RDH, BSDH

Myofunctional Therapist

I was born and raised in Basehor, Kansas, and moved to Colorado in 2014 to be closer to family. I've been practicing as a dental hygienist for over 18 years, and my journey into myofunctional therapy began through continuing education courses.

For years, I struggled to give my patients real answers about issues like teeth grinding, crowding, and mouth breathing. I hadn’t fully understood the damaging effects of mouth breathing beyond its impact on periodontal health—until I began learning more about oral function and development. I also started noticing more and more of my younger patients being diagnosed with sleep apnea and dealing with acid reflux — conditions that used to be considered “older adult” issues. It became clear that these weren’t just age-related problems anymore, and that something deeper was going on with how people were breathing, sleeping, and developing from a young age. It was the missing piece I didn’t even realize was missing all those years — and now I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

My interest in myofunctional therapy also was also personal. As a child, I experienced frequent ear infections that led to ear tubes, along with chronic gastrointestinal issues. As a mom, I saw symptoms in my own children-including the need for palate expanders and multiple rounds of braces to correct narrow palates and improve airway space.

These experiences, both personal and professional, have deepened my passion for understanding and addressing the root causes of oral dysfunction in children and adults.