From motherhood to mission
My role as a mother collided with my professional interests
Hi, I'm Chrisney!
I have been practicing as a Speech-Language Pathologist for over 25 years in various settings across age groups, from birth to end of life care. My expertise for most of my career has been in diagnosing and treating disorders of the mouth and throat with a specialization in Dysphagia (disorders of swallowing).
As my career was developing, my role as a mother collided with my professional interests. My youngest daughter had always been the “sick” one in the family and suffered from allergies, chronic congestion, stomach pain, ear pain and throat infections. At the age of 11, she began having moderate to severe jaw pain and noticeable facial asymmetry. After several years of consulting with medical and dental professionals, we discovered that a restricted airway, tongue tie and sleep apnea played major roles in her issues. A tonsillectomy, frenectomy, orthodontic treatment and double jaw surgery would be needed to correct her problems of airway restriction, body tension, facial asymmetry, and jaw misalignment.
A whole new (preventative) world.
Part of the comprehensive plan for a good outcome would include Myofunctional therapy. At the time, I was unfamiliar with this technique. As I continued my research, I discovered a whole new world that supported proper craniofacial growth, correct mouth posture and nasal breathing. Ultimately, Myofunctional therapy could have prevented much of my daughter's health concerns which drove me to discover more about the field.
Myofunctional therapy is now my passion!
I decided to train to become an OMT (Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist). Quickly I realized that I had my own myofunctional impairments including jaw pain, reflux, swallowing issues, and neck tension - that were all related to an undiagnosed tongue tie. I guess the apple truly doesn’t fall far from the tree!
I scheduled my tongue-tie release (frenectomy) with pre-and post- myofunctional therapy. I noticed results - literally - before the procedure was over! My full recovery has since included relief from chronic neck tension, headaches, digestive issues, and jaw pain.
Because of these amazing results, myofunctional therapy has now become my passion! And my mission is to help adults receive relief from life-long pain related to myofunctional impairments and to come alongside parents to correct current - and prevent future - health issues in their children through myofunctional therapy!