Welcome to the St. Louis Cleft-Craniofacial Center
at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center.
We are Here to Help
The St. Louis Cleft-Craniofacial Center at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center is committed to finding the best possible solution to your child's individual needs. Our team is directed by Dr. Alexander Y. Lin with Dr. Christina Plikaitis, plastic surgeons who specialize in cleft-craniofacial surgery, and Debbie Watters, our clinical nurse coordinator.
The goal of pediatric plastic surgery is to improve the unique human elements of the child: to make them look more normal, to have more normal speech, and to be able to function more normally in their growth and development.
Cleft-craniofacial patients require a team approach from several medical specialists. Our team is dedicated to providing the best care for your child's individual needs. Safety, while striving to achieve the best possible outcomes, is our priority.
It is important for parents to understand their child's condition as completely as possible. Communicating with parents and children in a clear-cut and understandable way is an essential part of our mission.
Contact Us
To make a cleft lip/palate or craniofacial appointment, please call (314) 268-2700 ext: 3176.
Our Services
Cleft Lip and Palate
Craniosynostosis
In situ Osteogenesis
Microtia
Discharge Instructions
Cleft Lip Repair
Cleft Palate Repair
Pharyngeal Flap/Sphincter Pharyngoplasty
Additional Resources
American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association
Cleft Palate Foundation
Meet the Team
Plastic Surgery
Alexander Y. Lin, MD - Director, St. Louis Cleft-Craniofacial Center
Christina Plikaitis, MD - Pediatric Plastic Surgeon
Debbie Waters, RN, BS - Clinical Nurse Coordinator (email)
Speech Therapy
Loretta Laurent, MS, CCC/SLP
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Ron Mitchell, MD – Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT)
Tara Albert, MSN, RN, CPNP
Alicia McGlaughlin, MSN, RN, CPNP
Laura Misuraca, RN
Audiology
Sarah Duncan, MS, CCC-A
Julie McAllister, MS, CCC-A
Maria Cabonce, MS, CCC-A
Occupational Therapy
Sue Stuppy, OTR
Dental Services
Thomas Veraldi, DMD, MS – Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist
Richard O’Brien, DDS, MS – Prosthodontist
Genetics
Stephen Braddock, MD - Director of Pediatric Genetics
Katherine Christensen, MS – Genetic Counselor
Psychology
Joel Nadler, PhD
Feeding
Denise Broeker, RN, BSN, IBCLC - Lactation Consultant