CO-FOUNDER & MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Alison Downes is a highly committed and compassionate board certified developmental and behavioral pediatrician with over a decade of experience in diagnosing and guiding families of children with a range of developmental and behavioral differences including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability, and anxiety. Dr. Downes earned her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed her Pediatric Residency and Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) Fellowship at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. 

Dr. Downes served as an attending physician in the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania for almost 10 years. In addition to her devotion to patients and families, Dr. Downes directed the DBP Fellowship Program and served as a role model and clinical mentor. Her dedication to teaching earned her several awards including the inaugural Teaching award for the Division.

Dr. Downes is a local expert on the medical, developmental, and behavioral care of children with Down Syndrome and has extensive experience diagnosing and caring for children with a dual diagnosis of Trisomy 21 and autism.

Dr. Downes’s approach to pediatric care is holistic and family-centered, recognizing the importance of understanding each child's unique developmental journey within the context of their family and community. She works closely with children, families, educators, and other healthcare professionals to create comprehensive, individualized care plans that support optimal development and well-being.

Known for her empathetic and patient-focused approach, Dr. Downes is passionate about empowering parents with the knowledge and resources they need to advocate for their children. She genuinely loves her patients and is committed to fostering a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment dedicated to their continued success.

Dr. Downes is a strong advocate for every child to receive a strength-based child-specific approach to developmental intervention, education, and behavioral support. She has conducted workshops and seminars for parents and professionals, sharing her expertise and insight to promote awareness and understanding of neurodiversity.

Dr. Downes enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and baking, and all things puzzling from escape rooms, to crosswords and jigsaw puzzles. Parenting is a humbling experience, and she is grateful to her children for being her best teachers.

FOUNDER & CEO

Erica Daniels is a distinguished leader, advocate, and subject matter expert in the field of autism and neurodiversity, leveraging her personal experiences and professional expertise to drive meaningful change. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the College of Human Development at Syracuse University and a National Board-Certified Special Education Advocacy Training Certificate from the National Special Education Advocacy Institute.

Erica advises healthcare professionals, product manufacturers, and universities through Autism Advisors, where she has been providing subject matter expertise and strategic consultation for over a decade. Her work empowers these stakeholders to make patient-centered, data-backed decisions involving autism and neurodiversity.

Erica's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for helping those struggling with difficult symptoms associated with autism led her to co-invent, develop, research, and manage the distribution of two biopharmaceutical precision medications in collaboration with Zelira Therapeutics, which are undergoing research as potential solutions for symptoms and clusters of symptoms associated with autism. Additionally, in a personal effort to connect with her autistic son, who copes with severe food allergies, she authored "Cooking with Leo: An Allergen-Free Autism Family Cookbook."

Erica's dedication to the neurodiversity community extends to her volunteer work and board positions. She founded and grew the nonprofit Hope Grows for Autism from a local support group to a global education, research, and support organization. Erica helped launch and continues to serve on the board of directors of GET Cafe, a coffee shop and community center that offers employment to individuals of all abilities. She also serves on various boards, including the Montgomery County Developmental Disabilities Council and Americans for Safe Access, advocating for legislative and policy changes to improve the quality of life for individuals with neurodiversity, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and complex medical needs.

Erica's personal journey as the mother of a son on the autism spectrum has fueled her passion and commitment to enhancing the lives of families and individuals living with neurodiversity. Her work continues to make a significant impact in the autism community, bridging the gap between patient needs and innovative solutions.

Erica enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and exploring the outdoors. She believes in the importance of balancing work with personal fulfillment and cherishes the moments she spends with her loved ones.

CO-FOUNDER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Samantha Ciappa is a dedicated licensed clinical and school psychologist specializing in autism spectrum disorders and behavioral therapies. She earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University and currently serves as an adjunct professor there.

Dr. Ciappa is a member of The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT®,) an interstate compact designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology psychology across state boundaries empowering her to practice across 40 states.

Dr. Ciappa focuses on children, families, and school psychology, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intricate relationships within their lives. She finds fulfillment in working with children on the autism spectrum and addressing challenges related to mood, anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral issues.

At Dragonfly Psychological Associates, Dr. Ciappa has provided therapy services to a wide range of clients, utilizing a cognitive behavioral and systems approach. She has worked with private schools specializing in autism spectrum disorder to provide therapy and consultation to individuals with comorbid ASD and mood/anxiety disorders.

Dr. Ciappa has provided psychological evaluations to an array of students in need of behavioral health support at Philadelphia Mental Health Center. Here, she ensures young people and their families' are provided the care they need in the home, school, and community to promote growth and success.

Throughout her training, she gained extensive experience as a Registered Behavior Technician at Stepping Stones Therapeutics, utilizing behavioral therapy techniques with children on the autism spectrum. She was a predoctoral intern at The Widener Child Therapy Clinic and Northeast Treatment Centers (NET). At NET, Dr. Ciappa conducted autism evaluations for children and teenagers in the Philadelphia area, utilizing the ADOS-2, among other instruments.

Additionally, she has worked as a Practicum Student at The Widener Partnership Charter School in Chester, PA, Associates in Neuropsychology and Behavioral Health in Newark, DE, and Terry Children's Center in New Castle, DE.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Ciappa enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and volunteering. She believes that personal well-being and connection are essential components of effective therapy and strives to bring warmth and empathy to all her interactions.