A bit about me…

Hi, I’m Marina and my son was born with a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate.

During his first two years, I found myself wishing for a friend I could text at 3:00 a.m. – someone who just “got it”. The learning curve was steep, and while I was surrounded by amazing professionals, I longed for a parent’s lived perspective.

By the time my son turned two, I felt like I had quietly earned a degree in “Cleft Parenting”, but had nowhere to share what I had learned. And I knew other cleft families were just starting the journey. I started to wonder – maybe I could be that friend for someone else. This space grew out of that idea – a place to share the hard-won lessons, small victories, and practical tips that make everyday life a little easier for cleft-affected families.

For more than two years I’ve been researching, interviewing, and writing - pouring myself into this work with one goal: to make something practical and useful. My hope is that it helps you feel a little more informed and a lot less alone.

Note: I’m not a medical professional and cannot provide medical advice. My background is in public health. I hold a BS in Biomedical Engineering, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and my career has been focused on improving health outcomes through research and education. This space is where my professional passion meets personal experience.