Breathe First

About Us

At Breathe First, we are dedicated to helping individuals of all ages improve their breathing, oral function, and overall well-being through expert myofunctional therapy. Our team of experienced clinicians is committed to delivering high-quality care, ensuring that trust, collaboration, and personalised treatment are at the core of everything we do.

8
Specialist Clinicians
20+
Years Lead Experience
2
Clinic Locations
Our People

Meet the Team

Our team of specialist therapists bring decades of combined experience across speech and language therapy, myofunctional therapy, and breathing re-education.

Emily Kirkcaldy
Emily Kirkcaldy
Highly Specialist SALT, OMT, BBM, YTM (DIP)

I'm Emily, the Owner and Lead Clinician at Breathe First with over 20 years of experience as a Speech and Language Therapist, dedicating the last 5 years to airway focus and oral restrictions/dysfunction. I pride myself on a high quality of patient care, with trust at the centre of the therapeutic relationship.

Maureen Segree
Maureen Segree
SALT, OMT

I'm Maureen, a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with 30 years of experience, also specialising in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. I'm passionate about helping clients improve communication and oral function.

Alice Spencer
Alice Spencer
Specialist SALT, OMT and BBM

I'm Alice, a therapist specialising in myofunctional therapy and speech and language development, with training in the Buteyko Breathing Method. I use a holistic, evidence-based approach to improve breathing, oral function, and communication for better overall health.

Katie Harp
Katie Harp
SALT, OMT

I'm a qualified myofunctional therapist with over 16 years' experience as a speech and language therapist, specialising in dysphagia and neurological communication disorders. I'm passionate about providing high-quality, evidence-based support.

Natalie Golden
Natalie Golden
RDH, OMT

I'm Natalie, a Registered Dental Hygienist with 25 years of clinical experience. I also practise Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, supporting children and adults to improve their breathing, oral posture, and overall function with a calm and practical approach.

Amy Schofield
Amy Schofield
BSc (Hons) MRCSLT, HCPC, MASLTIP

I'm Amy, a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with over 13 years of experience. I specialise in speech sound disorders and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. I work collaboratively and am passionate about developing oral function and communication to support people's health and wellbeing.

Helen Fraser
Helen Fraser
SALT, OMT

I'm Helen, a Speech and Language Therapist with over 18 years of clinical experience and specialist training in myofunctional therapy. I offer a warm, personalised approach to evidence-based care, supporting people to enhance their quality of life through improved communication and oral function.

Sophie Harkness
Sophie Harkness
SALT, OMT

I'm Sophie, a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with expertise in airway disorders and dysphagia. I'm currently undertaking a PhD focused on unexplained swallowing difficulties, alongside my clinical work. I'm passionate about supporting my patients with thoughtful, evidence-based care.

Face to face assessment at Breathe First
Online therapy session at Breathe First
How We Work

Our Approach

At Breathe First, we tailor therapy to fit your lifestyle. Assessments take place in person, while therapy sessions are online — giving you expert care with flexibility.

Our experience in healthcare and education allows us to provide effective, results-driven treatment, working closely with other professionals to support your progress.

Face to Face Assessments — in clinic at Altrincham & Birmingham
Online Therapy — all follow-up sessions delivered remotely
Qualifications

Our Training

Evidence-based courses and certifications our therapists have completed.

Manual & Body-Based Therapy
  • Manual Therapy for Voice, Swallowing, and TMJ Disorders
  • Primitive Reflex Integration & the Fascial System
Oral & Feeding Therapy
  • TalkTools Oral Placement Therapy
  • TalkTools Best Practices in Feeding, Speech & Mouth Function
Myofunctional & Breathing Therapy
  • AOMT (Foundations in Myofunctional Therapy)
  • Buteyko Breathing Practitioner Training
  • The Breathe Course (Dr. Zaghi, TBI)
  • Myomunchee Practitioner Training
  • MRC Myobrace Certifications
Additional Specialisms
Makaton Cued Articulation Neurolinguistic Programming Lego Therapy PECS
Our Mission

Why Choose Us?

At Breathe First, we understand firsthand the transformative power of functional breathing and proper oral function. What started as a personal journey became a mission to empower individuals of all ages with the tools to improve their health, sleep, communication, and overall well-being.

We take a whole-body approach, addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. Our therapy is built on the latest research in myofunctional therapy, airway health, and functional breathing, helping patients achieve lasting results.

Expert-Led Care
Led by an experienced clinician with a background in speech and language therapy, airway health, and myofunctional sciences.
Evidence-Based Therapy
We combine expertise in breathing, oral function, and developmental sciences to create tailored treatment plans.
Flexible & Accessible
In-person assessments and online therapy allow you to fit treatment into your busy lifestyle.
Collaborative Approach
We work closely with dentists and medical specialists, including onward referrals where needed, to maximise your outcomes.
A Passion-Driven Mission
Born from personal experience and professional dedication — committed to helping people breathe, function, and thrive.
Why choose Breathe First

Always Breathe First.