Dr. Ryan was born in Boston, Massachusetts, though she spent most of her early life in St. Louis, Missouri. Her undergraduate education was at the College of the Holy Cross where she graduated with a BA in Biology summa cum laude in 1996. She worked as a pre-school teacher for a year through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Minneapolis, Minnesota from 1996-1997. She received an M.D. from Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota in 2001. Her internship and residency in pediatrics were performed at MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston. Following residency, Dr. Ryan completed a year as Chief Resident in Pediatrics at MassGeneral Hosptial for Children.

Dr. Ryan joined the staff of Hyde Park Pediatrics in 2005. Dr. Ryan enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, running, reading, and traveling. Her husband Tom is an administrator and coach at Catholic Memorial High School in West Roxbury. They have 2 children, Jacob who is 4 years old and loves trains, space shuttles and all outdoor activities, and Claire who is 2 years old and loves climbing, puzzles, and keeping up with her brother!