How It All Began
Santa Barbara Myo was born from a deeply personal understanding of the impact that oral function has on lifelong health. After navigating breastfeeding challenges related to tongue and lip ties with both of her sons, and then navigating her own journey with mouth breathing, Nicole became passionate about addressing these issues at their root.
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patient education, early intervention & collaborative care create powerful, lasting change.
THESE EXPERIENCES SHAPED OUR PHILOSOPHY:
Today, we are driven by a commitment to clinical excellence, ongoing education, and a patient-centered approach. We believe in equipping every individual with the tools they need to breathe, sleep, and thrive.
Founder and Clinical Director of Santa Barbara Myo
Breathe Institute’s Myo Workshop, and The Breathe Institute’s TMD Considerations in Myofunctional Therapy. In addition, she consistently advances her knowledge by attending multiple myofunctional therapy conferences each year. Beyond her clinical work, Nicole is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role of airway health. She frequently lectures to medical and dental professionals throughout the community, helping to bridge the gap between myofunctional therapy and whole-body wellness.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and their Goldendoodle. She loves staying active, hiking, baking, a good spa day and embracing all the simple joys of family life. Nicole’s blend of clinical excellence, community advocacy, and heartfelt care shapes everything we do at Santa Barbara Myo.
Over the past decade working as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Nicole came to deeply appreciate the powerful connection between oral and systemic health. She started Santa Barbara Myo after personally experiencing the impact that oral function has on every day life. Her passion for airway health began as she supported both of her sons through challenges related to tongue and lip ties and navigating her own journey with mouth breathing.
She has completed extensive advanced training in myofunctional therapy, reflecting her deep commitment to clinical excellence. She is a proud graduate of the prestigious MyoMastermind program — a 9-month practicum led by The Breathe Institute, a global leader in airway-centered care.
Her education also includes completion of the MyoMentor program, Barbara Greene’s Myofunctional Therapy Course, Healthy Growth Healthy Faces, The
Over the past decade working as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Nicole came to deeply appreciate the powerful connection between oral and systemic health. She started Santa Barbara Myo after personally experiencing the impact that oral function has on every day life. Her passion for airway health began as she supported both of her sons through challenges related to tongue and lip ties and navigating her own journey with mouth breathing.
She has completed extensive advanced training in myofunctional therapy, reflecting her deep commitment to clinical excellence. She is a proud graduate of the prestigious MyoMastermind program — a 9-month practicum led by The Breathe Institute, a global leader in airway-centered care.
Her education also includes completion of the MyoMentor program, Barbara Greene’s Myofunctional Therapy Course, Healthy Growth Healthy Faces, The Breathe Institute’s Myo Workshop, and The Breathe Institute’s TMD Considerations in Myofunctional Therapy. In addition, she consistently advances her knowledge by attending multiple myofunctional therapy conferences each year. Beyond her clinical work, Nicole is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role of airway health. She frequently lectures to medical and dental professionals throughout the community, helping to bridge the gap between myofunctional therapy and whole-body wellness.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and their Goldendoodle. She loves staying active, hiking, baking, a good spa day and embracing all the simple joys of family life. Nicole’s blend of clinical excellence, community advocacy, and heartfelt care shapes everything we do at Santa Barbara Myo.
Over the past decade working as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Nicole came to deeply appreciate the powerful connection between oral and systemic health. She started Santa Barbara Myo after personally experiencing the impact that oral function has on every day life. Her passion for airway health began as she supported both of her sons through challenges related to tongue and lip ties and navigating her own journey with mouth breathing.
She has completed extensive advanced training in myofunctional therapy, reflecting her deep commitment to clinical excellence. She is a proud graduate of the prestigious MyoMastermind program — a 9-month practicum led by The Breathe Institute, a global leader in airway-centered care.
FOUNDER OF SANTA BARBARA MYO
READ MORE ABOUT NICOLE
Meet Nicole
With over 10 years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Emily has developed a deep understanding of oral health and its vital connection to overall well-being. Throughout her career, she has become increasingly passionate about holistic health and root-cause medicine, inspiring her to expand her expertise into the field of myofunctional therapy.
As a home birth mother, Emily is a strong advocate for natural, empowering approaches to health and wellness. In addition to her dental and myofunctional therapy background, she is a certified yoga instructor, which further enhances her appreciation for the mind-body connection and the importance of proper breathing, posture, and alignment in maintaining optimal health.
Her unique blend of professional experience and personal philosophy fuels her commitment to helping individuals achieve wellness through non-invasive, holistic methods. Emily is dedicated to supporting her patients in improving oral function, breathing patterns, and overall health — always prioritizing a comprehensive, root-cause approach to healing.
Meet Emily
Meet Danny
Danny brings over 17 years of experience in the dental field, including 9 years as a Registered Dental Hygienist. He has a natural gift working with kids, connecting with them in fun, silly, and effective ways that make therapy both productive and enjoyable. His passion for promoting oral and airway health, combined with his extensive clinical background, makes him an invaluable part of our team at Santa Barbara Myo.
Beyond the office, Danny is a proud husband and father to a son and daughter. In his spare time, you’ll find him training in capoeira, camping with his family, or hitting the slopes snowboarding. Danny’s commitment to lifelong learning, patient care, and living life to the fullest embodies the spirit of our practice.
With 24 years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Valerie has had the privilege of treating patients of all ages. She is frequently complimented for her easygoing, friendly demeanor and her ability to communicate clearly and compassionately.
Her personal journey into orofacial myofunctional therapy began while seeking relief from lifelong facial tension and jaw pain. After experiencing the profound benefits of treatment firsthand, she was inspired to become an orofacial myofunctional therapist to help others find the same relief and healing.
Outside of the office, Valerie loves traveling—whether it’s exploring a new country or enjoying a weekend camping trip. She also enjoys discovering new foods and spending quality time with her husband and two daughters in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Meet Lindy
After over a decade working as a Registered Dental Hygienist, she realized there was a significant gap in knowledge surrounding myofunctional therapy. Educating patients about oral hygiene has always been at the heart of what she loves most as a dental hygienist. Her thoughtful approach, ability to ask the right questions, and commitment to functional, personalized care made the transition into myofunctional therapy a natural next step.
Driven by her own journey and a strong desire to reach and support others, she is passionate about helping patients gain awareness and improve their health, one breath at a time.
Outside of the myo world, she and her husband—alongside the enthusiastic help of their 4-year-old son—have spent the past few years transforming the interior and exterior of their home into a peaceful, relaxing oasis.
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Pediatric Massage: Harvard-trained and Certified through the LiddleKidz Foundation, offering gentle, therapeutic touch to support infants, children, and teens.
Buccal Face Massage: Certified Kosha Method Practitioner, specializing in intraoral techniques that release facial and jaw tension, improve circulation, and enhance lymphatic flow for both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.
Craniosacral Therapy: a gentle, hands-on technique that promotes relaxation and supports the central nervous system by enhancing the movement of cerebrospinal fluid.
Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): a medically recognized light-touch therapy designed to reduce swelling, support lymphatic flow, and enhance immune and detoxification processes, particularly pre- and post-operatively.
Meet Lene
Meet Valerie
Myofunctional Therapist
Myofunctional Therapist
Myofunctional Therapist
Myofunctional Therapist
MASSAGE THERAPIST
With over 10 years of experience in the dental field, Maira brings a wealth of knowledge and a calm, welcoming presence to our front office. She is often the first smile you’ll see when you walk through the door—and her warmth, sincerity, and genuine care help set the tone for every visit.
Outside of the office, Maira loves spending time with her daughter at the beach, riding bikes, exploring new restaurants around town, and getting lost in a good book. She’s passionate about making every patient feel comfortable, supported, and cared for from the moment they reach out.
Meet Maira
PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Pregnancy Massage: a nurturing approach tailored to the unique needs of each stage of pregnancy, easing discomfort and promoting relaxation and overall well-being.
Reflexology: applying targeted pressure to reflex points in the feet, hands, and ears to harmonize and restore balance to the body’s systems.
Kundalini Yoga & Meditation: Level 2 KRI Certified, integrating breathwork, movement, mantra, and mindfulness to foster spiritual growth, stress reduction, and holistic healing.
Holistic Nutrition Counseling: personalized, whole-food-based guidance as a Board Certified Nutritional Consultant, with a focus on plant-based nourishment, inflammation reduction, hormone balance, and energy optimization.
Lene’s practice is intuitive yet grounded, combining technical mastery with a deep reverence for the body’s capacity to heal.
"I had never heard of Myofunctional Therapy before I met Nicole. I had been suffering from painful bruxism (the clenching and grinding of teeth) and had bounced around between specialized Dentists, Physical Therapists and Acupuncturists to get some relief. Unlike the other professionals I had seen, she had an answer as to why I was experiencing bruxism as well as a plan to resolve it. Nicole was incredibly patient and kind leading me through the therapy and was also readily available if I had questions in-between appointments. Eight months later, I am pain free. I am truly grateful."
- EMILY F.
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A WORD FROM OUR PATIENTS
"I've absolutely loved working with Nicole! I so appreciate her expertise, clarity and care in our sessions. I feel like I finally have someone who can help and who's got my back, and that's such a relief! She's really listened to all my symptoms, checks in about them and tailors the myofunctional exercises to my exact needs. I'm so grateful I found Nicole, and highly recommend her to anyone needing Myofunctional Therapy!"
- LIZZY M.
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"I recently had my first visit with Nicole for an initial evaluation. From the moment I walked in, she was warm, professional, and approachable. She has a knack for making complex concepts easy to understand, taking the time to explain everything thoroughly. I highly recommend Nicole to anyone in need of a local myofunctional therapist. Her professionalism, approachability, and obvious passion for her work make her a standout."
- ALLISON M.
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"Nicole is such a wonderful, professional, therapist! She was always kind and patient with my less-than-enthusiastic 8 year old daughter and offered words of encouragement and positivity every chance she was given! We have seen a drastic change in our daughter’s ability to breathe and chew with her mouth closed and she isn’t snoring at night anymore. Nicole offered us answers when all the doctors told us there was nothing they could do, and we really appreciate her for that! I highly recommend Nicole and think she is worth every penny we paid!"
- KIM S.
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