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Operation Smile has transformed lives around the world by providing care to patients for more than 40 years.
- Cleft Explained Get the basics on cleft conditions.
- Surgery and Beyond Learn how cleft care is more than surgery.
- Real-Life Stories Read stories from our patients and volunteers.
The Power of Speech Therapy: Meet a Local Leader Transforming Cleft Care

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We are transforming communities through education, empowerment and collaboration.
Explore Global Initiatives
- Where We Work Explore the countries and regions we work in.
- Education and Training Read how we're educating health care providers.
- Youth Empowerment Read about our commitment to the next generation.
- Policy and Advocacy See how we work with governments to create change.
- Strategic Partners Explore our nonprofit and NGO partners.
- Thought Leadership Learn how we are at the forefront of our field.
- Operation 100 Our bold strategy to bring essential surgical care closer to patients.
Give children the chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems and social stigma.
- Ways to Give Learn about how you can transform lives.
- Share Your Medical Expertise Become a medical volunteer.
- Student Programs Join our global community of students.
- Advocate for Us Spread the word about us.
- Partner With Us Become a corporate partner.
Since our founding in 1982, Operation Smile has believed that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.
- Our Story and Impact Explore our rich history and exciting future.
- Our Leadership Meet our leadership team.
- Corporate Partners Learn about our corporate partners.
- Financials and Reports Read our annual reports and financial statements.
- News and Media Read the latest news from us.
- Interactive Learning Center Visit us in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Careers Find a career that matches your passion.
Donate Now

- Cleft Explained
- Surgery and Beyond
- Real-Life Stories
- Where We Work
- Education and Training
- Youth Empowerment
- Policy and Advocacy
- Strategic Partners
- Thought Leadership
- Operation 100
- Ways to Give
- Share Your Medical Expertise
- Student Programs
- Advocate for Us
- Partner With Us
- Our Story and Impact
- Our Leadership
- Corporate Partners
- Financials and Reports
- News and Media
- Interactive Learning Center
- Careers

Individual Philanthropy and Foundations

We work alongside philanthropists, family foundations, grantmaking institutions, legacy estate donors and more, connecting their generosity to initiatives that expand access to safe surgery.

Learn How to Make Your Gift

Valentine plays with her friend after surgery.

Make Your Gift

Transform a child’s life.
Call +1-757-321-7645 to make your gift.

Give Online

Jupiter, after surgery.

Donate Stock or Wire Funds

With tax-advantaged giving, your impact multiplies. You’ll ensure critical funding for comprehensive cleft care while optimizing your financial and tax-planning strategies.

Donate Stock or Wire Funds

Damian, after surgery.

Give through Donor Advised Funds

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is an easy and flexible way to make an impact.

Learn about DAFs

Siham, after surgery.

Make a Planned Gift

Learn more about charitable gift planning or estate settlement, including bequest language, tax ID and contact information.

Explore Options

Kathy and Bill Magee smile at the camera.

Join the Magee Family Legacy Society

Our Magee Family Legacy Society honors the generosity and kindness of those who have chosen to remember Operation Smile in their estate plans.

Learn More

A young Vietnamese girl smiles at the camera while holding a photo of herself as an infant before she received surgery for a cleft lip.

Give through your IRA

Make a difference today and save on taxes. It is possible when you support Operation Smile through your IRA.

Learn More

Team Leadership

Amber Leonti, M.A.

Vice President, U.S. Development and Strategy
Joey Ann Fowkes

Director of Planned Giving
Melanie Hittinger

Senior Development Manager

Regional Development Directors

Whitney Boulton

Northeast Director of Development
Joan Gachuhi

West Coast Development Director
Dave Nichols

Senior Development Director
Lizzy Owens

Mountain Central Development Director
Mary Alice Rice

Midwest Director of Development

Development Specialists

Angela Ayers

Development Specialist
Eliza Cornejo

Development Specialist
Greg Corsino

Development Specialist
Diana Delgado

Development Specialist

Planned Giving

Jodi Chaler

Planned Giving Specialist
Michael Scheidt

Planned Giving Manager

Grants and Foundations

Heidi Bergeron

Director of Grants and Foundations

Get Involved

You can give a child the chance to grow up happy and healthy — free from stigma and isolation, and full of hope for the future.

More Ways to Get Involved

Make Your Gift

Your gift today will help transform lives and increase access to essential surgical care.

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