Najmeh Hannanvash, DDS, MSD
Dr. Najmeh Hannanvash is known for her commitment and work on treating newborns, infants, toddlers, and children of all ages with oral restrictions with the use of advanced laser surgery. She is also very passionate about the pediatric airway and functional growth modification to improve a child’s ability to breathe, sleep, thrive, grow, and develop. She is an expert in her field and a leading provider in California.
In her free time, Najmeh enjoys traveling, attending concerts, all things Disney, and spending time with her family and chihuahuas Simba and Nala. She is passionate about giving back to her community.
Jennifer Gathman, MSN, FNP-C, IBCLC
My name is Jen and I am a nurse practitioner and IBCLC (lactation consultant) with over 13 years of experience working with moms and newborns. I started my nursing career as a labor & delivery nurse and loved helping and empowering women to have the birth experience they hoped for. Working in L&D I realized how much support women also needed on their breastfeeding journey, so I became a lactation consultant as well. I could see there was so much room for improvement in caring for new families and promoting breastfeeding. I love being able to help provide the education families seek in order for them to make the best choices for their families. I am passionate about helping new families, without judgment! I genuinely care and am dedicated to being the ongoing support you need!
Fun Fact: I have an amazing husband and two teenage boys who are my world. Marching band is life in the fall. We love seeing all the talented high school kids perform the most incredible shows. We also own a school bus that we are converting into an RV and that keeps the family busy on the weekends.
Nicole Goldfarb, MA, CCC-SLP, COM
Nicole Goldfarb founded the San Diego Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy over 20 years ago, and she has been practicing Speech-Language Pathology since 2003 and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy since 2008.
She is the 193rd Certified Orofacial Myologistâ in the world, and in achieving her orofacial myofunctional therapy certification, she received the highest score ever appointed on the International Association of Orofacial Myology certification exam at that time.
Nicole also holds the distinction of being one of only a few Certified Orofacial Myologistsâ in all of San Diego County that also has a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, which is an unparalleled combination of degrees that allows her to provide the most advanced and comprehensive treatment, as most patients with speech issues also have myofunctional issues.
In addition to owning a private practice for over 20 years, Nicole worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist in a school district for 7 years, servicing thousands of children with speech and orofacial disorders.
Nicole has achieved numerous advanced trainings in both speech-language pathology and orofacial myofunctional disorders, and she has a special passion and interest in sleep-disordered breathing and diagnosing restricted frenums as they relate to orofacial myofunctional disorders.
Karyn Johnson-Fernandez, MS, OTR/L, SWC, CBS
My name is Karyn (Car-in) and I am the owner of Food is Fun, Let's Eat. I have been a pediatric occupational therapist since 2010. In working with many families over the years, I have realized two things; one, that eating and family meal time is a huge part of our daily lives which creates a connection to those around us, and two, as a mom of a selective eater, my love for exploring, enjoying, and sharing a balance of tasty and nutritious food and meal times continues to grow. These two areas combined led me to specialize in feeding therapy, in order to help families feel more comfortable, connected, and successful with meal time in their home and the community.
I have taken many courses to further educate myself in learning about sensory, oral motor, and swallowing difficulties, tethered oral tissues (TOTs), breast and bottle feeding as a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist-CBS, food progression, and overall pediatric feeding difficulties. I also enjoy, value, and find it helpful to collaborate with other like-minded healthcare professionals to ensure I am working with all disciplines of a child's team in order to provide the best quality of care.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, trying new foods, cooking, and traveling to new places to make adventurous memories!
Hope Reyes PT, DPT, CBS
Dr. Hope Reyes PT, DPT, CBS is a licensed Doctor of physical therapy and certified breastfeeding specialist. She is a pediatric physical therapist and services patients from birth to 18 years of age. Dr. Hope completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona (Bear Down!) with a major in physiology and a minor in chemistry. She then went on to obtain her doctorate in physical therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences graduating with high honors. It is her extensive background in dance and love for everything Disney that gives her the ability to make movement fun for the patients and families that she services.
Dr. Hope is most passionate about educating parents so they feel confident to promote their child’s physical strength and independence in movement. This passion led her to start her own practice, Moving Munchkins. Dr. Hope provides physical therapy services for babies with developmental delay, torticollis, plagiocephaly, complex medical diagnoses, and feeding difficulties. She believes that infant feeding is a whole-body function and collaborative care is essential for safe and effective feeding.
When Dr. Hope is not working, she enjoys staying active and spending time with her husband, Eron, fur-child, Lily, and daughter Brielle.
Fun Facts:
- I married my high school sweetheart
- My dog is named after Lily Potter
- I won on the Price is Right!
Selina Preston RDH, CSOM
Selina was born in Denver, grew up in Lompoc California, and moved to sunny San Diego to pursue her dental career. Selina enjoys spending time with her family and friends and stays active snowboarding and exploring San Diego’s beautiful beaches.
After graduating from Concorde Community College as a Dental Hygienist, Selina gained knowledge and understanding of orofacial myology and realized she would benefit from orofacial myology sessions. This led her to advance her education and training and become a Certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology (CSOM) and a graduate of the Myomentor Program.
Selina and her husband recently welcomed their first child and now have first-hand experience of orofacial dysfunction in newborns and know the importance of collaborating with knowledgeable orofacial therapists and pediatricians to encourage successful newborn feedings. Selina is also passionate about bridging the gap between the medical and dental fields and stays active in her community to increase awareness.
Tamara Thomas RDH, CSOM
Tamara’s journey into Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy began with her own personal and family experiences with orofacial dysfunction. Being tongue-tied, she went through OMT to eliminate her oral dysfunction. Upon finishing the program, the spark grew for her to continue with the OMT endeavors. In 2016, Tamara began exploring the field of OMT and with extensive training and education, she became a Certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology (CSOM). In 2017, she opened Facial Physique and most recently in 2020, she became a Myomentor Therapy Advisor to oversee and guide other professionals in OMT.
Tamara enjoys working with all ages to improve oral function as it relates to breathing, facial development, and growth. She hopes to build constant awareness within the orofacial community and is a strong advocate in bridging the gap between the medical and dental fields. She is an active member of the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists whose mission is to integrate oral health into medical care.
