Our Philosophy
We look beyond smiles to support healthy growth and function.
At NOVA Pediatric Airway & Myofunctional Therapy, we understand that a healthy smile is about far more than appearance—it’s about how your child’s body functions every day. Our focus extends beyond teeth to include the way your child breathes, sleeps, speaks, and grows.
We pay close attention to the underlying factors that influence long-term health and development, including tongue posture, breathing patterns, and sleep quality. By addressing these early, we can help prevent more significant issues down the road—supporting your child’s ability to thrive now and in the future.
We believe in caring for the whole child, not just the mouth. Oral health is deeply connected to sleep, speech, nutrition, posture, and overall well-being. Our goal is to create balance and function that lasts a lifetime.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We work closely with pediatricians, therapists, lactation consultants, ENTs, and other specialists to ensure every family receives comprehensive, coordinated care. Parents should never feel alone in navigating these concerns—we’re here to guide, educate, and support you every step of the way.
Our Mission
Our care is centered around three key principles:
1. Root-Cause Care
We don’t just treat symptoms. We uncover what’s really happening beneath them. Whether your child is struggling with snoring, mouth breathing, or jaw development, we focus on improving airway health and functional balance.
2. Collaborative Support
Your child’s health often involves more than one system, which is why we collaborate closely with ENTs, pediatric dentists, sleep physicians, and myofunctional therapists to provide seamless, whole-child care.
3. Empowered Families
Education is at the heart of what we do. We help parents understand how breathing, posture, and oral habits shape a child’s development so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Gema Island
Dr. Gema Island is a highly respected pediatric dentist with over two decades of experience dedicated to creating healthy, happy smiles. As a board-certified pediatric dentist, she is a distinguished member of the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Her unique approach to pediatric dental care is rooted in her specialized training at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, which focused on the critical relationship between pediatric airway development and early orthodontic treatment. Dr. Island is a strong proponent of a comprehensive, evidence-based approach, understanding that a child's oral health is intrinsically linked to their overall systemic health. She specializes in performing tongue and lip tie releases for infants and young children experiencing speech, swallowing, and other developmental issues, addressing the root causes to ensure optimal growth.
Dr. Island is a certified Myo Munchee practitioner and a member of both the American Laser Study Club and the International Affiliation of Tongue Tie. A passionate advocate for children's health, she frequently lectures on breathing-related issues and their impact on development. Her commitment to her field has been recognized by her peers, who have voted her a "Top Pediatric Dentist" in prestigious publications like NOVA Magazine, The Washingtonian, and Washington DC Luxury Magazine.
Beyond her practice, Dr. Island is honored to serve as Co-Chair of Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) in Northern Virginia for 2025–2026, a national program that provides free oral healthcare to underserved children.
Ariana Grieco, OMT
I am a certified Myofunctional Therapist through the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT) and a foreign-trained dentist, graduating in 2017 from La Universidad del Zulia in Venezuela. My clinical background gives me a deep understanding of oral function, facial growth, and the interconnected systems that influence breathing, posture, and long-term health.
I’m passionate about identifying and treating the underlying causes of issues such as mouth breathing, open-mouth posture, tongue-tie, oral habits, and sleep-disordered breathing. My approach focuses on restoring proper nasal breathing, optimizing tongue posture, and supporting healthy craniofacial development through evidence-based myofunctional therapy.
I believe early awareness and intervention can transform a child’s airway health, sleep quality, and overall development — and that adults, too, can benefit tremendously from improving how their bodies breathe, function, and rest.
Outside the clinic, you can find me working out, enjoying time with my husband and daughter, and continuing to learn about the ever-evolving field of airway-focused dentistry.
In The Community
Sharing smiles, knowledge, and care beyond the office.
At NOVA Pediatric Airway & Myofunctional Therapy, we believe that creating healthier futures starts with education and community connection. Dr. Gema and Ari are passionate about giving back and love finding ways to support children and families outside the practice.
Throughout the year, they partner with local schools and children’s organizations to share information and resources on maintaining strong oral health and healthy habits. Each February, in celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, they visit area schools—often with Ari dressed as the Tooth Fairy!—to help students learn about brushing, flossing, and choosing foods that keep teeth healthy and strong.
Through these efforts, our team hopes to make oral health fun, approachable, and empowering for every child, while helping families build the foundation for lifelong wellness.
Ready to help your child breathe easier, sleep better, and grow healthier?
We’re here to help.