BOSTON INTERNATIONAL TURNER SYNDROME SUMMIT
Meet the BITSS Staff
Co-Director
Lori Harris
(she/her)
Lori is a co-Founder of BITSS, President of the Board, parent of a young adult who has TS, and co-Director on site during BITSS week. She is passionate about helping young people with TS recognize their strengths, form friendships, and build confidence! Outside of BITSS, Lori is an attorney, amateur photographer, lover of nature and animals, and most importantly, proud parent of two adult children.
Co-Director
Sydney DaCosta
Sydney is a graduate of Emmanuel College and received her MSW from Boston University. She is currently an outpatient therapist in the Boston area.She was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome at 16. She has been involved with BITSS since 2017, and she is excited to now be a part of the Board of Directors and to continue in her role as Co-Director. Sydney is passionate about working with kids of all ages and fostering independence and resilience!
Inclusion Specialist
Michelle Contos
Michelle is the Project Manager at BITSS as well as the on-site Inclusion Coordinator. She grew up in New Hampshire and has a passion for advocacy and human rights work. Michelle was diagnosed with TS at 15 and first joined BITSS as a mentor in 2017.
Michelle is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Liberal Arts and Suffolk University where she earned a Master’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations. She currently works as an elementary school Montessori teacher.
In her free time Michelle enjoys vegan baking, visiting Boston area museums, and playing guitar.
Nurse Practitioner
Kristen Kowalski
(she/her)
Kristen is so excited to be back as one of your 2026 on site nurses. Kristen is a family nurse practitioner hailing from Avon, Ma. She received her BS from Salve Regina University (Newport, RI) in 2006, and her MSN from the University of Massachusetts/Lowell in 2015. She was diagnosed with TS when she was in high school. She got involved with BITSS in 2018, joined the board of directors in 2019, and the rest is history! She loves cooking, theatre, decorating her condo, and traveling whenever possible. The friendships she developed through BITSS are something she treasures.
Meet the BITSS Mentors
Mentor
Grace Budahn
(she/her/hers)
Grace Budahn was born on June 24, 2005, and is currently 21 years old. Diagnosed with Turner Syndrome at the age of 6 in Lakewood, Colorado. Since her diagnosis, Grace has been an active member in the Turner Syndrome Community. Going to the 2017 Turner Syndrome Conference and from the age of 14 to 20, participating in The National Turner Syndrome Camp in California. She is currently training to become a member of the board of Turner Syndrome Colorado. Grace has just graduated from community college, receiving her associate's degree in early childhood education.
Mentor
Grace Lai
(she/her)
Grace Lai is very excited to be part of the BITSS team this year! She can’t wait to meet some new friends and explore the Boston area!
Grace has wanted to contribute to the Turner Syndrome community for a long time. Her goal is to help young girls with Turner Syndrome feel understood and cared for. She also wants to put a focus on teaching skills that will help campers with their mental well-being. Grace studied Early Childhood Education and Psychology at Wheaton College MA.
Grace wants everyone to know that she is always available for a chat if anyone has any questions, or if anyone just wants to say hi!
Mentor
Emma McPolin
(they/them)
Emma is a recent graduate of Cornell University and deeply passionate about marine science. They're always willing to talk about whales, sharks, and any of your other favorite ocean animals. Outside of academics Emma enjoys singing, reading, video games, and anime. They were a camper for multiple summers and they're excited to help create a fun and supportive environment for new campers.
Mentor
Megan Spencer
Megan is 25 years old! She is from New Hampshire! She was a Mentor in 2023 and 2025! She is excited to be back again for a great summer!
Mentor
Kelsey Whittaker
Kelsey is excited to return for her second summer as a BITSS mentor! Kelsey was raised in Florida and received her Turner Syndrome diagnosis at 17 years old. After her diagnosis, Kelsey attended BITSS for three summers as a camper. Her interests include exercising, crafting, dancing, and playing board games with friends. She looks forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new campers this summer!