Alexandra Smouha - ATUNE Health Centres  - Speech Pathologist & Orofacial Myologist

BASc (Speech Pathology) Honours1, MSPA CPSP

Alexandra is passionate about supporting children with oral dysfunctions and helping their families navigate potential impacts.

Alexandra has a special interest in Orofacial Myology which was deepened when her first daughter was born with a restricted lingual frenulum. Otherwise known as tongue-tie. She is now committed to supporting families facing similar issues addressing the potential impacts on speech, swallowing, breathing, dental health, sleep, and behaviour.

What is Orofacial Myology?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is focused on retraining the muscles and motor patterns of the tongue and face to establish correct oral rest posture, nasal breathing, and correct swallowing patterns.

These are critical in addressing a wide range of issues, including mouth breathing, harmful oral habits such as thumb-sucking and prolonged pacifier use, orthodontic concerns like malocclusions, and challenges with speech, drooling, and other related issues.

Additionally, this therapy can positively impact breathing, sleep quality, and behavioural outcomes.

Alexandra’s comprehensive approach involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, including fellow speech pathologists, breathing therapists, bodywork specialists, ENT professionals, and functional/holistic dentists.

This team-based strategy ensures that her clients receive holistic care to achieve long-lasting results.

Credentials

Alexandra has worked as a speech pathologist in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and community centres across Sydney and Western Australia. She relocated to Newcastle in early 2017, where her interest in early intervention, speech, and articulation disorders continued to grow.

Throughout her 10-year career as a speech pathologist, Alexandra has continued to grow professionally completing numerous courses. In 2023, she completed training in Orofacial Myology and is currently working towards becoming a certified MyoMunchee Practitioner.