Anna Thurmes Barigayomwe, PhD, MA, CCC-SLP

Dr. Anna Thurmes Barigayomwe is a licensed speech-language and feeding therapist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of problems related to cleft lip and palate, 22q deletion syndrome, craniofacial disorders and complex pediatric motor speech disorders.

Her passion was born out of her own journey. having been born with a cleft lip and palate. She is dedicated to empowering and equipping children and families throughout their cleft and craniofacial journey.

She completed a cleft and craniofacial fellowship in speech-language pathology at the University of Minnesota in 2006. She has served on the UMN Team as a faculty member since 2006.

Dr. Thurmes’ research has focused on the development of protocols for cleft palate speech outcomes, family-centered healthcare, social support systems, as well as quality of life among children and families affected by cleft and craniofacial differences.

Her teaching experience is at the graduate and doctoral level, including a cleft and craniofacial SLP fellowship program. She has trained hundreds of speech language pathologists on core and advanced skills related to cleft and craniofacial disorders in Minnesota, nationally and abroad. Her teaching has also focused on interprofessional and family-centered healthcare.

She loves volunteering and has served on several professional committees, including the American Cleft Palate Foundation Board of Directors.

Outside of work, she runs a camp with her family and she enjoys international travel. She and her husband are co-founders of a school in Uganda-East Africa.

• American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association, 2002-present
• Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2003-present
• American Speech-Language Hearing Association, 2003-present
• Craniofacial and Velopharyngeal Disorders SIG of ASHA, 2003-present
• Commissioner, Commission on Approval of Teams ACPA, 2019-2023
• Cleft Palate Foundation Board of Directors, 2011-2013
• Surgical Teams to Developing Nations, 2004-2014
   

Published research

Thurmes Barigayomwe, Anna. (2017). Quality of Life of Children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: Family-, Healthcare-, and Community Relationships Matter. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/202215.

Chapman K.L., Baylis A., Trost-Cardamone J., Cordero, K.N., Dixon, A., Dobbelsteyn, C., Thurmes, A.K., Wilson, K., Harding-Bell, A., Sweeney, T., Stoddard, G., & Sell, D. The Americleft speech project: A training and reliability study. Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal. 53, 2016 (93-108).

Baylis, A., Chapman, K.L, Whitehill, T., & The Americleft Speech Group. Validity and reliability of visual analog scaling for assessment of hypernasality and audible nasal emission in children with repaired cleft palate. Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal, 52, 2015 (660-670).

Looman, W.S., Thurmes, A.K., & O’Conner-Von, S.K. Quality of life among children with Velocardiofacial syndrome. Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal, 47, 2010 (273-83).

DeMarco, A., Nett, K., Thurmes, A.K., & Moller, K. Response to Dworkin et al. Journal of Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 35, 2006 (333-352).

Published abstracts

Dixon, A., Wilson, K., Baylis, A., Cordero, K., Dobbelsteyn, C., Chapman, K., Barigayomwe, A. (April 2019). Cleft palate speech disorders: Identification and Perceptual Ratings Practice – Part 1. 90 minute short-course. American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Tucson, AZ.

Dixon, A., Wilson, K., Baylis, A., Cordero, K., Dobbelsteyn, C., Chapman, K., Barigayomwe, A. (April 2019). Cleft palate speech disorders: Identification and Perceptual Ratings Practice – Part 2. 90 minute short-course. American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Tucson, AZ.

Beilke, L., Giesen, C., Artz, J., & Thurmes Barigayomwe, A.K. (April 2018). Connecting smiles: A quality improvement initiative to implement parent-to-parent support in a cleft and craniofacial clinic. Eye-opener session. American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cordero, K., Dixon, B., Wilson, K., & Thurmes Barigayomwe, A.K. (April 2018). Implementing a standardized speech outcome assessment protocol for use in the cleft palate clinic. Study session. American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Pittsburgh, PA.

Dixon, A., Wilson, K., Baylis, A., Chapman, K.L., Dobbelsteyn, C., Thurmes, A.K., & Trost-Cardamone, J. (March, 2017). Identifying cleft speech characteristics 101: Speech ratings for the novice listener. Study session course at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Colorado Springs, CO.

Scheer-Cohen, A., Mandulak, K., Collin, D., Cordero, K.N., & Thurmes, A.K. (March, 2017). Innovative teaching methods for graduate students in speech-language pathology. 01/01/2023 Study session course at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Colorado Springs, CO.

Cordero, K., Thurmes, A.K., & Echeverri, P. (April, 2016). Terapia en Espanol: Assessment and treatment of Spanish cleft palate speech for monolingual and bilingual speech-language pathologists. Short course at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Atlanta, GA.

Kotlarek, K., Thurmes, A.K., Cordero, K. N., & Donohue, C. (April, 2016). Competency in assessment and treatment of cleft/VPI and craniofacial speech-language disorders: A clinical education model. Eye opener course at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Atlanta, GA.

Thurmes, A.K., Looman, W.S., & Mendenhall, T. (April, 2016). Quality of life among mothers of children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. 10-minute platform presentation at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Atlanta, GA.

Kotlarek, K., Donohue, C., Anderson, G., Lacey, M., & Thurmes, A.K. (April, 2015). Pharyngeal flap take-down for adults with cleft palate for severe nasopharyngeal obstruction. Poster at American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Denver, CO.

Trost-Cardamone, J., Cordero,K., Thurmes, A.K., Baylis, A., Chapman, K., Dixon, A., Dobbelsteyn, C., Wilson, K. (April, 2015). The Americleft experience: Techniques for collecting & managing speech outcome data. 1-hour short course at American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Denver, CO.

Thurmes, A.K., Cordero, K.N., Trost-Cardamone, J., Chapman, K., Dobbelysteyn, C., Wilson, K., Baylis, A., Dixon, A. (2015). The Americleft listener ratings protocol: A calibration session for speech-language pathologists. Short-course at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Palm Springs, CA.

Wilson, K., Baylis, A., Dixon, A., Thurmes, A.K., Cordero, K.N., Dobbelsteyn, C., & Chapman, K. (2015). Speech outcome data: Techniques for data collection and management within the clinical setting. Short-course at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Palm Springs, CA.

Iroh Tam, P.Y., Thurmes, A.K., & MacAlister, S. (2014). Immunological characteristics and response of vaccination in pediatric patients with partial DiGeorge Syndrome. Poster at Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting, Vancouver, B.C.

Thurmes, A.K., Cordero, K., Wilson, K., Dixon, A. & Americleft Speech Group (2014). Speech outcome data: Overcoming barriers and using technology. Short-course at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Indianapolis, IN.

Baylis, A.L., Chapman, K., Whitehill, T., Dixon, A., Dobbelsteyn, C., Cordero, K.N., Wilson, K.D., Thurmes, A.K., Trost-Cardamone, J. (May, 2013). Validity and reliability of visual analog scaling for assessment of speech outcomes in children with repaired cleft palate. presentation at 12th Annual International Congress on Cleft Lip Palate
and Related Craniofacial Anomalies, Orlando, FL.

Wilson, K., Thurmes, A.K., Baylis, A., Cordero, K., Dixon, A., Dobbelsteyn, C., Chapman, K, Sells, D., & Trost-Cardamone, J. (May, 2013). Utilizing web-based technology for data collecting and management in multi-center speech outcomes studies. Short Course at 12th Annual International Congress on Cleft Lip Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies, Orlando, FL.

Chapman, K., Dixon, A., Dobbelsteyn, C., Harding Bell, A., Sell, D., Sweeney, T., Thurmes, A.K., Trost-Cardamone, J., Wilson, K. Cordero, K. N., Baylis, A. (2013). The Americleft Speech Project: An inter-center comparison of speech outcome. Platform paper: 12th Annual International Congress on Cleft Lip Palate and Related Craniofacial
Anomalies, Orlando, Florida.

Cordero, K. N., & Thurmes, A.K. (2013). Using electronic resources for cross-linguistic assessment and treatment of cleft palate speech. Poster at 12th Annual International Congress on Cleft Lip Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies, Orlando, FL.

Thurmes, A.K, Lacey, M.S., & Anderson, G.C. (2013). Pharyngeal flap-takedown in adults with severe nasopharyngeal obstruction. Poster at 12th Annual International Congress on Cleft Lip Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies, Orlando, FL.

Baylis, A., Dixon, A., Thurmes, A.K., Dobbelsteyn, C., Cordero, K. N., Wilson, K., Chapman K., Sells, D., & Trost-Cardamone, J., (April 2012). Collecting and reporting speech outcome data: A practical approach. Short-course at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, San Jose, CA.

Patel, D., Sharp, H., Thurmes, A.K., & Edwards, S. (April 2012). Emerging autonomy: Working with adolescents in the context of team care. Short-course at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association Annual Meeting, San Jose, CA.

Wilson, K., Thurmes, A.K., Baylis, A., Cordero, K.N., Dixon, A., Dobbelsteyn, C., Chapman, K., Sell, D., & Trost-Cardamone, J., (April 2012). Americleft speech project: Overcoming distance with technology. Platform presentation at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, San Jose, CA.

Cordero, K., Baylis, A., Chapman, K., Dixon, A., Dobbelsteyn, C., Harding Bell, A., Sell, D., Sweeney, T., Thurmes, A.K., Trost-Cardamone, J., & Wilson, K. (2012). The Americleft speech project: Training, trials, and reliability outcomes. 10-minute platform paper in general session. American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association Annual Meeting, San Jose, CA.

Beiraghi, S., Leon-Salazar, V., Thurmes, A.K., & Larson, B. (2009). Clinical and genetic considerations for the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with Robinow syndrome. American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Scottsdale, AZ.

Benoit, K., Munson, B., Thurmes, A.K., Baylis, A., & Cordero, K. (2009). Factors affecting speech naturalness in young adults with a history of cleft palate. Platform paper at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Scottsdale, AZ

Looman, W. & Thurmes, A.K., (2009). Quality of life among children with Velocardiofacial syndrome. Platform paper at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Fort Worth, TX.

Thurmes, A.K. (2009). Communicating diagnosis to parents: Systematic literature review. Platform paper at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Scottsdale, AZ.

Thurmes, A.K., Beiraghi, S., Hirsch, B., & Holzwart, S. (2009). Duplication of 22q11.2 concomitant with Mosaic Turner Syndrome. Poster at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Scottsdale, AZ.

Thurmes, A.K., Sharp, H., & Patel, P. (2008). Transitioning to autonomous healthcare: Experiences and preferences of adolescents in cleft clinics. Short-course at American Cleft Palate Association annual meeting, Philadelphia, PA.

Thurmes, A.K., Looman, W.S., & Moller, K. (2007). Empowering and integrating families in cleft palate treatment. Platform presentation at American Cleft Palate Association an annual meeting, Denver, CO.

Cordero, K. Baylis, A. Thurmes, A.K. & Moller, K. (2007). Factors associated with speech outcomes for adolescents with cleft palate. Poster at American Cleft Palate Association annual meeting, Denver, CO.

DeMarco, A., Moller, K., Glaze, L., Thurmes, A.K., & Brosky, B. (2005). Speech prosthesis for patients with cleft palate and maxillofacial defects. Short-course at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, Myrtle Beach, SC.

Select presentations

Hardin Jones, M., Cordero, K., Thurmes Barigayomwe, A., Williams, J. (November, 2019). Velopharyngeal Dysfunction (VPD) Grand Rounds Case Review: Surgery, Therapy or Both? American Speech-Language Association Annual Convention. Orlando, FL.

Artz, J., France, M., Thurmes Barigayomwe, A.K., Miu, K., & Smith, F. (April, 2018). Patient to provider: About the journey. General session panel. American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting. Pittsburgh, PA.

Baylis, A., Chapman, K., Cordero, K.N., Dixon, A., Dobbelsteyn, C., Trost-Cardamone, J., Thurmes, A.K., Wilson, K. (March, 2017). Americleft speech project: A one-day listener training workshop. Seminar associated with the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting. Colorado Springs, CO.

Anderson, G. C., Thurmes, A.K., Artz, J.G. (March, 2016). Cleft lip and palate: A problem with an interdisciplinary solution. Clinical Grand Rounds for the Dental Team. Continuing Dental Education, School of Dentistry University of Minnesota. Minneapolis, MN.

Baylis, A., Chapman, K. , Cordero, K.N., Dixon, A., Dobbelsteyn, C., Trost-Cardamone J., Thurmes, A.K., Wilson, K. (April, 2016). Americleft speech project: A one-day listener training workshop. Seminar associated with the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting. Atlanta, GA.

Thurmes, A.K. (July 2016). Interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment of Robinow syndrome:
Speech-language and feeding considerations. National Robinow Conference, Bloomington, MN.

Cordero, K.N., & Thurmes, A.K. (September, 2015). Perceptual assessment of speech and resonance disorders: Interactive listening course. Invited continuing education course for graduate students and community SLPs at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Duluth, MN.

Thurmes, A.K. & Cordero, K. N. (February, 2014). Clinical competency for SLPs assessing and treating individuals with cleft palate and velopharyngeal dysfunction. 7 hour invited continuing education course with 60 attendees for Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Minneapolis, MN.

Cordero, K.N., Thurmes, A.K. (November, 2014). Perceptual assessment of speech and resonance disorders: Interactive Americleft listening course. Invited 3-hour seminar at American Speech-Language & Hearing Association meeting with 100 attendees. Orlando, FL.

Long, R., Trost-Cardamone, J., Chapman, K., Thurmes, A.K, (2014). The Americleft Project: Guidelines for participation in collaborative inter-center outcome studies. Panel at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting. Indianapolis, IN.

Thurmes, A.K. & Cordero, K.N. (April 2013). Assessment and treatment of cleft palate and vpd: Roundtable Discussion at Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Meeting, Hopkins, MN.

Long, R., Trost-Cardamone, J., Chapman, K., Baylis, A., Dixon, A., Cordero, K.N., Dobbelsteyn, C., Thurmes, A.K., & Wilson, K. (April 2012). The Americleft project: Guidelines for participation in collaborative inter-center outcome studies.1-hour eye-opener course at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, San Jose, CA.

Thurmes, A.K. (May, 31, 2012). Waiting International Children: A closer look at cleft lip and palate. National 1-hour webinar broadcasted by Children’s Home Society and Family Services, St Paul, MN.

Thurmes, A.K. (February 15, 2011). Assessment and treatment of adults with velopharyngeal dysfunction. Twin Cities Speech-Language Pathology with 40 attendees, St. Louis Park, MN.

Thurmes, A.K. & Anderson, G. C. (March 4, 2011). Cleft and craniofacial interdisciplinary team care. 90-minute lecture to Fairview Genetic Counselors, Minneapolis, MN.

Thurmes, A.K. (March 11, 2011). Assessment and treatment of velopharyngeal dysfunction. Continuing education event through the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire. Eau Claire, WI.

Thurmes, A.K. (March 17, 2011). Waiting international children: A closer look at cleft lip and palate, National 1-hour webinar broadcasted and archived for Children’s Home Society and Family, St. Paul, MN.

Mandulak, K., Thurmes, A.K., & Baylis, A. (November 2011). Cleft palate and velopharyngeal dysfunction: Evaluation, treatment and problem-solving. Short-Course at American Speech- Language Association Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.

Thurmes, A.K. (December 12, 2011). Treatment for cleft palate and velopharyngeal dysfunction. National 1 hour recorded course for speechpathology.com, Course # 5202.

Baylis, A., LeDuc, J., Dailey, S., & Thurmes, A.K. (2011). Challenging cases of velopharyngeal dysfunction: Speech assessment and management. Short Course at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, San Juan, PR.

Cordero, K., Arboleda, del Pilar Echevarri, Lopez, Suarez Brand, Villznueva-Reyes, Dailey, S. & Thurmes, A.K. (2011). Professional collaboration to enhance speech therapy services for Spanish speaking patients with cleft conditions. 1-hour platform panel at American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association annual meeting, San Juan, PR.

Thurmes, A.K. (March 2010). Question and answer panel for parents. Connections Conference for Cleft Palate Foundation, Fort Worth, TX.

Thurmes, A.K. & Cordero, K.N. (April24, 2010). Core knowledge of cleft care for speech-language pathologists, 3-hour seminar at Minnesota Speech-Hearing Association Convention. Alexandria, MN.

Thurmes, A.K. (May 17, 2010). Assessment and treatment of cleft palate and velopharyngeal dysfunction, 2-hour lecture to the St. Paul Public School Speech-Language Pathologists, St. Paul, MN.

Thurmes, A.K. & Cordero, K.N. (December 7, 2010). Early childhood intervention for children with cleft palate. 2-hour lecture to the St. Paul Public School Early Childhood Speech-Language Pathologists, St. Paul, MN.

Thurmes, A.K. (September 2009). Waiting international children: A closer look at cleft lip and Nationally launched webinar by Children’s Home Society and Family Services, St. Paul, palate. MN.

Thurmes, A.K. (October 2009). Collaboration: Speech-language pathology and orthodontics. Midwest Society of Orthodontics Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Baylis, A., Thurmes, A.K., & Cordero, K.N. (July 2008). Family-centered speech therapy for children with VCFS. International VCFS Education Foundation meeting, Detroit, MI.

Cordero, K.N. & Thurmes, A.K. (2008). Assessment of resonance and articulation in developing Nations. Presentation at Surgical Teams to Developing Nations meeting, St. Paul, MN.

Cordero, K.N. & Thurmes, A.K., & Fairchild M. (2008). Assessment and treatment of cleft palate speech in developing nations. Presentation in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at Proseminar Series to doctoral students, Minneapolis, MN.

Thurmes, A.K. (June 2008). Psychological impact of Robinow Syndrome. Invited lecture for National Robinow Conference, Bloomington, MN.

Thurmes, A.K. & Cordero, K. N. (2007). Factors associated with speech outcomes for adolescents with cleft palate. Invited presentation for the Department of Speech-Language Hearing Sciences Pro-seminar Series at University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.