Meet Our New Trisomy 21 Nurse Coordinator

Hello! I am excited to introduce myself as the new Nurse Coordinator for the Trisomy 21 Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). My name is Tricia Wilson, and I live in South Jersey. I am a registered nurse with almost 20 years of nursing experience and have spent the past 19 years as a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit. I am a married mother of three children, one boy and two girls, ages 12, 11 and 8.

My oldest child — my son, Tyler — has Down syndrome. I received the diagnosis during pregnancy and experienced a roller-coaster of emotions as I tried to prepare myself for the future. Little did I know at that time how wonderful and fulfilling raising a child with Down syndrome would be, nor did I realize how “typical” it would be in most ways.

When I learned about the opportunity to work with the Trisomy 21 Program at CHOP, I jumped at the chance! I quickly recalled taking my son to see Mary Pipan, MD, and the T21 team when Tyler was about 6 months old. I remembered how they helped me navigate this new and unfamiliar path of doctor’s appointments, early intervention and therapies. But more importantly, I remembered how they helped me realize that my husband and I were doing a great job!

The Trisomy 21 team continued to provide our family with guidance and support throughout the years and offered insight and helpful suggestions that only a team who specializes in the care of children with Down syndrome could provide.

I was eager to join this team of professionals that shared my passion for the success and well-being of children with Down syndrome and am honored to be the newest member of the Trisomy 21 Team at CHOP. I look forward to meeting all of you and your families in clinic!