Charlotte receives services through Rainbows for feeding therapy because she struggled with food intake, since she started eating solid foods and other feeding issues as an infant. Charlotte will be two years old in August. She receives feeding therapy from Mrs. Beth, who is her Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), two times a month.
“Rainbows has truly made a huge impact on Charlotte’s life, as well as mine,” said Bailey. “They have helped Charlotte gain confidence and comfort around food, as well as given me an understanding into why she may have some of the struggles she does and helped reduce my anxiety around mealtime. Mealtimes have become a truly fun, positive family bonding time for us, thanks to Rainbows!”
Charlotte works with Mrs. Beth, who she absolutely adores. “My daughter is very timid around new people and warmed up to Beth so quickly,” said Bailey Kettner, Charlotte’s mom. “She has an incredibly kind personality, and is so fun and goofy with Charlotte, while also being so helpful and informative to me.”
Mrs. Beth is incredibly in tune with Charlotte and her needs. She has ideas on how to support Charlotte specifically, which has been incredible! “She always has ample suggestions for me to try with Charlotte, and is always so encouraging,” said Bailey.
Mrs. Beth “takes a genuine interest in Charlotte’s life, ‘which I think has really rubbed off on her with how she likes and trusts her. Charlotte gets excited when I tell her Mrs. Beth is coming.’”
“Charlotte is a thoughtful curious little girl; she notices everything,” said Mrs. Beth. “I always look forward to my visits with this family.”
Charlotte got connected to Rainbows after her first birthday. She had her one-year appointment, and her physician sent a referral to Rainbows. Several professionals came for an evaluation and were all incredibly kind, helpful, and informative during Charlotte’s assessment at home.
Charlotte has made incredible progress since she started working with Mrs. Beth. “We have gotten her off a bottle and onto sippy cups,” said Bailey. “She now is getting most of her nutrition from food intake, rather than just milk.”
Charlotte has become much more accepting of exploring foods and becoming braver by trying new things as well.
Charlotte can be cautious around new things and people, but she is so smart, spunky, and fun. She lives her life truly to the fullest and is such a happy little girl. “We love her so much and will always do anything to support her,” said Bailey.
Charlotte loves music, dancing, and playing outside. She also loves bugs and animals, books, and anything girly girl like purses and her pretend makeup kit.
“Charlotte is our first born, and has a little brother named Callaway, who is almost six months old,” said Bailey. “Charlotte is the most wonderful big sister to him. She loves helping him out with tummy time and trying to learn to roll. Our therapist also helped us with this transition to becoming a big sister!”
Charlotte and her family also have two golden retrievers, Hudson and Daisy. “They are the sweetest with the kids,” said Bailey. “My husband is a physician, and I am a stay-at-home mom. I used to teach high school life skills in Missouri, and then one year of Functional Applied Academics in Maize before becoming a stay-at-home mom.”
Charlotte and her family love going on adventures as a family, whether it is a walk in the park, going to the zoo, visiting family, or going on trips. “Our favorite times are when we are all together,” said Bailey.