Meet The Breathe Affiliates

Dr. Constance Brester
Camas, Washington

Dr. Connie Brester

nction in children and adults and create treatment plans where interventions are simply and sequentially implemented for life changing results.
Dr. Constance’s dedication to airway health, patient education, and collaborative care stems from her experience as a mother. Having navigated feeding issues, health concerns, behavioral difficulties, suboptimal craniofacial growth, and airway dysfunction provides her unique opportunities to connect with the families she serves. Dr. Constance’s goal is to work with each patient’s care team to create a road map towards optimal health and ensure her patients are successful in traveling it. 
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Dr. Connie is the liaison for the Portland/ Vancouver AAPMD Collaborative study group, their team consists of naturopathic medicine, physical therapy, speech therapy, orofacial myofunctional therapy, orthodontics, chiropractic, functional optometry and more. ​
Dr. Amy Davidson
Clarkston, Michigan

Dr. Amy Davidson

Dr. Amy Davidson is a licensed dentist who provides all the physiologic jaw and dental arch developmental services at Professional Dental of Clarkston.  She also treats many common myofunctional / speech disorders as it relates to structures of the head and neck region.  She is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and completed her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Pittsburgh in 1998. She continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and graduated in 2002.
Dr. Amy’s primary treatment concepts focus on the in-depth diagnosis of physiologic dental and skeletal malocclusions (“bad bites”).  She understands if there is a physiologic problem with any area of the head and neck region, it requires a physiologic solution.  Straight teeth do not always translate to a healthy TMJ, muscle/jaw balance, or airway health.  These cutting-edge concepts are what Dr. Amy is passionate about in dentistry.   Recognizing airway obstruction and sleep / breathing disorders in both her adult and pediatric patients is paramount.  Dr. Amy believes in the value of early muscular skeletal intervention as it relates to facial development in young children. However, she evaluates each patient individually and understands that not all cases require early treatment. The most important aspect of Dr. Amy’s services is the value that she takes the time to see every one of her patients at each individual visit.
Dr. Cristina Bender
Ellensburg, Washington

Dr. Cristina Bender

Dr. Cristina (Law) Bender was born and raised in Ellensburg. She graduated at the top of her class at Ellensburg High School and received a full-ride scholarship to attend the University of Washington where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology. Dr. Bender then attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry and completed a one-year AEGD (Advanced Education in Dental Residency) program in Toppenish with the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic.After her residency, Dr. Bender joined the Northeast Washington Health Programs in Colville, Washington where she held the title of Dental Director and managed three clinics for two years. 
 Dr. Bender continually strives to ensure that all of her patients walk away with a great experience, knowing that they received quality dental care from a dentist who is compassionate, kind, honest, and straightforward.Outside the dental office, Dr. Bender enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, and their children, Mila, Sienna, and Austin. They enjoy trying new restaurants, camping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends and enjoys the little things Ellensburg has to offer.
Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk
Orland Park, Illinois 

​Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk

Description Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk completed her undergraduate education at Loyola University Chicago receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biology Cum Laude. After completing her Bachelor’s degree, Dr. Zolnierczyk went on to Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 2011. She currently lives in Orland Park and serves the surrounding community. Dr Erica has been practicing General Dentistry with a focus on facial and airway development, prevention and cosmetics. She believes that listening to her patients will enable her to provide them with the best care possible. 
Dr. Erica has been practicing General Dentistry with a focus on facial and airway development, prevention and cosmetics. She believes that listening to her patients will enable her to provide them with the best care possible. Dr. Zolnierczyk exceeds the required amount of Continuing Education required by the State of Illinois, and enjoys remaining at the forefront of dental care for her patients by doing so.
Dr. Hal Stewart
Flower Mound, Texas

Dr. Hal Stewart

Dr. Hal Stewart has a long-standing commitment to the highest standards of general, cosmetic, and reconstructive dentistry. His devotion to his profession is seen in his passion for treating his patients and teaching other dentists worldwide. Dr. Stewart’s commitment to his profession led to his induction into the American College of Dentists in 2018.
A biologic and systems-focused dentist, he believes that the goal of treatment should be to maintain a healthy, optimally functioning chewing system that is supported by, and in turn supports, a healthy airway.
He believes that a healthy airway, and a healthy mouth with stable joints and harmonious occlusion, are imperative to one’s overall health.

Dr. Stewart graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1989 and has been in private practice ever since. He studied at the Pankey Institute, The Dawson Academy, The Las Vegas Institute, as well as the OBI Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry.
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Dr. Hal Stewart has a long-standing commitment to the highest standards of general, cosmetic, and reconstructive dentistry. His devotion to his profession is seen in his passion for treating his patients and teaching other dentists worldwide. Dr. Stewart’s commitment to his profession led to his induction into the American College of Dentists in 2018.
Dr. Katherine Ahn
LOS ALAMITOS, California

Dr. Katherine Ahn

Dr. Katherine Ahn Wallace is committed to excellence. She has nearly 30 years of experience in advanced reconstructive dentistry and functional smile make-overs. Dr. Ahn is as caring and gentle with her patients as she is meticulous. She understands the delicate balance between beauty and function, and her work is transformational. Dr. Ahn also specializes in sleep and TMJ therapy, orofacial development and orthodontics which facilitate the harmony between the jaw, muscles, teeth and the airway. 
Dr. Ahn’s passion is helping patients achieve optimal smile and health through proper lifestyle and jaw, facial and airway development.
​Dr. Kristin Skow
Spring Valley, Wisconsin 

Dr. Kristin Skow

After graduating in 1992 from Spring Valley High School in Spring Valley, WI, Dr. Skow attended The University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. She earned a bachelor's degree with high honors in biology and chemistry in only 3 years’ time. She then attended The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in Minneapolis, MN, where she graduated with honors in '99. Dr. Skow is a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). She is a current member of the American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry. 
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Dr. Skow also has completed certification as an Oral Facial Myofunctional Therapist, having done so in the summer of 2020.
Dr. Skow enjoys practicing dentistry and prides herself in being aware of her patients' whole-body health. Airway care is her passion, and she strives to prevent sleep apnea and other breathing issues. Breathing issues can be diagnosed in the mouth first, and Dr. Skow is astute in such diagnoses and treatment for all ages. Proper breathing is of utmost importance in prevention of dental problems, among a host of other health issues.
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Treating infants with issues feeding due to tongue and lip ties is something Dr. Skow feels is the most important thing she can do. Treating tongue ties early establishes proper feeding, swallowing, breathing, and ultimately helps to prevent issues such as sleep apnea. Proper breathing leads to proper sleep, therefore kids treated early can avoid a host of health problems including ADHD, anxiety, and bedwetting.
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Dr. Meggie Graham
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

Dr. Meggie Graham

Dr. Graham is passionate about providing patients with the highest level of clinical excellence while maintaining the utmost in patient comfort. While she is certainly dedicated to alleviating her patients’ concerns.  It is the relationships that she builds along the way that bring her the most joy. She is committed to life long learning in order to offer the most beneficial, non invasive, predictable treatment options to her patients.

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" I am endlessly passionate about improving everyday life for people. So much of that starts with the ability to breathe, and to sleep, and to do these basic, unconscious things that have such a huge impact on our entire well being. I firmly believe that commitment and attention to the most basic of human function, nasal breathing and stable sleep, can prevent a multitude of unnecessary medical interventions and compromised quality of life.  "
Dr. Meggie Graham 
Dr. Mike Hansen
Edmond, Oklahoma 

​Dr. Mike Hansen

Dr. Michael Hansen, a graduate of Ohio State University, is committed to excellence and providing you with outstanding patient care. He wants to ensure that every patient has a great dental experience when they visit Santa Fe Dental. That’s why he consistently goes the extra mile in the care he provides and the training he receives. He shares a common goal with each patient ― to ensure you have great oral and systemic health provided through exceptional dental care. 
Continuing education is the cornerstone to advanced and comprehensive patient service. Dr. Hansen seeks out and attends the best seminars and continuing education courses year after year to ensure he stays at the forefront of the dental industry. This allows Dr. Hansen to provide his patients with the best and most up–to-date dental care possible. He and his team offer a unique and positive dental experience where your health, comfort, function and beauty are the top priority.

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Dr. Milton Geivelis
Bartlett, Illinois

​Dr. Milton Geivelis

Dr. Milton Geivelis is a Board Certified Specialist, whose practice is limited to Periodontics, Lip and tongue tie release and dental Implants. Dr. Geivelis believes that the most important people in our practice are our patients. He strives to deliver the highest quality care, utilizing the most up-to-date techniques and equipment, in the most comfortable and gentle manner possible.
Dr. Geivelis regularly participates in continuing education, and is a diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. From 1993 to 2001, Dr. Geivelis was a professor and director of Graduate Periodontics at Northwestern University Dental School, training the dental residents in Periodontics. He has been involved in academic research, and has authored and co-authored several professional articles. Dr. Geivelis lectures about Periodontics and Implants nationally and internationally; and he has received several academic and clinical awards for his work as a Periodontist.
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Dr. Ratti Handa
Acton, Massachusetts 

​Dr. Ratti Handa

Dr. Handa has spent hundreds of hours training in state of the art dental technology. More recently, she also graduated as an integrative health coach from the International Integrative Nutrition (IIN) Academy.
Ratti Handa, D.M.D. is an internationally renowned airway, TMJ, and cosmetic dentist. Dr. Handa is a dentist in Acton, MA who has worked with some of the most prestigious specialty practices in Massachusetts. Dr. Handa has been specially trained in the areas of Biorejuvenation Dentistry, Sleep and Airway Dentistry, and Myofunctional Therapy.
Since completing dental school in 1998.
Dr. Handa has spent hundreds of hours training in state of the art dental technology. More recently, she also graduated as an integrative health coach from the International Integrative Nutrition (IIN) Academy.
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​Dr. Tad Morgan
Bullard, Texas 

​Dr. Tad Morgan

Dr. Morgan is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists, Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Dental Association, East Texas Dental Society, and Smith County Dental Society. He has over 1,000 hours of continuing education, and he's studied at the Pankey Institute, as well as trained under Larry Rosenthal and David Hornbrook. In addition, Dr. Morgan had training with Dr. Soroush Zaghi, where Dr. Zaghi evaluated his procedures on patients to earn an affiliate status. Dr. Morgan's practice is one of only two offices in the nation to have The Breathe Institute affiliate status. To learn more, please visit The Breathe Insitute.
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 He also had training with Dr. Bill Hang in orthotropics as well as had training with the American Academy of Gnathologic Orthopedics, also known as AAGO. He enjoys seeing how life-changing dentistry can be, whether through cosmetic treatment  or eliminated jaw pain. The tears of joy he sees and thank you’s he hears are incredible!
Dr. Tim Herre
Leawood, Kansas

​Dr. Tim Herre

Dr. Tim founded The Breathe to Thrive Center after growing frustrated seeing the chronic disease that plagues so many Americans. As a Holistic, biological dentist he looks beyond the mouth and connects the dots between whole body health. Far too often, chronic stress, inflammation, and a poorly functioning airway are the basis of many of our modern healthcare problems. For many Americans, our modern healthcare system is set up to monitor or manage a patient’s symptoms versus a holistic approach that aims to treat the root cause of disease. 
This holistic approach is what Dr. Tim wants for his own family and it is the motivation behind him seeking out training and knowledge to help those seeking similar care sharing the whole body health philosophy.
Dr. imran rangzeb
West yorkshire, uk

Dr. Imran Rangzeb

Dr Imran Rangzeb is the clinical lead, and principal dentist at Town Hall Dental. To him, providing a patient with anything less than the very best dental care is not an option. He is deeply dedicated to offering the best of the best treatment to every patient who walks into the practice.
It is also Dr Rangzeb’s aim and ambition to approach dentistry from the perspective of innovation, always looking for cutting edge technologies to enhance his treatment capabilities. He is continually setting the standard higher for what Town Hall Dental can achieve in dentistry.
Dr Rangzeb has long had a passion for dentistry. Since qualifying from the University of Manchester in 2002.
dR. jASMINE ELMORE
wILSON, nORTH cAROLINA

Dr. Jasmine Elmore

Dr. Elmore was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, where she lived with her loving and supportive mother. She decided early on that she wanted to spend her life helping others. Dr. Elmore received a degree with honors in Food & Nutrition from Radford University. Her nutritional background helps her educate and empower patients and parents on healthy eating choices.
After graduating, Dr. Elmore went on to get her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Virginia Commonwealth’s School of Dentistry in Richmond. 
After completing her residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Elmore relocated to eastern North Carolina. She is excited to have her own practice where she can provide care in her own unique way.
Dr. Justin Villafane
Lincoln, Nebraska

Dr. Justin Villafane

Dr. Justin Villafane is a University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Dentistry graduate. He strives to provide the best patient care possible, offering a welcoming, comfortable environment for all patients.
Born and raised in Beatrice, Nebraska, Dr. Villafane is also a general dentist at the Lancaster County Health Department.  He’s been involved in UNMC’s Dental Day, Nebraska Mission of Mercy and dental mission trips with Kobonal Haiti Mission, and he’s also a member of the American Dental Association and the Nebraska Dental Association.
An ambassador of the Breathe Institute, a Di plomate  of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, and a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Villafane has a special interest in airway development in children and adolescents, tongue-tie release, and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep breathing disorders in adults.
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Dr. Piya Gandhi
hOUSTON, tEXAS

Dr. Piya Gandhi

Dr. Gandhi is West U Pediatric Dentistry's founder and sole tongue tie release provider. As an ambassador of the Breathe Institute, Partner of the International Association of Tongue Tie Professionals, and having performed over 1,000 CO2 Laser tongue tie release procedures, Dr. Gandhi’s qualifications are astounding.
Dr. Gandhi performs each CO2 release in office, with each procedure being customized to the patients needs. However, her commitment to her patients does not stop in the office, she gives each patient (or their parents) her personal phone number just in case the patient may have questions or concerns after office hours.

When choosing a release provider for your child or for yourself, you can rest assured that choosing West U Pediatric Dentistry is a choice of compassion and excellence throughout the entire process.
Dr. Loria Nahatis
DaLLAS, TEXAS

Dr. Loria Nahatis

Dr. Loria Nahatis is a board-certified pediatric dentist who has been in the pediatric dental field for over 25 years. As a teenager, Dr. Loria knew she wanted to become not only a dentist but specialize in pediatric dentistry.

After completing her biology degree with Summa Cum Laude honors from the University of Texas at Arlington, Dr. Loria graduated with her dental doctorate from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. She then completed her two-year Pediatric Dentistry Residency at the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery and shortly after became a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

She is co-founder of Beyond Pediatric Dentistry in Dallas, and her focus in pediatric dentistry is optimal craniofacial health, growth, and development.
She has realized from personal experience that if a child’s craniofacial growth is off-track, it affects their ability to breathe, sleep and thrive. Being a life-long student under world-renowned leaders in the growth and development field, she is proud to give her young patients and their parents valuable tools that help with improving dental health as well as overall
health and well-being. She is dedicated to making a difference in every child she sees, working with a collaborative approach to oral healthcare. Dr. Loria is the first recipient of the Dr. Soroush Zaghi Award for application of evidence-based protocols to the community at the AAPMD’s Collaboration Cures 2021. Dr. Loria is thrilled to have completed her Affiliate Training with Dr. Zaghi, which will provide her patients the best experience possible when it comes to pediatric functional frenuloplasties. She takes pride knowing she can help drive change and impact the quality of life in families in a positive manner.
Dr. Maribel Santos-Cordero
SarASOTA, FLORIDA

Dr. Maribel Santos-Cordero

Dr. Maribel Santos-Cordero was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She earned a DMD degree from the University Of Puerto Rico School Of Dental Medicine with high honors and has been practicing dentistry since 1994.  Dr. Santos-Cordero completed her residency program in Pediatric Dentistry at The Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, NY.  
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She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a Fellow of the American Laser Study Club, and a member in good standing of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals, the American Dental Association and its local affiliates. An Affiliate of The Breathe Institute, Dr. Santos has also completed a certification in oral myology and a Pediatric Dental Sleep Medicine residency at Tufts School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Elizabeth Dy
​TAMPA, FLORIDA

Dr. Elizabeth Dy

Dr. Elizabeth R. Dy is an experienced and compassionate dentist who offers comprehensive, high quality gentle dental care in her state-of-the-art practice.
Dr. Dy completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2011. She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association and Academy of Laser Dentistry.
Dr. Dy and her team are proud of the warm patient-friendly environment they have created and of the lifelong relationships they have built with multi-generational families in the area. Dr. Dy welcomes patients of all ages and looks forward to meeting you and offering you the professional, caring and pain free oral health care that you deserve.
Dr. Dy resides in Odessa with her husband, Darryl, and their two boys, Mateo (5) and Cristiano (1). When not in the office, Dr. Dy enjoys cooking, grilling, spending time with her family, supporting her husband in his Ironman triathlons and pursuing her own health and wellness goals.
Dr. TOMMY SPEARS
Maryville, Tennessee

Dr. Tommy Spears

Dr. Tommy Spears has been practicing dentistry since he graduated the University of Tennessee in 1986. He was born in Maryville, TN, graduated from Maryville high school and Middle Tennessee State University with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry.  Approximately 10 years ago, Tommy was diagnosed with sleep apnea, and this motivated him to study the underlying causes and how to treat it. Ironically, his quest for information led him right back to Dentistry. He has come to realize he can see signs and symptoms in the oral cavity that are almost always related to an airway issue. In his constant journey to learn more he has encountered some colleagues that led him to help with airway issues from the very beginning of our lives which led him to helping infants from birth by lasering tethered oral tissue to promote closed mouth breathing. 
He has been helping babies and mothers with this for the past 10 years. Tommy also became a fellow in Orofacial Myology with the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) and has a separate myology business, Tennessee Orofacial Myology (TOMS) with two IAOM trained hygienist. TOMS treats patients with various modalities such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Tethered Oral Tissue, growth orthodontics, habit elimination and mouth breathers. To date Tommy has released oral tissue in over 2,600 infants, children, adolescents and adults. The releases are always in conjunction with a multiple disciplinary approach. Tommy is committed to continually learn and to stay on the cusp of what this fluid data has to offer.
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Dr. hilary pada
Kelona, British Columbia

Dr. Hilary Pada

​Three decades ago, Dr. Hilary Pada was inspired to pursue a career in dentistry. While shadowing other dentists, she saw people, young and old, and recognized they were not just a mouth but a human being, body, and mind. Dentistry would become the unique balance of her talents and passions, her love of the fine details needed for the technical aspects of dentistry, as well as the interpersonal aspects of each day.

In 2000, Hilary graduated from the University of British Columbia Dental School. Her interest in Hospital, Emergency, and Complex Medical-Dental care motivated her to pursue the UBC-VGH General Dental Residency. Dr. Pada’s exposure to Oral Oncology piqued her interest, and brought her home to work at BCCancer in Kelowna.
For over two decades, Dr. Pada has served patients in private practice dentistry, as well as BCCancer. In 2003, she began post-graduate studies at the Kois Center Evidence Based Teaching Center. Dr. Hilary Pada furthered her commitment to learning and teaching by attaining Kois Mentor status in 2013. In 2018, she embarked on a new journey in Myofunctional Care and Integrative Oral Medicine. Dr. Pada began to see how airway restrictions and an unhealthy microbiome interconnected many conditions affecting our population. She has come to realize that a Myofunctional Care approach can redirect the trajectory of wellness and the natural genetic potential of all life forms. With her prior knowledge and experience in dentistry, Dr. Hilary Pada assembled a team of dedicated health professionals. Their combined passion for reaching the potential of optimal health, symmetry, and function became the catalyst for CO₂llaborative Care + Research.
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Dr. Lon McRAE
Meridian, IDaho

Dr. Lon Mcrae

​Dr. McRae and his team want you to feel relaxed and comfortable in their care. They would like you to know a little bit about them and hope to get to know you as well.
“When I was a kid, I hated going to the dentist because I always knew I would get a shot. I was so scared of them that I usually let the dentist drill without anesthetic. Those past experiences made me think there had to be a better way of doing this.
I think the biggest misconception in dentistry today is that it’s the same as it was 25 years ago. That is not the case, and here at McRae Dental, we are showing our patients that we can make things much more comfortable for them. I treat all of my patients with the same care that I would give to my own wife or kids if they were in the dental chair. I will do anything in my power to make a patient’s visit the best dental experience they have ever had.” – Dr. McRae

Dr. McRae graduated from Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry in 1996 and has since had a successful practice in Meridian, Idaho. He has continued his dental education with some of the most advanced functional and aesthetic courses available in dentistry. In 2000, Dr. McRae received an advanced degree from Pacific Aesthetic Continuum, one of the world’s most respected cosmetic dentistry training programs. This commitment to additional training keeps Dr. McRae up to speed on the latest developments in dental technology and materials, allowing him to provide the highest standard of care and comfort to his patients. After training with the nations leading aesthetic dentists, Dr. McRae has been a sought after instructor at many dental schools and teaching institutions across the nation.

Dr. McRae has had his work published in the Journal of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is well-known for his commitment to quality aesthetic and general dentistry. He is also a respected member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Crown Council, a national group of leading-edge dentists committed to providing exceptional care. In 2000, Dr. McRae was awarded the Crown Councils “Young Dentist of the Year Award”.
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Dr. Cristin Lewis
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Dr. Cristin Lewis

​A Nashville native, Dr. Cristin Lewis is the daughter of a dentist and her brother was a dentist. She decided to go into the family business and attained her doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry. 
She continues to pursue exceptionalism by seeking the very highest level of post-doctoral training from the Kois Center, the Texas Center for Occlusal Studies, holistic mouth training with Dr. Felix Liao, and Vivos® Breathing Wellness Centers in order to provide the very best care for her patients. She and her late brother Dr. Will McPherson purchased their father’s dental practice and continued their father’s legacy of dental excellence in Nashville.

Dr. Lewis enjoys family time with her husband Jay and is the proud mother of Parks and Sara Mac. Her hobbies include cooking, painting, boxing, and attending sports events.

She’s the team dentist for the Tennessee Titans and previously was the official dentist of the Nashville Predators which was a great honor.
dR. SAMIRA JAFARI
 Roswell, GA ​

Dr. Samira Jafari

Dr. Samira Jafari graduated with a doctorate in dentistry in 2013 from Augusta University. Soon after graduating, Dr. Jafari fell into the path of pursuing post graduate continuing education courses in airway dentistry. This field of dentistry became a huge passion of hers as she could see that by addressing problems related to the airways, she could make a huge difference in the lives of her adult patients and sometimes even completely change the life trajectory of her child patients. Completing courses through The Breathe Institute and The American Laser Study club her eyes were opened to the world of tethered oral tissues as this was the missing link in treating her airway patients.
She began treating tongue ties in kids and adults using Dr. Zaghi’s functional frenuloplasty technique and saw amazing results in her patients. Due to this knowledge in tethered oral tissues, she was able to immediately diagnose her own newborn daughter with a tongue-tie which was then released at 7 days of age. The changes she felt and saw with her own daughter gave Dr. Jafari a new purpose. She had to extend her treatment to infants as well in order to help other moms and babies who are suffering from the effects of undiagnosed tethered oral tissues and guide families though this emotional journey.

Along with her husband and 2 children, Landon and Lana, Dr. Jafari lives in Johns Creek Georgia. She enjoys outdoor activities, trying new foods, and exploring new restaurants and cuisines in the city. In her free time, she loves cooking, spending time with friends and family, and reading books.
​Dr. sHANNON tHORSTEINSON
​Atlanta, Georgia

Dr. Shannon Thorsteinson

Dr. Shannon Thorsteinson, or as her patients call her- “Dr. Shannon”, completed her dental education at the Medical College of Georgia after studying Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech.

After dental school, Dr. Shannon completed a surgical hospital-based General Practice Residency in conscious IV sedation and dental implant placement at Georgia Regents University. She considers herself a lifelong learner with a strong commitment to continuing education through advanced courses and study clubs. Dr. Shannon has earned a prestigious fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, and a mastership in the International Congress of Oral Implantology, and is a visiting faculty member at Augusta University Dental College of Georgia.
Dr. Shannon is passionate about sleep and airway health and the connection between oral and systemic health. She loves helping people of all ages breathe and sleep well, because it can improve so many aspects of their health.

Dr. Shannon regularly volunteers her time at various charity and outreach events and clinics to give back to the community.  She is a member of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry, Georgia Dental Association, Hinman Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Dental Association. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, hiking, and seeing the wonders of the world with her husband, daughter, and son.
Dr. ALPA MERCHANT
​TUSCON, AZ

Dr. Alpa Merchant

Dr. Alpa Merchant received her DDS degree at The University of Texas, Houston in 1996. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) and the American
Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA). After graduation, she briefly practiced in Lake Jackson, TX for about 6 months before relocating to Tucson in 1997 after meeting her husband. She has been practicing dentistry in Tucson since. She has been in surgical proctorship with Dr. Zaghi at
The Breathe Institute since 2022 and is an affiliate of TBI. Dr. Merchant believes that educating her patients regarding their health, whether it be dental, airway, sleep or TMJ, is top priority. ​Each patient is given undivided attention at every visit , with in-depth conversion to understand their concerns regarding orofacial pain, sleep and breathing, TMJ, orthodontic, restorative andcosmetic dental care. She is a case review instructor with The Gelb Institute.
Dr. Merchant is also a member of:
● American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)
● American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA)
● American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry (AAPMD)
● American Laser Study Club (ALSC)
● International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM)
● American Dental Association (ADA)
● Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
Dr. Radhika Kapoor
​Hoboken, NEW JERSEY

​Dr. Radhika Kapoor

Dr. Radhika Kapoor was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey. She has extensive experience and sincerity to pediatric oral health care. She is passionate about working with children and their families in a fun and gentle manner. Furthermore, Dr. Kapoor’s strong educational foundation allows her to share a wealth of knowledge of oral health as it relates to overall wellness. Dr. Kapoor earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, focusing on areas of child development, at Barnard College, Columbia University, where she truly refined her education of child behavior and anxiety reducing techniques. 
She then continued at Columbia University to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. While at Columbia, she held leadership positions with the AAPD and Give Kids a Smile. She received numerous academic honors and was published in the NY State Dental Journal for her work on Ectodermal Dysplasia. Her passion for children’s dental health and community service was further solidified during her volunteer work, including a mission to Naranjito, Dominican Republic.
She had the privilege of completing her pediatric dental residency training at well renowned Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC, where she received extensive training and experience in treating patients with special health care needs, sedation, trauma, general anesthesia, and interceptive orthodontics. Inspired by her own personal struggles with nursing an infant with posterior tongue tie, Dr. Kapoor sought to enhance her training in CO2 soft tissue laser. In addition to years of continuing education and achieving proficiency in laser dentistry, Dr. Kapoor had the pleasure of having one-on-one training by one of the experts in the field, Dr. Martin Kaplan, who provided additional pearls of wisdom. Dr. Kapoor is pleased to provide CO2 soft tissue laser dentistry using the renowned Light Scalpel to her patients and their families. This has been instrumental in her tongue tie/lip tie frenectomy procedures, improving breastfeeding in infants, speech, feeding and airway issues in toddlers, and adult postural/sleep problems.
Dr. Kapoor is currently affiliated with Englewood Hospital, helping children who are unable to be safely treated in the dental office. In the hospital setting, Dr. Kapoor provides full mouth dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. Dr. Kapoor is also an active member of the ADA and AAPD and is credentialed in Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support.
DR. NOHA OUSHY
SANTA TERESA, NM

Dr. Noha Oushy

Skill and passion go hand in hand when providing exceptional patient care. A graduate from the University of California San Francisco with honors, Dr. Oushy is a compassionate, kind, and artistic dentist who believes in whole body health care approach to dentistry. Dr. Oushy is a Certified Biological dentist with the IABDM and also just completed her accreditation with the IAOMT, she also holds a Masters in Public Health from New Mexico State University. Dr. Oushy is very passionate about taking continuing education courses to keep up with advancements in dentistry and also the important connection between our oral health and overall wellbeing. 
Dr.Oushy is always attending numerous continuing education courses in the field of Biological dentistry, laser therapy, Airway- centered dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and Invisalign®
Dr. Oushy is proudly the only dentist in El Paso and southern New Mexico to be SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) certified by the IAOMT, Accredited as a Biological dentist by the IAOMT and certified with the IABDM. She always seeks the safest and least toxic ways to take care of her patients. When she is not with patients, Dr. Oushy is probably spending time with her husband and her twin daughters. She loves to cook, travel and do fun projects with her girls.
Dr. Oushy treats every patient with respect, honesty, and compassion, as she would treat a friend or family member. She will customize your treatment plan to meet your unique wants and goals. Dr. Oushy looks forward to helping you achieve a brilliant and healthy smile for life!
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Dr Babak Firouzi
​Castle Shannon, PA

Dr. Babak Firouzi

Dr. Firouzi graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Completed a two-year general dentistry residency program at Waterbury Hospital in Connecticut - a Yale affiliated University Hospital. He practices a broad range of general dentistry with a focus on comprehensive treatment of temporal mandibular joint disorder (TMJ), snoring, obstructive sleep apnea and tongue-tie.
Dr. Firouzi brings the knowledge and experience necessary to stay on the cutting edge in his field. His extensive training beyond dental school through continuing education programs provides him with expertise on procedures ranging from cosmetic/restorative dentistry, TMJ and craniofacial pain treatment, orofacial development, airway health, obstructive sleep apnea, and 
Dr. David Schmidt
LAKE FORREST, IL​

Dr. David Schmidt

Dr. Schmidt grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana and graduated from Indiana University with honors in Economics then graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1994. He has been fortunate to be involved with dentistry since he was thirteen years old! Dr. Schmidt started chairside assisting his father then. He worked with him until he and his family moved to Lake Forest,IL in 1999.
Dr. Schmidt has been involved with many organizations over the years. He has been involved or attended: The Breathe Institute, The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), The Dawson Academy, The International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics, (IAPA), The American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry (AAPMD), The American Laser Study Club (ALSC), The American
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Equilibration Society (AES), The Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), American Association of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), The Center for Occlusal Studies, Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS), Chicago Dental Society (CDS), North Suburban Branch of the CDS, and the Indiana Dental Association.
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Dr. Schmidt has constantly worked to improve his skills and averages over 150 hours a year doing continuing education. This allows him to be current on all the latest advances in dentistry. He earned his Fellowship from LVI and also from the IAPA. He is one of the few Clinical Instructors for the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. There, Dr Schmidt assists in teaching dentists from around the world on cosmetic and physiologic dentistry. Dr. Schmidt also lectures nationally on CAD/CAM dentistry. Dr. Schmidt is past President of the International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics (IAPA) and a past adjunct clinical instructor at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.

Dr. Schmidt’s passion for treating challenging TMD cases has led him to the importance of airway and its effect on dentofacial development. He realized that almost all of his TMD cases, Sleep Disordered Breathing cases, and his Orthodontic cases were affected by restrictions in airway and tongue function. His current practice is an advanced general practice with an emphasis on airway development and management. Since he has started managing his cases with this protocol utilizing myofunctional assessment, he and his team have seen a marked increase in success rates of his most challenging cases.
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Every case is assessed by his myofunctional department prior to treatment. Dr. Schmidt is very fortunate to have two Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists that have been trained extensively in this field. Dr. Schmidt and his team work with babies as young as 1 week and have had patients over 100 years old! He is excited to share with you his passion for this type of life changing medicine and dentistry.
Dr. Lara Perel-Panar
​VANCOUVER, BC

Dr. Lara Perel-Panar

  Dr Lara practices biomimetic dentistry; she utilizes materials to mimic the natural structure and function of teeth as closely as possible.Dentistry of USC and is now living out her childhood dream of practicing dentistry in the heart of Vancouver. Dr. Lara takes a whole-person approach to dentistry. She understands how the teeth connect to the nervous system and the link between oral health and the health of the rest of the body.
She has trained with and continues to be mentored by Dr. Theodore Belfor, as well as other world renowned dentists. Her training is airway focused, meaning that Dr. Lara assesses every patient to see how they are breathing, if they have proper tongue posture and how she can help them improve not only their dental health but their overall health.
DR. Resa Gardner
WINDSOR, CO

Dr. Resa Gardner

Dr. Resa Gardner was born and raised in Southern Colorado’s San Luis Valley in the small town of Manassa. She graduated from Regis University in Denver with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and went on to obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She then furthered her education by completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency and she regularly attends multiple continuing education courses throughout the year.

Resa lives with her husband, Ben, and their two beautiful boys in Wray, Colorado. She enjoys spending time with friends and family out at the lake, running and volunteering and being a part of the Wray Community.
“My passion for better breathing and facial development started when I became a mother. I had difficulty nursing with my first child; it was painful, he would not stay latched and he was very fussy. For the first four months, my son struggled with reflux and colic and cluster feeding because he could not stay awake long enough to finish nursing.  I was exhausted and so was my baby.  It was not until he was 7 months old that I was attending a Continuing Education course at the Breathe Institute that I realized my son was tongue tied.  My thirst to know more could not be quenched from there and I have continued to dive head first into the literature and education surrounding tethered oral tissues and how it pertains to facial development and breathing.   Learning from some of the prominent figures in tethered oral tissues and airway I have learned from Dr. Zaghi (MD), Dr. Baxter (DMD),  Dr. Geheri (MD), Dr. Pinto (DDS), Dr. Bockow (DDS, MS),  Dr. Gunson (DDS). It is my goal to help my patients grow healthy faces and breathe better .”-Resa Gardner.
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In their own words...

Hear from these amazing providers about why they do what they do, and what being an Affiliate means to them!

HOW TO BECOME A TBI AFFILIATE
1.     Complete The Breathe Course,
2.      Demonstrate Ongoing Dedication To Learning,
​                (Then be invited to apply)
3.     Complete the Mini-Residency Program.