Why Choose Southern Speech & Myo

I’m Kaitlyn Shrum, a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Southern Speech & Myo. My clinical work focuses on the intersection of speech, feeding, oral function, breathing, and airway health.

Over the years, my clinical interests have expanded beyond traditional speech therapy. I became increasingly interested in understanding why a child or adult was experiencing a particular symptom and how the different systems involved in communication, feeding, swallowing, breathing, and orofacial function influence one another.

That perspective has shaped the way I practice today.

Rather than looking at speech, feeding, breathing, or oral function as isolated problems, I consider the whole functional system and work to identify the factors that may be contributing to the concern.

My Clinical Expertise

My areas of clinical focus include:

• Orofacial myofunctional disorders/myofunctional therapy

• Speech and articulation disorders

• Feeding and oral-motor disorders

• Buteyko Breathing & breathwork

• Respiratory Muscle Strength Training (RMST)

• Airway-focused care

• Tongue tie & Tethered Oral Tissues

My approach is individualized and evidence-based, with an emphasis on functional outcomes that carry over into everyday life.

Education & Advanced Training

I earned my Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida and hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

I have pursued additional specialized training in areas including:

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Qualified Orofacial Myologist (QOM) through NeoHealth Services and Certified Myofunctional Therapist (CMT) through The Myo Method.

Functional Breathing
Certified Buteyko Breathing Method practitioner.

Respiratory Muscle Strength Training
Advanced clinical training in inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength assessment and training.

Feeding & Oral Motor Therapy
Continuing education in sensory-motor based feeding, SOFFI, Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, and Kaufman approach for childhood apraxia.

Speech & Motor Speech Disorders
Clinical experience and continuing education in articulation, phonological disorders, and motor speech disorders.

My continuing education reflects my belief that good clinicians should remain curious, continue learning, and continually evaluate how new evidence can improve patient care.

A Whole-System Approach

One of the most important principles behind my practice is simple:

The symptom isn't always the whole story.

A speech sound error may exist alongside an atypical oral resting posture.

Feeding difficulties may involve sensory, motor, structural, or functional factors.

Mouth breathing may be influenced by nasal airway function, oral posture, muscle function, or other underlying factors.

Breathing and airway concerns may intersect with oral function, swallowing, posture, and respiratory muscle strength.

That doesn't mean every symptom has the same cause—or that one therapy can address every problem.

It means we need to look at the individual as a whole.

When appropriate, I collaborate with ENTs, dentists, orthodontists, physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to help determine what can be addressed through therapy and when another provider should be involved.

Beyond the Clinic

In addition to clinical practice, I am passionate about education and professional collaboration.

I provide mentoring and consultation for speech-language pathologists and other professionals interested in expanding their knowledge of myofunctional therapy, feeding, breathing, and respiratory muscle strength training.

I also develop continuing education and educational resources for clinicians who want to incorporate evidence-based approaches into their own practices.

My goal is not simply to provide therapy to my own clients, but also to help other professionals develop the knowledge and clinical reasoning needed to provide thoughtful, functional care.