We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Fapp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
One of the biggest reasons I started my own practice was because I kept seeing patients who had real functional issues—mouth breathing, tongue thrust, tongue-tie restrictions, and sleep concerns—and there really wasn’t a place where all of those pieces were being addressed together. But honestly, one of the things that really opened my eyes was seeing these airway and functional issues in my own grandson. As a grandmother and a clinician, it made me realize just how important early intervention and proper function really are. It became very personal for me.
I also began noticing that many families were being sent from one provider to another, but no one was focusing on the muscle function, breathing patterns, and oral rest posture that tie everything together. I realized there was a real gap in care.
I wanted to create a place where we could look at the whole picture and support patients in a more comprehensive way. Starting Myofunctional Therapy Central Coast allowed me to build a program that focuses on proper tongue function, nasal breathing, lip seal, and airway health, while also collaborating closely with dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, and other providers. That team approach is really important because these issues often overlap across different specialties.
I’ll also say that starting a business takes a lot of time, energy, and faith. There were definitely moments where it felt like a big step, but I felt strongly that this was the direction I was supposed to go. My faith plays a big role in how I run my business—I pray about it often and really trust God to guide the path.
Over time, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see patients breathe better, sleep better, and feel more confident. Seeing those changes in families is what makes all the hard work worth it.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business, Myofunctional Therapy Central Coast, focuses on helping children and adults improve breathing, oral function, and overall airway health through orofacial myofunctional therapy. Many people have never heard of myofunctional therapy until they or their child are struggling with issues like mouth breathing, tongue thrust, tongue-tie restrictions, or sleep-related concerns. What sets our practice apart is that we take a very comprehensive, collaborative approach to care. We work closely with dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, and other providers so that patients receive support from a full team that understands airway health and oral function.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the structured therapy program we’ve built. Patients aren’t just given exercises and sent home. We guide them step by step through a process that helps establish nasal breathing, improve lip seal, develop proper tongue posture, and support healthy swallowing patterns. We also take measurements and documentation along the way so patients and families can actually see their progress. Watching those changes happen—seeing someone breathe better, sleep better, or finally gain proper tongue mobility—is incredibly rewarding.
Getting to where I am today in business definitely wasn’t easy. Starting a practice requires a huge investment of time, energy, and resources. There were many long days learning not just how to be a better clinician, but also how to run a business. I had to learn about marketing, finances, systems, and leadership. Like many entrepreneurs, there were moments of uncertainty, but I kept putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward, even if the step felt small that day.
I’ve also been very fortunate to have incredible support along the way—from mentors in the myofunctional therapy community, colleagues who share ideas and encouragement, and of course my family. My husband and family have been constant cheerleaders and supporters throughout this journey.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that building something meaningful takes time. You have to be willing to invest in learning, surround yourself with good mentors, and stay committed to your vision even when things feel challenging. I’ve also learned the importance of taking time to rest and recharge along the way.
What I want people to know most about my brand and story is that it comes from a genuine desire to help families. This work is deeply personal to me, especially after seeing airway and functional challenges in my own grandson. That experience reinforced how important early intervention and proper oral function can be. Every day I’m grateful for the opportunity to help patients breathe better, function better, and ultimately live healthier lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d be so excited to show them around San Luis Obispo because this area really gives you the best of California—beautiful open spaces, wildlife, hiking trails, the ocean, and charming little towns throughout the county.
We would definitely spend time walking around downtown San Luis Obispo, grabbing coffee, and if it was a Thursday, going to the Farmers’ Market with all the food, music, and energy. I’d also take them to the coast—Avila Beach, Shell Beach, and Pismo Beach are perfect for walking along the bluffs and watching the sunset over the ocean.
Another must would be a trip up to Cambria and Moonstone Beach to walk the boardwalk and see the elephant seals nearby. For hiking, we’d explore some of the local trails like Bishop Peak or head to Montana de Oro State Park for the incredible coastal views.
We’d also spend a day visiting some of the nearby towns like Paso Robles to enjoy the restaurants and wineries. Honestly though, some of the best moments would just be the simple ones—scenic drives between the hills and the ocean, relaxing at a local café, and soaking in everything that makes the Central Coast so special.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who deserve a shoutout in this journey because I truly didn’t build this alone. First, a family friend who believed in me early on and rented me space at a really affordable rate so I could get started. That made a huge difference when I was first launching the practice.
I’m also incredibly grateful to a myofunctional therapist who allowed me to observe her and take what felt like a million notes. That generosity and willingness to share knowledge helped shape how I practice today.
My parents were another huge part of the beginning. They helped support me financially when I was starting out, and that kind of belief from your family means everything when you’re taking a leap like starting a business.
Professionally, I’ve been very inspired by leaders in the field like Renata Nehme and Megan Van Noy—two amazing myofunctional therapists and business owners who have helped pave the way in this profession. I’ve also been so thankful for my “myo bestie,” Ashley Beels, and my entire cohort of myotherapists across the United States and Canada. Having colleagues who share ideas, support each other, and truly understand this work has been invaluable.
And of course, my husband and my family deserve the biggest thank you. They’ve been my cheerleaders, my counselors, and my steady support system through all the ups and downs of building a business.

Website: https://www.myotherapycc.com

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