From Motherhood to Myofunctional Therapy with Catherine Kangas [Ep 4]

Episode 4: From Motherhood to Myofunctional Therapy - The Pediatric Breathing Project with Dr. Piya GandhiIn this episode of The Pediatric Breathing Project, Dr. Piya Gandhi is joined by Catherine Kangas, orofacial myofunctional therapist, educator, and author of Your Tongue Has a Home. Catherine shares her powerful journey into myofunctional therapy—one that began as a mother searching for answers for her own children struggling with tongue ties, feeding challenges, and sleep-disordered breathing.Together, Dr. Gandhi and Catherine explore how oral rest posture, tongue function, and airway health impact sleep, development, and overall wellness in both children and adults. This conversation highlights the importance of a holistic, team-based approach to airway care and why myofunctional therapy plays a critical role in long-term success.Catherine also introduces her newly developed Oral Recovery Kit, designed to support healing and function after procedures such as expansion or frenectomy, and offers guidance on how parents and practitioners can find the right myofunctional therapist.This episode is a must-listen for parents, dentists, pediatricians, therapists, and healthcare professionals who want a deeper understanding of airway health and collaborative care.00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome 00:41 Catherine’s Personal Journey into Myofunctional Therapy 01:32 Challenges & Early Discoveries 02:16 Transitioning into a Professional Role 03:04 What Is Myofunctional Therapy? 04:38 Treating Children vs. Adults 07:44 Goals & Importance of Therapy 10:06 Your Tongue Has a Home — The Story Behind the Book 11:45 Personal Experiences with Expansion Therapy 13:33 Advice for Practitioners & Parents 15:23 Introducing the Oral Recovery Kit 16:45 Kit Components & Use 17:51 Instructions & Recommendations 20:18 Finding the Right Myofunctional Therapist 23:13 The Importance of a Collaborative Team 24:47 Final Thoughts & Encouragement Resources & LinksYour Tongue Has a Home by Catherine Kangas https://www.amazon.com/dp/1965341101Oral Recovery Kit https://www.thewholisticfam.com/Follow Catherine Kangas:  https://www.instagram.com/integrative_myo/________The Pediatric Breathing Project with Dr. Piya Gandhi explores how airway health, jaw development, and sleep impact childhood wellness. Parents and practitioners will learn to spot early signs of sleep-disordered breathing and discover practical solutions for healthier futures.If you’re a parent, dentist, pediatrician, or healthcare professional passionate about giving children the best start in life, this podcast is your guide to better breathing, better sleep, and better development.Piya Trehan Gandhi, DDSBOARD CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST, AIRWAY AND TONGUE TIE RELEASE SPECIALISTInstagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | YouTube | WebsiteResources from Dr. Piya Gandhi:Free Airway Checklist + Provider Resources: https://drpiyagandhi.com/Find an Airway Provider Near You: https://drpiyagandhi.com/website_4530a186/#directory