Oral Ties & Airway Dysfunction: A Brief Course on Evaluation and Treatment

Dr. Robert Newhalfen is a 2010 graduate of National University of Health Sciences (NUHS). After graduation, he has continued post-graduate coursework in the areas of motion palpation, biomechanics, McKenzie Therapy, functional rehabilitation, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), Active Release Technique (ART), Global Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention (GRIP), pediatric rehabilitation, temporomandibular dysfunction (TMJ and TMD) and various other areas.

Dr. Geraci received his Bachelor of Science Degrees in Business Commerce at Niagara University in 1975 and Physical Therapy from Daemen College in Amherst, NY, in 1979. His medical training began at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara in Mexico receiving his medical degree in 1983 and additional MD degree and residency at the SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences from 1984-1988.

Shirley A. Sahrmann, PT, PhD, FAPTA, is professor of physical therapy, of cell biology and physiology and of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine. Sahrmann is being honored for nearly 50 years of clinical practice excellence in physical therapy.

Michael received his graduate qualification at the Auckland School of Physiotherapy, New Zealand, in 1980. He worked in public hospitals in the medical, surgical, paediatrics, orthopaedics, geriatrics, intensive care and burns areas around New Zealand before being employed in private practices, treating spinal and sports injuries in Nelson with Michael Monaghan and Auckland with Margaret Franklin. In 1985 he moved to Adelaide, Australia, working at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and private practices around Adelaide. He completed a Graduate Diploma in Advanced Manipulative Therapy in 1989 and converted this to a Masters degree at the University of South Australia in 1993. He was awarded a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists (Australian Physiotherapy Association) for his monograph and international best-seller text book, Clinical Neurodynamics, Elsevier, Oxford, 2005.

Dr. Winchester is the founder of Winchester Spine & Sport located outside St. Louis, Missouri. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization instructor trained by Pavel Kolar. Senior Instructor: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization CEU: Physical Therapy by Daemen College. CEU: Chiropractic by D’Youville College. CME: Physicians (DO/MD) by SUNY @ Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Martina Ježková is a senior physiotherapist at the Motol Hospital, Department of Rehabilitation, Charles University, in Prague, Czech Republic. She completed her physiotherapy training in the Czech Republic.

Over the years
Robert has taught different courses in the field of rehabilitation utilizing techniques and approaches of
leaders in this field whose philosophies he deeply appreciates, these include manual therapy, gait and
movement analysis, exercise, and reflex philosophies & techniques. At present he is also an international
DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) instructor.

Stacy is a dental hygienist who graduated with Highest Distinction from Indiana University Northwest in 2000. With a passion for optimizing oral health, she became intrigued by orofacial myology after discovering its impact on muscle function and orofacial development. Inspired by her own experience of a malocclusion caused by a “tongue thrust,” she delved into the field and started identifying myofunctional disorders in her patients. Stacy underwent training with a renowned expert and is excited to bring this therapy to Northwest Indiana, aiming to provide effective assistance to her patients.

Dr. Annie is a general dentist with a passion for airway dentistry. She focuses on promoting proper breathing, tongue posture, and facial muscle function to help individuals reach their full potential. Collaborating with other healthcare providers, she strives for optimal results in both smiles and future health. Dr. Annie has extensive education in myofunctional therapy and oral tissue procedures.

Joe Lorenzetti graduated from D’Youville College in 2004 with his Master’s degree in PT. In 2010 he completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy and his Manual Therapy Certification (MTC) through the University of St. Augustine. He completed the Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT) Fellowship offered by Daemen College in 2014. Joe became an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association in 2018. Recently, he completed the McKenzie Diploma Program in 2021. He currently is the Program Director for the McKenzie USA OMPT Fellowship Program. He serves as a clinical mentor for the McKenzie Residency and Fellowship Program. Joe is also an adjunct instructor for both the Bryant & Stratton College Physical Therapy Assistant Program along with the Tufts University and D’Youville University Physical Therapy Programs. Currently he is the Clinical Specialist and Program Director for the Spine Program at Catholic Health System in Buffalo, NY. He also is currently enrolled in the Bellin College DScPT Program and a member of the McKenzie Institute Research Taskforce.

Ms. Safarova, a Charles University graduate, specializes in rehabilitating locomotor system issues as a physiotherapist at University Hospital Motol in Prague. She is a certified Vojta therapist, with plans to become a certified Vojta method assistant. She primarily works with pediatric clients, focusing on treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In addition to clinical work, she teaches medical and physiotherapy students and has international teaching experience. Ms. Safarova is proficient in English and holds certifications in various therapeutic techniques. Her 2009 PhD thesis explored musculoskeletal system dysfunction in long-term remission of Wilms Nephroblastoma. She resides near Prague with her family.