FCPA Annual Meeting

Each year the FCPA sponsors an Annual Symposium. Attending FCPA members have the opportunity to hear nationally or internationally known authorities recognized authorities in treatment or research involving craniofacial anomalies. The Symposium is always held in Florida on a weekend. The location within the state varies from year to year. To be put on the mailing list to receive information about the next Symposium please contact the .

Thanks to all of those who participated in and attended the 2016 54th Annual Symposium and Membership Meeting.  Because of your efforts it was a success!

 Please  continue to watch your e-mail and this page for more information.

We need your help and participation:

Consider submitting a proposal for a presentation at this symposium, as we always welcome new presenters. This is a great way to support FCPA and assist with the educational component of the symposium. for the application

We are also looking for volunteers to serve on committees and as counselors on the Executive Board.  Please contact .

Read what others have said after presenting at the FCPA Symposium:

Message Body: I just wanted to thank everybody with the FCPA for organizing and executing such a successful conference last weekend. The topics that were presented were extremely interesting and encompassing of all specialties.  I especially enjoyed the keynote speaker; I found Dr. Cassell engaging and her material critical to us as a team. As one of my first academic conferences, I was honored to present on our research, and I cannot reiterate how beneficial the experience was for me as a resident and as a clinician to share and interact with others in multiple specialties but all with the same focus.   Again, thank you for the opportunity and the experience. Sincerely, Kate Donovan Lambert, DDS Department of Pediatric Dentistry University of Florida

My FCPA Experience by Andi Thomas To present at a conference was something I thought I would never in a million years do, or could do for that matter– that is, until last semester.  My Professor, Tambi Braun, SLP.D., CCC-SLP, gave her students the idea that they could present in a conference. Honestly, even then, I thought that I could never  do that.  I even wrote to Braun and told that I would love to go to the conference, but not present.  She said that would be fine.  Then some sort of craziness came over me.  I went right to her office and asked if there was something I could do at the conference.  “Be careful what you ask for,” Braun said in an email she sent me later that evening. The email revealed that I would be presenting at the Florida Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association Conference.  So for almost two months, I researched, I stressed, I researched, I STRESSED! And then it was time.  I walked up to the front and presented (of course with Braun standing right there to guideme).  It was done before I had time to even breathe. Was I a great presenter? Not exactly.  Was I a good presenter?  That would be pushing it.  Was I happy I did and went through all of the stress? ABSOLUTELY!  The entire experience was extremely beneficial in several ways.  First, I learned so much at the conference and have a greater understanding and appreciation for this population and the families and professionals involved.  Second, I think I grew as a student and as an individual (and of course have much more practice at presenting to do).  Third, I hope the excitement of my experience will rub off onto my peers and they take that opportunity presented to them—an opportunity lost by one is an opportunity gained by another.

Photos from the 52nd Annual Symposium held at the Buena Vista Hotel & Spa, Orlando,Florida

2012 Group Photo

The 2012 keynote speaker was Cynthia Cassell, PhD,National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

Small Grants Program

Under the scholarship tab, you will find information regarding the Small Grants Program. The FCPA provides small grants for Florida teams that submit an approved application by March 31, 2016 The grant application may be downloaded by clicking on the above scholarship tab.

Craniofacial Family Events:

Watch this space for news.

Deliver the Dream Family Retreat

Deliver the Dream retreats have been offering families a stress free, activity-filled camp experience for 10 years! This camp is FREE for families and hosts a special craniofacial/cleft weekend getaway in Haines City, Florida.  Families must be referred by one of the Deliver the Dream partners. For more information, visit their website at .

FCPA High School Senior Scholarships The FCPA awards scholarships annually to deserving high school seniors in Florida. The requirements and guidelines for application submission are available by clicking the scholarships tab. The student must be nominated by an active member of the FCPA. Applications deadline is March 31, 2016.

FCCN, Florida Cleft and Craniofacial Network

The FCCN is a great resource for new families struggling to find a team in their area, needing additional information related to the cleft or craniofacial diagnosis, or help obtaining special bottles for feeding their newborn. The Network has many brochures on hand for families, too. For more information, please call 1-800-726-2029