Today we’d like to introduce you to Khadija Moten.
Hi Khadija , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My time with Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA) began initially as an intern in 2016 creating graphics for social media and heading the Ink Cartridge Drive. I later transitioned in to a part-time position assisting with the #ChooseKind distribution following the movie premier of “Wonder.” In 2018, I accepted a full-time position at CCA as their Outreach Director. In this role I have spearheaded several new initiatives and created programs and administrative efficiencies from scratch.
A few prominent initiatives include CCA’s Speakers’ Bureau, David Roche Award (previously named Encounter), and the CCA Outreach Series (a virtual video library of interviews led by Aaliyah Booker.) My varied background in healthcare, education, marketing, and non-profit work provided a foundation to positively grow CCA’s educational programs, outreach initiatives, volunteer/intern management and maintaining and deepening relationships with educators and communities across the nation.
I now also take full ownership of CCA’s brand presence—from graphic design, brand management, video production and content creation, social media management, and most of the educational literature catalog.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The non-profit world has it’s ups and downs but I think it has been refreshing to witness the changes and growth of the organization over the past 10 years. CCA has gained momentum and presence on social media while incorporating educational materials and content that can be accessed by many anywhere across the globe. I truly feel we are on the path to being the premiere go-to organization for many in the facial difference community.
We’ve been impressed with Children’s Craniofacial Association , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Children’s Craniofacial Association is a national, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Nationally and internationally, CCA addresses the medical, financial, psychosocial, emotional, and educational concerns relating to craniofacial conditions. A craniofacial disorder refers to a difference of the face and/or the head. Craniofacial differences can result from different growth patterns of the face or skull, which involves soft tissue and bones. Each year, more than 100,000 children in the United States are either born with or develop a craniofacial condition. The mission of the Children’s Craniofacial Association is to support and inspire individuals and families affected by facial differences. CCA envisions a world where all people are accepted for who they are, not how they look.
CCA is made up of 4 full time staff members and 2 part time staff members:
– Erica Klauber, MBA, Executive Director
– Rasheera Dopson, MPH, Program Director | the program director position used to be filled by former employee Annie Reeves for 22 years before she retired in December 2025
– Christine Andler, Director of Development
– Khadija Z. Moten, Director of Outreach
– Kara Jackman, Adult Programs Coordinator
– Aaliyah Booker, Community Engagement Specialist
We also have board members from all across the nation who are dedicated to the mission and vision we have here at CCA: Paige Peterson, JD | CHAIR, Gloria Booker | SECRETARY, Josh Boucher | VICE CHAIR, Michael L. Cunningham, MD, PhD, George Dale, Dede Dankelson, Ed Kern, Bill Mecklenburg | TREASURER, Albert “Chuck” Russell , Haley Streff, MS, CGC, Courtney Vysocky, Steven Weiss, and Haley White.
At CCA we serve the community in many way:
<b>Information and Support </b>– CCA disseminates information to educate craniofacial patients and their
families, health care providers, and the general public regarding craniofacial conditions. CCA also
promotes public awareness of craniofacial conditions and social acceptance of individuals with facial
differences. Craniofacial patient families often contact CCA to seek emotional support, discuss problems,
and identify resources. Even though we are not a clinical operating organization, CCA does refer families to the full members of the American Cleft
Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) Approved Teams listing. These surgeons head teams of specialists specifically trained in the surgical management of problems involving the face and head. Centers with craniofacial teams working together have the advantage of a greater experience to provide
comprehensive, quality care, which leads to better results and fewer complications.
<b>Financial Assistance</b> – As mentioned previously, where you get your craniofacial care matters. Not all cities are equipped with accredited craniofacial centers; therefore many families must travel to receive this quality care. The treatment of craniofacial patients may require from one to as many as twenty or more surgeries, before a child is 18. Even families with insurance are often unable to meet the financial requirements to travel to receive quality care for their children. CCA offers funds for food, travel, and lodging through its financial assistance program. We also partner with like organizations through referrals to occasionally cover additional needs and services.
<b>Virtual Library, Website, and Social Networks</b> – Our website, www.ccakids.org, offers another entry point for both parents and the public to learn about craniofacial conditions. More than one million families, healthcare professional, and others have visited our website from 176 countries. The website offers up-to-date information about craniofacial conditions, issues related to having a craniofacial condition, esteem-building articles and interactions and information aimed to educate the public and families with a new diagnosis. Our social media presence is often the first way families find one another. Our Facebook page has reached over 13,700 followers and our Instagram has over 8,200 followers. We distribute content on these channels that ranges from personal stories to educational information about specific syndromes, from personal stories of affected adults and their professions and interest, announcements to uplifting quotes and graphics. This daily feed from CCA bonds our community and gives them encouragement and connection to one another. We also maintain a YouTube channel as our Virtual Library where we post on-demand content that is educational and inspirational such as interviews, author book readings, medical seminars, and more.
<b>Educational Initiative</b> – A part of educational programming includes the #ChooseKind Initiative. This initiative focuses on social/emotional learning and bullying prevention for school aged students. We provide complimentary curriculum available for on demand download on our website as classroom book donations. In addition to providing curriculum and books we also provide a Speakers’ Bureau of trained individuals who can give talks of varying lengths and formats from their own lived experiences. Our speakers visit and video chat with classrooms, libraries, students as well as corporations and professional
groups. The Bureau provides avenues to educate the general public through speaking engagements while creating platforms for affected adults and children to share their personal stories, skills, and research.
<b>Education Booklets </b>– CCA has a comprehensive library of publications that focus on educating families about craniofacial conditions and associated issues. To date, a series of 14 syndrome booklets have been published (and are reviewed regularly) that explain various craniofacial conditions and their treatment. Many have been translated into Spanish. The booklets are complementary to those interested and are written in easy-to-understand text limiting heavy medical jargon.
<b>Newsletter</b> – A newsletter is published a few times a year with more than 8,000 print readers. View our most recent newsletter at: https://ccakids.org/current-e-network.html
<b>Annual Family Retreat & Educational Symposium & Virtual Programs</b> – Often considered our signature program, the Annual Family Retreat & Educational Symposium is held each June and is what the CCA families describe as a life changing experience. Each year nearly 500 people including patients, parents, siblings, grandparents, and family friends gather together for a conference-style program that features educational symposiums, inspirational speeches, group meetups, a talent show, a dance, mental wellness workshops, and a space to meet some one who has walked a similar journey to theirs. This year, 2026, Retreat will be held in Orlando, FL at the end of June. CCA offers travel scholarships for approximately 30% of attendees who would otherwise not be able to attend without financial support.
<b>Public Awareness </b>– One of the goals of CCA is to promote social acceptance of children and adults with facial differences. We believe that in order for the general public to accept these and any differences, they must see and understand them. One of the main ways we promote public awareness is our Craniofacial Acceptance Month, which we promote every September. 2026 marks the 22nd year Children’s Craniofacial Association will observe September as Craniofacial Acceptance Month across the nation. Each year CCA families, friends, volunteers and related support groups band together to widen the circle of acceptance for individuals with facial differences. We are proud to keep this tradition alive! Last year we had 35 states including Texas proclaim September as Craniofacial Acceptance Month!
<b>Family Networking & Support</b> – CCA has a list of qualified families who are willing to communicate with families new to CCA. Being able to communicate with other parents, siblings, or patients can help family members feel part of a larger community with others who are ready to help them through rough times, work through decisions and just “be there” for one another. Another part of our support for families is offering Care Packages to children (and adults) undergoing surgeries or difficult emotional periods. Families can request these complimentary care packages via a link on our website. While this is a relatively small program, it often is one that receives the most feedback and the items (exclusively donated to our Care Package Supply) are small reminders of the large community rooting for our CCA Kids and Adults.
CCA relies on the charitable donations and contributions of individuals and grant-making foundations. We receive no government funding. All of our programs and services exist because of generous donors and fundraisers! If you are interested in helping CCA through a donation, legacy gift, fundraising event or more, please visit our website at ccakids.org or email us at contactcca@ccakids.com
How do you define success?
I think success is defined by creating a positive impact on the world and your community. It means using your unique individual skills and talents and creating value with the resources you are given. It means making positive relationships with those you interact. Knowing that my work has purpose and shapes and changes the lives of so many… to me is success.
Contact Info:
- Website: ccakids.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccakids/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccakids
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ccakids
- Twitter: https://x.com/CCAKidsTweet
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildrensCraniofacia
