Class of 2022
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国产哟哟's Genetic Counseling Class of 2022
EMMA BRADLEY
Emma Bradley is from Newton, KS and graduated from Bethel College in 2016 with a BA in Biology, and minors in chemistry and mathematics. During undergrad, she spent much of her time working as editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper, and playing as principal 2nd violinist in Bethel's orchestra. Emma began her professional career working as a Microbiologist in the State of Kansas' Newborn Screening laboratory. It was there that she learned of the field of Genetic Counseling and, after experiencing the power of the field first hand, developed a desire to help people in this way. After 3 years of working to catch potentially fatal genetic disorders in newborns across Kansas, and seeing the steps taken after diagnosis, Emma was confident that Genetic Counseling was the path for her. Emma recently moved to the Kansas City area and began working in a Next Generation Sequencing laboratory where she primarily works on genotyping for transplant patients to help detect organ rejection. Outside of work, Emma loves spending time with Harris, her 4-year-old husky, baking, and traveling.
JORDAN BRADY
Jordan is from Cincinnati, Ohio and attended Miami University of Ohio where she majored in Biology with minors in molecular biology and Italian. Jordan discovered genetic counseling while doing a Google search after realizing her initial plan of going to veterinary school wasn't right for her. After graduation, she worked for three months in a DNA testing lab and then was lucky enough to be hired as the first genetic navigator at St. Elizabeth. While working at St. Elizabeth, Jordan has been able to observe and participate in a large variety of different types of genetic counseling cases. She also worked with cancer genetic counselors to develop a program where all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at St. Elizabeth were counseled about genetics and offered testing at their first visit with their surgeon. This program has been a huge help in identifying patients and families with hereditary cancer risks that might otherwise have been missed. Outside of work, Jordan volunteered with the breast cancer support group at St. Elizabeth, was a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line and also volunteered with Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding. Jordan chose 国产哟哟 for the opportunity experience clinical rotations in different areas around the country and the unique format of the program, and she is beyond excited to work towards her dream of becoming a genetic counselor!
MICHAEL BRAY
Originally from Marietta, GA, Michael Bray has over a decade of experience in the field of genetics. It started when he majored in genetics at the University of Georgia. While Michael was an undergraduate, he worked in a molecular genetics lab focusing on mushroom-feeding species of fruit flies where he performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing as well as mentored undergraduate and graduate students. In 2013, Michael desired to work in the field of human genetics and enrolled into the Human Genetics Ph.D. program and the Computational Biology M.S. program at Vanderbilt University. While at Vanderbilt University, Michael gained extensive coding experience working closely with BioVU, a biorepository that links DNA with de-identified electronic health records. Upon graduating in 2018, Michael began his postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis, where he created and returned genetic risk reports of lung diseases to individuals who smoke. Engaging with research participants about their genetics highlighted Michael’s passion for helping others understand how genetics can impact their lives. This research along with experiences from his family motivated Michael to enter the field of genetic counseling. Michael chose 国产哟哟 as it emphasizes telecommunication, which is becoming increasingly pertinent in today’s world, and because it has numerous clinical rotation sites throughout the country. Each institution has a different teaching style, and by rotating at multiple institutions, Michael hopes to become a well-rounded genetic counselor. In his spare time, Michael takes piano lessons and is an avid gardener. Michael believes that the best and freshest produce is the one that you grow yourself.
PAIGE CLEEK
Paige Cleek graduated from Brigham Young University-Hawaii with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Biochemistry. Paige’s fascination with genetics began when her cousin was born with a 10q deletion and 17q duplication. While at BYU-Hawaii, Paige tutored the genetics course, where she realized her passion for helping others understand heredity and inherited traits. Shadowing in multiple clinics led her to an interest in pediatric genetic counseling, with hopes to teach at a genetic counseling program after working clinically for several years. Outside of school and work, Paige enjoys volunteering at her church, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, California Youth Crisis Line, and various other organizations. She is excited to be part of 国产哟哟’s innovative and flexible program that will allow for a rich learning experience. Paige lives in Sacramento, California with her husband and their German Shepherd, Jack. They will be welcoming a baby girl this August.
ALI CONN
Ali was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. Since graduating from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in biomedical engineering in 2011 she has lived and traveled all over the US helping hospitals implement their electronic health record. After 8 years of working closely with clinics to develop their oncology and research workflows, she knew that her goal was to become a more integral part of the healthcare team. She considered nursing, pharmacy, and other roles before shadowing a genetic counselor and finding the perfect blend of her passion for emerging science and patient advocacy. Ali is particularly passionate about LGBTQ+ advocacy, and volunteers with a Pride group in her new home of Jonesboro, AR where her partner is finishing his first year of medical school and their Pyrenees-lab mix, Edy, is enjoying having a backyard for the first time. Ali has run six half marathons, one full marathon, and hopes to train for a triathlon when community pools re-open. She loves to travel, craft, and cannot say no to a different type of marathon (reality TV) with her sisters.
CARLEE DAWSON
Hello! My name is Carlee and I am from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. In 2019 I graduated from Carthage College with a degree in Biology and minors in Psychology and Spanish. During my undergraduate career I interned with genetic counselors at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Here, I shadowed many patient consultations and practiced documenting family history. Throughout my internship, I also surveyed members of the Wisconsin Genetic Counselor Association (WIGCA) to evaluate the shortage of direct patient care genetic counselors within the state. I was able to present this data at the 2019 National Society of Genetic Counselors conference. After graduation I became a genetic counseling assistant in a multispecialty clinic composed of neurology, endocrinology, cardiology, and ocular genetics.
My advocacy led me to participate within the Special Olympics of Wisconsin club at Carthage College. This was my favorite organization to be a part of because we planned events that brought smiles to many athletes, families, and volunteers! One of my favorite hobbies is golfing and I love to travel and to be with friends and family. I am very excited to attend 国产哟哟 and to become a future genetic counselor!
AYEA EL-GHAZALI
I am from Keller, TX and graduated with a BS in Biology from UT Arlington back in 2012. I moved out to California in 2013 to complete my master’s degree in Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Southern California. My thesis project focused on studying the cardiac defects found in myotonic dystrophy patients. It was at this point that I uncovered my passion for genetics and research. I moved back to Texas after graduation where I continued to work in a translational research lab focusing on cardiovascular disease at UT Southwestern. I knew I wanted to eventually pursue a career path that incorporated research, genetics, and patient care; working at UT Southwestern was the perfect setting to begin this journey. UT Southwestern is the home for ground-breaking research on PCSK9 mutation, familial hypercholesterolemia, as well as muscular dystrophy. This gave me the opportunity to deeply delve into innovations in genetic research while I was employed. As I slowly started to think about my career goals once again, I took on the initiative to shadow genetic counselors where I learned more about genetic diseases and types of mutations. This gave me the motivation I needed to further my education and begin this career path in genetic counseling. I hope to use my background knowledge in the field of cardiology to focus my energy on cardiovascular genetic counseling. Aside from science and genetics, I like to spend my spare time painting, doing crafts, spending time outdoors, and traveling.
KIMBERLY FARIA
Originally from Humboldt County California before enlisting in the US Air Force. After a decade as an active duty Chaplain Assistant and part time student, she transitioned into the US Air Force Reserve so that she could focus on school full time. Kim graduated from University of Oklahoma with a BS in Genetics Biochemistry and Behavioral Studies. During her undergraduate career, she took advantage of opportunities to explore genetics and research. Included in these opportunities was a study abroad program that took her to Australia where she discovered her love and interest in genetics. At her university she was also able to work on genetics research with Drosophila. Kim’s draw to the genetic counseling field satisfies her desire to work in healthcare and continuously learn more and then to also use that knowledge to connect and help patients in any way she can. As part of her work in the military, she trains others in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) as well as crisis intervention counseling. Kim currently lives in Oklahoma City with her husband and is looking forward to learning virtually and traveling to gain hands on experience in the genetics field.
RACHEL GRAZIANO
Rachel grew up in Johnston, RI with her parents, sister and loving dogs. She has recently moved to State College, PA, and is excited to explore this new area. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Forensic Science with a double major in Biology, Pre-Medical concentration in 2020 from the University of New Haven. Throughout her time at New Haven, she was able to work as an Academic Peer Mentor, study abroad in Prato, Italy, as well as undertake research in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program and the Honors Program. All of these opportunities allowed her to grow into who she is today and discover many new things about herself. She can now see clearly how Genetic Counseling will be a perfect way to combine her love for science, specifically genetics, with her desire to interact, help and learn with other people. One of her interests related to Genetic Counseling is the use of Direct-To-Consumer genetic testing kits. Her Honors thesis research tied her forensics degree to this and focused on discovering the public’s opinion on the use of public genetic databases in law enforcement investigations. This is just one area of interest of hers and she is excited to continue to learn more about the field of Genetic Counseling in particular, and more information in general about genetics and its advances over time. She chose 国产哟哟 because the curriculum, support system and unique course delivery will allow her to become the genetic counselor she dreams of being while also allowing her to grow as an individual through any opportunities life provides. During her free time she enjoys crafting, dreaming of future travels, and being an avid Disney superfan.
SARAH LINN
Sarah Linn grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a bachelor’s of science in Genetics in 2016. After graduating, she spent a year serving as an AmeriCorps Member with City Year Chicago in a 6th/7th grade math class. She then transitioned to a role as a residential counselor at Rogers Behavioral Health, working with adolescents with OCD/anxiety. Through this crisis setting experience, she learned what a therapeutic relationship looks like and how to validate a patient’s emotions while ensuring their safety. For the past two years, she has worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. During this time, Sarah has learned about both the clinical and administrative aspects of genetic counseling, supporting cancer genetic counselors through tasks such as family history intake, results disclosure, and insurance pre-authorizations. She also had the opportunity to participate in the founding of the Wisconsin State Chapter of NSGC (WIGCA), including website/logo design. She now lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband and son. She is delighted to be a part of 国产哟哟’s program, as it allows her the flexibility to maintain her role as a GCA and most importantly, a mother.
KIRSTEN MURRAY 
Kirsten Murray is from San Antonio, Tx and graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a BS in Biology. She has always held a love for genetic, and in her second year, she discovered the field of genetic counseling, and began reaching out to genetic counselors which would eventually lead to observing prenatal, pediatric, and oncology genetic counselors during patient consultations. After graduating, she worked in the field of women’s health, and grew her passion for advocating for patient’s rights as well as getting a sense for the patient provider relationship. She currently is working to help develop medicines for a variety of disorders through her job in an Early Phase Pharmaceutical research clinic. In addition to her work experience, she currently volunteers with multiple organizations such as; the Rape Crisis Center, Special Olympics, Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, and the Crisis Text Line and has taken a continuing education course of the field of Genetic Counseling through the University of South Carolina. She is thankful for the opportunity to gain a rich and varied education through the program at 国产哟哟 and the ability to pursue her passion of becoming a genetic counselor.
MICHAEL PERACCHIO
Mike Peracchio was born in raised in Coventry, CT, right down the street from the University of Connecticut, where he earned a B.S. in Ecology and Environmental Biology. He then went on to earn a M.S. in Secondary Science Education at Eastern Connecticut State University. Mike spent 5 years teaching biology at his own former high school while also coaching the basketball team and serving as advisor of the National Honor Society and the Earth Club. He returned to UConn to pursue a M.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology and, since 2016, has worked as a clinical laboratory technologist at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine and now at Sema4, a Mount Sinai-funded clinical genomics company. Mike is board certified in Molecular Biology by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. He also teaches introductory biology labs as an adjunct professor at Quinnipiac University. Mike has long been interested in genetic counseling, and he sees the field as a perfect opportunity to combine his background in both education and clinical laboratory genetics to make an impact on the lives of others. Mike now lives just a short drive from 国产哟哟 in South Windsor, CT, with his wife and three young kids. Away from work, Mike enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, eating good food, and watching and playing sports.
MEG ROBBETT
Meg Robbett grew up in the Seattle area, but currently resides in Middlebury, Vermont with her partner and one-year old daughter. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from Carroll College in Helena, Montana, where she had the opportunity to do research on West Nile Virus and the Montana vector mosquito species Culex tarsalis. After graduating from Carroll, Meg obtained her PhD in plant biology from the University of Vermont where she studied the evolution of a gene network responsible for vernalization responsiveness in an economically important subfamily of grasses. After graduate school, she worked for a small startup hard cider company in Vermont before returning to academia as a biology lab instructor at the University of Vermont. Meg is excited to begin the next chapter of her career and start the Genetic Counseling program at 国产哟哟. She is particularly excited to complete her genetic counseling graduate work at 国产哟哟 because of the opportunity to participate in the unique hybrid learning environment and the afforded geographic flexibility of the clinical rotation placements allowing her to gain clinical experience in different parts of the country.
AMIE SCHWEITZER
Originally from Oregon, Amie Schweitzer currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Montana and will graduate in September from Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences with both a Master’s Degree in Toxicology and a PhD in Biomedicine. Her biomedical research focused on the molecular genetics, proteomic, and bioenergetic changes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Amie has worked in research most of her career, facilitating phase 2 clinical trials and concurrently teaches advanced sciences at a virtual high school. She has looked towards genetic counseling to fill a much needed gap in clinical medicine in her community, and believes her background in research and education will be valuable for genetic counseling patients. Amie has four delightful children and when free time can be scavenged, she loves to read and go running.
MADISON WEBB
Madison is from Richland, Washington and recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Washington State University. She worked in an early learning center while completing her degree and grew to love helping children with developmental disorders thrive. For much of her undergraduate studies, Madison struggled to find a career path that incorporated her strong interest in genetics with her passion for helping people. When she learned about the role of genetic counselors, she knew it was a perfect fit. She is eager to attend 国产哟哟 because of the flexibility it allows and the dedication of the faculty to help their students succeed.