Support.
Educate.
Connect.
Inspire.
Helping the world see beyond the surgery.
Welcome to The Cleft Warrior Woman, where art, education and nervous system-informed support help reframe the experience of cleft and what it means for those whose lives it touches.
Discover more below. And if you're looking for personalised support, you can book a free clarity call to explore how Katie may be able to help.
Support for your cleft journey | Rooted & Resilient | Cleft Compass |
Find understanding, practical guidance and support for whatever comes next. Explore support.
MEET KATIE
Founder of The Cleft Warrior Woman
“At the heart of my work is a simple hope: that more people will feel seen, celebrated and free to belong exactly as they are.”
~ Katie Manning
I'm Katie Manning, an artist, a mum to three teenagers and a trauma-informed coach. Our eldest daughter, Ella, was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, and cleft is part of our family journey.
My work exists to challenge stigma and grow belonging through positive representation, advocacy and education. By helping families, professionals and communities see the person beyond the diagnosis, I deepen understanding of the cleft experience.
Whether you're living with cleft, supporting someone you love or looking for connection and community, you're warmly welcome here.
The story behind the art.
GALLERY
Artwork For Social Change
Art has the power to connect people and create change. Through portraits of individuals born with cleft and facial differences, this work challenges stigma, raises awareness, and celebrates our shared humanity. Each portrait deepens understanding, connection, and hope.
SHOP
Support The Cleft Community
Explore our collection of selected prints, artwork, and gifts. Every purchase raises awareness, spark conversation, and support individuals and families that live with cleft.
Commission A Portrait
Perhaps you are welcoming a new baby, celebrating how far your child has come, or ready to honour your own journey with cleft. Whatever brings you here, your portrait will be created to reflect the person beyond the diagnosis, their character, spirit, strength, softness and beautifully individual face.
Commission your bespoke portrait and create something your family will treasure for generations.
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
Connecting
Through Art
Katie brings people together through art, conversation and shared experience. From exhibitions and keynote presentations to art and trauma-informed workshops and community gatherings, she creates opportunities to inspire understanding, build connection and celebrate the cleft community.
FEATURED EVENT
100 Cleft Portraits
USA Tour 2026
This year, Katie takes the internationally acclaimed 100 Cleft Portraits exhibition across the United States for a nationwide tour celebrating identity, strength and belonging. Alongside the exhibition, the tour includes presentations, workshops and community conversations that bring people together through lived experience and art.
Presented by:
American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA)
Sponsored by:
Smile Train, myFace, Children's Mercy Kansas City and the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Be Supported
Support that meets you where you are.
Whether you are navigating a cleft diagnosis, supporting a child who was born with a cleft, seeking professional guidance, or looking to connect with others who share similar experiences, Katie offers a range of supportive services designed to encourage understanding, resilience, and growth.
TESTIMONIALS
What My Clients Say
“Finding myself in a space where I could open up and begin to heal has helped me start healing my family too. Connecting with other mums who have felt the way I have means I don’t feel so alone on this journey. I now have the confidence to keep moving forward.”
“I was born with a cleft lip and palate, and my son Dylan was born with one too. Through this course, I found a deeper understanding of myself and others, and this has helped me in how I am with my children.”
“I loved the sessions so much and how they made me feel. I was feeling a little broken, and now I feel whole. Katie, you are a remarkable teacher and coach.”
WORKSHOPS & COURSES
Learn, Create & Connect
Engaging workshops, courses, and learning experiences thoughtfully designed to inspire connection, foster growth, and provide meaningful support. From storytelling and creative expression to professional development and community engagement, these opportunities bring people together through shared experiences in a warm and welcoming environment.
MEMBERSHIP
Belong To Something Bigger
Be part of a growing community dedicated to positive change. Continue your journey beyond the workshop, event, or exhibition. Membership will offer opportunities to receive ongoing support, stay connected, share experiences, access valuable resources, and build meaningful relationships with others who share a commitment to learning, growth, and helping one another thrive.
PRESS & PARTNERS
As Featured On
Katie's work has been featured by leading media organisations, advocacy groups, and professional partners, bringing stories of resilience, identity, and hope to audiences around the world. Through the power of art, storytelling, and community, these collaborations inspire meaningful engagement and positive change.
