Symposium Speakers
Every year, leading clinicians and researchers working in the field of Maternal Child Health share their expertise through our unique online learning system. Our education team works hard to provide cutting-edge, evidence-based programming.
We are pleased to present the line-up of main speakers below for our GOLD Tongue-Tie Online Symposium 2026! Join speakers from around the world to increase your knowledge and learn how to translate it to clinical practice through our interactive platform. This year, there will be 10 Speakers offering a total of 11.75 hours of education.
Speakers & topics will be added shortly.
Jo is passionate about supporting mothers in their early parenting journey; to balance achieving their feeding goals and supporting their emotional wellbeing. She has a particular interest in supporting mothers and babies with feeding difficulties and she combines her expertise in both osteopathy and lactation to provide a holistic approach to maternal-infant health care and lactation support.
This includes treatment following traumatic birth, and the management of torticollis, plagiocephaly and hip dysplasia. Jo’s work includes optimising latch, improving sucking skills, releasing connective tissue tensions throughout the body, as well as the management of ankyloglossia and oral rehabilitation post frenectomy.
Jo has extensive experience working with babies, children and adults across the lifespan. Passionate about ongoing professional development, Jo has completed numerous additional post graduate short courses in many areas to deepen and expand her skill sets.
She is a past board member of Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ), and is a sought-after speaker for her experience in combining bodywork and lactation.
Frenectomy for ankyloglossia can be a pivotal intervention for improving tongue mobility and feeding efficiency; however, it represents only one component of a broader rehabilitation process. Tongue tied infants often develop compensatory patterns that impact the tongue, orofacial muscles and anterior fascial system, which may persist post-procedure if not addressed. Osteopathic treatment can play a valuable role in supporting functional integration following frenectomy by addressing residual myofascial tension, supporting optimal tongue mobility, and improving feeding mechanics.
This presentation explores the anatomical and functional impact of tongue-tie on anterior fascial connections throughout the body, highlighting how targeted myofascial release post-frenectomy may enhance feeding efficiency, infant comfort, and overall movement patterns. The role of gentle intra-oral osteopathic techniques in reducing scar tissue contracture and supporting optimal tongue function will be discussed. Common compensations in breastfeeding position and latch seen with ankyloglossia will also be considered, with practical tips to support improved biomechanics for both infant and parent post-frenectomy.
Johanna Sargeant is a lactation consultant based in Zurich, Switzerland, where she lives with her husband, two boys and one fluffy dog. With extensive training in occupational therapy, biomedical science, psychology and education, she empowers parents with compassionate, personalized care through her private practice, Milk and Motherhood. In addition to working privately with clients, she has co-created and taught the new lactation education modules for the European School of Neonatology, has taught at the University of Zurich, has spoken as a panelist for the WHO’s Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative congress,and has been an expert speaker and facilitator for wide variety of international conferences. She co-hosts the podcast The Latch Revolution and is passionate about training postpartum professionals in oral rehabilitation and the intricacies of perinatal mental health. Johanna’s complex personal and professional experiences fuel her passion for providing knowledgeable, guilt-free infant feeding support globally.
This presentation addresses the critical intersection of trauma awareness and clinical practice in the specific context of frenotomy discussions for new parents. Recognizing the implications of the high prevalence of trauma within our clientele group, we will explore how we can practically adjust consultations to deal with this reality, using three compelling case studies to illustrate best practices. The session aims to establish a framework for trauma-informed tongue-tie consultations, exploring possible scripts and immediately implementable strategies. We will examine the ways we can avoid the common triggering and paralyzing pitfalls when discussing frenotomy, illustrating how traditional methods might inadvertently exacerbate parental anxiety, leaving them incapable of moving forward with confidence.
Additionally, this session will explore the necessity for self-reflection of personal biases when discussing the existing evidence surrounding tongue tie, focusing on how to ethically communicate information while respecting parental autonomy.
Ultimately, participants will leave with practical tools and strategies that aim to empower vulnerable families, allowing them to engage in informed, ethical decision-making, while equipping them with the knowledge necessary to overcome decision paralysis.
Ankyloglossia assessment and management remain areas of clinical variability and interdisciplinary debate, often resulting in fragmented care and inconsistent outcomes. This interactive, case-based workshop explores comprehensive tongue-tie care across the clinical continuum—from assessment through aftercare—using real-world cases to highlight collaborative, evidence-informed decision-making.
Participants will review scenarios, emphasizing functional assessment, differential diagnosis, timing of intervention, and post-procedural support. Guided discussion will examine the roles of multiple disciplines involved in tongue-tie care and the many variables involved in real-world cases. This interactive presentation will help participants gain practical tools and critical thinking skills to strengthen interdisciplinary communication, care plan formation, and deliver consistent, family-centered tongue-tie care.
Melissa Cole, MS, IBCLC, PMH-C
Melissa Cole is an internationally board-certified lactation consultant, neonatal oral motor assessment professional, clinical herbalist, and perinatal mental health-certified provider with over two decades of experience in perinatal care. As the founder of Luna Lactation & Wellness, she provides clinical support, professional mentorship, and education on integrative approaches to lactation, infant feeding challenges, and perinatal health. Melissa is a published author, researcher, and international speaker known for blending evidence-based practice with compassionate and inclusive care.
Johanna Sargeant BA, BEd, IBCLC
Johanna Sargeant is a lactation consultant based in Zurich, Switzerland, where she lives with her husband, two boys and one fluffy dog. With extensive training in occupational therapy, biomedical science, psychology and education, she empowers parents with compassionate, personalized care through her private practice, Milk and Motherhood. In addition to working privately with clients, she has co-created and taught the new lactation education modules for the European School of Neonatology, has taught at the University of Zurich, has spoken as a panelist for the WHO’s Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative congress, and has been an expert speaker and facilitator for wide variety of international conferences. She co-hosts the podcast The Latch Revolution and is passionate about training postpartum professionals in oral rehabilitation and the intricacies of perinatal mental health. Johanna’s complex personal and professional experiences fuel her passion for providing knowledgeable, guilt-free infant feeding support globally.
Raymond Tseng DDS, PhD
Dr. Ray Tseng is a pediatric dentist and owner of the NC Tongue Tie Center for research and clinical practice (Cary, North Carolina, USA). Dr. Tseng completed his DDS and PhD at The Ohio State University (USA), and post-doctoral research fellowship and pediatric specialty training at the University of North Carolina (USA). Dr. Tseng has actively engaged in clinical research and practice focused on tethered oral tissues (TOTs) for 8 years, and is passionate about collaborating with others to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for TOTs focused providers. He is an internationally invited speaker, published author, and subject matter expert on pediatric ankylofrenula. Dr. Tseng is the chair of Board of Directors for the International Consortium of Oral Ankylofrenulae Professionals (ICAP), and chairs ICAP’s scientific affairs committee. He holds adjunct faculty/adviser positions at the University of North Carolina (USA), and Curtin University (Perth, WA), and is on the editorial board for the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy.
Management of tongue-tied infants remains a commonly debated area in infant feeding care. Variability in assessment methods, professional philosophies, and treatment approaches can create confusion for families and fragmentation between providers. This panel brings together IBCLCs, frenectomy providers, and pediatric bodyworkers to explore how structured, respectful, evidence-informed, and multi-disciplinary collaboration improves breastfeeding outcomes and parent experience. Participants will examine referral pathways, scope-of-practice boundaries, coordinated pre- and post-release care, and communication strategies that reduce confusion and improve continuity of care.
Dr. Ray Tseng is a pediatric dentist and owner of the NC Tongue Tie Center for research and clinical practice (Cary, North Carolina, USA). Dr. Tseng completed his DDS and PhD at The Ohio State University (USA), and post-doctoral research fellowship and pediatric specialty training at the University of North Carolina (USA). Dr. Tseng has actively engaged in clinical research and practice focused on tethered oral tissues (TOTs) for 8 years, and is passionate about collaborating with others to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for TOTs focused providers. He is an internationally invited speaker, published author, and subject matter expert on pediatric ankylofrenula. Dr. Tseng is the chair of Board of Directors for the International Consortium of Oral Ankylofrenulae Professionals (ICAP), and chairs ICAP’s scientific affairs committee. He holds adjunct faculty/adviser positions at the University of North Carolina (USA), and Curtin University (Perth, WA), and is on the editorial board for the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy.
This presentation will review the diagnostic process, including functional assessment, clinical indicators, and the role of multidisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers. The presentation will outline current approaches to infant frenectomy, describing procedural techniques while incorporating a review of the literature to highlight best practices. Postoperative management will be addressed, with discussion of wound care, feeding support, and the rationale for adjunctive therapies when indicated. Throughout the session, common misconceptions and areas of controversy within the literature will be acknowledged, highlighting the importance of individualized assessment and evidence-based counseling. By translating clinical and research findings into accessible, parent-focused education, this presentation aims to promote informed consent, reduce decisional conflict, and enhance parental confidence when considering frenectomy as part of comprehensive infant care.
Over the last 10-15 years there has been an increasing awareness regarding tongue ties and number of procedures being performed have increased dramatically. Many of these procedures have been found to be advantageous in helping those children who have significant medical co-morbidities. Treatment outcomes measure improvement in the areas of feeding, breathing, sleep. and communication. Special emphasis will be placed on the collaborative approach with medical colleagues and understanding the concept of neuroplasticity, especially as it relates to the brain injury population.
Ankylofrenula including ankyloglossia (tongue tie) remains a highly debated condition across pediatric healthcare, with ongoing uncertainty on assessment, diagnosis, management, and potential future issues. Over the past decade, expanding research has challenged traditional anatomical definitions, questioned earlier outcome assumptions, and highlighted the importance of functional assessment and interdisciplinary care.
This presentation provides a critical review of contemporary peer reviewed research examining the anatomy, classification, assessment, and management of tongue tie across infancy and early childhood. Current evidence regarding associations with feeding, speech, oral motor function, and caregiver experience will be examined. Methodological strengths and limitations within the literature will be explored, including variability in diagnostic criteria, outcome measures, and study design.
The session will synthesize recent systematic reviews, cohort studies, and practice guidelines to clarify what is currently supported by evidence, where uncertainty remains, and how research findings translate into ethical, family centred clinical decision making. Implications for clinical practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and future research priorities will be discussed to support attendees in navigating this complex and evolving field using evidence informed frameworks.
Dr. Sharon A. Vallone is a graduate of Rutgers University and New York Chiropractic College She completed her Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (DICCP) at Palmer Chiropractic College and later received her appointment as Fellow in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics (FICCP). Dr. Vallone works in a collaborative practice in Connecticut and is currently the Chair of the Board of Kentuckiana Children's Center in Louisville, KY and past Vice Chair of the International Chiropractic Association's Council Pediatric Council. She is an international speaker, author, and editor of the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. Sharon brings 36 years of pediatric chiropractic experience with a primary interest in pregnant and postpartum mommas, birth trauma, breastfeeding difficulties and problems with infant /toddler neurodevelopment.
Tine Greve is a midwife since 1991, IBCLC since 2000 and she has a bachelor in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Acupuncture from 2014. She has a focus on helping mothers preparing for physiologic birth and breastfeeding. She has previously been working in an Alternative Birth Care Centre in Oslo for many years.
She is currently working with counselling breastfeeding women in a multidisciplinary health care centre for mothers and babies where she has specialized in breastfeeding difficulties due to tongue-ties and motoric challenges. She is also a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor for “Ammehjelpen”, the Norwegian Mother-to-Mother support group for breastfeeding counselling (resembling La Leche League).
She has for many years been teaching in educational programs on breastfeeding for midwives, NICU-nurses, nurse-assistants, health care visitors etc. on a national level in Norway.
Tine Greve is an experienced speaker at international conferences such as ICM, Midwifery Today, ICAP Professionals, Nordic Midwifery conferences, Nordic Breastfeeding conferences, ILCA/VELB etc. She has been teaching and have had workshops in USA, Canada, Egypt, Ghana, Australia, Russia, Germany, The Netherlands, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Austria, Belgium and France.
When a tongue-tie has been identified, a pre-release treatment plan must be made. For the best possible result of a togue-tie release, the baby needs to be ready for the procedure. Ensuring good nutritional status for the baby prior to a release is important, in addition to assessing (breast)feeding functions and dysfunctions the mother-baby dyad may struggle with. Mother’s milk nutrition should be supported whenever possible. This presentation will make suggestions for support and (breast)feeding counselling based on the individualized plan for the baby. We will look at factors that contribute to achieving the best possible outcomes of a release and recommended (breast)feeding plans for optimizing the chance of success.
Dr. Speakers Full Name
Speaker Credentials
Annet Mulder first became interested in breastfeeding in the year 2000, when she became a mother for the first time. During and because of her own breastfeeding experiences, in 2002 she became a volunteer with the Dutch breastfeeding Organization and in 2008 sat for and passed the exam administered by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, she now
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Dr. Speakers Full Name
Speaker Credentials