Lactation & Development Resources
At Lactation & Development Resources, our mission is to help families move from survival mode to truly thriving. We meet each family where they are—addressing current concerns while helping prevent challenges at the next stage of development. Our care is evidence-based, holistic, and highly individualized, designed specifically for infants, toddlers, and their caregivers. From the moment you walk through our doors, your family will feel supported, welcomed, and hopeful for the journey ahead.
Dallas Office
MARISSA YAHIL, MSOT, OTR/L, IBCLC
Clinical Director
Occupational Therapist
Infant Feeding Therapist
Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Marissa is the Founder and Clinical Director of Lactation & Development Resources and is the Co-Founder of The Lactation OT (an online continuing education platform).
From a young age, Marissa was exposed to an alternative way of thinking about health and wellness through her parents’ wellness-focused marketing company. Marissa attended Brandeis University where she dedicated her studies to Psychology and Public Health with an emphasis on maternal/child health and child development. During and after college Marissa worked with children 0-5 years old both privately with families and at a child development center.
Ultimately, Marissa earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) at Salus University. While in graduate school, Marissa was fortunate to participate in fieldwork at the Breastfeeding Resource Center in the greater Philadelphia suburbs. It was there that she learned that breastfeeding does not seem to come easily (or go as planned) for the majority of families.
Partnering with families to meet their lactation and infant feeding goals has become Marissa’s passion and life work. She loves combining her knowledge and skills in order to offer an integrated and holistic approach to resolving lactation and infant feeding difficulties.
Marissa is an avid lifelong learner. The families she supports are her greatest teachers, and she is always engaged in a multitude of continuing education opportunities.
Marissa lives in Dallas, TX, is married to her college sweetheart, Uri, and is the mother of two beautiful children, a daughter — Aurora, and a son — Ezra.
Office Admin
Joel supports clients and staff at Lactation & Development Resources as the Office Administrator and Client Care Coordinator.
He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas. There, he found it fascinating to learn in-depth about the mind and human behavior.
After graduation, he obtained his certification as a Reiki practitioner and trainer. Joel has a passion for health and wellness, and he enjoys helping others achieve balance and joy in their lives.
JOEL CECALA, BS
Office Administrator
Client Care Coordinator