The Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Disorders at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta offers a clinical fellowship experience in speech-language pathology, with a concentration in the evaluation and treatment of resonance, speech and swallowing disorders related to cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial disorders. This is a unique one-year paid position for a well-qualified graduate.

What to expect

Clinical fellows serve as full-time members of the interdisciplinary Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Disorders, working with craniofacial surgeons, orthodontists, pediatric dentists, geneticists, pediatric nurses, nurse practitioners, dental hygienists, nutritionists and newborn feeding specialists.

Fellows receive training and experience in:

  • Clinical research.
  • Evidence-based speech therapy treatment strategies.
  • Interdisciplinary assessment and planning of short-term and long-term treatment goals.
  • Instrumental assessment of resonance and voice disorders.
  • Surgical and prosthetic management of velopharyngeal dysfunction.
  • Imaging with nasopharyngoscopy, MRI and radiographic cephalometrics.

A qualified candidate, who will begin the fellowship program historically around July 1 of each year, will:

  • Have completed a master’s or doctorate in communication disorders and speech-language pathology from an accredited program.
  • Have completed a student internship or research project related to craniofacial disorders.
  • Have a professional goal of being a clinical researcher in craniofacial disorders.
  • Have an academic background related to head and neck anatomy and craniofacial anomalies.
  • Have strong letters of recommendation from academic and clinical supervisors.

We are accepting applications through March 1, 2025. Prepare and email the the following application materials to Katherine.Dillon@choa.org.

  • Resume
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Document explaining your interest in craniofacial disorders and your professional goals

Contact us

For information about our Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology Fellowship Program, contact:

Katie Dillon, MS, CCC-SLP
Lead Craniofacial Speech Language Pathologist
Email: Katherine.Dillon@choa.org