Our Team of Specialists


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A coordinated plan of diagnosis and treatment is necessary to ensure quality care. The interdisciplinary team members of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Cleft Palate Institute meet monthly to provide diagnostic services. These professionals participate in clinic on a voluntary basis.

The management of the individual with cleft lip and/or palate by each professional is dependent upon the decision of the other team members.

After examining the child or adult, the team members meet and discuss plans for that particular individual. The team then develops a working plan and outline of treatment for the patient. The plan is monitored to ensure that the individual receives the appropriate treatment as indicated by the interdisciplinary team.

Members of the Erie County Dental Auxiliary and other community volunteers provide an important service by assisting in the operation of the clinic.

A team of specialists provides early and continuous intervention for the numerous problems which may occur, many of which are not evident at birth. Cleft lip and palate may cause varying degrees of facial deformity, feeding problems in infancy, difficulties with speech and hearing and dental problems.

Our Team includes:

Clinic Director

MJ Giacomelli, M.A., CCC/S

 

Plastic Surgeon
Gerald Garcia, M.D.

Clinic Secretary

Danielle Romanowicz

General Dentist
Ronald Merski, D.M.D.

Speech Pathologists (<4yrs old)
Kate Fox, M.A., CCC/S

M.J. Giacomelli, MA, CCC/S
Julie M. Haas, M.A., CCC/S

Jill Imler, M.A.,CCC/S

 

Speech Pathologists  (>4yrs old)  

 

 

 

 

Susan Hegel, Ph.D.

Joan Kramzer, M.A.,CCC/S

Maria Macko, M.A.,CCC/S

Mary Spzara, M.A.,CCC/S

Audiologists
Judith Troester, M.S., CCC

April Wujcik, M.A., CCC

 

Public Health Nurse
Sonya Shampoe, R.N.

Oral Surgeons

A. Paul King, D.M.D.
John Alonge, D.D.S.

Psychologists
 

 

 

 

Jill Alexander, PsyD.
Robert Dowling, Ph.D.

Heather Snyder, Ph.D.

Prosthodontist
John Harrison, D.M.D.

Parent Advocates
Charlene Popson

Michele Butterfield

Pediatric Dentist

David Shapter, D.D.S.
Gregg Garcia D.M.D.

Erie County Dental Auxiliary
Melanie Forsberg
Kim Hissom
Mollie King
Pat Pierce