Caring for someone with dysphagia can be rewarding—but also challenging, emotional, and at times overwhelming. The NFOSD Virtual Caregiver Support Group is a dedicated space for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and learn from others who understand the unique journey of supporting a loved one with swallowing difficulties.
This group meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 2pm Pacific (5pm Eastern).
Who This Group Is For
This group is designed for caregivers and loved ones supporting individuals with dysphagia across the lifespan, including:
- Parents of children with feeding and swallowing disorders
- Spouses and partners of loved ones with dysphagia
- Adult children caring for parents
- Family members and friends providing support
Purpose of the Group
The goal of the NFOSD Virtual Caregiver Support Group is to:
- Provide a safe, supportive environment to share experiences and challenges
- Foster connection and community among caregivers who understand the journey
- Offer practical insights and coping strategies for day-to-day caregiving
- Reduce feelings of isolation by connecting with others in similar situations
- Empower caregivers with knowledge and confidence in their role
Participation Guidelines
To ensure a safe and supportive environment for all participants, please review the following guidelines:
- Participants must be 18 years of age or older
- Participants must be located in the United States
- This group is for caregivers only — individuals with dysphagia are asked not to attend
- This group is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations
- Please respect the privacy and confidentiality of all group members
Meet the Moderators:
Charlotte Chase, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor (AZ & MI)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed in Arizona and Michigan. I have decades of experience as a corporate training professional, instructional technologist, graduate professor, and entrepreneur. It is an honor to serve the NFOSD through facilitating this Caregiver Support Group.
I first came to the NFOSD while managing the swallowing disorder of my husband, Steve Clark. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) in 2009, and we pursued countless methods to restore his swallowing ability. It did not happen, and he was dependent on a PEG feeding tube for over 16 years. In 2018, he was diagnosed with cancer again, and he was unable to speak after that surgery. In December, 2025, he died from complications that resulted from his third cancer diagnosis last spring.
I felt privileged to take care of him through years of liquid nutrition orders, unfamiliar medical supplies, hundreds of doctors, speech pathologists, specialists, and surgeons. It never daunted us. We traveled the world, ran a successful printing company, became involved in cat rescue, and enjoyed our Arizona home.
Throughout the 16 years, we were comforted the most by other caregivers and patients. We got the best information from others who were going through this. We – the patients and caregivers – are the best source to turn to when the situation seems impossible.
I look forward to meeting you.
Jenan Maaz, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S (she/her)
I am a bilingual (English/Arabic) speech-language pathologist specializing in swallowing disorders and diversity, equity, and inclusion within the speech, language, and hearing sciences. As a Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S), I perform swallowing evaluations across the lifespan, including videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing (FEES).
Clinically, I work at an academic medical center in California that includes a Level I Trauma Center and a Level III NICU. I also serve as an Assistant Professor at California State University, Stanislaus, and as an adjunct lecturer at California State University, East Bay. In 2023, I earned my Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) degree from Northwestern University.
I look forward to meeting with you and appreciate the opportunity to support you through your journey.