Infant Feeding Services

Emily Talley CCC-SLP CLC

I re-trained as a Speech Language Pathologist at Appalachian State University (2024) following a career in relief and development, and am honored to serve families in the high country of North Carolina by providing infant feeding services alongside caretaker-focused early language support. I hold an additional certification as a lactation counselor through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice and work to promote breast/chest and bottle-feeding goals of parents of children with feeding difficulties. My undergraduate degree in French (2005) is from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA, and I also hold a Masters of Public Administration (2009) from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY with a focus in international development and nonprofit management. I love research and am committed to a practice that reflects the data available interpreted in light of the specific gifts and needs of each family I have the opportunity to walk alongside. 


My husband, daughter, and I live just outside of Boone, and are spoiled by the beautiful hikes, swimming holes, and vistas of our area.

If you are unsure whether you need lactation counseling or feeding evaluation/therapy, contact me directly. I would love to talk you through your options.

Speech Language Pathology Feeding Therapy

I support babies who are struggling with latch and coordination for a variety of reasons including prematurity, cleft lip and/or palate, and tongue tie. For a feeding evaluation or feeding therapy appointment, please contact me at 828-414-1224.

Lactation Counseling

I understand how isolating those nights are when something is going wrong with breast feeding. I know how frustrating it can be to read conflicting information online when preparing to breast feed or trying to problem-solve a lactation issue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. It would be my honor to walk alongside you as you achieve your breast feeding goals. I promise to offer empowering, evidence-based counseling guided by your and your baby’s realities. To contact me for lactation-specific help, call me for a free 15 minute consultation at 828-414-1224 or fill out the contact form.

Local Feeding Specialists

It can sometimes be challenging to find feeding specialists in our region. We have tried to make it easier by building a searchable list of providers and resources. Below are some of the key individual lactation consultants, peer breastfeeding supports, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists offering help in Watauga County and surrounding areas.

  • Lara Mele, IBCLC

    Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant

    Serving families at the Watauga Medical Center and privately.

    Phone: (828) 278-9048

    Email: LarasLactationConsulting@gmail.com

  • High Country La Leche League

    Accredited La Leche League professionals

    Free online, email, text, phone, and virtual breastfeeding support

    Text: (908) 337-8922 or (704) 340-3975

    Email: highcountrylalecheleague@gmail.com

  • Natalie Cook Cooper, OT

    Pediatric Occupational Therapist

    Serving families at Wildwood Occupational Therapy in Boone, NC.

    Phone: (828) 773-8477

  • Emily Talley, SLP CLC

    Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor

    Serving families at Ashe Memorial Hospital and privately

    Phone: (336) 846-0833 or (828) 414-1224

    Email: etalley@nurtureappalachia.com

  • Growing Well High Country Developmental Clinic

    Referral-based services for early screening and care for autism, cerebral palsy and developmental delays for infants and children ages 0-5

    Phone: 828-262-8658

    Email: ipc@appstate.edu