Understanding Down Syndrome

This course prepares health and fitness professionals to design effective, engaging, and inclusive exercise programs for individuals with Down syndrome. Learners will gain an understanding of the genetic basis and health trends in this population, recognize common medical and musculoskeletal conditions, and adapt instruction to accommodate unique learning styles, balance considerations, and processing speeds.

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Joseph Sherman

Joseph Sherman, MS, ACSM-CEP is a Clinical Research Coordinator with the Division of Physical Activity and Weight Management at the University of Kansas Medical Center who specializes in performing lab-based fitness assessments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down syndrome.

Jessie Danon

Jessie earned her bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from the University of Kansas and her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center. She is a registered yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance with a specialization in adaptive yoga. Jessie currently serves as a clinical research coordinator in the Division of Physical Activity and Weight Management at the University of Kansas Medical Center. In this role, she coordinates research studies focused on physical activity and nutritional interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities. For the past six years, she has coordinated NIH-funded studies involving adults with Down syndrome, examining how physical activity and dietary outcomes impact cognitive health and overall Alzheimer’s disease risk. Her research interests center on how scaffolded skill building and self-determination can support healthy, independent living among people with intellectual disability.

Erin McDaniel

Erin is Health and Fitness Manager for Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS). She is deeply passionate about empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through health and wellness initiatives. With over 6 years of public health experience, she has developed and led nationally recognized programs, including fitness, health education, and advocacy efforts. She is a founding member of the Kansas City Alliance for Physical Activity in Down Syndrome and Other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Throughout her career, she has focused on improving access to healthcare and ensuring that underserved communities receive the benefits and resources they deserve. She has led wellness initiatives, conducted groundbreaking research, and presented at national conferences, including at the CDC and Rails to Trails Conservancy. Her mission is to continue creating inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.

Scott Quaife

Scott Quaife is the Health & Wellness Coordinator for Down Syndrome Innovations, based in the Kansas City area. He is a NSCA-certified personal trainer, Precision Nutrition Level 1 nutritionist, and published researcher. In addition to presenting at numerous conferences, including the National Down Syndrome Congress in 2022, 2023, and 2024, Scott was a recipient of the Golisano Health Leadership award, which is the highest honor Special Olympics offers to health partners.

Scott believes that physical health is a critical part of independence and quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome. Staying updated on the latest research, Scott focuses on making his training effective, engaging, and appropriate for all ability levels. He is working to advance the narrative of what is physically capable for self-advocates and create awareness of the need for regular physical activity. He believes that functional fitness is key to helping self-advocates gain and keep meaningful employment and pursue their dreams.

Julianne Clina

Julianne G. Clina, PhD is a postdoctoral research fellow with the University of Kansas Medical Center. She has expertise in adapting and delivering health promotion programs for people with physical and intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome.

Dr. Brian Skotko

Dr. Brian G. Skotko, MD, MPP, is a board‑certified medical geneticist serving as the Emma Campbell Endowed Chair on Down Syndrome and Director of the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is also a Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. A graduate of Duke University, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard Kennedy School, Dr. Skotko is widely recognized for his work in clinical and translational research focused on Down syndrome, having been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, ABC’s Good Morning America, NPR, and more

Dr. Skotko co‑authored the award‑winning books Common Threads: Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome and Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters, aimed at empowering families and siblings. His recent innovations include leading the development of Down Syndrome Clinic to You (DSC2U), an online, evidence‑based platform funded by PCORI that provides personalized medical guidance to families without access to specialty clinics, and overseeing national clinical trials on health measures ranging from sleep apnea screening to Alzheimer’s prevention in people with Down syndrome

His work is further informed by personal experience, as he has a sister with Down syndrome, reinforcing his commitment to advancing dignity, equity, and comprehensive care. Dr. Skotko also serves on several advisory boards, including the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress

Dr. Nicolas Oreskovic

Dr. Nicolas M. Oreskovic, MD, MPH, is a board-certified internist and pediatrician at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he provides primary care across the lifespan and specializes in the care of adults with Down syndrome through the MGH Down Syndrome Program. He serves as Medical Director of the hospital’s Integrated Care Management Program (iCMP), leading interdisciplinary teams that support patients with complex medical and social needs. Dr. Oreskovic is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.

A committed clinical researcher, Dr. Oreskovic focuses on improving population health through better care coordination, chronic disease prevention, and the design of healthier built environments. His research has been published in over 60 peer-reviewed journals, with recent work addressing dementia screening in adults with Down syndrome and strategies to enhance primary care delivery. Fluent in English, French, German, and Spanish, he brings a culturally responsive approach to medicine and continues to advance equity in healthcare through both practice and research.

Dr. Jennifer Spiric

Dr. Jennifer Spiric earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and has been serving children and families since 2012. She is passionate about helping infants develop optimal motor patterns that create the foundation for achieving key developmental milestones, while also encouraging toddlers and young children to move with strength, grace, ease, and confidence.

Jennifer believes that building strong, trusting relationships with children and their families is at the heart of successful therapy. Her clinical experience includes supporting infants and children who are overcoming challenges related to diagnoses such as Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Torticollis, Spina Bifida, Autism, and chromosomal differences.

She brings expertise in neuromuscular facilitation, primitive reflex integration, Brain Gym core concepts, and pediatric kinesiotaping techniques.

Brendan Aylward

Brendan Aylward is the owner of Unified Health and Performance, an inclusive strength and conditioning facility in MA, and Executive Director of AdaptX. His career has revolved around removing barriers to fitness and physical activity for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. He has been a caregiver for a boy with Down syndrome since 2013. The two have been a part of Team Hoyt New England, where they've completed more than 100 races together as a duo.