Hi, I'm Cecilia!

If you’re here, you are likely the parent of a beautiful child born with a cleft lip and/or palate, or you’re expecting a baby with a cleft. This journey is uniquely filled with challenges and triumphs, and I want you to know—you are not alone.

Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, I intimately understand the ups and downs of the cleft journey. As a mother of three, my connection deepened further when, during a 20-week scan, I learned that my first baby boy would also be born with a cleft lip and palate. That moment marked the beginning of a new and profound journey for me—this time as a 'cleft mom.'

After processing the emotional impact of my son’s diagnosis, and reflecting on the psychosocial challenges I faced on my own cleft journey, I experienced a conscious and transformative shift in mindset. I became determined to ensure my son’s cleft journey would be as uplifting, optimistic, and empowering as possible.

Having personally experienced the gap in psychosocial support and the limited representation of those with lived cleft experience in healthcare settings, I’m on a passionate mission to support families navigating the cleft journey. I deeply understand and relate to the challenges you may be facing and want to help you feel supported and empowered.

With more than 15 years of expertise in mental health and perinatal wellness, I’ve combined my professional knowledge with my personal experience to guide and support families navigating the cleft journey—whether during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond.