Practitioners

We are very pleased to have our Certified Integrative Breathing Therapy practitioners!

This was no easy course!

It required completion of Rosalba’s intensive 6 month online training, a literature review and 5 case studies of their own patients. This course was both challenging and rewarding.

They developed comprehensive and multidimensional assessment tools including validated questionnaires (including the SEBQ and the NQ), breathing pattern assessment (the MARM and Hi Lo), physiological measures (capnometry, heart rate variability, breath hold time), upper airway assessment and specific breathing challenges.

These practitioners undertook comprehensive training in the assessment and treatment methods used in Integrative Breathing Therapy.

Well done, to them all!

Betsy is an osteopath passionate about helping babies and children improve their feeding, breathing, and sleep. She has a special interest in oral function related to breast and bottle feeding, including lactation and mouth strengthening, as well as helping children who struggle with correct breathing patterns.

Betsy has pursued further studies in integrative breathing therapy and myofascial therapy to enhance my approach to paediatric care. Betsy is currently training to become an IBCLC.

Originally from Melbourne, she moved to Canberra in 2016, completing a Bachelor of Health Science and Masters of Clinical Science (Osteopathy) at Victoria University. She earned a Diploma of Child Health through the University of Sydney in 2023, further expanding her expertise in paediatric health.

Outside of work, she love puzzles, craft, reading and spending time with her young family. Her goal is to help children thrive and reach their full potential through fun, engaging therapies at North Canberra Osteopathy (ACT) and Mother Hub (NSW) in Queanbeyan, Australia.

Sarah Wilmot is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist in Australia. She has worked in a wide variety of Health and Education settings, including Acting Schools. She has taught nationally and internationally on Speech and Voice. She has run her own Private Practice “Speech Pathways” in Melbourne, Australia

Sarah is a classically trained Singer as well as a Voice and Sound Artist. She uses a variety of breathing and vocal pedagogical approaches in her work.

Sarah is a member of the Australian Voice Association, the Laryngology Society of Australia as well as VASTA (Voice and Speech Trainers Association). She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and Linguistics.

Sarah is passionate about Voice, Breathing, Communication and encouraging others to be their best Selves.

Following a career in environmental law Tina became a certified Yoga Teacher with an avid interest in the science of breathing leading her to combine post-graduate university studies in respiratory science with extensive training in breathing retraining modalities culminating in the Integrative Breathing Therapy Practitioner training with Dr Rosalba Courtney in 2023.

Tina is a Fellow of Buteyko Professionals International (FBPI) and Certified Breathing Behavior Analyst through the Professional School of Behavioral Health Sciences (USA), with pulmonary rehabilitation training through the Lung Foundation Australia, as well as orofacial myology training with the Coulson Institute of Orofacial Myology, and professional counselling training through the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. Tina is a member of the Thoracic Society of Australia & New Zealand (TSANZ).

In 2017 Tina established The Breathing Clinic & Wellness Centre in north Queensland (Australia) and works principally with clients online through the delivery of private consultations, seminars, and breathing retraining programmes to reduce breathing-related symptoms and support improved quality of life, as well as programmes to help children discontinue non-nutritive sucking habits such as prolonged dummy, thumb and tongue sucking. With a commitment to evidence-based research and a client-centred approach to breathing retraining and orofacial programmes, Tina enjoys working in alignment with other health care professionals to support integrated outcomes for her clients.

Bridget Knol is a dedicated speech pathologist with over 22 years of experience, specialising in in treating children with motor speech, muscle and motor-based disorders and delays. As a certified PROMPT therapist, she is passionate about using evidence-based, hands-on approaches to support individuals in developing their communication skills. Bridget integrates orofacial myofunctional therapy into her practice, recognising its crucial role in optimizing breathing, oral placement, feeding and speech.

Bridget has a special interest in the role that optimal breathing plays in the day-to-day functioning of her clients.  She understands that addressing the underlying airway, motor and myofunctional foundations of breathing, feeding and speech, requires a holistic approach to therapy which ensures that each client receives comprehensive, individualized support to enhance their breathing, eating, communication and quality of life.

Bridget completed her bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2001. She became a Certified PROMPT therapist in 2016. Bridget has attended numerous trainings to further develop her understanding of orofacial myology including: The Australian Academy of Orofacial Myology 4-Day Introductory Course, Well Spoken Paediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing 2 day workshop and she is mentored by experts in this field to continue to expand her expertise in this area.

Natalie is an Osteopath whose interest in dysfunctional breathing was honed during her Masters degree and continues to evolve through hands-on experience. With nearly two decades of manual therapy under her belt and a lifelong dedication to understanding the intricacies of breathing, Natalie approaches patient care with a holistic perspective.

In addition, Natalie is a pioneering figure in the Osteopathic Guided Frenectomy in Australia. For the past eight years, she has collaborated with a dynamic team of practitioners in Brisbane, collectively developing an innovative interdisciplinary approach to addressing tongue tie. Natalie seamlessly integrates manual therapy and breathing techniques into her comprehensive pre- and post-frenectomy protocols.

As the founder of More Pathways, an integrative clinic in Brisbane, Natalie focuses on areas such as sleep, breathing, women’s health, and paediatrics. Currently, she is developing an online library aimed at both patients and practitioners. This resource hub will feature instructional videos, insightful presentations, courses and audio materials.

Zahra is trained and certified in orofacial myology (myofunctional therapy) and breathing re-education. She is also a dental hygienist with over 28 years of clinical experience.

Her education has included extensive internships and mentorships with pioneers in the field. Her clinical experience and background in teaching gives her a unique edge for successful outcomes in therapy.

Zahra  works closely with dental and ENT practitioners for a successful rehabilitation of tongue and lip tie releases, airway centered orthodontics including the ALF as well as TMJ specialists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and other professionals.

She works with both adults and children.

Zahra is committed to ongoing continuing education in all aspects of patient care and stays current with the latest research and treatment protocols in the ever-evolving field of wholistic medicine and dentistry.

Zahra lives in West Hills, Los Angeles CA. USA. She is happily married to her husband of 33 years, and has two sons, 26 and 23. She enjoys walking, especially on the beach, yoga, reading, gardening, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Lesley Kupiec is a Registered Dental Hygienist, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, and Integrative Breathing Therapy Practitioner.

Lesley completed her undergraduate education in Sport Management and later, Dental Hygiene in Massachusetts before moving to Los Angeles in 2010. In 2014, she earned a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene from USC. She has continued her education in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and Integrative Breathing Therapy.

Lesley works at The Breathe Institute where she sees patients, manages research endeavors, and provides educational content. She is a member of the Los Angeles Dental Hygienists’ Society, International Association of Orofacial Myology, American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry, and serves on the Board for the Academy for Sports Dentistry.

Dr Donna Behr is a physical therapist with over 35 years of clinical experience. She has run her own private practice since 2014. Prior to that, she worked in hospital-based and out-patient settings in the Greater Boston area. In addition to clinical practice, she was an adjunct faculty member at Northeastern University, Simmons College and MGH-IHP in their entry level PT programs.

Donna earned her clinical doctorate, and post-professional masters degree (with a specialization in orthopedics/manual therapy), from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. She had previously received her B.S. degree in physical therapy from Northeastern University in Boston. Donna is a certified Postural Restoration therapist (PRI), and a Polestar and NCPT Pilates instructor.

Donna has appreciated how each opportunity to dive deeper into a clinical subject area has enhanced her ability to assess and treat the myriad of dysfunctions that limit her clients from returning to their desired levels of performance. Becoming aware of the thoraco-respiratory issues that are so common in her clients began with her work with PRI. The perspectives gained from IBT training have deepened Donna’s clinical as well as personal practice of physical therapy and pilates.

Kristin Wetzel is a clinically licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She specializes in myofunctional therapy and pediatric feeding.

Kristin is also the owner of the Yoga Shack in Palmer, Alaska, where she hopes to educate others and implement a comprehensive and evidence based approach to breathing to promote health and wellness within the Alaska community

Jenifer Midili has 25 years of experience working with children and families. She is the owner of Children’s Speech and Language Services, Inc. in Falls Church, Virginia. Jenifer’s specialty area is feeding and orofacial myology. She created and coordinates the feeding and orofacial myofunctional program at the Falls Church office. She earned her certified orofacial myologist certificate (COM®) in 2017. She has also trained under Sandra Holtzman through NeoHealth Services and received her Qualified Orofacial Myology certification in March 2019. In 2020, became a recommended program provider from the Thumb Sucking Professionals in Australia. Jenifer has received advanced training in feeding and orofacial myofunctional therapy trainings through renowned professionals in the field and was excited to be accepted and participate in the newly launched MyoMasterminds program through the Breathe Institute and graduated in April 2021

Jenifer’s personal goals are to establish relationships with her clients and problem solve alongside them to ensure the best practices, recommendations and care are provided for their family.

Kiley Hazleton Herr is a Speech Language Pathologist-Clinical Fellow specialising in voice and breathing disorders.

She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, a Master of Music degree in Vocal Arts and Opera from the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, and a Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology from The University of Memphis.

Kiley is currently pursuing a PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a graduate certificate in Cognitive Science at The University of Memphis. She is a member of the Voice, Emotion, and Cognition Laboratory under the direction of Dr. Miriam van Mersbergen and her research focuses on the interactions between voice, breathing, and cognition.

Additionally, she is certified in vocology and yoga instruction, and works as a singer, singing teacher, and yoga instructor.

Andrea Storie has been a speech pathologist for 34 years.

She originally trained in Canada at Western University obtaining her Master’s degree and working in the London Health Sciences Center in their internationally renowned neurosciences unit. After a relocation to the United States, Andrea embarked on her passion with voice and upper airway work at the University of North Carolina Medical Center where she encountered some of the most generous mentors of her career. A final job transfer for her husband to South Carolina has allowed her to develop her own voice and upper airway practice in the upstate of South Carolina.

After more than 20 years, this practice is busy and thriving. She has worked with a few different hospital systems in this area.

Currently she has helped develop a private multi specialty clinic in Seneca, South Carolina. We have Otolaryngology and Pulmonology which the perfect combination of physician support and referral sourcing for an upper airway specialist.

Currently, Andrea, specializes in cough, inducible airway obstruction, dysfunctional breathing, voice and swallowing disorders.

Fiona Schreuder is a respiratory physiotherapist who graduated from Sydney University and now lives and practices in South Wales, UK. Fiona currently works full time in the NHS and also sees private patients. Fiona has extensive clinical experience in most aspects of respiratory physiotherapy and has also lectured at postgraduate and undergraduate levels. She obtained her Masters degree in Cardiff in 2003 and is always looking for ways to further her knowledge.

Fiona is passionate about treating people with dysfunctional breathing patterns, always taking a holistic approach and demonstrating great empathy. Fiona has been working in the local Long Covid Rehabilitation service, as well as providing care within clinics. Undertaking the IBT course has enabled Fiona to expand her knowledge and skills when working in this challenging area and is proud of the service she has developed and grown within the region.

Fiona recognises the privileged position she is in, in being able to listen, empathise and assist people in improving their quality of life and health through working with the breath.

Mareyle Sass started her career with Thai-massage-training and loved the stretching part of it. In 2021 she finished her bachelors in osteopathy with a thesis about premenstrual syndrome in the perspective of psychoneuroendocrinology.

She has a particular interest in the field of women’s health and enjoys empowering women with knowledge about cycle health.

In 2022 Mareyle completed the Heilpraktiker certification allowing her to practice in Germany as an osteopath. Her practices of yoga and meditation over the last decade (including two Vipassana’s in Thailand) have given her a deeper understanding of body-mind health.

In 2023 she started working as an osteopath in different institutions. In 2024 she began self-employed work in Hamburg. The IBT course empowered Mareyle to work with small groups, along with her one-to-one treatments, offering breathing retraining like nasal rehab and the Breathing Basics program.

Elina Airaksinen is an Osteopath (Bachelor of Health Sciences) and Massage Therapist with a Specialist Qualification in Massage Therapy and Sports Massage. She has over 19 years of clinical experience and has been running her private practice since 2006.

After graduating as an Osteopath, Elina quickly discovered that many clients’ recurring pain was linked to poor breathing habits. Her training as an Integrative Breathing Therapy Practitioner for Health Professionals has provided her with effective tools to help clients manage pain and re-educate them on proper breathing techniques.

She has noticed that the best results are achieved by combining manual osteopathic treatment with breathing retraining.

Elina is currently expanding her expertise in myofunctional rehabilitation and laryngeal osteopathy.