To offer a safe and supportive space for like-minded professionals to connect, collaborate and share information regarding airway-related issues and whole-body health.
We also welcome patients and parents who are seeking more information regarding breastfeeding, tongue ties, early intervention orthodontics, oral habits, sleep disordered breathing, gut health, myofunctional therapy, and overall well-being.
Our team of volunteers are working endlessly to provide meaningful gatherings where speakers and audience members get to interact during friendly discussions.
Our topics vary from breathing, craniofacial growth, myofunctional disorders, fascia, sleep, and feeding to how to implement an interdisciplinary approach.
Welcome to our growing Circle!
To create a free directory of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals who are passionate about helping parents and patients understand the importance of airway health, normal growth and development and the possibilities for improvement in overall quality of life.
Our team members are professionals who have devoted their careers to helping patients find optimal health.
Airway Circle Founder
Renata Nehme is a Registered Dental Hygienist and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist in Savannah, Georgia.
She owns Myo Moves, a practice focusing on treating myofunctional disorders in children and adults.
She founded Airway Circle with the intention of gathering all health professionals who share the same passion for giving.
Creative Director
Tamara’s journey into Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) began in 2016 with her own personal and family experiences with orofacial dysfunction. Being tongue tied herself, she went through the therapy to eliminate her oral dysfunction. Upon finishing the program, the spark grew for her to continue with the OMT endeavors. Tamara began exploring the field of OMT and with extensive training and education, she became a Certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology (CSOM).
In 2017, she opened Facial Physique. In the last few years Tamara has become a Myofunctional Therapy Advisor to oversee and guide other professionals in OMT.
Tamara’s journey into Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) began in 2016 with her own personal and family experiences with orofacial dysfunction. Being tongue tied herself, she went through the therapy to eliminate her oral dysfunction. Upon finishing the program, the spark grew for her to continue with the OMT endeavors. Tamara began exploring the field of OMT and with extensive training and education, she became a Certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology (CSOM).
In 2017, she opened Facial Physique. In the last few years Tamara has become a Myofunctional Therapy Advisor to oversee and guide other professionals in OMT.
Director of Operations
Angela is a Registered Dental Hygienist and Orofacial Myologist in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She is the owner of Central Virginia OMT providing myofunctional therapy to children and adults.
Angela enjoys visiting National Parks, traveling abroad, and sitting on the sidelines cheering for her kids.
Angela is a Registered Dental Hygienist and Orofacial Myologist in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She is the owner of Central Virginia OMT providing myofunctional therapy to children and adults.
Angela enjoys visiting National Parks, traveling abroad, and sitting on the sidelines cheering for her kids.
Editor-in-Chief
Ann Blau is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Orofacial Myologist.
She is the owner and founder of All Access Speech Therapy, a practice specializing in the assessment and treatment of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in older children, adolescents and adults. She also works with adults with acquired communication, cognitive, voice and swallowing disorders.
Ann provides services via telepractice to patients in the states of New York and Florida.
Ann Blau is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Orofacial Myologist.
She is the owner and founder of All Access Speech Therapy, a practice specializing in the assessment and treatment of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in older children, adolescents and adults. She also works with adults with acquired communication, cognitive, voice and swallowing disorders.
Ann provides services via telepractice to patients in the states of New York and Florida.
Member Relations
Madison is a Registered Dental Hygienist and Orofacial Myologist in Ann Arbor, MI. After receiving her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Michigan in 2010, she continued her education in Orofacial Myology in 2019. Later that year, she began running the Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Department at Dexter Dental Studio. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve better breath, muscle function, and balance in the orofacial complex.
Madison is a Registered Dental Hygienist and Orofacial Myologist in Ann Arbor, MI. After receiving her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Michigan in 2010, she continued her education in Orofacial Myology in 2019. Later that year, she began running the Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Department at Dexter Dental Studio. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve better breath, muscle function, and balance in the orofacial complex.
Kimmie Herrera, BSDH, RDH, OMT
Event Coordinator
Kimmie has been in dentistry since 2001 working in all areas of the dental office. While working as a Registered Dental Hygienist at a dental office that was becoming more aware of airway focused dentistry, she helped implement a screening protocol for patients. In that process, she discovered the world of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. In 2017, she opened Smile and Airway Health providing in-person and virtual therapy to children and adults. In her dental career, she has loved the opportunities of mentoring and helping other professionals continue to learn and grow, which has drawn her to connect with the amazing professionals at Airway Circle. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and hiking in the beautiful Colorado mountains.
Kimmie has been in dentistry since 2001 working in all areas of the dental office. While working as a Registered Dental Hygienist at a dental office that was becoming more aware of airway focused dentistry, she helped implement a screening protocol for patients. In that process, she discovered the world of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. In 2017, she opened Smile and Airway Health providing in-person and virtual therapy to children and adults. In her dental career, she has loved the opportunities of mentoring and helping other professionals continue to learn and grow, which has drawn her to connect with the amazing professionals at Airway Circle. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and hiking in the beautiful Colorado mountains.
Board Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Harrell is a Board Certified Orthodontist and in the process of Board Certification in Dental Sleep Medicine. He was the first practice in Alabama to have Conebeam CT (CBCT) and the first private practice in the US to combine CBCT with 3D facial imaging. He is on the American Dental Association’s Children’s Airway Screener Taskforce (CAST) to develop a simplified and validated screening form for SDB in children. He is in the process of writing a textbook on Pediatric Sleep Disorders and its relationship to craniofacial growth and early Orthodontic intervention.
Dr. Harrell is a Board Certified Orthodontist and in the process of Board Certification in Dental Sleep Medicine. He was the first practice in Alabama to have Conebeam CT (CBCT) and the first private practice in the US to combine CBCT with 3D facial imaging. He is on the American Dental Association’s Children’s Airway Screener Taskforce (CAST) to develop a simplified and validated screening form for SDB in children. He is in the process of writing a textbook on Pediatric Sleep Disorders and its relationship to craniofacial growth and early Orthodontic intervention.
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Lauren Ballinger is a board certified pediatric dentist and a certified specialist in orofacial myology. After 15 years of practicing restorative pediatric dentistry and interceptive orthodontics , she experienced her own “ah-ha” moment that changed the focus of her personal and professional life forever. Inspired by her own children, Dr. Lauren began a pilgrimage of deeper learning and understanding to BE THE CHANGE her children, and for all the children that needed her help. Dr. Lauren recently founded Good to Grow Pediatric Dental Wellness, Airway, Growth and Sleep Solutions and The Nurture Frenectomy Center, creating an answer to her calling in a unique pediatric practice model, solely focused on addressing the root causes of suboptimal function, growth and development.
Lauren Ballinger is a board certified pediatric dentist and a certified specialist in orofacial myology. After 15 years of practicing restorative pediatric dentistry and interceptive orthodontics , she experienced her own “ah-ha” moment that changed the focus of her personal and professional life forever. Inspired by her own children, Dr. Lauren began a pilgrimage of deeper learning and understanding to BE THE CHANGE her children, and for all the children that needed her help. Dr. Lauren recently founded Good to Grow Pediatric Dental Wellness, Airway, Growth and Sleep Solutions and The Nurture Frenectomy Center, creating an answer to her calling in a unique pediatric practice model, solely focused on addressing the root causes of suboptimal function, growth and development.
Board-Certified Otolaryngologist
Dr. Christopher Tran is a Southern California native who achieved a degree in Psychology at the University of Southern California, followed by a medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville. He then completed his otolaryngology (ENT) residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. He has finally settled down in Houston, Texas. In his “free time,” he likes to spend time with his wife Mai and son Tristan.
Dr. Tran has a comprehensive ENT practice with particular interests in breathing-related surgery and in-office procedures. He enjoys collaborating with local healthcare providers to optimize patient outcomes and has a strong passion for educating and empowering students and patients.
Dr. Christopher Tran is a Southern California native who achieved a degree in Psychology at the University of Southern California, followed by a medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville. He then completed his otolaryngology (ENT) residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. He has finally settled down in Houston, Texas. In his “free time,” he likes to spend time with his wife Mai and son Tristan.
Dr. Tran has a comprehensive ENT practice with particular interests in breathing-related surgery and in-office procedures. He enjoys collaborating with local healthcare providers to optimize patient outcomes and has a strong passion for educating and empowering students and patients.
ASHA Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Nicole is an ASHA board certified speech-language pathologist with a unique blend of sub-specialties born out of her diverse and extensive education, clinical practice experience, never-ending curiosity, and ability to make mindful connections over the last two decades. In addition, Nicole is a certified youth mental health specialist, certified sleep science coach, breathing re-educator & airway advocate, and certified lactation educator/counselor. Merging both her own heart and head spaces, Nicole has brought forth a compassionate and individualized clinical care model alongside her clinical acumen to best meet the needs of children, their families, and her community. Her depth of understanding of an array of connections within the mind-body system and her ability to employ that knowledge in clinical practice and professional teachings has led many to refer to her as The Mindful Connector.TM Even more, Nicole is adept at helping children to make their own mindful connections, so they can best access and develop their own innate talents while strengthening areas of need along their therapeutic journey.
Nicole is an ASHA board certified speech-language pathologist with a unique blend of sub-specialties born out of her diverse and extensive education, clinical practice experience, never-ending curiosity, and ability to make mindful connections over the last two decades. In addition, Nicole is a certified youth mental health specialist, certified sleep science coach, breathing re-educator & airway advocate, and certified lactation educator/counselor. Merging both her own heart and head spaces, Nicole has brought forth a compassionate and individualized clinical care model alongside her clinical acumen to best meet the needs of children, their families, and her community. Her depth of understanding of an array of connections within the mind-body system and her ability to employ that knowledge in clinical practice and professional teachings has led many to refer to her as The Mindful Connector.TM Even more, Nicole is adept at helping children to make their own mindful connections, so they can best access and develop their own innate talents while strengthening areas of need along their therapeutic journey.
Cynthia Peterson, PT, CSOM, CST, CEAS
Physical Therapist, Author, and Researcher
Cynthia is a Certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology, Ergonomics, and Craniosacral Therapy with training in osteopathy, visceral & fascial manipulation, cranial and infant CST, dry needling, and the cold laser. Also a breath re-educator trained in Buteyko, Integrative Breathing Therapy, Restorative Breathing with a neurologic focus including: Dynamic Functional Cranial Nerve Assessment, Primal Reflex Release, rhythmic movement & reflex integration.
Cynthia is a published researcher, creator & co-founder of www.fairest.org; dedicated to developing Functional AIRway Evaluation Screening Tools to improve the early identification & treatment of airway related disorders.
Cynthia is a Certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology, Ergonomics, and Craniosacral Therapy with training in osteopathy, visceral & fascial manipulation, cranial and infant CST, dry needling, and the cold laser. Also a breath re-educator trained in Buteyko, Integrative Breathing Therapy, Restorative Breathing with a neurologic focus including: Dynamic Functional Cranial Nerve Assessment, Primal Reflex Release, rhythmic movement & reflex integration.
Cynthia is a published researcher, creator & co-founder of www.fairest.org; dedicated to developing Functional AIRway Evaluation Screening Tools to improve the early identification & treatment of airway related disorders.
