Dr. Nieves has a unique combination of knowledge and compassion for children with Down Syndrome. The diagnosis for her child, Anna, came prenatally, early on in her pregnancy.  Dr. Nieves recounts the myriad of emotions she felt at the time and as a result, parents and caregivers will feel welcomed and understood. Dr.Nieves’ effective communication style can help caregivers have in-depth conversations to understand the condition, any other difficult medical diagnoses, difficult medical language and concepts, procedures, the risks and benefits of procedures and treatments, preventative health concerns as well as non-medical issues addressed in a compassionate way.  Having lived in and traveled all over the world to include having spent her childhood mostly in Germany and Japan, she also has an ability to relate to people of various backgrounds in a culturally sensitive way. She is fluent in Japanese and can also speak conversational Spanish.

Dr. Nieves’ passion stems from having also experienced multiple medical issues for her own daughter. Anna is currently ten years old, however, Anna went through significant medical issues to include surgery at birth with a subsequent total of three surgeries all within nearly the first year of life. She then went on to develop a complex and confusing medical condition in which Dr. Nieves acknowledges, “my toughest patient, yet, was my own daughter”. Although the medical community was perplexed for three years, not knowing what to do, it was through Dr. Nieves’ faith, love, persistence, and dedication to her daughter that after multiple subspecialists, they were finally able to arrive at a diagnosis and obtain effective treatments for her. Anna is currently doing well. Dr. Nieves has learned how to effectively bridge the gap between parent/caregiver and medical community and knows how to effectively navigate the system to advocate for her patients. Dr. Nieves, having practiced medicine in the area, is well respected, and has developed a network of doctors and therapists. She is willing to collaborate with anyone to include the child’s feeding team, geneticist, general pediatrician, and any other subspecialist the child may need in order to support the medical team and the family.

Dr. Nieves has an extensive background that includes graduating Summa Cum Laude with highest honors from Vanderbilt University with a double major in Psychology and Neuroscience.  She then went on to earn her medical degree at Boston University Medical School. She served in the United States Air Force for eight years. Some of her leadership roles include serving as an Executive Committee of the Medical Staff Member and Advisor to the Chief of Medical Staff on pediatric medical policies and serving as the Medical Director of Pediatrics in Dover, Delaware. She developed multiple protocols for pediatric patients that helped the clinic to provide the highest level of evidence-based medical care. Through all of the experience and challenges that she has overcome, she would now like to offer her expertise to the community of individuals with Down Syndrome.

Although there are many pediatricians in the area, unfortunately, not all pediatricians in a busy pediatric office have the time or the in-depth knowledge when it comes to the care of children with Down Syndrome. As medicine has become so expansive, it is impossible for the general pediatrician to have the same kind of knowledge as one who is so personally connected. Although there are multidisciplinary Down Syndrome Clinics at large academic centers, they can be a far drive and/or difficult to get into in a timely fashion and the follow-ups may not be as frequent as one might like as concerns can arise almost on a daily basis. Dr. Nieves will tackle each concern in a concise, organized fashion, providing real solutions to real problems in a way that will progress the child forward. 

Dr. Nieves is passionate about wanting to help individuals and families in a meaningful way. Parents and caregivers will feel welcomed, empowered, and hopeful as information is provided that will undoubtedly help individuals with Down Syndrome reach their full potential.