As a cardiovascular genetic counselor, I play a crucial role in assessing, educating and supporting individuals and families at risk for inherited cardiovascular conditions. My primary focus is identifying possible genetic factors underlying cardiovascular conditions to reduce risk and personalize healthcare. I collaborate closely with other team members, such as cardiologists, geneticists, nurses and other specialists.

Genetic counseling involves many steps to provide the best outcomes. I first conduct a genetic risk assessment, looking at personal and family medical history. When genetic testing is recommended, I help patients and families understand the benefits, limitations and implications of testing. I arrange for sample collection and then discuss the test results as they pertain to your personal and familial health. I empower people to make informed decisions about their healthcare by providing education about the genetic basis of cardiovascular conditions and inheritance patterns, risk of recurrence and management options.

My interest in this work stems from knowing the impact I can make in patients' lives by helping them navigate the complexities of genetic diagnoses. I am grateful for the opportunity to provide support, guidance and understanding to individuals and families facing genetic conditions or concerns about inherited diseases. I also participate in research to expand our understanding of hereditary cardiovascular conditions to improve genetic counseling, genetic testing and overall outcomes for patients and families. I especially enjoy the rapidly advancing landscape of genetics, which offers endless opportunities for learning and innovation.

My care philosophy centers on meeting each family where they are in their journey and embracing their unique circumstances. I believe in creating an empathetic space where families feel supported without judgment. Through facilitating collaborative communication, I hope to allow families to make informed decisions that align with their beliefs, priorities and goals.

In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors — hiking, kayaking or walking my miniature dachshund. I can often be found exploring new restaurants in downtown Cincinnati with my friends and family.