Pediatric Gastroenterology Program Events

The Pediatric Gastroenterology Program, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, hosts events and workshops to help children—and their families—adapt to living with gastrointestinal conditions, such as celiac disease. Our free events are held periodically throughout the year and are open to children 6 to 11 years old and their families.

The Silly Yak Club

Children 3 to 7 years old, as well as their siblings and caregivers, are invited to join the Silly Yak Club, a supportive program for children adjusting to life with celiac disease. We play games, read books, create artwork, and enjoy lots of gluten-free snacks. Prizes are available as well, and everyone receives an official Silly Yak Club membership card.

Silly Yak Program

Archive of Pediatric Gastroenterology Program Events

2021 Family Education Day

Our fifth-annual Family Education Day was also our first event hosted entirely online. Participants learned how to make pizza using a rice crust and attended multiple expert panels. Speakers included members of the Pediatric Gastroenterology Program care team, including senior social worker Monique Armstrong, MSW, LCSW; child life specialist Alyssa Pettingill, MS, CCLS; registered dietitian Ayelet Goldhaber, MS, RD; and pediatric gastroenterologist Bridget D. Kiernan, MD. Juliana Kennedy, MD, an NYU Grossman School of Medicine second-year resident, also joined the discussion. Presentations included the following:

  • Keynote address from Dr. Kiernan. View presentation.
  • Conversation with Dr. Kiernan and Dr. Kennedy about their personal experiences of living with celiac disease. View presentation

2019 Family Education Day

During our fourth annual Family Education Day, children and their families joined us for activities that included hands-on taste-testing, a Jeopardy-style education competition, and a nutritional support session for caregivers. Presentations included the following:

2018 Family Education Day

Children and their families joined us for our third annual Family Education Day. Some of the day’s events included hands-on cooking demonstrations, educational games, and a support session for caregivers. Presentations included the following:

  • Keynote speaker Michael Joseph Pettei, MD, director of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. View presentation.
  • Guest speaker Jennifer Fugo, MS, CHC, founder of the Gluten Free School website. View presentation.

2017 Fall Fun

The Silly Yak Club celebrated fall by playing games and making gluten-free candied apples, fall wreaths, and more.

Second Annual Silly Yak Birthday Bash

The Silly Yak Club celebrated its second birthday to wrap up summer with cupcakes, ice cream, and s’mores.

2017 Summer Camp

Children participated in our own version of summer camp fun. We served S’Mac dinner, made summer camp crafts, and put together special fire-free, gluten-free s’mores.

2017 Family Education Day

Children and their families joined us for our second annual Family Education Day. Events included educational children’s activities, including a cooking class and a hands-on science fair, a provider self-care demonstration for parents and caregivers, and personal stories of parent transitions before, during, and after diagnosis. Guest speakers included Ivor Hill, MD, section chief of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition and director of the Celiac Disease Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Theresa Morelli of the Sylvia Center. Watch Dr. Hill's presentation.

Family Game Night

Children and their families joined us in February for games, gluten-free snacks, and tons of Silly Yak fun.

Gluten-Free Cooking Class

Families learned how to create delicious and easy-to-make gluten-free meals. Our cooking classes are run by the Pediatric Celiac Disease and Gluten-Related Disorders Program in collaboration with Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital’s Robinson Family S.Q.U.A.S.H. (Smart choices, Quality ingredients, Unique, Appetizing, Simple, and Healthy) Program, and the Sylvia Center.

2016 Family Education Day

Children and their families joined us on September 18, 2016, for our first Family Education Day. Events included educational children’s activities, including cooking demonstrations and crafts, a provider self-care demonstration for parents and caregivers, and personal stories of parent transitions before, during, and after diagnosis. Presentations included the following:

  • Guest speaker Alessio Fasano, MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition and director of the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital. View presentation.
  • Guest speaker Erin Smith of the Gluten Free Globe Trotter. View presentation.