Spokane Valley: A Community Where Nature Meets Neighborly Charm

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Spokane Valley

HelloSpokane Valley is a video magazine containing information of interest to residents and visitors.

Fall Issue 2025 | ISSN: 3065-6958

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A Community Where Nature Meets Neighborly Charm

Spokane Valley, Washington, offers an exceptional blend of serene landscapes and vibrant community spirit, making it a desirable place to call home. Situated in proximity to the bustling city of Spokane and the breathtaking Pacific

Northwest wilderness, the Valley presents an ideal location for those seeking balance between urban amenities and outdoor adventures. Residents of Spokane Valley enjoy a plethora of recreational opportunities, from exploring the scenic trails of Dishman Hills to kayaking along the Spokane River. The abundance of parks and green spaces provides perfect spots for family picnics, leisurely walks, and gatherings with friends. The

local farmers markets are a delightful staple, offering fresh produce and fostering a true sense of community. In Spokane Valley, you'll discover a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where neighbors greet each other with a smile and local shops and eateries beckon with charming allure. The Valley boasts an excellent school system and a thriving business environment, ensuring quality education and career opportunities for

all. Whether you're drawn by the picturesque views or the friendly neighborhood vibe, Spokane Valley is a gem that shines with promise and possibility, unlocking a lifestyle that's both enriching and fulfilling.

Understanding Tongue-Ties and Their Impact

Tongue-ties, clinically referred to as ankyloglossia, occur when the lingual frenulum—a small fold of tissue under the tongue—is unusually short, thick, or tight. This condition restricts the tongue’s range of motion and can impact several developmental

functions, particularly in infants and young children.

Most often identified in infancy, tongue-ties can interfere with effective breastfeeding. The tongue’s restricted mobility may prevent infants from latching properly, leading to inadequate milk transfer and symptoms such as maternal nipple pain or

can manifest in difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, particularly those requiring elevation of the tongue. It can also make routine tasks like licking, eating, or maintaining dental hygiene more difficult due to limited tongue movement.

Diagnosis is typically made through a clinical examination that evaluates tongue function alongside observable physical characteristics. Providers may use assessment tools to score tongue mobility and determine functional limitations. It’s essential to differentiate between a visible frenulum and one that functionally impairs mobility, as not all visible ties...

infant weight loss. In such cases, lactation consultants are often the first professionals to identify the concern.

When untreated, tongue-ties may contribute to speech articulation issues, oral hygiene challenges, and even sleep-disordered breathing. As children grow, the condition

About the Author

Dr. Molly Gunsaulis is a highly accomplished pediatric dentist in Spokane Valley. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is known for her commitment to airway-focused dental education, integrating a collaborative team approach for optimal outcomes in her pediatric dental practice.

Open mouth breathing is more than a simple habit; it often signals a disruption in the body's normal respiratory function. While it may occur temporarily during illness or congestion, chronic open mouth breathing can indicate deeper structural or functional issues involving the airway, nasal passages, or

orofacial muscles.
In children, this breathing pattern frequently stems from nasal obstruction, whether due to allergies, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or anatomical deviations. When the nose cannot function as the primary airway, the body compensates by breathing through the mouth. Over time, this

result in a narrow palate and elongated face. These changes may increase the risk of crowded teeth, speech difficulties, and disrupted sleep.
Left unaddressed, open mouth breathing may also contribute to behavioral and cognitive symptoms related to poor sleep, such as difficulty focusing, irritability, and daytime fatigue. In many cases, children with sleep-disordered breathing exhibit symptoms similar to ADHD.
Comprehensive evaluation is essential to identify the root cause. Treatment plans often involve a team approach, including pediatricians, ENTs, dentists, and myofunctional therapists...

compensation becomes habitual and can impact facial growth and oral development.
Chronic open mouth breathing can lead to long-term changes in facial structure, dental alignment, and sleep quality. The tongue, instead of resting against the palate, sits low in the mouth, which can

About the Author

Dr. Molly Gunsaulis is a highly accomplished pediatric dentist in Spokane Valley. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is known for her commitment to airway-focused dental education, integrating a collaborative team approach for optimal outcomes in her pediatric dental practice.

Feeding difficulties in infants and young children are often the first visible sign of a deeper physiological or developmental concern. While some degree of variability is expected in early feeding patterns, consistent problems may point to oral motor dysfunction, structural limitations, or airway-related

conditions.
Signs such as prolonged feeding times, difficulty latching, coughing or choking during meals, or refusal to eat certain textures can suggest more than just a fussy eater. These behaviors may be compensations for underlying challenges, including tongue-tie, high palate, or sensory integration

that control swallowing and breathing.
In infants, unresolved feeding issues may result in poor weight gain and feeding aversion, while older children may exhibit behavioral symptoms related to mealtime stress. Beyond nutrition, these issues can affect speech development, facial growth, and sleep quality.
A thorough evaluation should assess the child’s oral structures, reflexes, and breathing patterns. Feeding therapists, often working alongside pediatricians, ENTs, and orofacial specialists, use detailed assessments to identify the source of difficulty and design interventions. These may include...

issues.
Feeding challenges can serve as early warning signs of oral motor dysfunction, airway restriction, or neurological coordination problems. When a child is unable to create effective suction or manipulate food in the mouth, it often reflects dysfunction in the muscles or nerves

About the Author

Dr. Molly Gunsaulis is a highly accomplished pediatric dentist in Spokane Valley. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is known for her commitment to airway-focused dental education, integrating a collaborative team approach for optimal outcomes in her pediatric dental practice.

Sleep disturbances in children are often discussed in behavioral or neurological terms, but the influence of oral health on sleep quality is a critical and sometimes overlooked factor. Oral structures play a central role in airway function, and their development directly impacts breathing during

rest.
Children with narrow palates, enlarged tonsils, or restricted tongue posture may struggle to maintain an open airway while asleep. These anatomical features can lead to obstructive sleep patterns, including snoring, mouth breathing, and even sleep apnea. In many cases, disrupted sleep is a sign of an

affects not only restfulness but also growth hormone release, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation.
Parents may notice symptoms such as restlessness, sweating during sleep, bedwetting, or signs of fatigue and irritability during the day. These behavioral observations should prompt an evaluation of oral structures and breathing patterns, not just behavioral assessments.
Assessment typically involves collaboration among pediatric dentists, orthodontists, ENT specialists, and sleep medicine providers. Treatment plans may include expansion of the palate, myofunctional therapy to improve...

underlying orofacial imbalance.
Oral health and craniofacial development are closely tied to sleep quality, particularly in growing children. A compromised airway may not fully close but can collapse intermittently, reducing oxygen flow and prompting frequent arousals. This disruption

About the Author

Dr. Molly Gunsaulis is a highly accomplished pediatric dentist in Spokane Valley. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is known for her commitment to airway-focused dental education, integrating a collaborative team approach for optimal outcomes in her pediatric dental practice.

A walk down the tree-lined streets of Green Acres in Spokane Valley is all it takes to understand why so many people love calling this neighborhood home. Friendly greetings from neighbors, laughter from children biking on quiet streets, and the subtle scent of backyard barbecues set the scene for a community where genuine connections are as abundant as the natural beauty.

Families and individuals alike are drawn to the sense of safety and belonging here. Community events—like summer block parties, pumpkin patches come autumn, and sparkling holiday light displays in winter—are treasured traditions that bring everyone together. There’s an unmistakable pride in homeownership, reflected in the neatly maintained lawns and gardens, but the true magic lies in the camaraderie of those who live here.

Location is yet another perk. Green Acres offers convenient access to highly-regarded schools, local shops, medical facilities, and Spokane Valley’s flourishing parks system. Centennial Trail is nearby for those who love to walk, run, or bike alongside the Spokane River,

giving residents a natural escape at their doorstep. Meanwhile, celebrated cafes, craft breweries, and welcoming restaurants create a small-town vibe with big-city amenities just a short drive away.

What sets Green Acres apart, though, is its spirit. Newcomers quickly realize they’re more than welcome here—they become part of a warm and supportive network. Whether it’s a neighbor lending a hand during a snowstorm, weekly gatherings at the local park, or spontaneous block-wide garage sales, the fabric of this neighborhood is woven with kindness.

Life in Green Acres offers the perfect blend of tranquility and community...

Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Spokane Valley who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in

the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.