Children diagnosed with craniofacial anomalies face a variety of challenges as they grow and develop. The team approach ensures that your child's care is coordinated among all of the specialists involved. By providing an interdisciplinary approach to care, the Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health Craniofacial Anomalies team is able to thoroughly assess each child's needs, and continually re-evaluate those needs over time. Children often enter the program as infants, and continue evaluation and treatment through their teen years.
At Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, we have a team of healthcare professionals skilled in treatment of clefts and craniofacial disorders. The pediatric specialists involved in your child's care will depend on your child's individual needs, and may include the following:
The plastic surgeon specializes in examining abnormalities affecting the face and skull and will perform necessary surgeries for reconstruction.
Medical Director, Cleft and Craniofacial Program at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health
Dr. Flores is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Indiana University where he serves as director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery Program and director of the Craniofacial Surgery fellowship. He is a member of the Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association and the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons. Dr. Flores’ practice is focused on reconstructive and aesthetic surgery of the face in children and adults. He continues to lecture nationally and internationally on the reconstructive and aesthetic challenges of facial plastic surgery.
Director and James E Bennett Professor of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine
Dr. Coleman specializes in cleft lip and palate and head and neck cancer surgery. He has served in a variety of capacities in multiple organizations of Surgery and Plastic Surgery and has lectured and written extensively in the field. He is the chair of Plastic Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Professor of Plastic Surgery and Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs, IU School of Medicine
Dr. William Wooden specializes in cleft lip and palate, general plastic surgery, and melanoma patients. He joined the Division of Plastic Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine in 2005 and participates in the Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health.
The pediatric dentist makes the alveolar molding appliance known as an obturator and answers questions about your child’s dental health.
Clinical Assistant Professor, Indiana University School of Dentistry
Dr. Walker takes dental impressions and fabricates the obturator appliance used in early intervention for infants with cleft lip and palate. She also examines and counsels patients of all ages regarding dental needs and concerns.
The orthodontist is a specialist who straightens teeth, directs growth of jaw with various appliances and helps to prepare the teeth for any necessary jaw surgery.
Ralph E. McDonald Professor of Pediatric Dentistry, Indiana University School of Dentistry
Trained in both Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Dr. Dean oversees the management of craniofacial patients needing pre-surgical orthodontics and works with the faculty and residents in treatment planning and dental education.
The oral surgeon specializes in teeth and jaw surgeries.
Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the University Hospital Outpatient Oral Surgery Clinic
Dr. Heidelman is a long-time member of the cleft and craniofacial team. His clinical interests include orthognathic surgery, craniofacial anomalies, and trauma.
Clinical Assistant Professor, Indiana University
Dr. Carrie Klene is dedicated to the care and surgical management of pediatric patients. Her clinical focus includes reconstruction of craniofacial anomalies, secondary surgeries associated with cleft lip and palate, pediatric pathology, orthognathic surgery and pediatric/adult craniofacial trauma.
The ear nose and throat (ENT) surgeon specializes in surgery that affects hearing and breathing.
Assitant Professor Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Doctor Morgenstein is a regular participant in providing evaluations and treatment of ear, nose and airway disorders to patients of the Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic. His clinical interests include airway reconstruction and hearing restoration in children, pediatric sinus surgery and pediatric head and neck tumors.
Pediatric Otolaryngologist
Doctor Matt is a long-time member of the Cleft and Craniofacial Team. He is a fellowship-trained Pediatric Otolaryngologist who specializes in airway disorders, including surgical airway management and reconstruction.
The speech pathologist specializes in speech and language disorders associated with clefts and craniofacial disorders.
Speech-Language Pathologist, Dept. of Audiology and Speech/Language Pathology; Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health
Angela is trained in the use of Nasal Endoscopy to evaluate cleft and non-cleft patients for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). She also performs speech exams and feeding studies. She is active in the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and with Camp About Face as a mentor.
Speech-Language Pathologist, Dept. of Audiology and Speech/Language Pathology; Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic, Riley Hospital for Children
Cara specializes in cleft lip and palate and autism. She joined the Cleft and Craniofacial team in 2009. Cara became interested in cleft care after serving in various capacities at Camp About Face.
Doctor of Audiology, Dept. of Audiology and Speech/Language Pathology; Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic, Riley Hospital for Children
Baljit has been a clinical audiologist with the Indiana University since 2006. Baljit is a credential member of the American Speech-Language & Hearing Association.
Audiologist, Dept. of Audiology and Speech/Language Pathology; Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic, Riley Hospital for Children
Kathleen has practiced as an audiologist at Indiana University since 2005.
The nurse practitioner provides pre- and post-op teaching and performs pre-operative history and physical examinations. Support is offered to families while in the hospital and after discharge. The nurse practitioner also assesses patients in the out-patient clinics.
Pediatric nurse practitioner, University Plastic Surgery Associates, Indiana University School of Medicine
Pat has been involved with Plastic Surgery patients at Riley Hospital for Children for over 30 years. Her early years were spent in the Operating Rooms, where she was in charge of Plastic Surgery. Since the mid 1990's, Pat has been supporting the Craniofacial Team as a nurse practitioner. Pat has been a member of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association since 1982 and has served on the Donna-Pruzansky Memorial Fund for Maternity Child Health Nursing committee.
The nurses assist with newborn feeding issues, monitors overall growth and development and provides information about your child’s upcoming surgery. Each nurse works as a part of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure each patient receives individualized and coordinated care.
Pediatric registered nurse, Riley Outpatient Center, Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health
Gail brings extensive pediatric experience from serving in many specialty clinics in the Riley Outpatient Center for the past 34 years. Gail has been part of the Craniofacial team since 1983 and also works in the pediatric general surgery clinic.
Pediatric registered nurse, Riley Outpatient Center, Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health
Lou Ann has worked with the Craniofacial clinic and many other specialty clinics in the Riley Outpatient Center since 1998. Lou’s previous pediatric experience has included staff development, Homecare, and nurse manager of a general pediatric unit.
Pediatric registered nurse, Riley Outpatient Center, Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health
Marilyn has worked at Riley Hospital for Children since 1978. Marilyn joined the staff at the Riley Outpatient Center in 1986 working in the Cleft and Craniofacial clinic and also the Hematology/Oncology clinic.
Pediatric registered nurse, Riley Outpatient Center, Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health
Carol has been with the Cleft and Craniofacial clinic since 1981 and also works in the Pulmonary clinic. Carol co-founded Camp About Face and the Camp About Face Leadership Academy. She is active in the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and serves on the National Cleft Palate Publications Committee.
The team coordinator helps facilitate communication between the Cleft and Craniofacial team, patient, family and primary care physician.
Trish oversees the weekly clinic, maintains patient records, and helps facilitate team recommendations. She co-founded Camp About Face and the Camp About Face Leadership Academy. She is a member of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and serves on the association’s Cleft Palate Foundation Leadership Award Committee.
The medical photographer takes pre- and post-operative images used for treatment planning.
Debby is a professional photographer who manages the clinic’s digital imaging program. She has served in the Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic for over a decade. Her photos are used by the physicians for treatment planning and for obtaining insurance approval for surgical procedures.
The child psychologist provides support for behavioral, educational, and mental health issues.
Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Riley Child Development Center at Indiana University School of Medicine
Dr. Tomlin sees patients upon referral to Riley’s Child Development Center. She is chair of the Indiana Association of Infant and Toddler Mental Health. She has served as a speaker and facilitator for educational activities sponsored by the Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic for both children and parents.
Because the Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic is based in Riley Hospital for Children, the team has access to other pediatric disciplines crucial to cleft and craniofacial patient care. These specialists are seen upon consultation request and services are provided by multiple providers within the individual departments.
The neurosurgeon interfaces with the Cleft and Craniofacial team in managing patients with cranial abnormalities, often operating in conjunction with the plastic surgeon to achieve an optimal outcome.
The Developmental Pediatricians bring their expertise in feeding and nutrition, as well as growth and development, to infants and toddlers with clefts and craniofacial anomalies.
The Pulmonologists, who specialize in breathing and airway problems, are consulted in the management of patients with Pierre Robin Sequence or jaw abnormalities. They perform sleep studies and monitor patients with airway obstruction or sleep apnea.
The geneticist screens patients for craniofacial syndromes and helps parents and adult patients understand the chances of having more children with these craniofacial conditions
The social worker provides family support and information about financial resources.
April 15th, 2013 | The Heads Up!!! Foundation recently donated $3,000 to the Cleft and Craniofacial Program at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. The gift will pay for the purchase of the “Craniofacial Family Notebook” which is given to parents of newborns at their first clinic visit. The notebook contains valuable educational information about… Continue Reading
February 24th, 2013 | The sweet taste of maple syrup will be flowing at the National Maple Syrup Festival on the first two weekends in March, and all the proceeds from the festival – going to The Heads Up!!! Foundation – will literally help put a sweet smile on the face of hundreds of children born with cleft palates and other facial anomalies. "Each year this… Continue Reading
January 23rd, 2013 | As any experienced parent knows, every developmental stage brings not only new skills that delight, but often difficult behaviors that challenge. The first time that most parents realize this fact is when their sweet baby becomes a “terrible” toddler. Below is a summary of some of the typical, but difficult behaviors that appear in this… Continue Reading
