On this episode, Adam Levy joins the show to discuss the mission of the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association and the resources this non-profit organization offers. 

Do you know that ACPA is one of the leading contributors to advancing cleft and craniofacial care?

Do you know what it means to be an "ACPA approved team"? Do you know how to access an ACPA team?  What role does ACPA play in empowering professionals to gain new skills and advance outcomes? Why should professionals be a part of the ACPA?  What resrouces are available to families and affected individuals? 

These are great questions! We dive into these questions and more on this episode! 

Visit the ACPA website: https://acpacares.org/

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This podcast is an outreach project brought to you by the University of Minnesota Cleft and Craniofacial Team. https://z.umn.edu/cleft

How do we help kids and adults develop emotional resilience in the face of surgery?

Remember, You are the captain of this ship! Planning is power! This is a marathon, not a sprint!

In Episode 3, Dr. Anna deeps dives into cleft and craniofacial surgery with guest, Dr. Eric Riklin, pediatric psychologist. In this conversation, Dr. Anna and Dr. Eric Riklin discuss the emotional and logistical aspects of preparing for cleft and craniofacial surgeries. They explore common emotions experienced by parents and children, the importance of communication, and practical tips for managing expectations. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding the mind-body connection and empowering children through knowledge and play. They also highlight the necessity of self-care for parents and the role of support systems in navigating this journey. This episode is full of plenty of wisdom for healthcare providers striving to provide holistic, family-centered care. 

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Resources Dr. Eric Recommends:

ACPA: https://acpacares.org/

myFace: https://www.myface.org/

Children's Craniofacial Association: https://ccakids.org/

University of Minnesota Cleft | Craniofacial Team: https://dentalclinics.umn.edu/specialty/cleft-craniofacial

Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: https://www.nctsn.org/

In this episode, Dr. Anna is joined by Dr. Renie Daniel, a leading cleft and craniofacial surgeon and director of the University of Minnesota Team, to explore the fundamentals of cleft conditions. They answer key questions like How does a cleft form? What causes a cleft? and break down the timing of initial surgeries, what families can expect, and why a team-based approach is essential for optimal care. This is the first episode in a series on surgical management—tune in for expert insights and guidance!

Episode Summary: Receiving a cleft or craniofacial diagnosis can feel overwhelming—emotionally and practically. In this episode of The Cleft Collective Podcast, Dr. Anna Thurmes is joined by experts Dr. Renie Daniel and Dr. Eric Riklin as they map out what comes next. Together, they break down common questions that parents often face, the critical role of a supportive ACPA team, and practical coping strategies to help families navigate this new chapter. From processing the complex emotions of receiving the diagnosis to understanding the treatment process, this conversation highlights the importance of communication, self-care, and leaning on your tribe. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or just starting your journey, this episode will provide both guidance and solidarity on the road ahead.

Connect with the Cleft Collective Community- join our newsletter and private Facebook group at the Cleft Collective. You can also connect with the expert guests and host of the show in the Facebook group! Use this link to join

The Expert Guests

Dr. Renie Daniel is a board certified surgeon with dual degrees as both a medical doctor and a dentist. She serves as the Director and Surgeon of the University of Minnesota located in Moos Tower. She has over a decade experience as a cleft and craniofacial surgeon. She is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. After her surgical residcency and a cleft and craniofacial fellowship, she proudly served as member of the Cleft Team at the UNC- Chapel Hill for 8 years. She is passionate about caring for patients and their families at each stage of life. She is an internationally credentialed cleft surgeon with the distinguished volunteer organization, Operation Smile. Dr. Daniel can be contacted at [email protected] or 612-625-5945. Click to visit via the web

Dr. Eric Riklin is a craniofacial pyschologist. He does cognitive, behavioral, and socia-emotional evlauations and therapy for children and families as a member of the University of Minnesota Cleft and Craniofacial Team. Dr. Riklin did a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric psychology and was a member of the Los Angelos Craniofacial Team before moving to Minnesota. He has over 40 publications and presentations related to resillience and mental health in youth with chronic illness. He brings the unique perspective as a professional who has first hand experience. Dr. Riklin was born with a rare craniofacial condition called Crouzon syndrome. He is passionate about giving back and helping others thrive on their journies. 

To contact Dr. Riklin, call or email [email protected], 612-625-5945. 

During the show, we discussed the importance of care under the direction of a team that is approved by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA). The ACPA is the leading scientific body and support network for cleft and craniofacial providers and they have an enormous number of resources for families and adults with cleft and craniofacial differences. For more information or to locate a team near you, visit the ACPA website.  

Remember, don't go it alone! To contact the host, Dr. Anna Thurmes, email [email protected].  Don't forget- connect with us on social media and join the private FB group by clicking this link 

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