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- Overview
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- Overview
CLEFT CARE
Our Cleft Team & Continuing Care
For years, families at the Saint John’s Cleft Palate Center were cared for by an extraordinary multidisciplinary team of clinicians who worked together across the many stages of cleft care. Although the Saint John’s Cleft Palate Center has closed, many of the clinicians our families know and trust continue to see patients in other settings.
Here, you can find former team members, information about transition support, and options for ongoing cleft and craniofacial care.
Whether you are reconnecting with a familiar clinician or establishing care with a new team, we hope this page helps you find your next step.
ON THIS PAGE
Transition Support ↓ Find a Former Team Member ↓ Find a Team ↓
HELP WITH THE TRANSITION
Our nursing and care coordination team remains available through December 2026 to answer questions about previous care and help former Center families identify resources and next steps when possible.
Alma Avelar, RN
Registered Nurse / Clinic Coordinator
For transition support, call (310) 829-8697
Natalie Ziegler, MSN, PNP-BC, RNFA
Clinical Program Manager / Nurse Practitioner / Registered Nurse First Assist
FIND A FORMER TEAM MEMBER
Reza Jarrahy, MD, FACS, FAAP
Former Surgical & Team Director
For nearly a decade, Dr. Jarrahy helped lead the Saint John's Cleft Lip and Palate Program, working alongside an extraordinary multidisciplinary team to provide highly personalized care to children and families throughout their cleft journey. During his leadership, the team cared for thousands of patients and families and extended its impact beyond the clinic through annual symposia that educated thousands of professionals and community members about comprehensive cleft care.
Dr. Jarrahy has described leading the program as one of the greatest joys and most rewarding experiences of his professional career and the privilege of caring for its patients and families as something for which he will always be grateful.
OUR CRANIOFACIAL SURGEONS
Mark Urata, MD, DDS & Jeffrey Hammoudeh, MD, DDS
Dr. Urata and Dr. Hammoudeh were integral members of our Saint John’s cleft team, bringing their surgical expertise and thoughtful care to children and families over the years. Alongside Dr. Jarrahy and colleagues across specialties, they helped families navigate surgical decisions and the many stages of cleft and craniofacial care.
Both continue to see patients through the multidisciplinary Craniofacial and Cleft Care Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where families can connect with them for ongoing care.
Speech-Language Pathologists
Our speech-language pathologists supported families from early feeding through speech development, helping children communicate clearly and confidently as they grew.
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Megan McCormick, M.S. CCC-SLP
Where to Find Me: Torrance, California (Los Angeles South Bay)·
Who I See: Ages 12 months to 22 years·
What I Can Help With: cleft palate, articulation disorders, motor speech disorders, mixed receptive-expressive language disorders, Autism, Apraxia, language-based learning disabilities
Cleft Connection: Providing cleft palate speech therapy in private practice. ·
Good to Know: Out-of-network·
Contact
Email: megan@meganmccormickspeech.com
Ph: (310) 948-2258
Address: 3424 W. Carson Street, Suite 300 Torrance, CA 90503 -
Email: jhobbs90064@gmail.com
Orthodontists
Our orthodontists followed dental development, jaw growth, and alignment from early childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, coordinating closely with the surgical team to plan treatment around each stage of care.
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Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
Owner and Board-Certified Orthodontist at Glendale Orthodontics and Brentwood LA Orthodontics; part-time faculty member in the UCLA Section of OrthodonticsWhere to Find Me:
I see patients in person at my private practices in Glendale and Brentwood/West Los Angeles.
- Glendale Orthodontics
- Brentwood LA OrthodonticsWho I See:
Children, adolescents, and adults, including patients who require early growth and development monitoring, comprehensive orthodontic treatment, cleft lip and palate and interdisciplinary care.What I Can Help With:
I provide comprehensive orthodontic care using Invisalign and other clear aligners, traditional and clear braces, growth-modification appliances, and early interceptive treatment. I have particular experience with complex and interdisciplinary cases, including impacted teeth, missing teeth, jaw-growth discrepancies, surgical orthodontics, and coordination with pediatric dentists, general dentists, oral surgeons, and other specialists.Cleft Connection:
It has been a privilege to care for patients through the Providence Saint John’s Cleft Palate Center. Although the Center has closed, I remain available to see cleft and craniofacial patients at either of my private practices. I can continue providing orthodontic evaluations, monitoring facial and dental development, planning and coordinating orthodontic care, and collaborating with the patient’s other specialists as needed. I would be honored to continue supporting these families and helping provide continuity of care.Good to Know:
Families may contact either office directly. Our team can assist with scheduling, insurance verification, and determining whether any referral or authorization is required. Complimentary orthodontic consultations are available.Contact:
Glendale Orthodontics
Ph: 818-659-6485
Email: frontoffice@glendale-orthodontics.com
Web: glendale-orthodontics.comBrentwood LA Orthodontics
Ph: (310) 458-6769
Email: FrontOffice@brentwoodlaorthodontics.com
Web: brentwoodlaorthodontics.com -
973 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite C, Manhattan Beach, CA
(310) 545-6525 -
11980 San Vicente Blvd, #602
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 826-6694
Pediatric Dentists
Our pediatric dentists supported oral health and dental development throughout childhood, helping families maintain healthy smiles and prepare for later stages of orthodontic and surgical care.
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Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Where to Find Me:
Sunset Pediatric Dental Group
9201 Sunset Blvd Suite 200
West Hollywood, CA 9006Web: www.toothclub.com
Who I See:
Birth - CollegeWhat I Can Help With:
Specialize in pediatric dental care for infants, children, and patients with special healthcare needs·Cleft Connection: Experienced in cleft and craniofacial dental care, with a focus on maintaining oral health, restorative treatment, and coordinating treatment with appropriate specialists·
Good to Know:
In-network with most PPO insurances ·Contact:
Ph: 310-273-5776.
Email: info@toothclub.com
Web: www.toothclub.com -
3500 N Sepulveda Blvd, Ste 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Ph: (310) 421-2770
Email: hello@toothlings.com -
11687 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Ph: (310) 279-5984 -
2811 Wilshire Blvd, #940, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Ph: (424) 305-3856
Psychology & Mental Health
I served as the team's psychologist and neuropsychologist, working alongside two therapists who provided ongoing therapeutic support. Together, we supported the emotional, social, and cognitive well-being of children and families throughout their cleft journey.
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Email: info.aceropsychological@gmail.com
Ph: (818) 203-7410
Web: https://aceropsychologicalinc.comVirtual only: In CA & NV
Age Range: 14+
Specialty: Craniofacial, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction
Other: Lived experience with craniofacial, Bilingual-Spanish. Trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, Neurofeedback, Biofeedback.Accept insurance: yes
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Email: ericagierman@gmail.com
Ph: 424-262-0098
Web: www.hermosabeachtherapist.comIn person: Hermosa Beach, CA & Virtual in CA & OR
Age Range: 14-80+
Specialty: Medical Trauma, Chronic illness, Life Transitions, Certified in Brainspotting, Utilize mindfulness, meditation, hypnosis and an overall body, mind, spirit approach to healingAccept insurance: no
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Clinical Neuropsychologist
Where to Find Me
New York: Long Island & New York City
California: Limited in-person availability by appointment at select times of the year
Telehealth: New York & CaliforniaWho I See
Primarily older adults for aging and memory concerns, as well as adolescents and adults. Children seen on a limited, case-by-case basis.Cleft Connection
Former Team Psychologist/Neuropsychologist, Providence Saint John’s Cleft Palate Center. Continuing to provide consultation, transition support, and help navigating resources and continuing care for former Center patients and families through December 2026.What I Can Help With
Neuropsychological & psychological evaluations • Consultation • Aging, memory & dementia care • ADHD assessment for adolescents & adults • Cleft/craniofacial careGood to Know
Self-pay; insurance not acceptedContact
Email: drjlobosco@gmail.com
Ph: (424) 254-9820
Website: weneuropsychology.com
Child and Family Development Center (CFDC): Located within the Providence Saint John’s hospital setting, this clinic continues to provide therapy/support services and accepts Medi-Cal, making it an important resource for families seeking accessible care options.
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Contact for the Intake Department
Ph: 310 829-8921
Web: https://www.providence.org/locations/socal/saint-johns-health-center/child-and-family-development-centerIn-person services provided in the clinic, school, home, community, and the hospital.
Virtual sessions are also available.
Primary Location: 1339 20th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404Age Range: 1 -18 years old
Services: clinical therapy, consultations, psychological assessment, and psychiatric services at CFDC. Specifically, services in early childhood mental health, family therapy, developmental services, school-based services, parenting support, psychiatric services, psychological assessment services.
There are multiple programs offered at the CDFC. Please see webpage (https://www.providence.org/locations/socal/saint-johns-health-center/child-and-family-development-center) for detailed description of programs.
Referral Process
Self-referral, physician referral, school referral, DCFS referral; please call 310 829-8921 if self-referringInsurance: predominantly Medi-Cal; please give us a call and we can assist you with any questions related to your funding source
Languages Offered: English, Spanish and other languages depending on staff currently employed (please call 310 829-8921 to inquire)
Additional Information: We have been in Santa Monica community since 1961 and are well embedded in the community.
Otolaryngology (ENT) / Audiology
Otolaryngologists and audiologists monitor hearing and ear, nose, and throat health throughout a child's cleft journey, coordinating closely with the surgical and speech teams to support healthy hearing and development.
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Pacific Neuroscience Institute
1301 20th Street, #300
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Find a Multidisciplinary Cleft or Craniofacial Team
Some families may wish to reconnect with individual former clinicians; others may need to establish care with a new multidisciplinary program. The programs below offer options to explore for coordinated cleft and craniofacial care.
Contact each program directly to ask about appointments, ages served, insurance, and referral requirements.
Looking for a Team in Another Area?
The American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA) offers a searchable directory of cleft and craniofacial care teams. You can use it to find ACPA Approved Teams in the United States and Canada and explore options near you.