2024 Cleft Con Houston Session Recordings
Welcome with Susie Schafer Keynote: Lisa Olivarez and her son, Juan.
Lisa Olivarez was born and raised in Saint Augustine, Florida. As a military spouse, veteran, foster, and adoptive mom, she has dedicated herself to caring for others. After serving honorably for more than five years, Lisa pursued her passion for foster care. Alongside her husband, she has been fostering children for over five years, which sparked her involvement in the cleft community. In her leisure time, Lisa finds joy in running and cheering on her six children as they participate in sports. Additionally, she is actively working towards her educational goal of completing her bachelor’s degree in child and family services.
2024 Cleft Con
The Road to Cleft Acceptance: Share Your Story
Speakers: Monica Bush, Karalyn Holden, Jim Rowe
Moderator: Vickie Stolle
Join us as we create an intimate and supportive space for individuals from diverse backgrounds to open up about their experiences with their cleft. We will also delve into heartwarming, inspiring stories of individuals who have navigated the unique challenges and triumphs of the cleft journey.
Insurance Assurance: An In-Depth Workshop for Navigating Your Insurance
Speakers: Corinne Altrichter, Teresa Bridges
Moderator: Jocelyne Huitron
Are you facing questions about cleft treatment coverage and insurance challenges? You’ve come to the right place! If you are the parent of a child with a cleft, a caregiver, or if you have a cleft yourself, this indispensable session will leave you with practical strategies for navigating the insurance process, including understanding policy benefits, filing claims, appealing denials, and maximizing coverage options. You will also come away empowered to advocate for access to the comprehensive and timely cleft care you and your loved ones need.
Amplifying Voices: Advocating for the Facial Difference Community
Speakers: Becky Abbott, Luci Capo Rome, Ellie Mador
Moderator: Adina Lescher
In this compelling session, we will explore the diverse experiences, challenges, and triumphs of individuals with facial differences and highlight the importance of amplifying their voices in society. We will also showcase successful advocacy initiatives and learn strategies for promoting inclusivity, raising awareness, and fostering acceptance from some of the most influential and outspoken leaders and activists in the facial difference community. You will come away inspired and empowered, with practical ways to support and advocate for greater representation and equity for every face.
The evolution of patient-centered Cleft Care
Speakers: Dr. Hollier, Dr. Laura Monson
Join us for this profoundly insightful session featuring Dr. Larry Hollier, a renowned craniofacial surgeon and chair of Smile Train’s Medical Advisory Board, as he shares his invaluable advice and perspective on navigating the complexities of clefts and other craniofacial conditions. With his trademark blend of expertise and compassion, Dr. Hollier will draw on his extensive experience with patients and families to give practical guidance on the medical aspects of craniofacial surgery — including diagnosis and treatment options — while also emphasizing the critical importance of psychosocial support for building acceptance and self-confidence. He hopes to give a deeper understanding of a holistic, body-and-mind approach to craniofacial care, while providing a safe space for open dialogue and sharing. Participants should feel free to ask questions, seek guidance, and connect with others who understand their experiences.
Fireside Chat with Allie Potter: Empowering Smiles and Changing Lives
Speakers: Allie Potter
Moderator: Iva Ballou
“People like me aren’t on TV.” Get ready to be inspired by the incredible journey of Allie Potter, a weather forecaster who defied all odds and found her way to the television screen. Born with a cleft lip and ptosis in her left eye, Allie was bullied as a child because she looked “different.” To her, this was just part of life. However, this created in her a spirit of resilience and kindness, ultimately leading to her passion for broadcasting after helping victims of Hurricane Katrina. From MLB cheerleader to becoming an award-winning journalist, Allie has captivated audiences with her infectious energy, genuine spirit, and contagious smile.
Reflecting on Love Meets Joy: Season Two
Speakers: Iva Ballou, Ashley Barbour
Join advocates Iva Ballou and Ashley Barbour as they take a heartfelt journey through Season Two of Love Meets Joy. Throughout Season Two, Iva and Ashley had the privilege of interviewing several members of the cleft community, each with their own unique stories and perspectives. From these candid conversations, they explored themes of resilience, acceptance, and the power of community support in overcoming obstacles. Join us as we reflect on the impactful moments, touching stories, and valuable lessons learned throughout Love Meets Joy: Season Two. This session promises to inspire and uplift as we celebrate the strength and unity within the cleft community.
Love Beyond Appearance: Navigating Romantic Relationships with Facial Differences
Speakers: Luci Capo Rome and Dick Rome, Courtney and Joe Collins, Lou Jug and Stacia Damron
Moderator: Iva Ballou
In this heartfelt and empowering session, we will explore the intricacies of romantic relationships through the lens of facial differences. Through candid discussions, personal anecdotes, and interactive exercises, attendees will explore topics such as disclosing one's facial difference to a partner, confronting societal perceptions and stereotypes, and cultivating self-love and acceptance. Whether you're navigating the early stages of dating, in a committed relationship, or exploring the possibility of love, this session offers valuable insights and tools for charting the complexities of romantic connections with confidence and authenticity.
Sharing the Cleft Journey: Being an Empowering Voice on Social Media
Speakers: Garrett Brill, Steph Heintz, Vickie Stolle
Moderator: Ashley Barbour
In this session, social media influencers, advocates, and community leaders will provide practical tips, strategies, and best practices for effectively sharing your cleft journey across platforms. You will learn how to leverage social media to connect with others, raise awareness, and foster a supportive online community for cleft-affected individuals and families.
Cleft Care for Adults
Speakers: Ellie Mador, Toni-Elizabeth Wilkerson
Join us for an insightful session tailored to adults navigating cleft care. Whether you're seeking information on coping strategies, or community support, this session is designed to empower you with valuable resources and practical guidance. Led by individuals with lived experiences, we'll explore a range of topics, such as psychosocial well-being. This session aims to provide comprehensive support and foster a supportive community for all.
Embracing Differences: Navigating Cleft and Adoption Journeys
Speakers: Maryann Harrison, Lisa Olivarez, Max Rosen, Sam Rosen
Moderator: Adina Lescher
Join us as we dive into the unique dynamics, challenges, and joys of navigating both the cleft journey and the adoption process. We’ll explore the emotional aspects of adopting a child with a cleft, including the initial reactions, concerns, and fears that may arise, as well as the profound love and resilience that ultimately define the journey. We will also learn about resources, support networks, and strategies for building strong bonds and empowering our children to embrace their differences with confidence and pride.
Navigating the journey: Delivering the news about cleft to family and friends
Speakers: Gina Kocher, Matt Martin
Moderator: Gloria Madera
One of the first challenges parents encounter after they get the cleft diagnosis is, “How do we share the news? When?” In this session, you will get practical advice, compassionate insights, and firsthand perspectives from people who have been there. Through shared experiences and supportive dialogue, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the emotions and concerns that parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family members may experience and learn how to provide meaningful support and encouragement.
Empowering the Next Generation: Navigating Cleft Care, Appearance, and Social Challenges with Resilience
Speaker: Dr. Petra Duran
At Cleft Con, we are dedicated to empowering children and teens with clefts to navigate their journey with confidence, resilience, and self-acceptance. The session will identify domains impacted by a diagnosis of cleft lip and palate across the life span. Additionally, attendees will learn a range of strategies to normalize the cleft journey for the family system, build confidence in their child and instill the power of resilience. Space to reflect will be an essential part of the session.