The University of Minnesota’s Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is a member of the National Fragile X Foundation’s Fragile X Clinical & Research Consortium (FXCRC).
Who We Are
Our clinic at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain offers personalized evaluation, consultation, treatment, and support for children and adults with Fragile X syndrome and related conditions — always tailored to the unique needs of each patient and their family.
Our multidisciplinary team brings together specialists in psychology/neuropsychology and developmental behavioral pediatrics, with seamless internal access to neurology, speech/language therapy, genetic counseling, psychiatry, and behavior consultation. When additional expertise is needed, we connect families with trusted providers in the community.
We also provide services and referrals for Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) and Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI), ensuring that individuals across the spectrum receive the care and guidance they need.
Through the NFXF’s Fragile X Clinical and Research Consortium and the FORWARD-MARCH project with the CDC, we collaborate with specialists across the country to advance research and improve care for individuals and families affected by Fragile X. Everything we do is grounded in the latest medical, educational, and research knowledge — because you deserve nothing less.
Visit our Clinic Finder for information on how to contact the clinic.
Meet Our Team
Amy Esler
Amy Esler, PhD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, is a licensed psychologist and researcher at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain at the University of Minnesota. She completed her PhD in school psychology from the University of Minnesota.
In her spare time, Dr. Esler enjoys cross-country skiing and hiking with her son, husband, and dog, preferably on the North Shore of Lake Superior!
Andy Barnes
Andy Barnes, MD, is a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician and associate professor of pediatrics. In his clinical care he most enjoys teaching kids about mind-body skills.
Dr. Barnes first became interested in Fragile X during his pediatric residency training, when he worked closely with a family and their son who was always happy to see him despite his FXS-related health problems.
In his free time, he enjoys swimming, biking, making art, gaming, and raising two axolotls.
Ashley Walters
Ashley Walters, DO, is a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics fellow new to the Fragile-X Clinic.
She is excited to learn more about individuals with Fragile X syndrome and their families as part of the multidisciplinary evaluation process. One of the most fun parts of her work is finding creative ways to connect with children during clinic visits.
In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors with her husky and the indoors caring for her many houseplants.
Desirae Rambeck
Desirae Rambeck, MA, is the Fragile-X Clinic and Research Coordinator. She received her masters in Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Desirae has 16 years of experience working with children and adults in clinic and research settings, where she specialized in autism assessment and evaluation of patients with Fragile X associated disorders. Desirae enjoys working with children and celebrating their strengths!
In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, watching her children’s activities, playing with her two dogs, and going to concerts.
Grace McCarthy
Grace McCarthy, MS, LGC, is a genetic counselor who works with individuals and families who may have a genetic condition, including Fragile X syndrome. She helps coordinate genetic testing and supports families in understanding what results may mean for them and their relatives. Grace is passionate about making complex genetic information clear and accessible.
Outside of work, she enjoys downhill skiing and cheering for Minnesota sports teams.
Child Life Specialists
Child Life Specialists (CCLS) Ann Kjolhaug, MA, CCLS, and Cala Hefferan, MA, CCLS, and Facility Dog, Jersey, are integrated within the Fragile-X Clinic at The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB). Ann has 20 years of experience supporting patients with neurodiverse and medically complex backgrounds. Additionally, Cala started the Child Life and Facility Dog Program at MIDB three years ago and has over 13 years of experience, also supporting patients and families with neurodiverse and medically complex backgrounds. Jersey joined the NutriSource BARK Buddies Facility Dog program in the M Health Fairview System three years ago and was placed with her primary and secondary handlers, Cala and Ann. Can Do Canines, an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International, has provided skill-based training for Jersey since she was a puppy, fully equipping her to work alongside Cala and Ann, providing individualized support to patients and families.
As CCLS’s Cala and Ann assess pediatric and family stress factors to design & facilitate interventions aimed at reducing stress and promoting coping. In alignment with evidence-based best practices, our child life team integrates facility dog interventions, with Jersey, as an option when supporting patients and families in meeting identified clinical and therapeutic goals. Sometimes, child life support looks like Ann or Cala providing developmentally appropriate information and visual support to complete vitals; other times, it may look like Ann or Cala, along with Jersey, supporting a transition from the car into the assessment room for an evaluation.
