Our Story
Making Faces is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to supporting children with facial differences and advancing anti-bullying efforts through innovative improvisational workshops.
Founded in 1994 by Michael Williams-Stark, who himself was born with a severe cleft lip and palate, Making Faces began its mission to empower children facing similar challenges. Michael’s unique improv-based workshops provided a creative outlet for children with facial differences, helping them build self-esteem and foster inclusion. In 2003, Making Faces expanded its reach by introducing these transformative workshops, which quickly became known for their ability to instill confidence and encourage social participation among a vulnerable group of children. Through engaging and supportive sessions, the workshops helped children overcome their fears of classroom participation and social interaction, leading to noticeable improvements in their academic and social experiences.
Feedback from participants and their families underscored the workshops’ impact. Children reported increased comfort in classroom settings and social activities, while teachers noted enhanced classroom engagement. Parents observed significant improvements in their children’s academic performance and social confidence. One parent even credited the workshops with giving her daughter the courage to deliver a memorable Grade 8 Valedictorian speech.
Since its inception, Making Faces has positively impacted thousands of children and trained a wide range of professionals, from social workers to speech pathologists, to deliver these powerful workshops.
In recognition of its contributions, Making Faces received the prestigious For Kids’ Sake Award from Today’s Parent Magazine in 2008. Founder Michael Williams-Stark was also honored with the Douglas College Distinguished Alumni Award in 2011 for the organization’s groundbreaking work.
In 2014, Making Faces expanded its mission to include anti-bullying workshops for schools and youth organizations, applying the same principles that have driven its success with children with facial differences.
Today, the organization is led by Adam Bighill, a cleft-affected individual and current linebacker for the Blue Bombers, who serves as President. The board is comprised of devoted parents of children with various facial differences, including cleft lip and palate and craniosynostosis. This dedicated team of volunteers continues to provide invaluable support and resources for families navigating the challenges associated with facial differences. To learn more about the inspiring individuals behind Making Faces, please visit our Board of Directors page.
Making Faces is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to supporting children with facial differences and advancing anti-bullying efforts through innovative improvisational workshops.
Founded in 1994 by Michael Williams-Stark, who himself was born with a severe cleft lip and palate, Making Faces began its mission to empower children facing similar challenges. Michael’s unique improv-based workshops provided a creative outlet for children with facial differences, helping them build self-esteem and foster inclusion. In 2003, Making Faces expanded its reach by introducing these transformative workshops, which quickly became known for their ability to instill confidence and encourage social participation among a vulnerable group of children. Through engaging and supportive sessions, the workshops helped children overcome their fears of classroom participation and social interaction, leading to noticeable improvements in their academic and social experiences.
Feedback from participants and their families underscored the workshops’ impact. Children reported increased comfort in classroom settings and social activities, while teachers noted enhanced classroom engagement. Parents observed significant improvements in their children’s academic performance and social confidence. One parent even credited the workshops with giving her daughter the courage to deliver a memorable Grade 8 Valedictorian speech.
Since its inception, Making Faces has positively impacted thousands of children and trained a wide range of professionals, from social workers to speech pathologists, to deliver these powerful workshops.
In recognition of its contributions, Making Faces received the prestigious For Kids’ Sake Award from Today’s Parent Magazine in 2008. Founder Michael Williams-Stark was also honored with the Douglas College Distinguished Alumni Award in 2011 for the organization’s groundbreaking work.
In 2014, Making Faces expanded its mission to include anti-bullying workshops for schools and youth organizations, applying the same principles that have driven its success with children with facial differences.
Today, the organization is led by Adam Bighill, a cleft-affected individual and current linebacker for the Blue Bombers, who serves as President. The board is comprised of devoted parents of children with various facial differences, including cleft lip and palate and craniosynostosis. This dedicated team of volunteers continues to provide invaluable support and resources for families navigating the challenges associated with facial differences. To learn more about the inspiring individuals behind Making Faces, please visit our Board of Directors page.
