The Cleft Collective

Dr. Anna Thurmes
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to The Cleft Collective: Empowering you on your cleft and craniofacial Journey. Our community believes that together, we have more strength, wisdom, and knowledge. We're here to help you navigate it—whether you're gathering information, finding support, processing emotions, or celebrating wins along the way. Our community believes that together, we have more strength, wisdom, and knowledge. Join host Dr. Anna Thurmes, and her expert guests and the real heroes, for deep dives into vital topics from multiple perspectives. Dr. Anna, born with a cleft lip and palate herself, she has traveled this path firsthand, supported by an incredible tribe. She's a wife, daughter, sister, coffee lover, professor, speech-language pathologist, and holds a PhD in Family Social Science, with over a hundred presentations and publications on cleft speech and quality of life. She's Dr. Anna is also a proud member of the University of Minnesota Cleft and Craniofacial Team and the host of the Kona Kona Cleft Camp. Ready to be equipped and empowered? Need some fuel for your journey? Are you passionate about helping others? Pull up a seat and listen in. Remember, you are not alone! You can find us on social media at Cleft Collective. Discover our FB group and more.

Episodes

  1. Episode 4 - Advancing Care: The Impact of ACPA

    06/02/2025

    Episode 4 - Advancing Care: The Impact of ACPA

    On this episode, Adam Levy joins the show to discuss the mission of the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association and the resources this non-profit organization offers.  Do you know that ACPA is one of the leading contributors to advancing cleft and craniofacial care? Do you know what it means to be an "ACPA approved team"? Do you know how to access an ACPA team?  What role does ACPA play in empowering professionals to gain new skills and advance outcomes? Why should professionals be a part of the ACPA?  What resrouces are available to families and affected individuals?  These are great questions! We dive into these questions and more on this episode!  Visit the ACPA website: https://acpacares.org/ Don't miss an episode or upcoming event, hit the subscribe button and follow us on social media at the Cleft Collective.  This podcast is an outreach project brought to you by the University of Minnesota Cleft and Craniofacial Team. https://z.umn.edu/cleft

    36 min
  2. Episode 3 - Surgical Series: Logistical Prep and Emotions

    03/25/2025

    Episode 3 - Surgical Series: Logistical Prep and Emotions

    How do we help kids and adults develop emotional resilience in the face of surgery?   Remember, You are the captain of this ship! Planning is power! This is a marathon, not a sprint! In Episode 3, Dr. Anna deeps dives into cleft and craniofacial surgery with guest, Dr. Eric Riklin, pediatric psychologist. In this conversation, Dr. Anna and Dr. Eric Riklin discuss the emotional and logistical aspects of preparing for cleft and craniofacial surgeries. They explore common emotions experienced by parents and children, the importance of communication, and practical tips for managing expectations. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding the mind-body connection and empowering children through knowledge and play. They also highlight the necessity of self-care for parents and the role of support systems in navigating this journey. This episode is full of plenty of wisdom for healthcare providers striving to provide holistic, family-centered care.    Remember to subscribe to the episode! And follow us on instagram. You are invited to join our private FB group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Etf6ETwgH/?mibextid=wwXIfr Resources Dr. Eric Recommends: ACPA: https://acpacares.org/ myFace: https://www.myface.org/ Children's Craniofacial Association: https://ccakids.org/ University of Minnesota Cleft | Craniofacial Team: https://dentalclinics.umn.edu/specialty/cleft-craniofacial Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: https://www.nctsn.org/

    41 min
  3. Navigating the Initial Cleft Surgeries

    03/11/2025

    Navigating the Initial Cleft Surgeries

    In this episode, Dr. Anna is joined by Dr. Renie Daniel, a leading cleft and craniofacial surgeon and director of the University of Minnesota Team, to explore the fundamentals of cleft conditions. They answer key questions like How does a cleft form? What causes a cleft? and break down the timing of initial surgeries, what families can expect, and why a team-based approach is essential for optimal care. This is the first episode in a series on surgical management—tune in for expert insights and guidance!

    27 min
  4. Episode 1. The News You Didn't Expect: A Roadmap for the Cleft and Craniofacial Journey

    01/31/2025

    Episode 1. The News You Didn't Expect: A Roadmap for the Cleft and Craniofacial Journey

    Episode Summary: Receiving a cleft or craniofacial diagnosis can feel overwhelming—emotionally and practically. In this episode of The Cleft Collective Podcast, Dr. Anna Thurmes is joined by experts Dr. Renie Daniel and Dr. Eric Riklin as they map out what comes next. Together, they break down common questions that parents often face, the critical role of a supportive ACPA team, and practical coping strategies to help families navigate this new chapter. From processing the complex emotions of receiving the diagnosis to understanding the treatment process, this conversation highlights the importance of communication, self-care, and leaning on your tribe. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or just starting your journey, this episode will provide both guidance and solidarity on the road ahead. Connect with the Cleft Collective Community- join our newsletter and private Facebook group at the Cleft Collective. You can also connect with the expert guests and host of the show in the Facebook group! Use this link to join The Expert Guests Dr. Renie Daniel is a board certified surgeon with dual degrees as both a medical doctor and a dentist. She serves as the Director and Surgeon of the University of Minnesota located in Moos Tower. She has over a decade experience as a cleft and craniofacial surgeon. She is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. After her surgical residcency and a cleft and craniofacial fellowship, she proudly served as member of the Cleft Team at the UNC- Chapel Hill for 8 years. She is passionate about caring for patients and their families at each stage of life. She is an internationally credentialed cleft surgeon with the distinguished volunteer organization, Operation Smile. Dr. Daniel can be contacted at cleft@umn.edu or 612-625-5945. Click to visit via the web Dr. Eric Riklin is a craniofacial pyschologist. He does cognitive, behavioral, and socia-emotional evlauations and therapy for children and families as a member of the University of Minnesota Cleft and Craniofacial Team. Dr. Riklin did a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric psychology and was a member of the Los Angelos Craniofacial Team before moving to Minnesota. He has over 40 publications and presentations related to resillience and mental health in youth with chronic illness. He brings the unique perspective as a professional who has first hand experience. Dr. Riklin was born with a rare craniofacial condition called Crouzon syndrome. He is passionate about giving back and helping others thrive on their journies.  To contact Dr. Riklin, call or email cleft@umn.edu, 612-625-5945.  During the show, we discussed the importance of care under the direction of a team that is approved by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA). The ACPA is the leading scientific body and support network for cleft and craniofacial providers and they have an enormous number of resources for families and adults with cleft and craniofacial differences. For more information or to locate a team near you, visit the ACPA website.   Remember, don't go it alone! To contact the host, Dr. Anna Thurmes, email thur0080@umn.edu.  Don't forget- connect with us on social media and join the private FB group by clicking this link  Thank you for following! Don't forget to subscribe and share this amazing resource!

    41 min
  • 4 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Cleft Collective: Empowering you on your cleft and craniofacial Journey. Our community believes that together, we have more strength, wisdom, and knowledge. We're here to help you navigate it—whether you're gathering information, finding support, processing emotions, or celebrating wins along the way. Our community believes that together, we have more strength, wisdom, and knowledge. Join host Dr. Anna Thurmes, and her expert guests and the real heroes, for deep dives into vital topics from multiple perspectives. Dr. Anna, born with a cleft lip and palate herself, she has traveled this path firsthand, supported by an incredible tribe. She's a wife, daughter, sister, coffee lover, professor, speech-language pathologist, and holds a PhD in Family Social Science, with over a hundred presentations and publications on cleft speech and quality of life. She's Dr. Anna is also a proud member of the University of Minnesota Cleft and Craniofacial Team and the host of the Kona Kona Cleft Camp. Ready to be equipped and empowered? Need some fuel for your journey? Are you passionate about helping others? Pull up a seat and listen in. Remember, you are not alone! You can find us on social media at Cleft Collective. Discover our FB group and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Anna Thurmes
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    The Cleft Collective