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.
Click below to view further details on the speakers and each presentation.
Jeanne Pichoff is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist of 21 years and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Jeanne began her career in pediatrics, working in a variety of practice settings including NICU, outpatient pediatrics, inpatient pediatrics, and early intervention. She first became interested in lactation care after experiencing difficulty breastfeeding her second child and upon realizing the gap in her knowledge and experience to help the families under her care who are breastfeeding. She became an IBCLC in 2020. She owns a private practice called Flourish Pediatric Therapy and Lactation in Lafayette, LA, where she treats infants and toddlers with feeding challenges In addition to managing complex feeding disorders, Jeanne also treats babies with developmental concerns such as motor delays, genetic disorders / syndromes, torticollis, etc. Jeanne is committed to providing the highest level of clinical care to her families as well as providing advocacy and education. She teaches two courses on the Lactation OT platform, one on tongue tie and the other on growth faltering. She provides online courses for parents on breastfeeding and transitioning to solids. In her spare time, Jeanne loves to read and spend time with her husband and two sons.
Recovery from frenotomy is often stressful for families who are experiencing breastfeeding challenges vs. the "quick fix" that many families wish and hope for. In this presentation, factors influencing the decision to pursue frenotomy and considerations for the lactation professional who is guiding families in the recovery process are explored. Timelines for recovery and the unique role of the lactation professional in conjuction with other members of the multi disciplinary team will be reviewed. Learn about overlapping symptoms/systems to consider when guiding families, strategies to support recovery post op, and explore brief case studies to illustrate concepts of practice in the "real world" vs. ideal scenarios.
Joanna has been in private practice as a registered Osteopath since 1996. In 2021, she was titled an Advanced Paediatric Osteopath by Osteopathy Australia, in recognition of her long standing commitment to paediatric tertiary education, continuing professional development and collaborative care. Jo is also an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and a Rhythmic Movement Training (RMTi) Consultant, and combines these skills with her osteopathic principles and treatment. Jo works in private practice in Melbourne at a medical clinic, alongside GP’s, MCHN, and other allied health professionals.
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.
Melissa Cole is a board-certified lactation consultant, neonatal oral-motor assessment professional and clinical herbalist in private practice. Melissa is passionate about providing comprehensive, holistic lactation support and improving the level of clinical lactation skills for health professional. She enjoys teaching, researching and writing about wellness and lactation-related topics. Her bachelor’s degree is in maternal/child health and lactation and her master’s degree is in therapeutic herbalism. Before pursuing her current path, Melissa’s background was in education and cultural arts, which has served her well in her work as a lactation consultant and healthcare educator. She loves living, working and playing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her 3 children.
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.
Dr. Padminee Krishnan is an Airway-Focused Pediatric Dentist and the Founder of Giggles & Grins Kids Dental Clinic, a state-of-the-art pediatric dental centre in Adyar, Chennai, with a satellite branch in Dadar, Mumbai. With over 8 years of clinical experience, she is deeply committed to raising a generation of cavity-free and braces-free children through prevention-first, airway-centered, and child-friendly dentistry.
Her clinical expertise spans functional frenuloplasty, infant oral motor assessment, breastfeeding support, myofunctional therapy, pediatric dental sleep medicine, jaw expansion, needleless injections, laughing gas sedation, and full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia. She leads an interdisciplinary, in-house team that includes a Speech-Language Pathologist, Lactation Consultant, Feeding Therapist, and Baby Sleep Consultant, ensuring comprehensive and holistic care for every child.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Padminee is passionate about education and advocacy. She founded PRISM, a professional learning platform that trains dentists and healthcare providers in airway-focused pediatric dentistry and functional frenuloplasty. For parents, she created MYOFLIX, an engaging educational platform designed to empower families with practical tools to support optimal oral and airway development from infancy onward.
Recognized for excellence, Dr. Padminee was awarded the Charaka Award for Excellence in Pediatric Dentistry (2025) by the Indian Dental Association, and Giggles & Grins was honored as the Best Pediatric Dental Practice in South India by Voice of Healthcare. Guided by her belief that “a well-informed parent is a child’s first dentist,” she continues to inspire both families and professionals to prioritize early airway, breathing, and oral health
Participants will learn how to apply a clear clinical decision-making tree to determine when conservative strategies—such as oral motor priming, sensory modulation, positional optimization, and maternal technique adjustments—are sufficient, and when a frenotomy is truly indicated to support breastfeeding outcomes. This session also describes key functional readiness markers that guide optimal timing of release and immediate post-release considerations to stabilize latch, improve tongue cupping, and protect the breastfeeding relationship.
Using case-based reasoning, the presentation illustrates how targeted oral motor therapy can improve function, reduce compensations, and in some cases eliminate the need for surgical intervention. For infants who do undergo release, early functional support strategies are outlined to maximize breastfeeding success and long-term oral development. This practical, evidence-informed framework empowers lactation professionals to counsel families ethically, reduce unnecessary procedures, and provide confident, balanced, and function-driven guidance.
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.
Joanna Strybosch, Osteopath, Advanced Pediatric Osteopath, IBCLC
Joanna has been in private practice as a registered Osteopath since 1996. In 2021, she was titled an Advanced Paediatric Osteopath by Osteopathy Australia, in recognition of her long standing commitment to paediatric tertiary education, continuing professional development and collaborative care. Jo is also an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and a Rhythmic Movement Training (RMTi) Consultant, and combines these skills with her osteopathic principles and treatment. Jo works in private practice in Melbourne at a medical clinic, alongside GP's, MCHN, and other allied health professionals.
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.
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.
Scott A. Siegel, MD, DDS, FACS, FICS, FAAP is a double board certified, dual degree MD, DDS, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Dr. Siegel is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, International College of Surgeons, and the first oral and maxillofacial surgeon awarded Fellowship to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Siegel is also an active member and board member of numerous medical and dental professional organizations. Dr. Siegel has over 30 years experience as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and has devoted the past 26 years to treatment of issues related to tethered oral tissues, he has performed over 40,000 tethered oral tissue surgical procedures to date. Educated at the State University of New York at Stony Brook Schools of Medicine and School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Siegel is the medical director and owner of The Center for Tethered Oral Tissues based in New York City, and Long Island, NY. Dr. Siegel is internationally recognized as a pioneering laser TOTs surgeon. During his surgical residency and Dr. Siegel was mentored by world renowned pediatric surgeon and tongue-tie pioneer Elizabeth Coryllos, MD, FACS, FRCS, FAAP. Dr. Siegel has been treating . Dr. Siegel lectures internationally and conducts clinical research and publishes in various areas related to TOTs including aerodigestive disorders related to TOTs such as Aerophagia Induced Reflux (AIR) and ultrasound/kinematic studies of tongue motility before and after lingual frenectomy, and medically challenged patients.
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.
Dr. Sharon Smart is a speech-language pathologist and Senior Lecturer from, Perth, Western Australia. Her clinical and research expertise focuses on pediatric feeding and swallowing, oral–motor function, and the assessment and management of ankyloglossia (tongue‑tie) across infancy and childhood.
Dr. Smart's work emphasises interprofessional, family‑centred approaches to care, particularly in the context of breastfeeding, bottle‑feeding, and functional feeding outcomes following frenectomy. She has contributed to the development of international practice guidelines and educational resources to support clinicians and caregivers navigating pre‑ and post‑operative care for children with oral restrictions. Her research integrates functional outcome measures with caregiver perspectives to strengthen evidence‑based clinical decision‑making.
Dr. Smart is an active member of international research and clinical networks, including the Committee for Interprofessional Research, Education and Ankyloglossia Science (CIREAS) within the International Consortium of oral Ankylofrenula Professionals (ICAP) and she is chair of the Australasian Society for Tethered Oral Tissue (ASTOT). She regularly presents at national and international conferences and supervises postgraduate research in infant feeding and tongue-tie.
Through her teaching, research, and clinical engagement, Dr. Smart is committed to advancing evidence‑informed, compassionate practice that supports both child outcomes and caregiver experience."
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.
When faced with the dyad experiencing breastfeeding dysfunction, it is important to discern whether the issues are caused by the knowledge of the mother, the mother’s ability to produce milk or the infant’s oral motor function. The infant’s oral motor function can be affected due to pathology (oxygen deprivation, residual medication from labor and delivery, neurologic deficit, etc) or it can be impaired due to structural causes be they mechanical (joint dysfunction, muscular injury, fascial constraint) or anatomical like posterior tongue tie or other oral tethers. This lecture will review exam procedures to differentially diagnose between mechanical and anatomical barriers to a successful breast-feeding experience for the dyad.
"Tine Greve is a midwife since 1991, International board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) since 2000 and she has a bachelor in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Acupuncture from 2014. She has previously been working in an Alternative Birth Care Centre in Oslo for many years.
She is currently working as a midwife, IBCLC and acupuncturist in a multidisciplinary health care centre for mothers and babies. She has a focus on helping mothers preparing for physiologic birth and managing breastfeeding. She has specialized in breastfeeding difficulties due to tongue-ties and motoric challenges.
She has for many years been teaching in educational programs for midwives, NICU-nurses, nurse-assistants, health care visitors etc. on a national level in Norway.
She is also a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor for “Ammehjelpen”, the Norwegian Mother-to-Mother support group for breastfeeding counselling (resembling La Leche League).
Tine Greve is an experienced speaker at international conferences such as Midwifery Today, ICM, ICAP Professionals, Nordic Midwifery conferences, Nordic Breastfeeding conferences, ILCA, GOLD 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, Switzerland 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
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 text text text text more name mulder first became interested in breastfeeding in the year 2000, when she became.
Dr. Speakers Full Name
Speaker Credentials