About the Institute
The Institute for Infant Feeding and Early Development was built to give families access to the range of specialists most relevant to infant health — coordinated under one roof, with care that's clear, practical, and built around how infants actually develop.
Feeding, growth, development, and early milestones are deeply connected in infants — but families often end up navigating each one separately, collecting conflicting guidance and unclear next steps along the way.
The Institute was built to meet families in that space — infant-only, specialist-led care across feeding therapy, lactation support, nutrition and growth, developmental services, and NICU follow-up. The goal isn't more information to sort through. It's a clear picture, a coordinated plan, and support that extends into everyday life.
To provide expert, coordinated infant specialty care across feeding, nutrition, development, and NICU follow-up. Through thorough evaluation, individualized treatment, and family partnership, we support healthy growth and development through infancy and early childhood.
Specialist-led evaluation and treatment planning — so families understand what's happening across all areas of concern and how to carry progress into everyday routines. Strong clinical reasoning in plain English.
Clarity. Compassion. Strong clinical reasoning. Collaboration. Follow-through. These aren't marketing words — they're the standard we work to provide in every session.
How we work
Good care means listening, looking at the full picture, and explaining what we're seeing in a way families can use. We focus on what's happening at home, what's realistic to carry over, and what kind of support will actually help.
When appropriate, care is collaborative. We work alongside pediatricians, lactation providers, and other specialists — so families have a coordinated team, not a pile of disconnected opinions. You'll receive a written visit summary within 48 hours of your evaluation so the whole care team stays aligned.
The people behind the Institute
The Institute for Infant Feeding and Early Development is led by Ally Gore, SLPD, CCC-SLP, CNT and Brittany Shockley (Rush), MS, CCC-SLP, CNT, CLC. Together they bring direct Level III and IV NICU clinical experience, advanced training in infant feeding and swallowing, and a shared commitment to helping families move forward with clarity and confidence.
Families often come to us wanting to know who's behind the care and whether they can trust the people guiding the process. That trust is built through strong clinical judgment, clear communication, and support that extends beyond the session into daily life.