Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura speaks with Christina, a first-time mom from Serbia whose son was prenatally diagnosed with a cleft lip and palate at 26 weeks. Christina shares her experience navigating diagnosis, specialist care, and preparation for surgery within a different healthcare system. She opens up about feeding challenges, NAM therapy, finding community support, and learning to trust herself as a parent. This episode offers reassurance and perspective for families around the world facing a cleft diagnosis. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group    

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura welcomes back cleft advocate Sam to share his powerful lived experience growing up with bilateral cleft lip and palate. Born in Bulgaria and adopted to the U.S., Sam opens up about early surgeries, speech challenges, bullying, and navigating identity as both an adoptee and someone with a facial difference. Together, they discuss global stigma, harmful language, media representation, and why authentic inclusion matters. This conversation offers perspective, reassurance, and practical insight for parents raising children with cleft and for adults advocating for change. *Tom Burke is the actor who was born with a cleft from the movie Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Links: Episode 67: Breaking the Ice: Sam Rosen on Growing Up with a Cleft Lip and Palate and Owning His Story Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group Smile Train Statement Against Werewulf Movie CCAC Applications  

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Natalie and Alec, parents to Zade, who was born with a cleft lip and palate. They share their experience navigating a prenatal diagnosis, an unexpected NICU stay, feeding challenges, and learning how to advocate within a complex medical system. This honest conversation highlights the importance of asking questions, finding community support, and trusting your instincts as a parent. A must-listen for families preparing for birth or feeling overwhelmed in the early weeks of the cleft journey. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura speaks with Meirah, a mother, author, and advocate whose son was born with a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. Meirah shares her experience navigating a surprise diagnosis at birth, feeding challenges, and seeking cleft care across multiple countries. She reflects on choosing early surgical repair, raising a confident child, and how lived experience led her to write her book A Broken Smile. This conversation offers reassurance and perspective for parents at any stage of the cleft journey. Links: His Broken Smile Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Stephanie, a cleft mom and Executive Director of the Face-to-Face Foundation. Stephanie shares her family's prenatal cleft diagnosis journey, the realities of cleft care, and how lived experience led her into advocacy work. Together, they discuss the importance of community connection, medical grants, and supporting families beyond surgery. This conversation offers reassurance, perspective, and hope for parents navigating a cleft diagnosis at any stage. Links: Face-to-Face Foundation Gala Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Natalie, a mom of two whose son was prenatally diagnosed with a cleft lip. Natalie shares the emotional journey from receiving the diagnosis at 16 weeks to preparing for surgery and finding peace in the unknown. She opens up about anxiety, faith, choosing the right cleft team, and what helped her feel grounded during pregnancy. This conversation offers reassurance and hope for families navigating a prenatal cleft diagnosis. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group  

Brooklyn joins Our Forever Smiles to share her experience as a cleft mom navigating diagnosis, surgery, and motherhood with resilience and honesty. She opens up about the emotional ups and downs of the cleft journey and the importance of community support. This episode centers on growth, advocacy, and learning to trust yourself as a parent. A comforting and relatable conversation for moms at any stage of the cleft journey. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

In this inspiring episode, Laura speaks with Charlotte, a 17-year-old cleft-affected individual and the creator of Stitches by Charlotte. Born with a cleft lip and palate, Charlotte shares her lived experience and how she began creating surgery companion dolls to help children feel seen and supported. She also discusses advocacy, confidence, and using her voice to create change in the cleft community. This conversation is a reminder of the power of representation and lived experience. Links: Stitches by Charlotte Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

Jessica shares her story of becoming a first-time mom and learning about her child's cleft palate after birth, followed by an unexpected NICU stay. She reflects on the shock, fear, and isolation that came with leaving the hospital without her baby. This episode highlights the emotional realities of NICU life, navigating a cleft palate diagnosis, and finding strength in the hardest moments. A powerful listen for parents facing medical trauma and uncertainty. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

In this special solo episode, Laura Arroyo sits down to reflect on the past year of the OFS Podcast and share an honest, behind-the-scenes look at where we are and where we're headed. Laura highlights the conversations that made an impact, the lessons learned, and the themes emerging from our community. She also offers a sneak peek at upcoming topics, new initiatives, and how we're continuing to elevate support for women, moms, and families. Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, this episode is a heartfelt, transparent update on the journey so far—and an exciting look at what's next. Links: Buy me a Coffee

In this returning episode, Laura Arroyo sits down with Brittnie Hampson to continue the conversation about life after a surprise cleft palate diagnosis. Brittnie shares an honest look at raising her two-year-old daughter, Ava, and how her journey has evolved since her last appearance on the podcast. She opens up about the emotional shift from confidently breastfeeding her first two children to learning entirely new ways to feed a cleft-affected baby, and the steep learning curve that came with it. Brittnie also shares how she's turned her experience into advocacy by educating nurses through "lunch and learn" sessions, helping medical teams better support cleft families from day one. She reflects on what she expected after Ava's surgery versus the realities of life after surgery, offering encouragement, validation, and practical insight for families navigating similar paths. This episode is filled with honesty, growth, and hope for anyone walking the cleft journey. Links: Buy me a Coffee

Laura Arroyo talks with Dr. Richard Kirschner and Catherine Bingham about the Magical Moments Foundation, a wish-granting organization for children with facial differences. Brought to you by the ACPA — the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association, supporting interdisciplinary cleft and craniofacial teams. Links and Resources: Magical Moments Nomination Form Buy Me a Coffee

Laura Arroyo sits down with Dr. Renie Daniel, a fellowship-trained, dual-degree, board-certified cleft and craniofacial surgeon in Minneapolis and director of the University of Minnesota Cleft and Craniofacial Team. Dr. Daniel shares what inspired her to pursue cleft care, her favorite surgeries, and how her multidisciplinary team works together to educate, advocate, and empower children and adults with facial differences — all to ensure the best outcomes for families across Minnesota. Links and Resources: University of MN Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic Buy Me a Coffee

At the ACPA Annual Meeting, we sat down with Nancy Rowan and Rachel Chiavatti to discuss groundbreaking advancements in cleft care for Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS). Both mothers to sons born with cleft palate and PRS in the fall of 2022, they share their journeys as parents and advocates. Together, they co-founded HOAP for PRS (Healing with the Orthodontic Airway Plate for Pierre Robin Sequence), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for PRS patients. They also highlight the pioneering work of Dr. HyeRan Choo at Stanford, who is leading the way in creating less invasive treatment options. Learn more about their mission at www.hoapforprs.com. Links and Resources: Buy us a Coffee

Dr. Jessica Canallatos, prosthodontist at Oishei Children's Hospital and member of the Craniofacial Team of WNY, brings a unique perspective to cleft care as someone born with a cleft herself. Specializing in Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM), neonatal ear molding, and digital prosthetics, Dr. Canallatos is passionate about transforming lives and supporting families through complex care. Recorded live at the ACPA Annual Meeting, this conversation highlights her reflections on her late mother, her inspiring path in dentistry, and what it means to give back to a community she personally understands. Links and Resources: Buy Me a Coffee Campaign Jessica Canallatos on IG

Recorded at the ACPA Annual Meeting, a powerful hub for knowledge sharing and connection, this episode of the Our Forever Smiles podcast features Stephanie Hassen, Executive Director of the Face to Face Foundation in Charlotte, North Carolina. Stephanie shares how her nonprofit raises funds and awards grants to cleft and craniofacial families across the Carolinas, along with the incredible community events that bring families together. As a mom of three, with her middle daughter born cleft-affected, Stephanie brings both personal passion and professional dedication to her mission of empowering families. Links and Resources: Facebook Group  Buy Me a Coffee Campaign Face to Face Organization

Vickie Stolle, speaker, writer, and certified WISDOM Coach™, is a cleft-affected individual with first-hand experience and knowledge of the cleft journey. Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, she blends her lived experience with her professional mission of empowering children and families. As the founder of Resilient Kid Academy, she helps families foster resilience and emotional strength in their children, an often-overlooked part of cleft care. In this episode, Vickie shares her story, her insights on emotional well-being, and practical strategies for supporting kids beyond the medical side of cleft treatment. Support Links: Buy Me a Coffee Resilient Kid Academy Special Resource: Coaching for Resilience Did you catch our conversation with Vickie Stolle of Resilient Kid Academy? Vickie specializes in working with children and parents in the cleft community, focusing on building resilience and turning differences into strengths. Whether your child needs one-on-one Child Coaching to cultivate strong self-worth and confidently engage with others or you need guidance on effective Parent Coaching strategies for emotional support, Vickie can help you find the tools you need. Resilient Kid Academy is a wonderful resource for making sure your child feels capable and proud every day as they navigate their unique journey. Special Perk for Our Forever Smiles Listeners Enjoy a 10% Discount! Simply mention you're an Our Forever Smiles listener when you schedule your complimentary discovery call, and you'll receive 10% off your first coaching package with Resilient Kid Academy. Book your discovery call today: https://calendly.com/resilientkidacademy/15-minutediscoverycall

Returning for her third appearance, Summer Kormushoff opens up about her son's palate repair journey. She shares valuable tips for parents preparing for surgery, including practical advice and emotional insight. We also reflect on her previous episodes where she discussed receiving her son's cleft diagnosis and navigating lip repair. This full-circle conversation offers encouragement and guidance for parents at every stage of the cleft journey. Links and Resources: Buy us a Coffee

In this inspiring episode, Laura Arroyo sits down with Stacy Swope — special education teacher, mom of two, and first-time author — to share the story of her son Benjamin's cleft journey. From infancy through the school years, Benjamin has undergone a series of life-changing treatments and surgeries, including NAM, ear tubes, cleft lip and palate repairs, a two-part buccal flap procedure to improve speech and lengthen his palate, and two bone grafts using both hip and cadaver bone. Stacy opens up about what it's like to navigate the evolving medical needs of school-aged children affected by cleft lip and palate, the challenges and victories along the way, and the importance of creating supportive communities for families. She also gives us a glimpse into her upcoming children's book designed to encourage and empower cleft-affected kids and their families. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or advocate, this conversation is filled with hope, resilience, and practical insight for every stage of the cleft journey. Links and Resources: A Sparkle You Carry

Dr. Mackensie McBeain, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist for the University of Minnesota Cleft and Craniofacial Team, joins us to share her expertise in cleft care. In addition to her private practice at Children's Dental Care, she provides Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) for babies born with cleft differences. Balancing her professional dedication with life at home as a mother of three, Dr. McBeain offers both clinical insight and personal perspective. This episode highlights her role in supporting families from diagnosis through early treatment.