Welcome to the Pediatric Cleft Lip/Palate and Craniofacial Deformities Team at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center.
We are Here to Help
The Cleft Lip/Palate and Craniofacial Deformities Team at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center is committed to finding the best possible solution to your child's needs. Our team is directed by Dr. Michael Carstens. Here you can learn more about your child's medical condition and research options available for treatment.
Dr. Carstens brings a history of involvement in cutting-edge biological and technological innovation to Cardinal Glennon. He is an advocate for surgery at an early age, creating the least traumatic experience for your child and family. Communicating with parents and children in a clear-cut and understandable way is essential to achieving the best possible results.
It is important that parents understand their child's condition as completely as possible. The goal of pediatric plastic surgery is to correct or improve physical malformations and restore a more typical appearance.
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
Michael Carstens, MD – Director, Cleft Lip/Palate and Craniofacial Deformities Team
Debbie Watters, RN, BS – Clinical Nurse Coordinator (email)
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Ron Mitchell, MD – Director
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
Speech Therapy
Loretta Laurent, MS, CCC/SLP
Occupational Therapy
Sue Stuppy, OTR
Dentistry
Thomas Veraldi, DMD, MS – Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist
Richard O’Brien, DDS, MS – Prosthodontist
Genetics
Petra Swidler, MD
Laura Waldman, MS – Genetic Counselor
Katherine Christensen, MS – Genetic Counselor
Psychology
Joel Nadler, PhD
Feeding
Denise Broeker, RN, BSN, IBCLC - Lactation Consultant