About Behind the Smile

Behind the Smile is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping cleft parents with practical knowledge, essential feeding tools, and a welcoming community — so they feel prepared, connected, and supported.

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

During his first two years, I often wished for a friend who had been through it—someone who could share their lived experience, answer everyday questions, and understand what our family was facing. We were surrounded by wonderful medical professionals, but I also longed for a parent’s perspective on everything happening between appointments.

By the time my son turned two, I felt like I had quietly earned a degree in “cleft parenting.” My husband and I had navigated feeding challenges, nasoalveolar molding (NAM), surgeries, and recovery. We were proud of how far our family had come, but so often, we found helpful information a week or two after we needed it.

Meanwhile, I kept seeing other cleft parents struggling with the same questions. I started to wonder: maybe I could be that resource for someone else.

For more than 2.5 years, I’ve been researching, interviewing, and writing—bringing together published research, trusted resources, and practical wisdom from other cleft families. That work became Behind the Smile. Through our free Early Cleft Years Course, practical guides, and sponsored Cleft Care Packages, we help families find information and support as they navigate their own journeys.

My background is in public health. I hold a BS in Biomedical Engineering and an MBA from UC Berkeley and an MPH from Johns Hopkins University, and my career has focused on improving health outcomes for underserved communities through research and education. I am not a medical professional, and this platform does not replace guidance from your child’s cleft team. My hope is to help you feel more prepared for those conversations, more confident in everyday caregiving, and a little less alone.