Cleft Palate & Craniofacial Center
Meet the Team
We provide comprehensive, diagnostic evaluation and treatment for children with all types of craniofacial differences including cleft lip, cleft palate, and complex craniofacial conditions. Meet the doctors, nurses, speech therapists and other team members that care for our patients.
Cleft and Craniofacial Team
Plastic Surgeon
Pediatric plastic surgeons evaluate cleft and craniofacial deformities. These surgeons perform surgeries to correct cleft lip, cleft palate, or other craniofacial differences.
Craniofacial Orthodontist
The orthodontist evaluates difficulties with the teeth not coming together correctly (malocclusion), facial growth problems, and decides on timing for braces. He also makes small plates (prosthesis) that fit in the roof of the mouth or other devices needed as part of surgery for cleft lip and/or palate.
Pediatric Otolaryngologist (ENT)
Pediatric ENTs evaluate the structures of the ear, nose, and throat. They manage problems related to hearing and airway and problems with speech (Velopharyngeal Insufficiency).
Pediatric Psychologists
Pediatric psychologists have doctoral degrees in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and specialize in working with children/families in medical settings. Pediatric psychologists do psychological consultation and psychotherapy to assess and facilitate adjustment to illness and help treat mental health problems.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
A pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) is registered nurse who completed a master's degree, post-master, or doctoral degree specific to the pediatric patient population. PNPs work with patients from infancy to young adulthood, diagnosing illness, conducting exams, and prescribing medication. They help prevent disease, promote health, and educate family members on plans of care.
Speech Therapist
A speech therapist assesses cognition, speech and the ability to eat and swallow safely. Exercise and treatment sessions for cognition may focus on speech clarity, understanding, attention, judgment, communication, memory, problem solving and decision making.Social Worker
Audiology
Nurse Coordinator
The nurse coordinator assists families with coordinating services. The coordinator provides education about clefts and craniofacial differences to our patients and their families, including those diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound. The coordinator is also a resource for newborn feeding concerns.
Child Life Specialist
Child life specialists help reduce stress and increase coping during hospitalization. A child life specialist can help make things easier by providing play and activities for self-expression, developmentally appropriate education and comfort management to help prepare your child for procedures. They are also available to provide family and sibling support.