Our Forever Smiles with Laura Arroyo

Laura C Arroyo
  • 4.9 (29)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Whether you've just learned the difficult news of your baby's cleft lip/palate, you're in the middle of your cleft lip/palate journey, or you're a seasoned pro who knows the many challenges of children who are born with clefts all too well, this podcast is for you! Join your host, Laura C. Arroyo, mother of a daughter born with a cleft palate, in a weekly conversation about everything from feeding and speech therapy to surgeries and genetics. We'll share tips and advice from other moms who have been there and even share a little joy in the process. If you're a cleft mom, or if you know someone who is, please subscribe to the Our Forever Smiles Podcast. We're here to support you on your journey. Want to share your story or sponsor the show? Email us at ourforeversmiles@gmail.com

  1. 3d ago

    When Your Grandchild Is Born With a Cleft: A Story of Love and Purpose | Andrea Garrett

    In this special episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Andrea Garrett, founder of the Caring for Clefts Foundation, to share a perspective we haven't explored before, the grandparent journey. Andrea reflects on learning that her first granddaughter would be born with a cleft lip and palate, how that experience inspired her advocacy, and the importance of supporting families with compassion, education, and community. Together, they discuss what grandparents can do to truly help, why cleft care is about so much more than surgery, and how small acts of support can make a lasting impact. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or someone walking alongside a cleft family, this conversation is a heartfelt reminder that no one has to navigate the journey alone. Links: Caring for Cleft on IG Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

  2. Aug 4

    Raising Confidence: Lessons from a Division I Athlete Born with a Cleft | Malaki Ta'ase

    What does it look like to grow up with a cleft lip and palate—and thrive? In this inspiring episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura Arroyo sits down with Malaki Ta'ase, Division I football player at Iowa State University, husband, father, and cleft advocate, to talk about his journey from childhood surgeries and speech therapy to competing at the highest levels of college athletics. Malaki shares how his parents and siblings helped build his confidence, why openness about his cleft made a lasting impact on his self-image, and how meeting other people in the cleft community shaped his perspective. He reflects on navigating questions from peers, overcoming insecurities, pursuing big dreams, and embracing what he now considers his "superpower." For parents raising a child with a cleft diagnosis, this conversation offers reassurance, hope, and a powerful reminder that a cleft does not define a child's future. From family life and football to advocacy and self-acceptance, Malaki's story highlights the resilience, possibility, and joy that can grow from even the most challenging beginnings. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, individual born with a cleft, or someone looking for encouragement, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and heartfelt perspective. Links: Malaki on Instagram Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

  3. Jul 28

    The Sibling Perspective: A Sister's Journey with 22q Deletion Syndrome | Amy and Leily Kebriaei

    What does it mean to grow up alongside a sibling with a disability, and who supports the siblings along the way? In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with pediatric dentist and mom Amy Kebriaei and her daughter, Leily Kebriaei, to discuss life with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome from a sibling's perspective. Amy shares the emotional journey of receiving her daughter Roya's diagnosis, navigating complex medical needs, and building a support network for families facing similar challenges. Leily offers a powerful and honest look at what it's like growing up with a sister who has special needs, balancing advocacy, friendship, responsibility, and the everyday realities of being a sibling. She also shares the inspiration behind Sib Support, an online support group she created for teens who have siblings with long-term disabilities. Together, they explore disability awareness, sibling relationships, self-advocacy, inclusion in schools and activities, and the importance of creating spaces where siblings feel seen and supported. This episode is a moving reminder that every family member is impacted by a diagnosis, and that connection, understanding, and community can make all the difference. Whether you're a parent, sibling, caregiver, or advocate, this conversation will leave you inspired by the resilience, compassion, and love that exist within the special needs community. Links: Sib Support Registration Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

  4. Jul 21

    When You Know Something Isn't Right: A Mother's Journey Through Cleft Care | Kailey Kuck

    In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Kailey Kuck to share the emotional journey of welcoming her daughter, Ember, who was unexpectedly born with a cleft palate and additional medical challenges. Kailey Kuck opens up about navigating feeding difficulties, advocating for the right medical team, receiving rare genetic diagnoses, and learning to trust her instincts as a mother. This honest conversation highlights the importance of self-advocacy, finding compassionate providers, and remembering that every child deserves to be seen for who they are, not their diagnosis. Whether you're navigating a new cleft diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone.

  5. Jul 14

    Born with a Cleft Palate: Learning to Speak Up and Thrive | Delaney Yard

    What is it like to grow up with a cleft palate and learn to find your voice in a world that often feels intimidating? In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Delaney, a professional in the medical device industry who was born with a cleft palate, to discuss her personal journey through surgeries, speech therapy, self-confidence challenges, and ultimately finding the courage to speak up and advocate for others. Delaney shares what it was like for her family to receive a surprise cleft diagnosis at birth, her early memories of hospital stays and surgeries, and how years of speech therapy helped shape her communication skills. She opens up about childhood insecurities, navigating bullying, and the lasting impact cleft can have on confidence and self-expression. Together, Laura and Delaney explore the unique perspective of being born with a cleft palate, the importance of advocacy, and why encouraging children to use their voice can be one of the greatest gifts parents can give. Delaney also offers heartfelt reassurance to parents who may be facing a new cleft diagnosis, reminding them that their child can live a happy, vibrant, and fulfilling life. Whether you're a cleft parent, a cleft-affected adult, or a healthcare professional supporting craniofacial families, this conversation is filled with hope, encouragement, and practical wisdom. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

  6. Jul 7

    Finding Healing Through Art: Amy Hofland on Cleft, Compassion, and Community

    In this deeply moving episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Amy Lewis Hofland, Director of the Crow Museum of Asian Art in Dallas, Texas, and an adult born with a cleft lip and palate. Amy shares her personal journey growing up with cleft, navigating years of surgeries, childhood bullying, self-image challenges, and the emotional realities that often went unspoken within families. Together, Laura and Amy explore the lasting impact of cleft beyond the operating room, discussing resilience, identity, family dynamics, and the importance of emotional support for both children and parents. Amy reflects on how art, mindfulness, compassion, and community became powerful tools for healing throughout her life and career. The conversation also touches on sibling experiences, beauty standards, public speaking, parenthood, advocacy, and how creating spaces for silence, reflection, and connection can help individuals affected by cleft thrive. Amy offers heartfelt encouragement to parents currently facing a cleft diagnosis, reminding them that their child is whole, beautiful, and capable of living a full and meaningful life. Whether you're a cleft parent, an individual born with a cleft, a healthcare professional, or someone seeking inspiration through stories of resilience and compassion, this episode is filled with wisdom, hope, and perspective. Links: Buy Me a Coffee Pocket Sunrise - Amy Hofland on IG Oral Fixation Video

  7. Jun 30

    The 100 Cleft Portrait Tour: Building Community Through Storytelling

    In this powerful and hope-filled episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura Arroyo sits down with three incredible leaders in the cleft and craniofacial community: Suzanne Santomieri, Stephanie Hassen, and Jessi Hill. Together, they discuss the emotional realities of supporting cleft families, the importance of community care, and the exciting launch of the 100 Cleft Portrait Tour. This moving conversation explores what it truly means to walk alongside cleft families — from prenatal diagnosis through surgeries, school years, and beyond. Suzanne and Stephanie also share their personal experiences as cleft moms, while Jessi offers insight into the deeply impactful role of a cleft care coordinator. The episode also highlights the inspiring work behind the 100 Cleft Portrait Tour, a nationwide art exhibit created by UK artist Katie Manning, featuring 100 portraits celebrating the beauty, resilience, and individuality of people born with clefts. Families attending the North Carolina stop can expect art, connection, storytelling, community activities, and the opportunity to meet other cleft families who truly understand the journey. In this episode, you'll hear about: What cleft care coordinators actually do behind the scenes Supporting families through prenatal cleft diagnoses The emotional realities of parenting a child with a cleft Why visibility and storytelling matter in the cleft community The power of community events and peer support The future of cleft advocacy and care Details about the 100 Cleft Portrait Tour coming to North Carolina This episode is a beautiful reminder that cleft families are never alone — and that healing happens not only through surgeries and treatment, but also through connection, representation, and shared experiences. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

  8. Jun 23

    From Cleft Provider to Cleft Mom: Dr. Jordan Virden's Story

    In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura Arroyo sits down with pediatric dentist and cleft mom Dr. Jordan Virden for an honest conversation about navigating the cleft journey from both sides of the chair. As a volunteer on the Johns Hopkins Cleft Team and a first-time mom to baby Eli, Jordan shares what it was like receiving a prenatal cleft diagnosis despite already working closely with cleft patients throughout her professional career. Together, Laura and Jordan discuss the emotional reality of hearing "your baby has a cleft," preparing for labor and delivery, feeding challenges, lip adhesion surgery, and the unique perspective of being both a provider and a parent. Jordan also offers valuable insight into cleft-related dental care, including missing teeth, extra teeth, oral hygiene concerns, and what parents should expect as their child grows. In this episode, you'll hear about: Receiving a cleft diagnosis during the anatomy scan Preparing emotionally and medically for birth Lip adhesion surgery and recovery Feeding with specialty bottles and the blue disc system Common dental differences in children with clefts Preventing cavities and oral health complications The emotional toll of surgeries and returning to work postpartum Advocacy, resilience, and supporting cleft families This conversation is full of warmth, reassurance, practical guidance, and hope for parents navigating life with a child born with a cleft lip or palate. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into your journey, this episode reminds you that your child can thrive — and so can you. Links: Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group

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Whether you've just learned the difficult news of your baby's cleft lip/palate, you're in the middle of your cleft lip/palate journey, or you're a seasoned pro who knows the many challenges of children who are born with clefts all too well, this podcast is for you! Join your host, Laura C. Arroyo, mother of a daughter born with a cleft palate, in a weekly conversation about everything from feeding and speech therapy to surgeries and genetics. We'll share tips and advice from other moms who have been there and even share a little joy in the process. If you're a cleft mom, or if you know someone who is, please subscribe to the Our Forever Smiles Podcast. We're here to support you on your journey. Want to share your story or sponsor the show? Email us at ourforeversmiles@gmail.com

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