Align. Strengthen. Breathe.

Providing customized Myofunctional Therapy for children and adults, with the purpose of retraining the tongue and facial muscles for proper function.

About Me

Hi, I’m Katie, founder of Aligned Airway.
Originally from Southern California, I’ve lived and traveled in many places, but I now proudly call Southern Oregon home. My journey into airway health began over a decade ago while I was living in Nicaragua. There, I met a dental team and helped provide oral health care to individuals with no access to dental services. That experience changed the course of my life and ignited my passion for helping people improve their overall health through improved oral function.

When I returned to the U.S., I started working in dentistry and eventually became a dental hygienist. It was during hygiene school that I first discovered myofunctional therapy and the powerful connection between oral function, nasal breathing, and whole-body wellness. As a practicing hygienist, I regularly meet patients struggling with orofacial myofunctional disorders—issues that often go unnoticed but can significantly impact sleep, breathing, facial development, and quality of life.

Motivated to help clients address these concerns more holistically, I began formal training through the renowned MyoMentor program. I’m committed to ongoing education and continuously study the latest research to bring informed, supportive, evidence-based care to my clients at Aligned Airway.

When I’m not working with clients or practicing clinical hygiene, I’m usually with family or outdoors with my pup, Remi—hiking, floating the river, or exploring new trails. I also love visiting friends, knitting, and baking sourdough.

My Approach

I treat every client as an individual with their own strengths and challenges. I thoughtfully personalize the program each week to help them move forward. With a caring, hopeful approach, I aim to make therapy feel lighter, quicker, and easier to fit into the busy rhythms of life—for active adults, and both parents and kids.

Why Choose Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy can help a range of symptoms and concerns, including:

  • Snoring

  • Teeth clenching or grinding (Bruxism)

  • Mouth breathing (day or night)

  • Teeth shifting after braces

  • Chronic allergies or nasal congestion

  • Chronic acid reflux or digestive issues

How Can I Support You?

  • Tongue Tie

    Comprehensive therapy for children and adults. Customized exercises provided before and after a frenectomy to support optimal healing, function, and long-term results.

  • Thumb & Finger Sucking

    A gentle, positive behavioral program with a 98% success rate designed to help your child comfortably and permanently break the habit.

  • Open Mouth Breathing

    Behavioral retraining focused on identifying the cause of mouth breathing and teaching strategies to transition to healthy, efficient nasal breathing.

  • TMJ

    Targeted exercises to strengthen and retrain the muscles around the temporomandibular joint, improving function and reducing pain, tension, clenching, grinding, and headaches.

  • Tongue Thrust

    Therapeutic muscle training to establish proper oral rest posture and correct swallowing patterns. This prevents issues such as open bites and orthodontic relapse.

  • Sleep Apnea

    Oral and facial muscle exercises that strengthen the tongue, lips, and throat to encourage nasal breathing and support improved sleep quality.

Get started with Aligned Airway today.

If you would like to know more about Myofunctional Therapy and how it may benefit you, please contact me.

I would love to learn more about your symptoms, and work together towards a solution that ultimately gives you a happier and healthier life.

Frequently Asked Questions

*

Frequently Asked Questions *

  • Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises that retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to improve breathing, chewing, swallowing, and overall oral function.

  • Children, teens, and adults can all benefit—especially those experiencing mouth breathing, tongue tie, snoring, sleep apnea, speech challenges, orthodontic relapse, thumb sucking, or TMJ discomfort.

  • Most programs last 3–12 months, depending on age, goals, and consistency. Sessions are typically once every 1–2 weeks with daily exercises at home.

  • We assess your breathing, oral posture, tongue mobility, and muscle function. You will learn specific exercises and receive a customized home program for continued progress.

  • No. While therapy is crucial before and after tongue-tie release, it also addresses habits and patterns affecting breathing, sleep, airway health, and dental development.

  • No—exercises are simple, gentle, and designed for your ability level. Success comes from consistent practice, usually just a few minutes a day.

  • Therapy should never be painful. Exercises focus on muscle coordination and strength, not force.

  • Yes. Strengthening the airway and improving nasal breathing can reduce snoring and be supportive for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

  • A referral is helpful but not required. Many clients come on their own or are referred by dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, or speech therapists.

  • Yes. Myofunctional therapy is very effective online, making it accessible for busy families and adults.

  • Therapy can start as young as age 4 for behavioral exercises, and for guidance around tongue ties, feeding concerns, or oral habits. It is never too late to start, adults also experience great results

  • Most insurance companies do not cover myofunctional therapy, but you may be able to use HSA/FSA funds. I can provide a superbill upon request.