From Passion to Purpose: Myofunctional Therapists Recognized Among the Top 10 Women Leaders of 2026.

Recognition like this does not come by chance. Myofunctional Therapists Paula Anderson and Dr. Emily Niemann, two remarkable leaders from Myo Matters, have been named among MSN's Top 10 Women Leading with Purpose in 2026.

This honor highlights our dedication, vision, and the meaningful impact we have made in the field of Myofunctional Therapy. Our work is transforming lives and setting new standards for leadership with heart and clarity.

Paula Anderson and Dr. Emily Niemann recognized for leadership and innovation at Myo Matters.

The Journey to Recognition

Dr. Emily Niemann and I have built our careers on a foundation of purpose-driven work and patient-centered root cause approach from a small town near the Quad Cities in Iowa. Raised in a traditional healthcare environment where symptoms were often treated separately, we became deeply curious about the root causes behind common struggles like poor sleep, oral dysfunction, feeding difficulties, and airway issues.

My turning point came during my work as a dental hygienist, when I attended a sleep and breathing conference introduced me to Myofunctional Therapy and airway focused care. What I discovered was not just theoretical, it was transformative. I first applied it within my own family, witnessing undeniable results that reshaped my entire approach to health.

Dr. Emily Niemann's path aligned naturally. As an Occupational Therapist committed to functional, whole-person care, she experienced Myofunctional Therapy personally and later saw its impact on her own children. What began as a mother-daughter collaboration evolved into a shared mission. To expand access to care that supports breathing, sleep development, and long-term wellness across all ages.

Our journey has been grounded in patience, education, and meeting families where they are leading them to become trusted voices in a growing field.

Contributions to the Field

Through Myo Matters, Dr. Emily and I are reshaping how families and providers understand oral health, airway development, and myofunctional therapy.

Myo Matters contributes to the field by offering evidence-based, individualized care in areas such as:

1. Virtual and In-Person Care Plans to make therapy accessible for families across all stages of life. Myo Matters offers a Free 1:1 Virtual Consultation to help you decide if Myofunctional Therapy is for you.

2. Myofunctional Therapy for oral posture, tongue function, and muscle balance.

3. Tongue Tie Support and collaborative care for improved feeding and development.

4. Infant Therapy to support feeding, breastfeeding, development of milestones, and early oral motor skills.

5. Airway and Sleep Focused Therapy addressing mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep disordered breathing.

6. TMJ and Orofacial Dysfunctional Support for jaw tension, swallowing challenges, and long-term comfort.

Our work emphasizes that oral function is not isolated, it is connected to the entire body, from sleep quality to eating habits to childhood development.

One defining example involved a young girl initially seen for dental crowding. Through Myofunctional Therapy, her outcomes extended far beyond the mouth. It improved her sleep, eating, and even ended bedwetting. Moments like these reflect the life-changing scope of their work.

Vision for the Future

Dr. Emily Niemann and I envision a future where families no longer feel lost or dismissed when facing symptoms that seem disconnected.

Our goal is to build a center of excellence for airway-focused, preventative care. One that combines:

1. Evidence-Based Therapy

2. Compassionate Education

3. Early Intervention

4. Strong Provider Collaboration

5. Empowerment for Families

We believe that Myofunctional Therapy should not be a hidden specialty, but a widely understood and accessible pathway for better breathing, better sleep, healthier development, and lifelong wellness.

Our future is rooted in expanding awareness, improving outcomes, and ensuring every patient knows that a real solution exists.

What This Recognition Means

Being named among MSN's Top 10 Women Leading with Purpose in 2026 is more than an accolade. It is a call to action and a platform to amplify our message. For Emily and I, it validates our approach and encourages them to continue leading with integrity and passion.

For Myo Matters, this recognition strengthens our mission and inspires the entire team to uphold the high standards that Dr. Niemann and I set. It also signals to the wider community that meaningful progress in health care comes from dedication, innovation, and a clear sense of purpose.

My journey with Dr. Emily Niemann shows how focused leadership and a commitment to meaningful work can create lasting impact. Our story encourages all of us to lead with purpose and to believe in the power of our contributions. As we continue to shape the future of myofunctional therapy, our recognition serves as a beacon for others striving to make a difference.