Down Syndrome Program

COVID-19 and Vaccinations

Do you have questions about COVID-19 and Down syndrome? Need information about vaccinations and when it is safe for your loved one with Down syndrome to re-enter into their communities? We have put together information and resources here: 

• COVID: Recommendations for People with Down Syndrome to Safely Re-enter into the Community.  
• RSV Vaccines and Antibody Therapy
• Flu Vaccine

Overview

The Mass General Hospital Down Syndrome Program integrates state-of-the-art resources with compassionate, comprehensive care through a multi-disciplinary approach. National experts from Massachusetts General Hospital, Mass General for Children, and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary are ready to help your family member with any medical issue that may occur.

Our Down Syndrome Program has five distinct clinical services to ensure that people with Down syndrome receive the specialty care that is specific for their age group:

• Prenatal Services: We offer consultations in a private setting for expectant parents who have received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
• Infant and Toddler Clinic (ages birth-5): Families will be educated about Down syndrome and comprehensive supports will be provided for their child’s early needs.
• Child Clinic (ages 5-13): The healthcare of children will be maximized so that they can achieve successes during school-aged years.
• Adolescent and Young Adult Clinic (ages 13-21): Families and youth will be supported and educated about transition planning. The goal is for your child to be prepared for adulthood and as engaged in their care as possible.
• Adult Clinic (ages 21 and older): Adults will be supported to lead healthy lives marked by meaningful engagements with their communities.

What Is Involved with an Appointment?

Each specific age group will have specialists available for that day that will meet the unique health care needs of individuals with Down syndrome for that specific age group.

How to Request an Appointment

Our Down Syndrome Clinic is currently at full capacity. In order to continue serving our established patients, we are no longer able to accept new patients, except for the patients mentioned here. Alternatively, we are proud to offer two virtual options for everyone.

Mission Statement

We are a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, serving people with Down syndrome of all ages and their families. We provide evidence-based clinical care, education, and cutting-edge research so that individuals with Down syndrome can reach their full potential.

Vision Statement

Our passion is to provide healthcare, research, and education that contribute to a world in which all people with Down syndrome are accepted, celebrated and have the opportunity to fully realize their potential.

Program Overview

Download our program overview and information about our team members in PDF format: English (pdf) | Spanish (pdf) | Traditional Chinese (pdf) | Simplified Chinese (pdf)

Patient Resources

The Down Syndrome Program team has developed a variety of resources for people with Down syndrome and their families. View the full resource list here.

For Health Care Providers

The Down Syndrome Program team has developed resources for health care providers including information about outpatient care, newborns keeping adolescents and adults healthy, and transitioning from pediatric to adult care. Learn more.

Meet the Team

On the day of your clinic, you will not see all of the providers (PDF) listed below, only the appropriate ones for your age range.

Our Providers

Program Physicians

• Brian G. Skotko, MD, MPP
• Jose Florez, MD, PhD
• Nicolas Oreskovic, MD, MPH
• Stephanie Santoro, MD

Administration

• Deana Tarver, Administrative Assistant
• Barbara Mawn, Administrative Assistant
• Princess Fenton, Patient Service Coordinator
• Edgar Torres, Patient Service Coordinator
• Alexa Gozdiff Spognardi, MS, MPH, Research and Clinic Coordinator
• Elizabeth Oey, BA, Research and Clinic Coordinator
• Amy Torres, Program Manager

Self-Advocate Resource Specialist

• Ben Majewski
• Melissa Reilly

Social Workers

• Caroline Bregman, MSW, LICSW
• Clorinda Cottrell, MSW, LICSW

Advocacy Advisor

• Helen Weiner, MSW, LICSW

Nutritionists

• Amanda Laezza, RD, LDN
• Dominica Nichols, PhD, RD, LDN

Therapy Team

• Emma Hill, MS, CCC-SLP
• Christina Cossa Pierpont, MS, OTR/L
• Joy Huebner, PT, DPT
• Sarah Jones, MS, OTR/L
• Jen Maietta, CCC-SLP
• Kara Masse, PT, DPT
• Casey E. Vandale, PT, DPT
• Amanda Copeland, MS, CCC-SLP

Pediatric Feeding Program

• Meet the Team

Psychiatrist

• Michelle L. Palumbo, MD

Psychologists

• Julie Grieco, PsyD
• Margaret Pulsifer, PhD

Educational Advocate

• Gretchen Timmel, MEd

Additionally, we can facilitate referrals for other services, including Cardiology, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, and others.

Down Syndrome Research Program

We provide innovative opportunities for people with Down syndrome to participate in research. Learn more.