by Diane Linnehan, PMSF Director of Operations

We are thrilled to announce that Carla D’Imperio, MS has accepted the position of Family Support Specialist for the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation (PMSF). We received a tremendous response from wonderful candidates for this position and the selection process was highly competitive. 

We are truly delighted to have Carla join our team as we expand our capacity and build the professional network and referral pathways of the PMSF family support program. In this position, Carla will have the opportunity to shape the family support program to ensure that each person who is affected by the syndrome finds a place they feel they can call “home”. 

A graduate of Boston University and Pace University, Carla also completed her bilingual studies in Spanish at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. She worked as a teacher in New York City followed by a number of years as a program director then a managing director for Teach For America. 

Carla lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with her husband, Michael, three children, Joseph, Matthew (who is diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid syndrome(PMS)), Jane, and their family pet and therapy dog, Rocky. She has been an active volunteer and advocate for the PMS community, currently serving as a Regional REP, conference team workstream leader, and co-organizer of PMSF family camp.

Carla’s professional background and personal experience as an advocate, volunteer, and provider of peer-to-peer support is a true asset to our community. Her sensitivity and first-hand knowledge of the challenges and joys of living with Phelan-McDermid syndrome will guide her as she helps to provide support services and resources to our families worldwide. 

Carla will transition into the role starting July 1st and will be at full capacity by Aug 15th. 

Please join us in welcoming Carla to the PMSF team. You may reach out directly to Carla at carla@pmsf.org.