For nearly 15 years, I have practiced as a general pediatrician in Marin. Recently, I was honored to be voted the Best Pediatrician in Marin County by the Pacific Sun. This milestone also coincided with my decision to make a mid-career shift, dedicating myself full-time to developmental and behavioral pediatrics.
My inspiration for this change was simple: parents need thoughtful, effective guidance from a trusted expert to navigate developmental and behavioral challenges. Over the years, I spent increasingly more time counseling parents on these exact topics. By the time families arrived at my office, they had often spent hours scouring the internet, listening to podcasts, and scrolling through social media in search of answers. Many felt defeated, believing they had tried everything without success.
Together, we would dive in and get curious. Parents finally felt seen, heard, and relieved to know they weren't alone. I understand this deeply because I was once that parent.
About Me & My Practice
Early in my own parenting journey, a developmental pediatrician reframed my child’s challenges and provided personalized guidance that helped our family navigate a tricky transition. That experience led to a revelation that guides my practice to this day: the family is the patient.
It’s a simple but profound principle. Our families and communities form the ecosystem in which our children grow. To truly understand a child’s challenges, it is vital to understand how their parents and siblings are doing, as well as what is happening in their broader community. Doing this work effectively requires time and deep presence. After years of juggling these needs within a busy general practice, I knew it was time to commit to this work exclusively.
On a personal note, my three children—now 12, 16, and 18—are just as excited as I am for this new chapter. As an East Coast transplant who moved to California for an adventure after graduating from Yale, I still find it wild that I’m raising three Californians. I was fortunate to stay here to attend UCSF for medical school and my residency. Having lived in the Bay Area for nearly 30 years, I couldn’t imagine calling anywhere else home. Outside the office, I love hiking, practicing Pilates, reading novels, trying out new recipes, and spending quality time with my family, friends, and our dogs.
Let’s Work Together!
Testimonials
We came to Dr. Sawyer for help with our 3.5-year-old son’s challenging behaviors, including constant power struggles, sibling aggression, and eating issues. We had read multiple parenting books and consulted other therapists, but nothing seemed to help, and we began to feel like our situation was uniquely difficult.
From our very first appointment, Dr. Sawyer impressed us with her preparation and structured approach. She provided clear, practical strategies that led us to see meaningful change within the first week – both in our son’s behavior and our own parenting approach. It felt like we had come up for air.
We are incredibly grateful to have found Dr. Sawyer and recommend her wholeheartedly.
–Parent of 2 children (4yo and 1.5yo)
As a preschool director and teacher at Little Mountain Preschool in San Anselmo, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Sydney Sawyer over the past year. She has supported several of our families through the process of gaining a deeper understanding of their children's developmental and learning needs, and I have been consistently impressed by both her expertise and her warmth. What stands out most is the way she connects with people. Dr. Sawyer is warm, approachable, and deeply attuned to both children and adults. She has a remarkable ability to meet families where they are and create a sense of trust during what can often feel like an overwhelming process. She brings together deep knowledge, thoughtful insight, and a genuine passion for supporting children and their families. The feedback I have received from families has been overwhelmingly positive, and I recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone seeking a compassionate and highly skilled professional.
— Meghan Krempetz Director & Teacher Little Mountain Preschool, San Anselmo, California