When a baby suffers from persistent crying, gas, or feeding struggles, parents are routinely told that “colic” is just something infants outgrow. But true clinical care recognizes that colic is not a final diagnosis—it is a clear physiological cry for help pointing to underlying mechanical tension, airway compromise, or feeding dysfunction.
In this episode, Hallie Bulkin sits down with Kate Kurzhal, M.A., CCC-SLP, owner of Ripple Effect Pediatric Therapy and mom of four. Kate shares her personal journey through the emotional toll and exhaustion of early motherhood, which sparked her transition into specialized feeding, myofunctional therapy, and pediatric airway care.
About the Guest: Kate Kurzhal, M.A., CCC-SLP
Kate Kurzhal, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist with eight years of pediatric experience and the owner/operator of Ripple Effect Pediatric Therapy in South Bend, Indiana. A double graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington with proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL), Kate specializes in pediatric feeding therapy (supporting picky eaters and ARFID), myofunctional therapy, and airway-centric care.
Key Topics & Takeaways
- Deconstructing “Colic”: Why framing colic as a symptom rather than a diagnosis unlocks true root-cause solutions for infant distress.
- The Impact of Micro-Detail Video Analysis: Using high-level feeding evaluations to spot subtle body tension, oral motor fatigue, and structural limits.
- The Value of Private Pay & Out-of-Network Care: Why uncoupling from insurance constraints allows providers to spend more time with families and deliver comprehensive, child-centered care.
- Building Community Collaboration: Partnering with pediatricians, bodyworkers, and local providers to build a strong interdisciplinary team.
Soundbites
“Colic is a symptom, not a diagnosis—it’s a physiological sign that something in the child’s system needs attention.”
“Early physical and physiological intervention can completely change the developmental trajectory of a child.”
Timestamps
- 01:09 — Meet Kate, founder of Ripple Effect Pediatric Therapy
- 02:21 — Kate’s story: colic, feeding struggles, and finding support
- 11:02 — From motherhood to myofunctional training and airway advocacy
- 21:57 — Oral releases, pre- and post-care, and body tension
- 32:51 — Why “wait and see” can delay access to care
- 55:24 — Where to connect with Kate and closing reflections
- 57:46 — Disclaimer and outro
Links & Resources
- Connect with Kate Kurzhal: Learn more about her practice, services, and team at Ripple Effect Pediatric Therapy.
- Follow Kate on Social Media: Connect on Instagram @rippleeffectpediatrictherapy and Facebook.
- Fast Myo Screening Tool: Identify functional, structural, and airway red flags during intake at FastMyoScreening.com.
- FREE TRAINING: Learn how structural airway limits directly affect feeding in our free Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds Training.
- THE HUB: Connect with pediatric SLPs, OTs, ENTs, and airway specialists inside The Pediatric Feeding Hub™.
- Black Friday is coming! Starting November 9th, we’re dropping a new exclusive deal every day on Instagram! Follow @halliebulkin so you don’t miss your chance to save BIG on our feeding and myofunctional therapy courses and trainings!
WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY
Seeing It vs. Understanding It: The Gap in Myo Training
Mouth Breathing vs. Nasal Breathing: Changing Lives Through Early Airway Intervention
STAY CONNECTED
💬 Join the Conversation: Connect with Kate on Instagram @rippleeffectpediatrictherapy or visit Ripple Effect Pediatric Therapy, and follow Hallie for weekly clinical takeaways, case breakdowns, and mentorship updates on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn.
If Kate’s journey with root-cause analysis, retiring “wait and see,” and private pay advocacy resonated with you, please take a quick moment to leave a review! Your support helps us share these vital clinical conversations with parents and providers everywhere.