Understanding why certain health conditions develop has always been an interest of mine. I was drawn to genetics because our DNA is often a significant part of our personal health risks. Genetic information can seem very complicated and be overwhelming to patients and families. I want to make genetic and medical information accessible so that patients and families can make the best healthcare decisions.
Genetic counseling is for anyone interested in personalized information about their genetic health. As a genetic counselor at the Heart Institute, I’m very interested in understanding what patients and families need. For example, what are their motivations for seeking care and how can I provide them with the information and support that’s most important to them? The Heart Institute Genetic Counseling Clinic is a resource for individuals of all ages.
I gather detailed information about medical and family history and may talk with patients about questions such as:
In my research, I’m interested in gathering evidence to guide genetic counseling, genetic testing and cardiac screening. This information includes a better understanding of specific disease risks, such as:
My colleagues and I are looking at how patients and families understand and feel about these risks. I'm also interested in learning about how families communicate regarding health information and how genetic counseling affects patient and family outcomes.
During my free time, I enjoy running, yoga and hiking. I'm interested in architecture and interior design, and my husband and I renovate homes in the Cincinnati area. The most fun I have by far is watching our four children grow!
BS: Psychology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2003.
MSc: Medical Genetics, Indiana Univeristy, Indianapolis, IN, 2005.
Board Certification: American Board of Genetic Counseling, 2007.
Cardiovascular genetic counseling; inherited arrhythmias; sudden cardiac arrest/sudden cardiac death; cardiomyopathy; aortopathy; Marfan syndrome; familial hypercholesterolemia
Genetics, Cardiovascular Genetics, Cardiomyopathy
Cincinnati Children's strives to accept a wide variety of health plans. Please contact your health insurance carrier to verify coverage for your specific benefit plan.
Investigation of de novo variation in pediatric cardiomyopathy. American Journal of Medical Genetics, Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics. 2020; 184:116-123.
Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction: Uptake of familial cardiac screening and parental knowledge from a single tertiary care center. Journal of Genetic Counseling. 2019; 28:779-789.
Prevalence of Noonan spectrum disorders in a pediatric population with valvar pulmonary stenosis. Congenital Heart Disease. 2019; 14:264-273.
Genetic Testing in Pediatric Left Ventricular Noncompaction. Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine. 2017; 10:e001735.
Uptake of cardiac screening and genetic testing among hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy families. Journal of Genetic Counseling. 2013; 22:258-267.
Pediatric cardiomyopathy: importance of genetic and metabolic evaluation. Journal of Cardiac Failure. 2012; 18:396-403.
Pediatric cardiomyopathy illustrates the importance of reinterpreting the significance of genetic variants. Progress in Pediatric Cardiology. 2024; 74:101732.
Preparedness and training of genetic counselors practicing in inpatient settings. Journal of Genetic Counseling. 2024; 33:539-553.
Current approach to genetic testing and genetic evaluation referrals for adults with congenital heart disease. Frontiers in Genetics. 2024; 15:1398887.
P476: Marfan syndrome evaluation: Improving access through an alternative care delivery model*. 2024; 2:101375.