Interdisciplinary care to children born with facial, head and neck malformations
A team of craniofacial experts is the best means of providing acute medical/surgical management and long-term follow-up care. Our geneticists can provide both the immediate family and the extended family with information about the cause and recurrence risks for the patient's birth defect. Our team meets ten times a year to follow our patients on a regular basis.
Cleft Team Coordinator, Stephanie Boblooch, can be reached at 443-849-6050 to answer your questions and schedule appointments.
Our Team

Antonie D. Kline, MD
Medical Director of Cleft Lip and Palate, Director of Clinical Genetics
Clinical Genetics

Antonie D. Kline, MD
Medical Director of Cleft Lip and Palate, Director of Clinical Genetics
Clinical Genetics

Patrick J. Byrne, MBA, MD
Co-Medical Director - Cleft Lip & Palate
Facial Plastic&Reconstructive
Otolaryngology - H&NS

Patrick J. Byrne, MBA, MD
Co-Medical Director - Cleft Lip & Palate
Facial Plastic&Reconstructive
Otolaryngology - H&NS

John F. Caccamese, DMD, MD
Co-Medical Director - Cleft Lip & Palate
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

John F. Caccamese, DMD, MD
Co-Medical Director - Cleft Lip & Palate
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
After residency, Dr. Nellis pursued advanced training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins and in Japan with the late Dr. Satoru Nagata, further broadening his expertise in microtia reconstruction, cleft lip and palate repair, otoplasty, rhinoplasty, and facial reanimation. He completedan American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) fellowship at the University of Minnesota,which included working at Children's Minnesota, one of the largest pediatric hospitalsin the United States, helping children with facial deformities through his extensive training in cleft lip and palate repair.
Dr. Nellis is passionate about international mission work,helping patients with facial deformities including pediatric facial deformities, such as cleft lip and palate, and adults with congenital and traumatic facial deformities.He is fluent in Spanish and Italian.

Jason C. Nellis, MD
Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon
Clinical Genetics

Jason C. Nellis, MD
Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon
Clinical Genetics

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.

Su Kim, DDSPediatric Denistry
Dr. Kim graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and completed post-graduate specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Maryland. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Maryland Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Association, and the Howard County Dental Association.
Dr. Kim’s goal is to promote and improve oral health for all children, including those with special healthcare needs.

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.

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.

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 Clinical Program Manager
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.

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.
Our Services
- Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate
- Pierre-Robin sequence
- Microtia
- Microphthalmia
- Facial Asymmetry
- Other, Rarer Malformations
- Initial Diagnosis
- Treatment — including surgery and/or therapy
- Maintenance of body systems
- Psychosocial Needs
- Future Reproductive Needs

The Entire Spectrum of Care
Hear from the team about our interdisciplinary approach to caring for children born with facial, head and neck malformations.
Watch NowWhat our team does
The family will return for an appointment with the team within two months after discharge. At that appointment, the family will remain with their baby as he or she is examined by each team member. When the results of the examinations come in, they will be explained to the family and a summary of recommendations will be sent to the patient’s pediatrician. The team follows patients throughout early childhood and into adolescence to continue providing needed care as each patient grows and develops.
While the Team's involvement with patients can begin as early as pregnancy, it should continue throughout the patients' life. We recommend seeing patients every five years after age 18 and possibly more frequently during child bearing age.
Links
A parent support website with accurate up to date information.
www.cleftline.org
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
www.aafprs.org
The American Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association website.
www.acpa-cpf.org
Pediatric Speech-Swallowing and Voice.
www.gbmc.org/pediatricspeech
Dr. Patrick Byrne's practice.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/otolaryngology/specialty_areas/facial-plastic-reconstructive/index.html
my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/26747-patrick-byrne
Dr. John Caccamese's practice
https://www.umomsa.com/meet-us/meet-john-f-caccamese-jr-dmd-md-facs/
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