Food Allergy Buddies Program
The Food Allergy Center at MassGeneral for Children is excited to be continuing the Food Allergy Buddies Program during the 2024-2025 year! This mentorship program fosters a supportive community by grouping high-school-age mentors (Bigs) with elementary-school-age (Littles) and middle-school-age children (Middles) who have food allergies.
Program Goals
The mission of the Food Allergy Buddies Program is to build a positive and supportive community for children, teens, and their families, promote self-efficacy, support quality of life, and reinforce self-respect and safety.
Program Details
Check out our September 2021 event in Auburndale Park:
T-shirt decorating is underway!
Dr. Mike leads a parent session in the park!
How to Join
Big Buddies will need to ask someone to fill in a character reference form.
Questions? Want to learn more about the program? Please email us at foodallergybuddies@mgh.harvard.edu.
In the News
Article: Buddying Up to Help Kids Manage Food Allergies
Article: Food Allergy Buddies brings families together for allergy-friendly fun
Meet the Team
Dr. Michael Pistiner, Pediatric Allergist
Dr. Mike is the Director of Food Allergy Advocacy, Education and Prevention at Mass General for Children, Food Allergy Center. He is the father of an 18-year-old with food allergies and actively engaged in patient, family and community food allergy education and advocacy. He has particular interest in the impact of mentorship and community on school age children with food allergy.
Dr. Maria Theodorakakis, Pediatric Psychologist
Dr. Maria is a pediatric psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. She specializes in supporting youth and families managing chronic medical conditions, including food allergies. She is also involved with research focused on addressing systemic inequality by increasing access to holistic support for all youth. Dr. Maria joined the Buddies program in 2018 and is thrilled to be part of such a fantastic community!
Meghan Neri
Meghan Neri has managed food allergies in her home for more than 15 years, and as a former schoolteacher, and educator at heart, she is passionate about education. In 2017, she co-founded SAFE (South Shore Allergy Families Educating), a food allergy support group which aims to connect caregivers and increase education & awareness in the community. In early 2023 she launched an education and consulting business called Food Allergy Allies, where through classes, workshops and consulting projects she works to educate and support those who choose to be allies to the food allergic community. Also in 2023, her book, Just One Bite, was published. Meghan is a member of the Board of Directors for AAFA NE (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the New England Chapter). When not working she enjoys reading, gardening, paddle boarding, skiing and spending time with family and friends. She is very excited to be part of the MGH Food Allergy Buddies Team.
Vivian Liu
Vivian Liu is a pediatrics resident at MGfC with a keen interest in Allergy. She grew up with (and continues to have) many food allergies in addition to other atopic diseases including eczema and asthma, which is her primary motivating reason to go into the field of Allergy. The opportunity to connect with people and discuss shared experiences is something she seeks, and what better way to start doing that than through the Buddies program! Outside of work she enjoys yoga, going on long outdoor walks, and planning short weekend getaway trips.
Brett Hayes
Brett Hayes is the Program Coordinator for the Food Allergy Buddies Program. He joined the team as an intern in June 2024. Brett is currently working to earn his Master of Public Health from Tufts University. He has a passion to learn more about pediatric health and supporting youth through chronic medical conditions, including food allergies. Brett’s occupation is athletic training and currently works at Tufts University as the Associate Director of Sports Medicine.
Maeve Clifford
Maeve began volunteering with the Buddies Program as an Activity Coordinator during the 2023-2024 year. She has been working as a Clinical Research Coordinator with the Food Allergy Center at MGH since May 2023, following her graduation from Stonehill College where she majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry and Psychology. She loves working with kids and wants to help foster a sense of community among children with food allergies. Having food allergies herself, she hopes to one day become a pediatric allergist! Outside of work, her hobbies include sailing, baking, and spending time with friends. Maeve is very excited to be part of the Food Allergy Buddies Program!
Julian Balkcom
Julian is a longtime volunteer for the Food Allergy Buddies Program. He has been involved with the Buddies Team since 2020 after previously being a Big. He graduated from Tufts University (go Jumbos!) with a master’s degree in Child Study and Human Development (CSHD) and bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and CSHD. His hobbies include singing, swimming, and playing Pokémon! Julian has a long list of food allergies – peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and most legumes – which he has managed his whole life. He is grateful to be part of this program that empowers people just like him!
Special Thanks
Special thanks to the Food Allergy Buddies Parent Advisory Committee for their energy, effort, and time!
Thank you to our donors:
- DBV Technologies
- Food Allergy Buddies Family Donors
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Your generosity helps us to continue to provide programming for our food allergy community!