2024 Cleft Con Virtual Session Recordings
Opening Session
The 5th Annual Global Cleft Con kicked off with remarks from emcees Christine Errico and Sally Hiraldo, who provided attendees with tips on making the most of their time at the conference and shared best practices for using the customized Cleft Con software.
Smile Train President and CEO Susannah Schaefer then gave an official welcome and introduced the keynote speaker.
Kenny Ardouin is a Speech Language Therapist and Lecturer in the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing at the University of Canterbury, and has worked extensively as a speech language therapist and program coordinator with the cleft community in the UK and New Zealand, and in a consultancy role with cleft and craniofacial services throughout the world.
Cleft Con
Speech-Language Pathologists with a Personal Connection: Bridging Care and Experience
Speakers: Allison Fors, Hannah McNeal, Linda Morris, Morgan Estes
Moderator: Sara Horne
Whether born with a cleft themselves or mothers of children affected by clefts, for these speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and assistants, helping patients with clefts is personal. In this session, they will discuss how their personal journeys have shaped their approach to therapy, deepened their understanding of their patients' challenges, and strengthened their commitment to advocating for the cleft community. SLPs and families alike will come away with valuable insights on the importance of empathy, expertise, and shared experience along the cleft care journey.
Top 5 Essential Resources for Your Cleft Journey: Tips and Tools for Success
Speakers: Chelsey Taylor, Elizabeth Shipp, Kimberley Dela Concepcion, Lexi Lee, Victoria Matey
Moderator: Monica Bush
The cleft journey can feel overwhelming, but the right resources can make all the difference. In this essential session, our panelists will share their top 5 resources for all stages of the cleft journey, from finding the right healthcare providers to connecting with supportive communities to accessing financial assistance to so much more. Whether beginning of your journey or seeking new tools to enhance your care, these expert-recommended resources will empower you to advocate for your needs and make the right choices for your family.
Advocacy in Action: Shaping the Future Together
Speaker: Iva Ballou
Join us for an engaging mini-session exploring advocacy within the cleft community. We will highlight key advocacy initiatives Smile Train is working on and explore ways we can further support cleft-affected individuals. Your input and insights are invaluable as we shape the future of these efforts together. Come share your ideas, ask questions, and help us ensure that our advocacy projects truly reflect the needs and priorities of the community.
Unfiltered Journeys: Navigating Self-Acceptance in the Cleft Community
Speaker: Hema Maragh, Sydney Franklin
Moderator: Meredith Albert
Description: In this raw, unfiltered discussion, panelists and a moderator will dive deep into the challenges of mental health and self-acceptance, exploring the emotional and psychological struggles that too often go unspoken. Expect honest conversations on the realities of coping, healing, and finding strength amidst adversity, as we seek to create a space for vulnerability, connection, and understanding.
Cleft Stories: Turning Challenges into Change
Speakers: Anne Marlenga, John Gara
Moderator: Troy Reinhart
In this inspiring session cleft-affected individuals share the many challenges they’ve overcome — and how they’ve only fueled their passion for helping others. From organizing fundraisers to spreading awareness, each panelist will open up about how they turned their unique experiences and passions into more smiles for children in need around the world. Join us for stories of resilience and insights into how you, too, can use your story to change the world through Smile Train.
Global Perspectives: A Cleft Mom’s Journey Around the World
Speakers: Laura Arroyo, Neelashma Singhel, Sue Maughan
Moderator: Toni-Elizabeth Wilkerson
In this session, Laura, Sue, and Neelashma, three cleft-affected women from three different countries, will share their unique journeys. Together with the audience, they will weave a rich tapestry of global insights and personal stories, leaving all involved with new perspectives on the universal experiences of cleft care and how cultural contexts influence approaches to treatment, community support, and advocacy.
Navigating School, Friendships, and Self-Confidence: A Teen's Journey with a Cleft
Speakers: Brooke Peterson, Parker Frost, Ruth Thomas
Moderator: Stephanie Strucaly
Join us for an empowering session where teens with clefts share their experiences navigating the challenges of school, building friendships, and developing self-confidence. This discussion will provide a safe space to explore how cleft-affected teens can overcome obstacles, embrace their unique journeys, and connect with others who understand their experiences. Whether you’re a teen with a cleft, a parent, or an advocate, this session will offer valuable insights and support for facing the social and emotional aspects of growing up with a cleft.