Antonie D. Kline, MD, FAAP
Medical Director
Cleft Lip and Palate

Dr. Kline is the team Geneticist and one of the four Co-Medical Directors. She is a Clinical Geneticist, Dysmorphologist and Cytogeneticist at the Harvey Institute for Human Genetics at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. 

Dr. Kline received her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa., in 1986. She completed a residency in pediatrics at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore; a postdoctoral fellowship in Medical Genetics at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa.; and a fellowship in cytogenetics at Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Md. Dr. Kline is the Medical Director of the national Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation and a member of the professional advisory board of the Cri du Chat Society. She is a member of the American College of Medical Genetics, American Society of Human Genetics and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is accredited by the American Board of Pediatrics and by the American Board of Medical Genetics in clinical genetics, cytogenetics and molecular genetics.

Patrick J. Byrne, MD, FACS
Co-Medical Director
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive

Dr. Byrne is a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and one of four Co-Medical Directors. He completed an accredited fellowship in cleft surgery at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn. He has devoted his career to perfecting his care of children with congenital anomalies, including cleft lip and palate. He is committed to caring for children with congenital deformities in the developing world and has led mission trips to 10 countries over the past decade.

His practice is highly specialized, focusing exclusively on plastic surgery of the face, head and neck. He is the Director of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he also directs the Fellowship Program in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is a full-time faculty member and Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Byrne is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology.

John Caccamese, Jr., DMD, MD, FACS
Co-Medical Director
Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Dr. Caccamese completed a fellowship in cleft, craniofacial and pediatric maxillofacial surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Caccamese maintains a clinical focus on the care of the pediatric patient. This includes the reconstruction of congenital facial anomalies, cleft lip and palate, pediatric trauma, pediatric pathology and orthognathic surgery. He is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Pediatrics at the University of Maryland Medical System/University of Maryland Hospital for Children and the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery.

Shaun Desai, MD, FACS
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Shaun Desai, MD, FACS, is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with the Greater Baltimore Cleft Lip and Palate team. He is board-certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Desai earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from George Washington University and completed his residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University School of Medicine. He received further training there during his fellowships in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Head and Neck Regional and Microvascular Reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Desai’s practice focuses on facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery including cleft lip and palate surgery, complex facial reconstruction including microvascular surgery after cancer or trauma, rhinoplasty, skin cancer reconstruction and facial paralysis. He serves as Co-Director of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship program at Johns Hopkins, and as an Associate Residency Program Director for the Johns Hopkins Head and Neck Surgery Residency Program.

Susanne Wallengren
Pediatric Dentist

Susanne Wallengren, DDS, is a board-certified pediatric dentist with the Greater Baltimore Cleft Lip and Palate team. Dr. Wallengren earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland Dental School, where she also completed her specialty training through a Pediatric Dentistry residency. During her time there, she was awarded the Maryland Society of Dentistry for Children Achievement Award for excellence in pediatric dentistry. She completed her residency in General Dentistry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Wallengren is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Maryland Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Maryland State Dental Association.She is passionate about pediatric dentistry and caring for her patients. She strives to help each patient achieve optimal oral health and a lifelong positive attitude towards dental care.

Nicole Brummer, DDS, MS
Orthodontics

Dr. Brummer completed her Orthodontic Residency and Master's Degree at the University of Louisville Dental School in Louisville, KY. She received her D.D.S. from the University of Maryland Dental School at Baltimore (Magna Cum Laude) and her B.A. from Duke University (Cum Laude). She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Middle Atlantic Association of Orthodontists, the Maryland State Society of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Association and the Baltimore County Dental Association.

Meghan McInnes Palmer, DDS, MS
Orthodontics

Dr. McInness received her Orthodontic Residency and Master's Degree at Temple University, Kornberg School of Dentistry. She received her D.D.S. from the University of Maryland Dental School at Baltimore and her B.A. from Princeton University. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Middle Atlantic Association of Orthodontists, the Maryland State Society of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Association and the Baltimore County Dental Association.

Theresa T.H. Nguyen, MD
Assistant Chairman of Pediatrics

Dr. Nguyen completed her undergraduate work at The Johns Hopkins University. She received her medical degree and a master’s degree in health policy from New York University School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency and Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Nguyen has worked both as a health policy analyst as well as a clinician. She is a past co-chair of the Maryland AAP Pediatric Council. Dr. Nguyen has been with the GBMC pediatric group since 2000 and is an assistant professor in pediatrics at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Marybeth L. Hartlove, RN, BSN, CORLN
Otolaryngology Center of Excellence

Marybeth is a graduate of St. Joseph's School of Nursing and received her BSN from Towson University. She is actively involved in the Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Inc., on both the national and local levels.

Barbara P. Messing, MA, CCC-SLP, BRS-S
Speech Language Pathology
Clinical/Administrative Director of the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head & Neck Center at GBMC

Barbara has over 21 years of clinical experience in Speech Language Pathology treating pediatrics through adults. Her clinical interests are in the areas of head and neck rehabilitation, voice, swallowing and craniofacial disorders. She is a member of the American Speech Hearing Association, SID 3, SID 13, IAL- certified instructor of alaryngeal speech, MSHA and Dysphagia Research Society. She is part of the Johns Hopkins Voice Center at GBMC and a Clinical Specialist in Head and Neck Rehabilitation. She is a Board Recognized Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders.

Patti Caudill, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathology

Patti is a Speech Language Pathologist and Feeding Therapist. She received her bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Speech Pathology and Audiology, as well as her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University. She is a member of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, the National Association of Neonatal Therapists and the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, from which she holds the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence. Patti is the Speech Pathology Coordinator at the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head & Neck Center at GBMC.

Bethany Kirby, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Speech Language Pathologist/Pediatric Feeding Specialist

Bethany is a Senior Speech-Language Pathologist at the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head & Neck Center at GBMC. She received her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Ithaca College and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Loyola University Maryland. She is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, from which she holds that ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence and a member of the National Association of Neonatal Therapists. She is a board certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders. Her professional interested include diagnosis and treatment of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders in the neonatal and cleft and craniofacial population. Bethany also has experience in evaluation and treatment of adult swallowing, speech, language and cognitive disorders.

Marcia Ferguson, MGC
Genetic Counseling

Marcia earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology at Kent State University, Ohio, and her master's degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and is board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

Amy Kimball, MS, CGC
Genetic Counseling

Amy earned her bachelor's degree in biology, with honors, from St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary's City, Md., and her master's degree in Genetic Counseling from Arcadia University, Glenside, Pa., where she was a Distinguished Graduate. Ms. Kimball is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and is a clinical advisory board member of the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation. She is board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

Denise Zawitoski, AuD, CCC/A
Audiology

Denise earned her B.S in Speech and Hearing Sciences at West Virginia University, her M.A. in Audiology at Ohio University and her clinical doctorate (Au.D.) via the University of Florida. She has provided clinical audiology services to all ages for over twenty years in the Baltimore area. Denise joined the GBMC Audiology team in May, 2003 and is a member of local and national Audiology organizations.

Stephanie Boblooch, MSW, LMSW
Social Work, Cleft Team Coordinator

Stephanie is a Licensed Social Worker who received her bachelor's degree from Hope College in Holland, Michigan and her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Throughout her career, she has worked as a Social Worker in homelessness prevention, teen mentorship, child immigration and child welfare, and hospital case management. Stephanie is a member of the American Cleft and Craniofacial Association.

Brian Kaplan, MD, FACS
Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery
Ear, Nose and Throat Associates at GBMC

Dr. Kaplan was born and raised in Boston, Mass., attending Cornell University for his undergraduate education. He attended the University of Virginia School of Medicine, remaining at UVA to complete his residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. He served as Chief Resident before joining Ear, Nose and Throat Associates. Dr. Kaplan's past research interests have included hearing loss, chronic sinusitis and facial reconstruction. He currently practices the full scope of ENT, with particular interest in pediatrics, otology and sinus disease. Dr. Kaplan is board-certified in Otolaryngology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Mary Louise Z. Collins, MD
Ophthalmology
Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology
Director of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

Dr. Collins provides comprehensive ophthalmic care and surgery for the pediatric patient including amblyopia, lacrimal disorders and pediatric and adult strabismus. Dr. Collins has special interest in genetic eye disease. She is the Ophthalmology Residency Program Director at GBMC and also works with students at the Maryland School for the Blind. Dr. Collins received her medical degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, her residency at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., and her fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC.

Allison Jensen, MD
Ophthalmology

Dr. Jensen is a board certified ophthalmologist and completed a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus. She has been in practice more than 14 years. Dr. Jensen specializes in comprehensive ophthalmic care for pediatric and adolescent patients including routine eye exams, amblyopia "lazy eye", strabismus "eye misalignment", lacrimal disorders and retinopathy of prematurity. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Maryland Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics (fellow).

Maria Pane, MD
Neonatology, NICU

Dr. Pane is board-certified in Neonatal/Perinatal Pediatrics. She earned her medical degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and she was Chief Resident of Pediatrics at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC. Her fellowship was in Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Howard J. Birenbaum, MD
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Director of the Division of Neonatology

Dr. Birenbaum is a neonatologist. He is board-certified in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. He received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and completed his residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Sabah M. Helou, MD
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Director of the Newborn Nursery

Dr. Helou is a neonatologist. He is board-certified in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. He received his Medical Degree from the Aleppo University School of Medicine, in Aleppo, Syria. His residency was at the Medical Center of Delaware and his Fellowship was in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Rachel Plotnick, M.D.
Pediatrician

Board Certified in Pediatrics with a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Plotnick has special interests in infant nutrition and child psychiatry. She received her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and went on to complete her Pediatric Residency at Johns Hopkins.

Prior to joining GBMC, Dr. Plotnick was a member of an eight member private practice located in Ellicott City, MD that cared for children from birth to age 21.

Annie Deremeik, RD, CSP, LDN
Dietician

Annie is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a board certification in Pediatric Nutrition. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nutrition from the University of Delaware. She completed her training to become a Registered Dietitian through Winthrop University’s Internship Program. She currently works at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in the NICU and Maternal floors and cross covers inpatient and outpatient pediatrics.

Babar Sultan, M.D.
Otolaryngologist

Babar Sultan, M.D. was raised in Ellicott City, MD before attending Princeton University. There he graduated summa cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Following completion of medical school at Harvard, Dr. Sultan began his Head and Neck Surgery residency training at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Department of Otolaryngology. After 7 years of intensive training at Johns Hopkins, he was accepted to the highly sought after fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery mentored by world-renowned facial cosmetic surgeon Stephen Perkins, M.D. During his fellowship, Dr. Sultan was able to perfect his skills in all aspects of the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, neck and scalp.

Chani Simhi, DDS
Pediatric Denistry

Chani Simhi, DDS, is a pediatric dentist on the Greater Baltimore Cleft Lip and Palate Team. Dr. Simhi earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and completed her residency in General Practice at Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She then received additional training through her specialty residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dr. Simhi is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the International Association of Pediatric Dentistry.

Monica Schneider, DDS, MS
Orthodontist

Monica Schneider, DDS, MS, is a board-certified orthodontist with the Greater Baltimore Cleft Lip and Palate team. Dr. Schneider completed her Orthodontic Residency and Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in Minneapolis, MN. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Cayetano Heredia Peruvian University in Lima, Peru. In addition to her role at GBMC, Dr. Schneider serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. She stays at the forefront of her specialty by regularly lecturing and attending continuing education courses so she can provide the latest and best care for her patients.