Susannah Schaefer

On #WorldHearingDay, cleft care goes beyond surgery. Children with clefts are prone to middle ear disease, and ENT care prevents hearing and speech loss. Dr. Elefante shares: “In true multidisciplinary cleft care, ENT ensures patients hear, breathe, and communicate better.”

Proud to attend the 66th WACS Conference in Accra . Since 2019, Smile Train has partnered with WACS to build a pipeline of qualified cleft surgeons—supporting 70+ surgeons through their academic journey to serve communities across West Africa. #66thWACS #SurgicalTraining

On #NationalInnovationDay, we’re proud to highlight how @Smiletrain is advancing cleft care through innovation: • Virtual Surgery Simulator • New VR extension for collaborative “metaverse OR” training • Research-backed, anatomically accurate simulators from Simulare Medical

Confidence and self-esteem are just as vital as medical care. Children with a cleft lip or cleft palate and their caregivers thrive with communities of support. From families and providers to peer groups and camps, connection helps children feel seen and families feel less alone.

Honored to be in Rwanda celebrating a historic milestone at University of Global Health Equity — the graduation of its first medical class and a new generation of global health leaders. Investing in local leadership builds lasting impact. #UGHEGrad2026 #UGHETurns10

From a small village in India to the Oscars stage—and into a future filled with possibility. Pinki Sonkar’s story proves that while awards mark a moment, access to lifelong cleft care changes everything. Read more: smiletrain.org/2026/01/16/pin… #Oscars #CleftCare #SmileTrain

As we begin 2026, I’m filled with gratitude and hope. Thanks to your support, children and families around the world continue to receive the life-changing cleft care they deserve. This year, we remain committed to expanding access to safe, high-quality comprehensive cleft care.

Grateful to the @NYIslanders and everyone who joined Hockey with a Heart in support of Smile Train.Your generosity raised $42,362 to help children access life-changing cleft surgery and comprehensive care. Thank you for standing with us — and a special thanks to @LidiaBastianich

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our @KendraScott Gives Back event with @lidiabastianich. Your generosity ensures that 20% from every purchase helps provide life-changing cleft care for children worldwide. Your kindness creates lasting smiles.

Grateful for partners like Dr. Ataklitie Baraki Berhea who remind us why locally led training and strong regional collaboration are essential to the future of cleft care. His 19 years of leadership in Ethiopia shows the power of investing in local talent to create lasting impact.

Honored to receive an Honorary Fellowship from @cosecsa at this year’s Scientific Conference in Burundi. Grateful to our incredible @Smiletrain partners across Africa who make sustainable cleft care possible every day. Thank you so much to COSECSA for this recognition.

Our biggest and most inspiring #VirtualCleftCon yet! From “Beyond the Scar” to “Dad Mode,” the #CleftStrong community shared stories of healing, hope, and strength. Thank you for making it unforgettable — and join us next year! #SmileTrain #VirtualCleftCon25

Reflecting on #PASHeF2025 in Addis Ababa — collaboration is key to advancing surgical equity across Africa. At #SmileTrain, we’re empowering local professionals to deliver safe cleft care & strengthen health systems — because surgery is a right, not a privilege. #SmileTrain

Grateful to join our Medical Advisory Board and global partners at #Cleft2025 in Kyoto. Together, we’re advancing innovation, safety, and collaboration in cleft care—ensuring every child has access to safe, high-quality treatment worldwide.  #SmileTrain #cleft2025

Ahead of #Cleft2025, Smile Train will host our annual in-person Medical Advisory Board meeting in Kyoto. CEO @SusannahSchaefer will join 35+ global experts as we work together to advance safe, high-quality cleft care worldwide.#SmileTrain #cleftcare #cleft2025

Our own Dr. Elizabeth Igaga, based in Uganda, leads Smile Train’s global safety programs — ensuring cleft surgeries each year meet the highest standards of care. #WorldAnesthesiaDay #SafeSurgery #SmileTrain

Healing is more than surgery. @Smiletrain's Counseling & Support offers emotional and psychological care for children with clefts and their families — because confidence, self-esteem & well-being matter.  Learn more here: smiletrain.org/patients-famil… #WorldMentalHealthDay

Our global #SmileWall campaign for World Smile Day® was a beautiful reminder: a smile can spark connection and awareness. Thank you to every person, family, classroom, and supporter who shared their smile and helped shine light on cleft care. #WorldSmileDay

The future of cleft care is here! @SmileTrain joined partners @DentsplySirona at DS World 2025, showcasing how digital tech transforms lives. Honored to be joined by Nasly from Colombia, whose story reminds us: technology + compassion = a life saved. #DSWorldvegas25

Today on #WorldPatientSafetyDay, we reaffirm our commitment to safe cleft surgery for every child. From training providers to strengthening partnerships with @wfsaorg & @SaferSurgery , patient safety — especially for babies & young children — is at the heart of our work.