/adult on the spectrum & she has a wonderful clinic in New Jersey. Please see all the ways to reach out to Manisha and Akhil below:

https://heal-wellness.com

https://www.akhilautismfoundation.org

https://www.aafsensorypathway.com

https://akhillad.me/

Find your host, Jen McNerney:

https://jenmcnerney.com/
https://linktr.ee/heartrootedhealing
https://www.facebook.com/jenslpNET
https://www.instagram.com/heartrootedhealing/
https://www.tiktok.com/@heart.rooted.jen?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

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In this episode I have a repeat guest: Rebekah Varnum where we dissect The Telepathy Tapes from the lens of practitioners and also Rebekah delves into speaking about her youngest child and her spiritual savant skill set and her telepathy abilities.

We chat about all the awarenesses and healing that Ky Dicken's podcast The Telepathy Tapes has ignited us to a call to action! Rebekah discusses some life changing modalities on her daughter's journey and her pivot into becoming a practitioner to these modalities. Rebekah is a Quantum Reflex Integration and Theta Practitioner who delves into deep emotional modalities and techniques combined with the primitive reflex integration knowledge.

You can find Rebekah Varnum on socials here:

Rebekah Varnum
Restoration Acres: A Healing Place

Find your host, Jen McNerney:

https://jenmcnerney.com/
https://linktr.ee/heartrootedhealing
https://www.facebook.com/jenslpNET
https://www.instagram.com/heartrootedhealing/
https://www.tiktok.com/@heart.rooted.jen?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

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On this episode I get to interview Dr. Cari Jacobson who is a holistic physician/chiropractor out of Skokie, IL at Be Optimal Holistic Health Center. We delve into Dr. Cari's backstory and journey into chiropractic and holistic healing. Dr. Cari is a wealth of knowledge in the realm of finding your purpose, digging into those deep subconscious emotional patterns with some descriptions of the offerings she has at her health center, and nuggets upon nuggets of great life hacks/wisdom. She is a hoot to interview with super fun, loving energy throughout. Be sure to tune into this podcast! You can find Dr. Cari Jacobson and book one of the many MANY offerings here: https://www.beoptimal.com/

Find Dr. Cari on the socials:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/beoptimal/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/BecomingYourBestYou

Find your host, Jen McNerney:

https://jenmcnerney.com/
https://linktr.ee/heartrootedhealing
https://www.facebook.com/jenslpNET
https://www.instagram.com/heartrootedhealing/
https://www.tiktok.com/@heart.rooted.jen?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

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On this episode you get to meet Stacia Synnestvedt, owner of wooversity.com and hear about the instrumental course work & mentorship that was pivotal in transforming my life and unfolding healing journey. We delve into the magic of neutrality and having permission to feel all the feelings. Take a listen to some of the offerings that Stacia discusses in this podcast episode.

Who is Stacia?

Stacia is a sensitive being, and with a deep knowing that there is more out there, Stacia devotes herself to the practice of self-transformation, embraces the gifts of spirit, and lives an intuitive life. Stacia has an effortless, yet certain, way of holding the space to help individuals connect inward, to find clarity in their body-mind-spirit relationship through the understanding of energy. Everyone’s energy is unique and working with Stacia will guide you to know yourself in a way you never could have imagined, feeling more free and aware.

https://www.wooversity.com/

Connect with Stacia on Socials:

FB:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=wooversity

IG:
https://www.instagram.com/wooversity/

Find your host, Jen McNerney:

https://jenmcnerney.com/
https://linktr.ee/heartrootedhealing
https://www.facebook.com/jenslpNET
https://www.instagram.com/heartrootedhealing/
https://www.tiktok.com/@heart.rooted.jen?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc