Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Care
The Cleft and Craniofacial care team at Monroe Carell brings experts from multiple specialties together to treat your child's cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial disorders. We know these delicate, complex procedures can be difficult to understand. We're here to help with compassionate care tailored to your child and family.
We coordinate care with your child’s primary care doctor for treatment plans that bring lifelong improvements in quality of life and appearance. Our team includes you and experts in the Fetal Center, audiology, genetics, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, dentistry, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, psychology, social work, speech therapy, orthodontics and child life services.
Our team of expert, caring providers aims to become global leaders in championing children with cleft and craniofacial differences through exemplary personalized care, continued innovation and education.
Conditions We Treat
We treat all cleft and craniofacial conditions, including:
- Apert syndrome
- Crouzon syndrome
- Head and neck cancer
Meet Your Care Team
Meet additional program staff members.
Ryan H. BelcherMD, MPH
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology), Head and Neck Cancer, Hearing and Speech, Pediatric Otolaryngology, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery within the Head and Neck, Thyroid
Shannon N. GuarnereSLP
- Hearing and Speech, Pediatric Speech Language Pathology, Speech Language Pathology
Amber N. WinstonMA, CCC-SLP
- Hearing and Speech, Pediatric Speech Language Pathology, Speech Language Pathology
Why Choose Cleft and Craniofacial Care at Monroe Carell
- Expert care
Our specialists are among the best in the country. They have trained at some of the most renowned surgery fellowship programs. They bring a compassionate, patient-based approach to treatments for craniosynostosis and other syndromes. Our program tailors treatment to your child, including endoscopic-assisted craniosynostosis repair, open repair and cranial vault distraction.
- Recognized care
We are nationally accredited by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA). This means we meet that organization’s highest standards for medical care. Our program follows national regulations for treatment of cleft palate and craniofacial problems.
- Collaborative care
Ours is one of few cleft and craniofacial programs that feature on-site dental and orthodontic experts. They often take part in our routine evaluations and can offer your child ongoing care. We are proud to offer nasoalveolar molding (NAM) to aid in the success of cleft repair. Many of our consultations for NAM can take place in our pioneering Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
- Dedicated care coordinator
Our team coordinator serves as your single point of contact with our physicians, surgeons, and advanced practice providers to ensure you always know our plans to give your child the best chance at improved health.
- A supportive community
Expert medical and surgical care are just part of our service to your child. With the generous support of Delta Dental of Tennessee, we can connect you with our "Family Champions" – a list of our patient families who are willing to walk with you through your child's care journey. This program includes our annual family day at the Nashville Zoo.
Judah's Story
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including:
- Cleft rhinoplasty
- Endoscopic craniosynostosis repair
- Helmet molding therapy
- Lip reconstruction surgery
- Post-trauma cranial and facial reconstruction
- Reconstructive palate surgery
The Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Program at Monroe Carell is an ACPA Approved Team.
American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association
ACPA Approved Team