Arrow Pathways Welcomes Dr. Alison Downes as Co-Founder and Medical Director to Advance Virtual Autism Evaluations and Family-Centered Care
Dr. Alison Downes, MD, a highly respected developmental and behavioral pediatrician, formerly affiliated with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, now serves as the Medical Director of Arrow Pathways.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Erica Daniels
Arrow Pathways
erica@arrowpathways.com
www.arrowpathways.com
Philadelphia, PA — January 15, 2025 — Arrow Pathways is pleased to announce a significant milestone: Dr. Alison Downes, MD, a highly respected developmental and behavioral pediatrician, formerly affiliated with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, now serves as the Medical Director of Arrow Pathways. Dr. Downes’ new role marks an important step in expanding Arrow Pathways’ ability to provide innovative, personalized care for families navigating developmental and behavioral health concerns.
This transition allows Dr. Downes to practice medicine independently outside of a traditional health network, enabling her to focus on delivering flexible and patient-centered services. Her leadership reinforces Arrow Pathways’ commitment to offering high-quality developmental and behavioral evaluations and ongoing support through a nationwide network of professionals.
“Dr. Downes brings a wealth of expertise and a deep dedication to improving outcomes for children and families. Her role as a co-founder and medical director underscores our shared mission to provide compassionate and accessible care,” said Erica Daniels, CEO of Arrow Pathways. “We are excited to have her lead our clinical team as we continue to transform the diagnostic process.”
Dr. Downes’ Extensive Experience
Dr. Alison Downes has over a decade of experience in developmental and behavioral pediatrics. Formerly, at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, she gained recognition for her holistic, family-centered approach, emphasizing each child's unique developmental journey within the context of their family and community. Dr. Downes collaborates with children, families, educators, and healthcare professionals to create tailored care plans that promote optimal development and well-being.
In her new role at Arrow Pathways, Dr. Downes is focused on advancing personalized care by aligning innovative approaches with the unique needs of each family. Her commitment to excellence and collaboration enhances the organization’s ability to deliver meaningful and transformative care.
Advancing Accessibility and Quality Care
Dr. Downes’ leadership at Arrow Pathways is part of a broader effort to redefine the delivery of developmental and behavioral health services. Key benefits include:
Streamlined Access: Reduced wait times and improved scheduling flexibility for evaluations.
Comprehensive Diagnoses: Utilization of advanced tools and methods to address diverse developmental concerns.
Patient-Centered Focus: A collaborative approach designed to foster trust and tailored care solutions.
Why Arrow Pathways Stands Out
Arrow Pathways brings together the collective expertise of parents, psychologists, specialists, and developmental behavioral pediatricians to create a comprehensive and compassionate care environment. Co-founded by Erica Daniels, Dr. Samantha Ciappa, PsyD, and Dr. Alison Downes, MD, the organization combines professional excellence with personal insight to support families navigating developmental and behavioral challenges.
“Our mission is to empower families by offering accelerated autism evaluations and ongoing support through our network of dedicated specialists,” said Erica Daniels. “Arrow Pathways is committed to ensuring that geographical barriers never prevent access to vital care.”
About Arrow Pathways
Arrow Pathways is a mission-driven organization focused on improving access to exceptional developmental and behavioral health evaluations. By leveraging technology and a team of dedicated professionals, the organization ensures that families nationwide receive timely, accurate diagnoses and comprehensive support. Co-founded by a parent, a psychologist, and a developmental behavioral pediatrician, Arrow Pathways is uniquely positioned to address the diverse needs of families with empathy and expertise.
Arrow Pathways believes that diagnosis is not the end of the journey but the beginning of new opportunities and growth. Through innovation and collaboration, the organization provides families with the resources and guidance they need to thrive.
For more information or to schedule an evaluation, visit www.arrowpathways.com.
Legal Disclaimer: Arrow Pathways is an independent organization and is not affiliated with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Any references to CHOP are for factual and informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement, partnership, or any other form of association between Arrow Pathways and CHOP. All services, operations, and initiatives of Arrow Pathways are solely its own.
Welcome to Arrow Pathways: A New Direction for Autism Evaluations and Ongoing Care
The name "Arrow" comes from a word my son Leo used as a child to show us the way. His simple direction reminded me that, even in life’s most complicated moments, clarity and forward movement are always possible. This word continues to inspire how we serve families at Arrow Pathways—helping them find their direction and move forward with purpose and hope.
It all begins with an a purpose and an idea…
I am beyond excited to introduce you to Arrow Pathways, a virtual autism evaluation clinic dedicated to providing accessible, compassionate, and empowering evaluations—and offering ongoing care that supports families throughout their journey.
Our mission goes beyond diagnoses. We want families to feel supported, understood, and empowered every step of the way. It’s a deeply personal vision, inspired by my own experience as the mother of Leo, who was diagnosed with autism at 21 months old. The process was overwhelming at times, and the lack of continuous support afterward left me feeling uncertain. At Arrow Pathways, we’re committed to making sure no one feels alone in this process.
I am also proud to introduce two exceptional co-founders who bring unmatched expertise and heart to this mission:
Dr. Alison Downes, MD, a behavioral and developmental pediatrician with years of experience supporting children with developmental needs and neurodiversity, brings deep clinical knowledge and a family-centered approach to every evaluation.
Dr. Samantha Ciappa, PsyD, a licensed psychologist and clinical director, specializes in autism and developmental assessments. Dr. Ciappa is dedicated to ensuring each patient and family is treated with compassion, care, and respect.
Together, our leadership team makes Arrow Pathways truly unique. Our combination of expert medical, psychological, and personal insights creates a well-rounded experience designed to meet the whole person’s needs. We understand the challenges families face, not only from professional perspectives but from personal ones too.
At Arrow Pathways, we embrace the values of guidance, care, and connection. We meet families where they are, whether they are starting with their first evaluation or seeking ongoing support. Our virtual model allows us to make care accessible to everyone, regardless of location, while maintaining the human touch that every family deserves.
The name "Arrow" comes from a word my son Leo used as a child to show us the way. His simple direction reminded me that, even in life’s most complicated moments, clarity and forward movement are always possible. This word continues to inspire how we serve families at Arrow Pathways—helping them find their direction and move forward with purpose and hope.
We believe that diagnosis is not an end—it’s the beginning of a journey toward new opportunities and a better future. With our team’s expertise and commitment to ongoing care, we’re here to support every family in reaching their goals and thriving at every stage.
Thank you for trusting us with your care. Whether you’re here as a parent, professional, or someone seeking an evaluation, we are honored to walk this path with you.
Here’s to new beginnings and brighter tomorrows.
Warmly,
Erica Daniels
Founder & CEO
A Message from Dr. Alison Downes, Co-Founder & Medical Director of Arrow Pathways
At Arrow Pathways, we know that a diagnosis is just the start of a new journey—a beginning filled with possibilities and growth. That’s why we are committed to offering more than just assessments. Through ongoing care and personalized support, we strive to empower families and individuals to thrive at every stage.
Welcome to Arrow Pathways!
I am incredibly excited to introduce this new venture, where we provide not only comprehensive autism evaluations but also ongoing care to meet families' needs every step of the way. As a pediatrician and Medical Director, my passion has always been helping children and families navigate developmental challenges with the care, respect, and expertise they deserve.
At Arrow Pathways, we know that a diagnosis is just the start of a new journey—a beginning filled with possibilities and growth. That’s why we are committed to offering more than just assessments. Through ongoing care and personalized support, we strive to empower families and individuals to thrive at every stage.
Working alongside Erica Daniels and Dr. Samantha Ciappa, we’ve created a unique model that blends clinical expertise, psychological insight, and personal experience. Our virtual format ensures that we can make this level of care accessible, allowing families to receive support no matter where they are located.
What makes Arrow Pathways special is our focus on building connection and trust. Each family we work with is treated as a valued partner in their care, and we aim to create a meaningful path forward—one that helps you feel heard, supported, and ready for the next steps.
Thank you for choosing us to be part of your journey. We are honored to support you and look forward to walking this path with you.
Warmly,
Ali Downes, MD
Co-Founder & Medical Director
A Message from Dr. Samantha Ciappa, Co-Founder & Clinical Director of Arrow Pathways
Our virtual format allows us to bring these services directly to you, making high-quality care accessible no matter where you are. At Arrow Pathways, you’re not just a case number or file—you are part of a community that values your experiences and supports your growth.
Hello, and welcome to Arrow Pathways!
I am excited to share our new venture with you. As a psychologist and Clinical Director, I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals and families understand themselves through comprehensive evaluations and personalized support. At Arrow Pathways, we believe that a diagnosis is not the end of the story—it’s the start of new possibilities.
Working with Erica Daniels and Dr. Alison Downes, we’ve created a model that offers more than just assessments. We provide ongoing care, resources, and guidance to support families as they navigate their unique path forward. Whether it’s your first evaluation or part of a longer journey, we are here to ensure that every step is filled with care, compassion, and expertise.
Our virtual format allows us to bring these services directly to you, making high-quality care accessible no matter where you are. At Arrow Pathways, you’re not just a case number or file—you are part of a community that values your experiences and supports your growth.
I look forward to working with you, not just during your evaluation but as a partner in your long-term success. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey. We are here for you, every step of the way.
Warmly,
Samantha Ciappa, PsyD
Co-Founder & Clinical Director