Ali Kozlowski, PhD, BCBA-D

Feeding is often times taken for granted. It is something many children acquire and maintain naturally; however, this is not the case for everyone. Some children may present with feeding difficulties immediately following birth or acquire them later during their childhood. Children with feeding disorders may eat extremely limited diets, need supplemental nutrition through feeding tubes or specialized formulas, require table foods to be blended or manipulated to a lower texture, and/or depend upon others to feed them. Though feeding disorders can be multifaceted, including having medical, nutritional, and oral-motor components, psychosocial or behavioral difficulties are also at the forefront of many feeding challenges. Dr. Kozlowski is a licensed psychologist and doctoral-level board certified behavior analyst with over 12 years of experience assessing and treating feeding disorders using evidenced-based behavioral treatment. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston University, and her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Louisiana State University. Dr. Kozlowski completed an American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral internship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program and Neurobehavioral Unit-Outpatient Program. She subsequently completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program before joining the program as a licensed psychologist. Later, she received an appointment as assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and became assistant director of the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program. Within the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program, Dr. Kozlowski worked as part of an interdisciplinary team, including working with pediatricians, nurse practitioners, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and social workers. Because of this, she is knowledgeable about the various components that may contribute to feeding disorders. When initiating services at Vibrant Feeding Therapy, a comprehensive intake evaluation is conducted, during which time the client's medical/developmental history and records, feeding history, and current feeding practices are reviewed; a meal observation is conducted; therapy goals are identified in conjunction with the client and family; therapy is initiated as clinically indicated; and initial recommendations are provided. Clients are then seen for ongoing services to work toward achievement of their feeding goals, using evidence-based individualized behavioral treatments, on either a weekly or biweekly basis according to what is best for the client and family. As effective strategies are identified, caregivers are taught these strategies during appointments and are provided recommendations for mealtimes between appointments. Overtime, as feeding goals are achieved, the frequency of appointments is decreased to provide support as clients and their families continue to implement recommendations at home for continued progress. Dr. Kozlowski provides services on-site (in Towson, MD) and via telehealth as clinically appropriate. She is a licensed psychologist in Maryland, and also has authority to practice telehealth through PSYPACT in most states. Please reach out if there are questions about whether she is able to provide telehealth services to you outside of Maryland. Dr. Kozlowski is out-of-network with insurance, but is able to provide super bills after appointments so that families may request reimbursement from their insurance if desired. Please check with your insurance to determine coverage for out-of-network appointments.