Meet the CTOM Team!

At CT Orofacial Myology (CTOM), patient centered care is our top priority, along with reliability, responsibility, and dedication. We treat each patient uniquely and with the utmost integrity. Brittny and her team of myofunctional therapists take great pride in maintaining excellent rapport with their patients and patients’ families. At CTOM, a passionate and optimistic approach is taken in preventing and treating the causes of orofacial myofunctional disorders, getting to the root of the problem instead of merely treating the symptoms.

Brittny Sciarra Murphy, BS, COM®, QOM®
Founder of CT Orofacial Myology

Brittny Murphy is the owner of CT Orofacial Myology. She is a Certified Orofacial Myologist and Buteyko Breathing Educator. Brittny received her degree from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS in 2011 and post graduate training in Myofunctional Therapy through the AOMT and IAOM in 2016 and 2017. Brittny is an educator and mentor for Dental Sleep Toolbox and Airway Health Solutions, training other registered dental hygienists who share the same passion in becoming myofunctional therapists. Brittny is also the face behind the podcast, “I Spy with My Myo Eye”.

As an orofacial myologist and healthcare professional, Brittny is always looking for ways to improve her patients’ quality of life. She believes myofunctional therapy is a huge aid in attaining those goals. Brittny advocates for her patients every step of the way and will make sure her patients are heard. Brittny is always looking to expand her knowledge and skills by taking courses and keeping up to date on current literature and best industry practices. She works collaboratively with and is well respected by dentists, orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS), otolaryngologists (ENTs), speech language pathologists, and other local health care professionals.

When she’s not wearing her myo hat, you can find her spending time with her husband Kyle, and her two dogs, KoBe and Beau.

More about Brittny…

Joann Amoroso, QOM® - CTOM Virtual Therapist

Joann began her career in health care as a registered dental hygienist. With over 20 years experience, she began practicing in the prestigious NYC working on the mouths of many well-known celebrities and businesspeople. As family brought her closer to home, she continued practicing in a more family friendly area on Long Island. She takes pride in her ability to create the most comfortable environment for her patents while always providing the highest standard of care. Specializing in her pediatric skills, parents would come from all over to have her work with their children. She finds working with kids, one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.

Being a lifelong learner, Joann began learning and studying about patients with Sleep Disorder Breathing issues and problems associated with airway health. She was hired as the Clinical Sleep Director of a large company whose concentration falls on Oral Appliance Therapy for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. From here, orofacial myology was the next logical step.

Joann has had the pleasure of studying and practicing myofunctional therapy with some of the most knowledgeable people in the field. She works in collaboration with other airway professionals growing in knowledge and individualizing each patient’s treatment plan to meet their very specific needs. She enjoys keeping her programs fun while helping improve the quality of life one person at a time.

Amy Backstrom, MS, MAS™, OMT

Amy has 25 years of dental experience. She has received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from University of New Haven and later achieved her Master of Science in Integrative Health from Rutgers University. She is passionate about education and treating patients holistically which led her to her Myofunctional therapy journey. Amy goes above and beyond for her patients, staying at the cutting edge of orofacial Myofunctional therapy practices. Her passion and commitment shine through in every patient interaction, leaving a lasting impression.

When Amy is not wearing her MYO therapy hat, you can find her enjoying her other passions- her two daughters, husband and Husky named Apache. She loves to cook, garden, sing and spend time outdoors with family and friends.

Blerina Xhihani, MS, OMT

Blerina Xhihani has over 20 years of experience providing patient care as a dental hygienist. In this role, she has collaborated with different specialist to provide a multidisciplinary approach to care for her patients. She has worked with patients undergoing orthodontics and treatment for sleep apnea. Her experience in the myofunctional field started as a personal one, with the need for her children to undergo myofunctional therapy. This allowed her a firsthand and ongoing look into the benefits of proper oral posture. Blerina believes in a multidisciplinary approach to health and knows the proper function of airways has a tremendous impact on oral and overall health. Blerina earned a dental hygiene degree from University of New Haven and a Master of Science degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She has extensive experience working with all ages and enjoys providing a holistic approach to proper oral health posture.

Blerina is a believer in ongoing self-improvement through steps large and small, and loves helping others improve their quality of life.

Ashlee Dionne, BS, OMT- CTOM Virtual Therapist

Ashlee has been practicing as a registered Dental Hygienist since 2011. She received her degree from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She started her Orofacial Myofunctional therapy journey in 2020.

Ashlee is very excited to be a part of the CTOM team. She truly believes that OMT is the missing link between what she learned in hygiene and having a healthy and functional mouth and airway. She continues to immerse herself in the field by attending continuing education classes and webinars, listening to podcasts, and reading.

Ashlee lives in Maine and enjoys spending time with her Husband and their two children. Some of her favorite pastimes are reading, and baking with her daughter.

Alison Macfarlane, OMT

Alison is passionate about providing exceptional patient care in the fields of both myofunctional therapy and dental hygiene. Her road to becoming an oral health professional was not a direct one as she first obtained an Associate of Science Degree in Fashion Marketing and then a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fashion Design before setting her sights on dental hygiene. She obtained an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from Goodwin College in 2019 and has worked in pediatric and general dentistry offices since then. There she observed patients of all ages struggling to find solutions to their eating and sleeping dysfunctions. That is when she discovered myofunctional therapy and completed her post graduate education in the field through the IAOM in 2023. She worked closely with her dental practices to share this knowledge with her fellow providers and patients alike. With this new found information she began analyzing her own sleep issues which lead her into orthodontic treatment, including palate expansion, and then into myofunctional therapy. Having first hand experience on how these therapies and treatments can change your life gives her even more understanding and enthusiasm for her work.

Outside of the office, Alison spends her free time with her husband and son. She loves to travel, watch movies, and design clothing.

Mina Cordero- CTOM Treatment Coordinator

Introducing our Treatment Coordinator, Mina, a highly experienced professional with a strong background in pharmacy. With over 8 years of dedicated practice as a licensed pharmacist, Mina has a deep understanding of healthcare, making her a valuable asset in the field of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.

Having graduated from Our Lady of Fatima University in 2014 and successfully passing her board exam in 2015, Mina embarked on a fulfilling career in pharmacy. However, her curiosity and passion for oral health and functional improvement led her to explore the realm of Orofacial Myofunctional practice.

When she's not assisting patients on their journey to better oral function, you'll find Mina engrossed in medical-related dramas like Grey's Anatomy & The Good Doctor, staying connected to the ever-evolving world of healthcare. Outside of work, she cherishes precious moments bonding and playing with her two loving sons, finding joy in being a dedicated mother.

With her extensive professional experience and caring demeanor, Mina is dedicated to providing personalized care and support to every patient. Welcome to our practice, where your oral health is in capable and compassionate hands. Together, we'll achieve the healthy and functional smile you deserve.

CTOM’s Mascots

KoBe Bruce

KoBe Bruce has a chronic interdental tongue thrust that is actually not shown in the photo below. Miss Brittny must have asked KoBe to bring his tongue to the magic spot 😉 KoBe Bruce has made an appearance at many therapy sessions and received extra love and cuddles from our wonderful patients.

Lambeau aka ‘Beau’

Beau Babes is a youngster. Brittny, Kyle, and KoBe welcome Beau home in January of 2021. Beau thinks he’s his brother’s size and has become quite the lap dog. Beau is a complete cuddle monster and has also received warm welcomes from families of CTOM. You will find Beau consistently exercising his jaw with anything he can find to put in his mouth. Beau’s severe tongue deviation was noted in his initial assessment.