About Us

Supporting families with feeding and communication-related challenges through trust, joy, and specialized expertise.

Our Story

The Airplane Spoon was founded with a single mission: to provide families with a safe space to grow through their feeding and parenting challenges.

We saw too many parents struggling with mealtime battles and feeling isolated. We believed there was a better way—one that focuses on the relationship first and respects the unique needs of every child.

Today, we are a leading center for trust-based pediatric therapy, helping families in Silicon Valley and beyond reclaim the joy of eating and connection.

Our Approach

At The Airplane Spoon, our work is guided by three commitments that shape every interaction with the families we serve:

Evidence Based

We use approaches grounded in neuroscience, child development research, and trust-based feeding practices.
Every strategy we offer has purpose, clarity, and science behind it—so families can feel confident in the process.

Clinical Expertise

Our team brings specialized training and years of experience in pediatric feeding and parent coaching.
We provide thoughtful guidance, individualized support, and a clear understanding of the challenges families face.

Evidence Based

Families are at the center of everything we do.
We support parents and children together, helping them build connection, confidence, and joy—because meaningful change happens through relationships.

Our Purpose

To inspire parents to prioritize being present and truly enjoy their children.

Our Values

1. Trust

We help parents build trust in themselves, in their child, and in the process by:

Explaining the “why” behind every strategy
Offering guidance without judgment
Highlighting parents’ strengths
Providing tools that increase confidence
Practicing compassion and clarity in every session

3. Joy

We help families reconnect with joy by:

Reducing stress around feeding and parenting
Encouraging parents to be present with their child
Making sessions warm, human, and playful
Celebrating connection
Helping families enjoy each other more

2. Hope

We help parents feel hopeful by:

Showing that progress is possible
Focusing on strengths, not deficits
Making the process simple and achievable
Helping them understand developmental differences
Celebrating small wins

4. Accountability

We guide parents with accountability by:

Setting clear expectations and goals
Following through on what we promise
Being consistent in our care and communication
Helping parents follow plans in realistic, compassionate ways
Tracking progress and adjusting together

Meet The Team

Sarina (Nina) Murrell

Feeding Therapist

Co-Founder, Director & Parent Coach

“At The Airplane Spoon, I believe every family deserves to feel hopeful, supported, and connected. Feeding is not just about nutrition — it’s about trust, safety, and joy. When parents feel confident and present, children flourish. My work is grounded in neuroscience, compassion, and a deep respect for every family’s uniqueness. It is an honor to walk beside parents as they rediscover confidence in themselves and connection with their children.”

Learn more about my professional journey on LinkedIn.

Cristina Paredes

EdTech Educator & Parent Coach

Parent Coach

“Parents are our first clients. My purpose is to create a safe space where they can breathe, reflect, and feel seen. Coaching is not about fixing a child — it is about empowering the parent. I believe clarity brings confidence, and confidence opens the door to joy. Every family has strengths waiting to be discovered. My role is simply to help parents trust themselves and enjoy the precious moments in front of them.”

Learn more about my professional journey on LinkedIn.

A Note to Parents

We know how hard things can feel right now. The mealtime battles, the constant worry, and the exhaustion are real. We want you to know that seeking help is a sign of strength, and you are not alone in this.

At The Airplane Spoon, we believe that small, trust-based changes can make a massive difference. We're here to walk alongside you on this journey toward calmer, happier mealtimes.