Spokane Cleft Team

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Spokane Cleft Team Cleft and craniofacial team helping families navigate the reconstructive process.

Congrats to Annabel!!! She just finished her last team cleft evaluation! We are so happy for her, but sad that we won’t...
17/07/2025

Congrats to Annabel!!! She just finished her last team cleft evaluation! We are so happy for her, but sad that we won’t see her every year🥰. We make each of our kids promise to send college graduation, wedding and life announcements! We wish you the very best, Annabel! You will do amazing things!!

08/07/2025

It’s Cleft Awareness Month!

This month, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and BEAUTIFUL smiles of those born with cleft lip and palate. From the first bottle to the final surgery—and every step in between—our team is honored to walk alongside these incredible families.

Cleft care is more than surgery. It’s feeding support, speech therapy, emotional encouragement, and lifelong teamwork. We are so proud of our Spokane Cleft Team families and the inspiring journeys we witness every day.

Help us spread awareness and love by sharing YOUR cleft story or photo in the comments! Every smile has a story worth celebrating.

Behind the Scenes: Spokane Cleft Lip and Palate Team Dinner This week, our dedicated team gathered for a meaningful dinn...
03/07/2025

Behind the Scenes: Spokane Cleft Lip and Palate Team Dinner

This week, our dedicated team gathered for a meaningful dinner to discuss action items and innovative ways to enhance patient care. It's moments like these that fuel our passion and drive for continuous improvement. We're committed to enriching the entire patient experience and providing the best team care.

Did you know our team is packed with legacy and experience?

Since 2011, Dr. Meredith has been our go-to guru in turning challenges into triumphs. Meanwhile, Dr. Ukich's passion for patient care runs in the family—his dad was part of the original cleft team and inspired him to carry on the tradition as our stellar team dentist! And let's not forget Dr. Gailey, who's been our cleft surgeon for a fabulous decade. Talk about a dream team!

🦷✨ Look who’s growing up! ✨🦷Our sweet Kooper, one of our cleft team rockstars, just had his very first dentist visit — a...
25/06/2025

🦷✨ Look who’s growing up! ✨🦷

Our sweet Kooper, one of our cleft team rockstars, just had his very first dentist visit — and he did amazing! 💪😁 It feels like just yesterday we were helping him through his first bottles, and now he's sitting like a champ in the dental chair.

Kooper reminds us how far these incredible kids come with love and support from their families, and specialized care. 💙 We’re so proud of you, buddy — your smile lights up every room you walk into!

Happy nurses week to our amazing nurse coordinator MarSue!! We let her take a short break to take in the sun!!
09/05/2025

Happy nurses week to our amazing nurse coordinator MarSue!!

We let her take a short break to take in the sun!!

Part of our cleft team at the national ACPA meeting! We are always striving to learn how we can improve.
08/05/2025

Part of our cleft team at the national ACPA meeting! We are always striving to learn how we can improve.

🌟 Happy Doctor’s Day to Dr. David Gailey! 🌟Today, we honor a truly exceptional surgeon, mentor, and advocate—Dr. David G...
29/03/2025

🌟 Happy Doctor’s Day to Dr. David Gailey! 🌟
Today, we honor a truly exceptional surgeon, mentor, and advocate—Dr. David Gailey, the Surgical Cleft Lead at the Providence Center for Cleft Lip and Palate.

Dr. Gailey has dedicated his career to transforming the lives of children born with cleft and craniofacial conditions. With a deep belief in the power of the team approach, he has become a cornerstone of Spokane’s cleft care community.

🎓 Dr. Gailey's journey in medicine is both impressive and inspiring. He earned his DDS Cum Laude from The Ohio State University, completed his Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the University of Cincinnati, and went on to specialize further with a Pediatric Cleft-Craniofacial Fellowship at the University of Oklahoma. He is board-certified, holds a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Pediatric Cleft & Craniofacial Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Gailey’s passion for helping others began in a small Utah farm town and led him around the world—from surgical training in India with Smile Train to performing over 150 cleft procedures during his fellowship alone. For over a decade, he has brought that passion to Spokane, where he cares for children with compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication.

Outside the OR, Dr. Gailey is a proud husband and father of six, an outdoor enthusiast, and a beloved part of our community. His kindness, expertise, and commitment to his patients continue to make an incredible impact.

Thank you, Dr. Gailey, for being the heart of our cleft team. Your patients—and all of us—are so lucky to have you.



Fun fact: Did you know Dr. Gailey often gets mistaken for legendary country singer, Blake Shelton? Do you see the resemblance?

Honoring Dr. Lauren Van Gemert this Doctor's Day! As a vital member of the Spokane Maxillofacial Cleft Lip and Palate Te...
29/03/2025

Honoring Dr. Lauren Van Gemert this Doctor's Day! As a vital member of the Spokane Maxillofacial Cleft Lip and Palate Team, Dr. Van Gemert shines with her exceptional skills and commitment to transformative care. Beyond delivering outstanding orthodontic results, she actively supports local charities focused on cleft conditions, showcasing her dedication to the community.

Dr. Van Gemert's journey began in Southeast Michigan, where she graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery, finishing first in her class. She advanced her expertise at the renowned Texas A&M College of Dentistry, earning both a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree. Her focus on continuous education keeps her at the forefront of orthodontic innovation, ensuring patients receive top-tier treatment.

Board-certified and an active participant in the Spear study group, Dr. Van Gemert collaborates with other dental specialists to tackle complex cases. Her approach is holistic, prioritizing the overall health and functionality of the facial complex, and promising patients a lifetime of beautiful and effective results.

Her infectious smile, laughter, and knack for storytelling brighten the day for everyone around her, making the clinic a place filled with positivity and joy. Dr. Van Gemert's ability to connect with people and spread happiness is as impactful as her professional contributions.

Thank you, Dr. Van Gemert, for your incredible dedication and the joy you bring to both your patients and colleagues. Happy Doctor's Day!



Fun Fact: Dr. Lauren delights in the spirited antics of her two Labrador dogs and young son and daughter, who never fail to entertain with their playful shenanigans. She is filled with wonderful stories of their adventures together. Her husband, who happens to be a dentist, practices right here in Spokane, making their family a true pillar of the local community.

🎉 Happy Doctor's Day to Dr. John Ukich DDS! 🎉Today, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Dr. John R. Ukich, a be...
28/03/2025

🎉 Happy Doctor's Day to Dr. John Ukich DDS! 🎉

Today, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Dr. John R. Ukich, a beacon of pediatric dental care in North Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Dr. John’s academic excellence at Wheaton College and Marquette University School of Dentistry earned him honors in treating children with special needs. His influence extends through key leadership roles, having served as President of several prestigious dental societies, and his work with our cleft team showcases his dedication to specialized care.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. John generously volunteers his time on the Cleft Lip and Palate Review Board, offering his expertise to improve the lives of children and families facing these challenges. His volunteering exemplifies his commitment to making a lasting impact in children with craniofacial differences.

Outside the clinic, Dr. John treasures moments with his family, enjoying the Pacific Northwest’s beauty through biking, triathlons, tennis, and skiing.

Join us in honoring Dr. John Ukich this Doctor's Day for his selfless service and extraordinary dedication to children with clefts. Thank you, Dr. John, for your invaluable contributions to the cleft team!



Fun fact: Dr. Ukich has been married for over 20 years, has twin boys, AND has an impressive shoe collection. He often shows up to clinic in brightly colored kicks!

Celebrating Dr. Amy Meredith on Doctors Day!Today, we honor Dr. Amy Meredith, PhD, CCC-SLP, for her invaluable contribut...
27/03/2025

Celebrating Dr. Amy Meredith on Doctors Day!

Today, we honor Dr. Amy Meredith, PhD, CCC-SLP, for her invaluable contributions as the lead speech therapist for the Spokane Cleft Team. In addition to her work with the cleft team, she serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at Washington State University. Dr. Meredith combines her expertise with compassion, paving the way for innovative care in the field of cleft palate and craniofacial disorders.

Dr. Meredith is constantly exploring fresh ways to help kids with motor speech disorders, like childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), through her ongoing research. Right now, she's diving into visual feedback techniques, which are super helpful for kids dealing with challenging speech sound disorders. Plus, she's making waves at the Range clinic, an Autism and Neurodevelopmental center, bringing even more excellent care to the community!

Dr. Meredith is more than a clinician; she is a beacon of hope for families navigating the complexities of cleft-related challenges. Her teaching inspires the next generation through courses like Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Disorders. Her recognition with the Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award reflects her dedication to diversity and service, enriching lives through education and support. She is a voice for the underserved and can often be found volunteering in various capacities throughout Spokane. She stays up-to-date on resources such as camps and summer programs that serve the children she impacts.

On this Doctors Day, we salute Dr. Meredith for her tireless dedication, groundbreaking research, and compassionate care. Thank you for transforming lives and inspiring future healthcare leaders!



Fun fact: Did you know that Dr. Meredith is one of the lead singers in the band All Directions?! She is a talented musician and vocalist and enjoys "jamming" in her spare time.

With Doctor's Day this week, we have several amazing doctors on the cleft team we'd like to highlight.🎉 Happy Doctor's D...
26/03/2025

With Doctor's Day this week, we have several amazing doctors on the cleft team we'd like to highlight.

🎉 Happy Doctor's Day to the incredible Dr. Hannah Jones, AuD! 🎉

Since 2019, Dr. Hannah has been transforming lives at Spokane Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic with her expertise in cochlear implants and pediatric hearing aids. She specializes in evaluations, selection, programming, and counseling, ensuring her patients hear the world in vibrant detail.

Beyond her clinic work, she shines as the audiologist for the cleft lip and palate team, using her specialized skills to support these amazing children and their families. With a doctorate in audiology and a pediatric emphasis in listening and spoken language, Dr. Hannah champions effective communication for children with hearing loss. As a member of the Maxillofacial Clinic and certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, she's a trusted force in audiology.

Thank you, Dr. Hannah, for your unwavering dedication and commitment to making sound waves in every patient's life! We couldn't do this without you!

Fun fact: Dr. Hannah Jones earned her degree from Utah State University!

The Spokane Cleft Team was delighted to attend the Providence Children's Miracle Network Ceremony, where the inspiring M...
19/03/2025

The Spokane Cleft Team was delighted to attend the Providence Children's Miracle Network Ceremony, where the inspiring Mira Warner was named this year's Champion Ambassador! 🎉

Mira's incredible journey with cleft lip and palate exemplifies true courage and determination. Her story motivates us all to continue our mission of providing vital care and support to children facing similar challenges.

As she steps into this ambassador role, we're proud to stand with her and celebrate the amazing resilience of children like Mira. Let's come together in support of the Warner family to help create more success stories and bring beautiful smiles to children’s faces, just like Mira's.

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