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On September 21, 2024, the MGH Williams Syndrome Program invited parents and caretakers to attend an afternoon focused on issues of special relevance to children with Williams syndrome <16 years old. In addition to educational sessions, there was an opportunity to socialize, meet adults with Williams syndrome and learn from each other.

View the event program (PDF)

Event Speakers

Our speakers discussed a range of topics on anxiety and behavioral concerns, education, puberty, and more. The event was hosted by the MGH Williams Syndrome Program core team:

  • Chris McDougle, MD

    • Director, Lurie Center for Autism
    • Nancy Lurie Marks Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

  • Barbara Pober, MD

    • Attending Physician, Division of Medical Genetics & Metabolism
    • Co-Director, MGH Williams Syndrome Program
    • Professor of Pediatrics (Emeritus) Harvard Medical School

  • Robyn Thom, MD

    • Psychiatrist, Lurie Center for Autism
    • Co-Director, MGH Williams Syndrome Program
    • Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School

MGH Williams Syndrome Specialty Speakers

  • Lisa Nowinski, PhD

    • Clinical Director, Non-Physician Services, Lurie Center
    • Director of Clinical Psychology & Training, Lurie Center

  • Jill Pineda, PhD

    • Licensed Psychologist
    • Assistant in Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, MGH
    • Instructor, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

  • Nicole Simon

    • Senior Behavioral Consultant

  • Takara Stanley, MD

    • Chief, Pediatric Endocrinology
    • Associate Pediatrician, Massachusetts General Hospital
    • Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

Guest Speakers

Special guest speakers included:   

  • Sarah Giddings 
    Interim Executive Director, Williams Syndrome Association
  • Karen Levine, PhD
    Psychologist in Private Practice
    Part-time Lecturer in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
  • Robin Pegg, EdDc, MEd, COTAL, ATP, ROH
    Education Consultant, Williams Syndrome Association

About

The MGH Williams Syndrome Program is a cooperative program of excellence between Massachusetts General Hospital, the Lurie Center for Autism, and Mass General for Children. This program is presented by the MGH Williams Syndrome Program and the Williams Syndrome Association. 

We thank the Anthony Filippazzo Fund for Williams Syndrome Research and Advancement for their generous sponsorship and for making this event possible. We also thank the WSA for their support.

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