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Our Story

Arrow Pathways brings developmental pediatrics and psychology together, so families get answers, care, and follow-through from one team.

Dr. Sam's Story

I became a psychologist because I know how much it matters for kids to have a trusted adult outside their family, someone who really listens. Early in my career, I worked with children and families in their homes and saw firsthand both the stress and the hope parents carry. Today I help children, teens, and families with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges, and I work to be a safe, steady presence for every family I see.

Two women stand close together on a city sidewalk, smiling at the camera, with a subway entrance and city buildings surrounding them.

Dr. Ali's Story

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and a mom. I grew up watching my father, a doctor whose patients stopped us around town to tell us how he’d changed their lives. Pediatrics was an easy choice, and developmental-behavioral pediatrics is where I found my people. I may be an expert on autism, ADHD, or Down syndrome, but you’re the expert on your child. The best care happens when we figure it out together.

Family of four people smiling in a sports stadium, two adults and two children, wearing green and blue shirt with event badges, on a grass field with a large screen in the background.
Family of four people smiling in a sports stadium, two adults and two children, wearing green and blue shirt with event badges, on a grass field with a large screen in the background.

How We Got Our Name

Arrow Pathways began with Erica Daniels. Her son Leo was diagnosed with autism in the early 2000s, and the diagnosis came without warmth or hope. Leo used the word “arrow” to mean direction, and it became our name. Erica is no longer with the practice, but her vision of care that guides families forward is still at our core.

A woman and a young boy are looking at each other, sharing a tender moment. The woman has dark hair tied back, and the boy has short dark hair and is looking up at her.

Our Values
Compassion: Every family is heard, without judgment.
Hope: We build on each child’s strengths.
Direction: Clear answers and a plan you can act on.

Understanding your child. Supporting your family.

About Us

At Arrow Pathways, we believe understanding a child is the first step toward providing the right support. We bring developmental pediatrics and psychology together to help families better understand their children's unique strengths, needs, and experiences.

Whether families have questions about development, learning, behavior, or emotional well-being, our goal is to listen, provide thoughtful guidance, and help make the next steps clearer. We believe the best care happens through collaboration, with families at the center of the process.

Dr. Sam Ciappa and Dr. Ali Downes at an Arrow Pathways community table
Dr. Ali Downes with her family

Dr. Ali's story

You're the expert on your child

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and a mom. I grew up watching my father, a doctor whose patients stopped us around town to tell us how he'd changed their lives. Pediatrics was an easy choice, and developmental-behavioral pediatrics is where I found my people.

Over time, I came to appreciate how much there is to understand about each child's development, learning, behavior, and way of experiencing the world. I may be an expert on autism, ADHD, or Down syndrome, but you're the expert on your child. Your observations, questions, and understanding of your child matter. The best care happens when we bring our knowledge together and figure things out as a team.

Professional background

  • Board Certified in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
  • A decade as an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  • Co-founder and Medical Director, Arrow Pathways

Focus: Autism, Down syndrome, developmental and medical needs, medication management, school coordination

Dr. Sam Ciappa

Dr. Sam's story

A trusted adult who really listens

I became a psychologist because I know how much it matters for kids to have a trusted adult outside their family, someone who really listens. Early in my career, I worked with children and families in their homes and saw firsthand both the stress and the hope parents carry.

Those experiences shaped the way I approach my work today. I help children, teens, and families navigate emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns. I believe meaningful care begins with listening, building trust, and understanding each child within the context of their family and everyday life. I strive to be a safe, steady presence for every family I work with.

Professional background

  • Licensed clinical psychologist and PA-certified school psychologist
  • Doctorate in clinical psychology, Widener University, where she is an adjunct professor
  • Co-founder and Clinical Director, Arrow Pathways

Focus: Autism, ADHD, anxiety and mood, challenging behavior, school refusal, psychological evaluations

How we got our name

“Arrow” meant direction

Arrow Pathways began with Erica Daniels. When her son Leo was diagnosed with autism in the early 2000s, the diagnosis came without the warmth, understanding, or hope her family needed. Leo used the word “arrow” to mean direction, and it became the inspiration for our name.

That idea continues to guide us. We believe families deserve more than a diagnosis or a list of recommendations. They deserve to feel heard, to better understand their child, and to have a clearer sense of what comes next. Although Erica is no longer with the practice, her vision of compassionate care and meaningful guidance remains at our core.

What guides us

Compassion

Every family deserves to be heard, understood, and treated without judgment.

Hope

We recognize each child's strengths and potential, while acknowledging the challenges families may be navigating.

Direction

We provide thoughtful guidance, practical recommendations, and support to help families determine what comes next.

We'd love to help your family find its direction.