Dr. Mel Bartlett was born and raised in Astoria, Oregon. She graduated from Pacific University in 2013 with a major in Exercise Science and a minor in Biology. Originally planning to pursue dental school to become an orthodontist, she discovered her true passion for physical therapy during her junior year. She went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from George Fox University in 2016. Her interest in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) emerged during graduate school, where she was drawn to the unique overlap between dental and physical therapy fields. One of her earliest professional influences was attending Jeff Mannheimer’s TMD course, which ignited her passion and set her on the path to advanced specialization. In 2024, she achieved board certification as a Certified Cervical & Temporomandibular Therapist (CCTT). In 2025, Dr. Mel launched her own independent practice, Connexion TMJ + Orthopedic Physical Therapy, in McMinnville, Oregon. The name reflects her belief in the power of meaningful connections—the “X” in Connexion symbolizing the intersection of four pillars: connection from head to toe, mind to body, patient to therapist, and connection to community. This out-of-network model allows her to dedicate quality, one-on-one time with patients, which she views as essential for achieving lasting results. Dr. Mel’s clinical approach emphasizes a combination of manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and—most importantly—patient education and empowerment. She believes effective treatment requires not only precise hands-on techniques but also equipping patients with individualized programs they can use long-term to manage their symptoms. Many of her patients have seen multiple providers before finding her, and she has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of pairing expertise with compassion, empathy, and active listening. Collaboration is another cornerstone of her practice. Dr. Mel especially values working alongside dentists in her community, fostering interdisciplinary conversations that deepen understanding of TMD and expand patient care. She is also currently in the process of completing certification in Myofunctional Therapy through the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT), with the goal of expanding her expertise into pediatric care and helping reduce the risk of TMD in younger populations.