Karie Shirtz

I remember being at the orthodontist as a child and for the first time thinking of the possibility of a career in a dental office. I took a dental assisting class in high school, enjoyed it, and soon after made the decision to enter hygiene school. Those early steps started me on a path that eventually brought me to Oregon and to New Smiles Dental in Sherwood, where I have worked as a full time Dental Hygienist since 2007. I love connecting with people and I love to teach. Being a hygienist has felt so natural and Myofunctional Therapy even more so. I first learned about Myofunctional Therapy through a co-worker and quickly read the book Breathe by James Nestor, which I found to be fascinating and significant. As I learned more about the emerging field, I realized I had found something that could help my own daughter. Airway Envy is for everyone, but my heart is with those with developmental and neurodivergent conditions. My journey as a mother has shown me how myofunctional disorders can affect sleep, behavior and speech and the positive change that is possible through therapy. Along the way I have developed relationships with other professionals who share my passion and who have helped develop a vision of what is possible. Learn more at www.airwayenvy.com