Dr. Nicole Baumer Named New Sie Center Director

Children’s Hospital Colorado and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) have appointed Nicole Baumer, MD, MEd, as the new Director of the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the largest pediatric medical care center for patients with Down syndrome in the United States.

The Sie Center, a designated center of excellence in Down syndrome, provides specialty care to over 2,500 patients from 32 states, Puerto Rico and 11 countries.

Inspired by her older sister with Down syndrome, Dr. Baumer has lifelong experience caring for and treating individuals with disabilities. She is a nationally recognized physician-scientist with expertise in treating individuals with Down syndrome, autism, ADHD and other neurobehavioral disorders.

“I believe that every child and family deserves to be in the center of an expert team that provides compassionate, comprehensive, individualized, evidence-based care and resources to address complex clinical concerns,” Dr. Baumer says. “I am passionate about helping each child with Down syndrome thrive by recognizing their individuality, embracing a strength-based approach, and focusing on abilities and achievements. It’s a true joy and privilege to share in the celebration of each milestone and success with the patients and families I work with.”

Dr. Baumer has received grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Include Project, a research initiative dedicated to Down syndrome. One of Dr. Baumer’s grants examines early developmental and medical profiles of Down syndrome, while another investigates mobility interventions for infants with Down syndrome.

Prior to joining the Sie Center, she worked at Boston Children’s Hospital as a child neurologist, neurodevelopmental disabilities specialist and the director of the Down Syndrome Program. In her time there, Dr. Baumer helped grow the program’s research and clinical capabilities.

With more than 15 years of leadership experience, Dr. Baumer brings a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives to the Sie Center – envisioning a comprehensive program that integrates clinical care, research, education and advocacy. She’s already leading in key organizations such as GLOBAL, the National Down Syndrome Congress and the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group-USA. Dr. Baumer’s appointment will help strengthen these partnerships.

“The Sie Center is uniquely situated to lead integrated efforts to improve the lives of individuals with Down syndrome,” Dr. Baumer says. “Together, our work will lead to advances in care, policy, and inclusion to support individuals with Down syndrome to fulfill their potential.”

Dr. Baumer earned a medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She trained in pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital and in neurodevelopmental disabilities at Boston Children’s. She also holds a master’s degree in education from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

As a clinician, she focuses on a person’s strengths in order to address challenges. Her deep connection to the Down syndrome community, combined with decades of professional experience, allow her to bring empathy and expertise to the Sie Center.