Amy Mendillo
Parent Support Groups
Are you curious about how other parents have handled the challenges of raising a cleft-affected child? Are you hoping to connect with peers who are in the same boat as you?
I’ve Just Seen a Face Parent Support Groups offer a chance to share your journey with a small group of fellow cleft parents in a friendly, confidential setting.
Details. Support groups are open to parents or expectant parents of children born with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP), whether the child’s CLP exists alone or in combination with other birth conditions or differences (if known). Each group meets for a total of four sessions that are held once every two weeks (usually Monday evenings, depending on time zone and your availability), spanning about two months, total. Meetings are facilitated by Amy Mendillo and are conducted in English. Cost is $80, total.
Next Steps. Please complete the form, below. Once I assemble a group of 6-8 cleft parents, I will email you with meeting dates and Zoom links. I look forward to meeting you!
One-on-One Calls
Do you feel overwhelmed with the news of your baby’s (or baby-on-the way’s) condition, particularly the flood of information related to cleft treatment? Or are you concerned about a particular aspect of the journey—and can’t find the answers you’re looking for? Does a personal conversation appeal to you more than the idea of reading someone’s words in a book? If so, let’s talk!
A confidential Zoom or phone call gives you a chance to ask any and all of your cleft-related questions. Common topics of discussion include (but are not limited to) the following:
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Navigating the process of finding and choosing a cleft team
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Preparing for birth
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Preparing for a baby’s surgery and recovery
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Handling interactions with family, friends, co-workers, and strangers
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Learning about costs of care and how to cover them
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Acquiring tools to advocate for your child
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Learning the basics of cleft care, the cause(s) of CLP, and what to expect from the journey
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Answering your cleft-related questions, large or small—or referring you to a professional who can do so
What Will you Get? I will offer ideas to consider, resources to check out, questions to ask when you meet with medical professionals (please have a pen and paper handy during our call!), and the encouragement to speak up and ask those questions—so you can be the best possible advocate for your child.
Just follow the links, below.
Cost: $60 for one hour, $45 for 45 minutes
I look forward to our conversation!
WANNA TALK?
Services for Parents of Children Born with Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Amy Mendillo, MPP
A Note on my Role. I am a cleft parent, adoptive parent, writer, author of the guidebook, I've Just Seen a Face, and an advocate with professional background in public policy and public health (learn more about me, here). I have spent more than a decade studying the ins and outs of cleft care, writing and editing on the topic, serving on committees, and more.
My role is to augment the care you receive from the professionals on your cleft team by providing a safe and comfortable space to explore, explain, and contextualize your experience. If you need help finding an ACPA-approved cleft palate or craniofacial team, visit the ACPA site, here.