I am from Mississauga, Ontario, the largest suburb of Toronto, Ontario. My journey to genetic counseling began in my final year of high school, when my eyes were first opened to the world of genetics. I was so fascinated that I went home and researched careers. The one that stood out was genetic counseling, as it was a way to combine my new passion for the field with my desire to help and teach others! 

I moved on to graduate from the University of Guelph in 2018 with my B.Sc., majoring in Molecular Biology and Genetics. Whilst completing my degree I conducted my own research project that looked into the functions of 3 open reading frames of Grapevine leafroll associated virus-3. 

After graduation I began volunteering with genetic counselors at Mount Sinai Hospital's Zane Cohen Centre for Digestive Diseases in Toronto. Here, I observed Lynch and polyposis syndrome patient appointments. I also volunteered within North York General Hospital's Genetic Department, which after showing my keen interest and work ethic I was hired as a Clinical Research Coordinator and Genetic Counselor Assistant. I was involved in research looking to improve the microarray accuracy of the non-invasive prenatal test, research focused on creating a blood test that is able to determine the genomic profile of a tumour, and research that follows Huntington's Disease patients overtime to better understand symptoms. Finally, I volunteered at Spectra Helpline, where I provided support for people in immediate crisis/suicidal, those with mental health issues, and people who are isolated or abused. Each of these positions has solidified the genetic counselor career for me as they have allowed me to see the true breadth of the role's responsibilities, the possibility of involvement within research, and the impact a genetic counselor has on their patient's lives. 

In my spare time I love keeping active at the gym or running outside, acrylic painting, playing board games, and watching anything on Netflix and Disney+ to wind down! I am very excited to be a part of the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Class of 2022, and am ready to begin my journey towards becoming a full fledged genetic counselor!

I grew up in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio and attended Michigan State University and graduated in 2020 with a BS in Genomics and Molecular Genetics and a minor in Linguistics. At MSU, I was a varsity athlete on the swim team and founded the Genetic Counseling Club. I also had the opportunity to work in a research lab where I used 3D imaging to analyze the location of embryos in early pregnancy of mice and identify the location of follicles in human ovary fragments. During my last two years as an undergrad, I volunteered as an advocate at MSU’s Sexual Assault Program. As an advocate, I provided crisis intervention services via phone and text and raised awareness about sexual assault and violence through peer education and outreach. I am extremely excited to attend the University of Cincinnati and pursue a career in genetic counseling! I can’t wait to further my knowledge and work in a profession that allows me to combine both of my passions: genetics and helping others. In my free time, I love to read, listen to music, exercise and spend time with friends and family.

I was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. I graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia (Mizzou) in 2020 with a BS in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. I’ve always been fascinated by genetics and care about advocating for others, so I’m grateful to have found a career where I can pursue both passions! During undergrad, I was a member of Phi Mu sorority, where I held a variety of leadership positions and got to participate in the Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon. On campus, I was involved in the Peer Undergraduate Mentoring Program for underrepresented students, Brooks Scholars, and Mizzou Alternative Breaks in which I went on an LGBTQ+ Advocacy service trip to serve at an AIDS/HIV organization in New York. I was also a member of Mizzou’s Homecoming Steering Committee, a student-led group responsible for planning the city-wide homecoming celebration, and did research in a plant phylogenetics lab running genome-wide association studies. I also volunteered as a crisis worker on the Missouri Crisis Line based in Columbia, MO. My interest in genetic counseling was solidified through my crisis intervention work, research interests, and shadowing pediatric, cancer, and prenatal genetic counselors in the summer before my senior year. In my free time, I love baking, cooking, reading, watching true crime documentaries, listening to music, and spending time outdoors!

I grew up in Northern California in a tiny foothill town called Loma Rica. I attended community college and then graduated with a BS in Cell and Molecular Biology from California State University, Chico in 2017. I discovered genetic counseling when I first transferred, and I decided to change majors because of a lightbulb moment where I realized my passion for human genetics. Over the next few years, I volunteered at a crisis pregnancy clinic, a crisis hotline, and with my church and school youth. I spent a summer at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor through their MHSURA program learning about diversity and inclusion in the medical field, shadowing in their cancer clinic, and conducting clinical research. My project was centered around identifying patients at risk for hereditary colon cancers such as FAP and Lynch Syndrome. I am also a reapplicant, and in the two years that I waited between application cycles, I moved to Maryland and worked as a GCA in Neurogenetics at GeneDx. In my free time, you can find me hiking to the most beautiful places I can find or dancing West Coast Swing all night!

I was born and raised in Northern Kentucky (right across the Ohio River from Cincinnati), and I graduated in 2017 from a small liberal arts college called Thomas More College (now university) with a B.S. in Biology. I learned about genetic counseling when I was a freshman in college and was immediately hooked. I had always wanted to work in healthcare, and as a person with a genetic disease myself, genetic counseling was the perfect field that brought together my passion, knowledge, and life experiences. Following graduation, I worked as a clinical research coordinator at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for nearly 3 years before beginning school for genetic counseling. During my time as a research coordinator I worked concurrently in the Department of Pastoral Care and the Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. With Pastoral Care I worked on research around how parents use their religion/spiritual beliefs when making major medical decisions for their child, and also worked on projects looking at the relationships between religious and spiritual struggle with anxiety and depression in inpatient psychiatric patients at the hospital. During my time with the Gynecology division, I predominantly worked with the Comprehensive Fertility Care and Preservation Program, a multi-disciplinary team focused on caring for patients at risk for infertility due to their medical treatment or underlying condition. Most of these patients carried an oncology diagnosis, or were going to undergo bone marrow transplant. Working with these varied and highly vulnerable populations allowed me to experience a vast spectrum of patients and families, to improve my interpersonal skills, and learn about the many genetic factors associated with these diseases. When I am not working I enjoy a good book, learning about astronomy and physics, spending lots of time with family and friends, or relaxing on our balcony after a long day with my brother and some good tunes.

I grew up in West Grove, Pennsylvania, a small town outside of Philadelphia. I graduated, as a first-generation college student, from Lycoming College in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology and minors in Neuroscience and Psychology. The unique opportunities of a small private school allowed me to propose, conduct, and present a neurogenetic research project analyzing genetic contributions to spontaneous repetitive grooming behaviors of Drosophila melanogaster. Throughout my undergraduate career, I participated in organizations, such as Lycoming Buddies, that promoted the inclusion of individuals with physical and mental disabilities within the community. I particularly enjoyed working with the families and caretakers of these individuals to ensure comfort and participation during our events. I also worked as a Teacher’s Assistant, Academic Tutor, and Admission’s Assistant. Genetic Counseling had been my dream career prior to college, so I tried to tailor my experiences towards those that would allow me to practice the skills required of a Genetic Counselor. After college, I married my Highschool Sweetheart and moved to Dayton, Ohio so that he could pursue his Master’s Degree. During this time, I worked as a psychometrist at a mental health clinic under a clinical psychologist and a neuropsychologist. Here, I was responsible for evaluating the cognitive and mental abilities of my patients. This position allowed me to practice my counseling skills with a diverse population of individuals suffering from a variety of mental illnesses, learning disabilities, and neurological conditions. I now look forward to putting these experiences and skills to use as a Genetic Counseling student at the University of Cincinnati. I am overjoyed to know that I am another step closer towards becoming a Genetic Counselor! When I am not reading up on the latest genetic research, you will likely find me hiking, kayaking, cooking, or eating tacos.

I was raised in Agoura Hills, CA, which is 20 minutes from Los Angeles without traffic – so in reality about an hour away. I graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (go Mustangs!) in 2019 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. I discovered genetic counseling via an on-campus seminar after falling in love with my first genetics course, and I walked out confident this was the career path I wanted to pursue. Throughout undergrad I worked as a facility supervisor in the campus Recreation Center, founded the Cal Poly Genetic Counseling Student Interest Group, volunteered as a New Student Orientation Leader, and worked on a genomics research team studying the effects of high-polyphenol diets on gut microbiome composition. After graduation I joined California Psychcare as a behavior interventionist, where I helped children on the autism spectrum develop their cognitive and behavioral skills through ABA therapy. I also volunteered in the UCLA pediatric genetic counseling department and coached a youth soccer team with AYSO. All these experiences presented unique insights into the many facets of the genetic counseling field and solidified my excitement to be a part of it, beginning with joining the University of Cincinnati class of 2022! In my free time I enjoy practicing yoga, being outdoors, painting/DIY-ing, and attempting to not kill all the plants I impulse buy.

I grew up in DeKalb Illinois, and moved to south TX with my family before starting college in Pennsylvania. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Grove City College in 2020 with degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. While at Grove City I participated in molecular biology research, studying a two-component system in Bacillus anthracis, and I spent a summer working in the Stauff laboratory furthering this research. In addition, during my time at Grove City I worked as a tutor for biology and chemistry courses, as well as a lab assistant for several chemistry labs. I have volunteered in my local jail, and was involved in many leadership roles during my time on campus, including leading 2 overseas service trips – one to Ecuador and one to the Czech Republic. I spent a summer working for Valley Haven Inc., where I took care of foster children ranging from newborns to teenagers. My love for genetic counseling began to grow during my undergraduate genetic course, and I am thrilled to be pursuing my degree at the University of Cincinnati. In my free time, I love to travel, bake, and play the piano, and I am always down for good conversations at a coffee shop.

I was born and raised in Southbury, Connecticut. I attended The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio and graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a co-major in Spanish. I completed two undergraduate theses, titled “Identifying gene targets of Phytophthora sojae effector protein PsAvh172 by synthetic lethal analysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae” and “Ciudadana y Esposa: La Construcción de la Identidad Femenina en la Obra Poética de Blanca Varela.” During my time at Wooster, I worked as a laboratory assistant and a peer tutor for both biology and Spanish. I have volunteered with hospice organizations for two years in both Ohio and Connecticut. Recently, I was fortunate enough to volunteer with a local cancer genetic counselor as her assistant. I was able to interact with patients and participate in a number of research projects. This reinforced my love for all things genetics. Currently, I split my time between volunteering for Crisis Text Line as a crisis counselor, and for Whiskers Pet Rescue as a kitty caretaker. I am excited to start the next step in my journey at the University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Program! In my free time, you can find me cuddling with my pet cat, listening to podcasts, and knitting.

I am from Westlake Village, CA and graduated from U.C. Davis with a major in Human Development and a minor in Global Disease Biology. During my undergraduate career, I worked as a research assistant at both the U.C. Davis MIND Institute and the Center for Mind and Brain. I loved being a part of the Davis community and particularly enjoyed tutoring students in evolutionary biology, biochemistry, and genetics. Outside of classes, I served on the Executive Board of the Chi Omega Sorority and performed at campus functions as a member of a dance company. I learned about genetic counseling during my freshman year and quickly realized that it incorporated everything I was looking for in a career path.  After graduation, I spent a year in Sacramento working for a consulting firm that specializes in healthcare and health policy. I also volunteered with the U.C. Davis Division of Genomic Medicine where I deepened my knowledge of genetic conditions and the genetic counseling field.  In my free time, I love to stay active by dancing, hiking, and practicing yoga. I am very excited to explore Cincinnati and am thrilled to be a member of the Genetic Counseling Program Class of 2022!

Hello! My name is MacKenzie Spencer-Hintze and I am from Pleasant Plain, OH, a small town about an hour northeast of Cincinnati. In 2018, I graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Biological Sciences. In my first year at OHIO, I founded and was co-president of Ohio University’s First-Generation College Student Organization, “We are First”. I have had the pleasure of working as a peer tutor for over 700 students in both introductory biology courses as well as a general genetics course. Along with teaching, I have worked in two different research labs as an undergraduate assistant looking at telomerase activity in chronic pain patients and the effects of mindfulness techniques on attention, rumination, and the neuroendocrine response.

My interest in genetic counseling was sparked in middle school after my grandfather passed of A.L.S. and I learned how genetics played a role in his disease. This interest developed after completing an internship with Northwestern University’s Genetic Counseling Program and landing a position as a genetic counseling assistant at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. In my free time I enjoy rock climbing, planning themed parties, snuggling my cat, Mochi, and doing new things to my hair. I am so excited to pursue my passion here at the University of Cincinnati’s Genetic Counseling Graduate Program!

Hi there! I'm from Raleigh, North Carolina, and graduated from Duke University in 2016 with a BS in Biology. As an undergraduate, I worked as a librarian assistant, taught for a summer abroad in India, and studied epigenetics in the lab. Most of my time though was spent either singing in my acapella group, Deja Blue, or camping out for Duke basketball games. After graduation, I spent two years as an IRTA fellow at the NIH studying the epigenetic mechanisms of cavefish eye degeneration. Since then, I’ve lived in Palo Alto, CA, working towards my Masters in Genetics from Stanford. There, I worked in a lab that develops novel stem cell treatments for genetic skin diseases. To learn more about genetic counseling, I conducted informational interviews with counselors in the area and took a couple of the Stanford genetic counseling courses. I am a crisis counselor on Crisis Text Line and I love volunteering in the activity room at the Stanford Ronald McDonald House. In my free time, I enjoy pet sitting, singing, watching sports, and traveling to new places. I could not be more thrilled to be part of the University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling class of 2022! 

I was born in Mesa, AZ and have been in Arizona the last few years working as a biology instructor. I received my BS in biology with specializations in biochemistry as well as genetics & development from Cornell University in upstate New York. In the time that followed, I worked as a laboratory technician and teaching assistant before starting graduate school at the University of Missouri. I completed my doctorate in biology and did postdoctoral research at UCLA and the USDA before beginning a stint as a biology instructor in SF/Bay Area. Education has been a passion for me - as an instructor I taught general biology, microbiology, molecular and cellular biology and of course genetics in Arizona and California. I treasured my work with undergraduates but was in search of making a more direct impact with patients. Following a shadowing experience in 2018 and searching for the right program, I proceeded on my journey to become a genetic counselor. My volunteer experience includes working with Arizona Oncology Institute assisting patients going through various stages of cancer find resources and support as they move towards healing and recovery.

On a personal level, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, weightlifting and Crossfit, running, obstacle course racing, travel, baking, cooking, movies and watching my Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals. Teaching and sharing my enthusiasm for learning about genetics and biology in general has drawn me to this field and it is my hope to be a part of cultivating the next generation of genetic counselors. As a cancer survivor and person of color, I hope to encourage those groups to visit with a genetic counselor and have access to the information and choices they need for the betterment of their health and that of their family.

My hometown is St. Louis, MO. However, throughout my young adulthood I also spent a lot of time in Germany after developing a passion for the language and culture as a German language student. As a senior in high school, I lived with a German host family for one year where I became fluent and completely immersed in the culture. While maintaining my love for German language, I always knew I wanted to become a scientist. In 2019 I graduated from the University of Kansas with a BS in Biology and a BA in German Studies. During my time as an undergraduate, I was involved in an independent research project in an entomology lab, a study abroad semester at the University of Bonn, and a summer internship at the Max Planck Institute for the Biology of Ageing in Cologne. These experiences abroad shaped me as a person because of the exposure to different cultures, values, and perspectives which will heighten my cultural awareness and advocacy in my future career. I was also extremely fortunate during my undergraduate career to have positions as a German language instructor, Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for an introductory biology laboratory, and as a companion caregiver for seniors.

Because I was focused on further developing my researching skills, I began a Master’s Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Heidelberg in 2019. I gained experience in four different research labs and chose to conduct a thesis project focusing on genes involved in the rare neurodevelopmental syndrome BBSOAS using stem cells. During my graduate studies, I realized that my ideal career would combine genetics research with my love for working with people through teaching and counseling. Genetic counseling is the perfect career for me because I will be able to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures and assist them by applying my knowledge of genetics. Outside of academia, I am an enthusiastic violinist, cook, swing dancer, and nature-lover… I think it goes without saying I also love to travel!

I grew up in a little Minnesotan town on the prairie, Parkers Prairie, and earned a B.A. in Biology from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 2018. As an undergraduate student, I served as a research assistant in the summers, and I developed a passion for education and mentorship as a tutor and teaching assistant. My favorite volunteer involvement as a student was coordinating the on-campus blood drives. After graduation, I managed a disease ecology research project studying an emerging infectious disease in frogs. I then transitioned paths towards genetic counseling after volunteering with the Crisis Text Line and shadowing genetic counselors at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Most recently, I have worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant and volunteered as a Special Olympics coach. In my free time, I love being active, exploring the outdoors, attending concerts, and watching sitcoms.

I am from Neenah, Wisconsin and graduated from The Ohio State University with a major in Molecular Genetics and a minor in Chinese in May 2020.  My passion for genetics began in middle school through my science fair experiment. Although I was later disqualified for ‘performing experiments above my middle school’s safety clearing’, I knew from this experience that I wanted to study genetics for the rest of my life. Throughout undergrad, I volunteered in a research lab helping characterize BRIP1 missense alleles and while I loved research, my desire for a more people-centered career eventually led me to genetic counseling.

While at Ohio State, I worked as a Resident Advisor for three years, volunteered as a REACH suicide prevention trainer, and spent a semester tutoring students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the TOPS program. I also volunteered as a HIV/STI Test Counselor through Ohio State’s free testing program and later worked as a Lab Manager for the program, helping oversee current and train new test counselors. After graduation, I moved to Dallas, Texas and worked as a GCA with the UT Southwestern Cancer Genetics program for a year. In my free time, I love to bake, try new recipes, drink boba, and spend time with family and friends. I am so excited to be coming back to Ohio and being a part of the University of Cincinnati class of 2023!

Hello, my name is Jenel Facey! I am originally from New York but grew up in Ocala, Florida, a city in central Florida north of Orlando. In May 2021, I graduated from the University of Florida (UF) with a B.S. in Psychology specializing in Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience and a minor in Health Disparities in Society.

While at UF, I volunteered as a research assistant in health disparities research and co-authored a study with Dr. Delores James that focused on designing mHealth weight management programs for African American women. I also participated in pediatric neuropsychology research and clinical work at the UF Shands Psychology Clinic. In addition, I worked as a Resident Assistant (RA) in UF Housing and was involved in many leadership roles on campus. I volunteered in community outreach services to eliminate health disparities in Gainesville, FL. I also participated in NAMI as a Youth Mentor to assist children with mental illnesses.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not feasible to shadow genetic counselors. However, I attend many virtual seminars and email interviews with genetic counselors to learn more about the field. These virtual experiences were instrumental in cementing my desire to pursue genetic counseling. In my free time, I enjoy drawing and sketching as well as cooking/baking, hiking, and watching Hulu/Netflix (mostly medical shows and cooking competitions). I am excited and grateful to take the steps to become a Genetic Counselor at UC Genetic Counseling Program.

I grew up in the San Fernando Valley in southern California. I attended Carleton College in Minnesota and graduated in 2018 with a BA in American Studies and a minor in Biochemistry. Throughout college, I participated in men’s club volleyball and tutored at Northfield High School’s TORCH (Tackling Obstacles and Raising College Hopes) office working with under-served youth. I enjoyed working with students so much that I briefly considered a career in teaching and completed a summer teaching fellowship with Breakthrough Miami during which I taught earth science to 6th graders. Since graduating, I have assisted with data collection, reporting, and analysis at several nonprofits. In 2020, while working at Chrysalis in Los Angeles, I transitioned away from data and into an operations role. In this capacity, I helped coordinate logistics for about 250 workers working in Los Angeles at Project Roomkey sites, which provide temporary housing for vulnerable and at-risk people during the COVID-19 pandemic. I first heard about genetic counseling by chance during a networking event my sophomore year at Carleton and have been excited about the field ever since. I’m looking forward to pivoting back to science after time away from academics! In my free time, I love to bake, run, play (and watch) volleyball, and watch horror movies.

I grew up in Seattle, Washington and I graduated from the University of Washington in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. As an undergraduate, I developed an interest in supporting children with disabilities while working as a classroom aide for an inclusive camp for children with and without disabilities. This interest led me to the field of genetic counseling and I began volunteering in the Genetics Department at Seattle Children's Hospital. Additionally, during my time as an undergraduate, I volunteered as a biology tutor and as a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line. After graduating, I moved to Santa Clara, California and have been working as a paraeducator in the Santa Clara Unified School District. I am so excited to explore a new place and to be a part of the University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling class of 2023! In my free time, I love hiking, swimming, cooking and spending time outdoors!

I grew up in Saltillo, Coahuila, a city in the north of Mexico, until I moved to the NKY area in August 2016. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northern Kentucky University with a B.A. in Psychology and minor in Spanish. During my time at NKU I became involved in the promotion of diversity and inclusion, becoming a Head Peer Mentor for the Latino Mentor Program, a member of the local LULAC chapter, Greeks United for Inclusivity Diversity and Equity, and an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi.  

I first became exposed to genetics when I got the opportunity to shadow at St. Elizabeth, which then led me to talk about genetics with my family in Mexico and helping a family member find genetic testing there. After this experience I decided to learn more about genetic counseling, so during my senior year, I became the intern of the Precision Medicine & Genomic Health department at St. Elizabeth Healthcare (where I am working as a genetic navigator for the summer now that I have graduated!).  

In my free time I like to spend my time at local coffee shops, finding new places to eat, spending time with my family and friends, doing puzzles with my boyfriend, and working out at the gym. I am beyond excited to become a student of the genetic counseling program at the University of Cincinnati and join my classmates this upcoming fall semester. I cannot wait to learn more about genetics and become a genetic counselor, especially to be able to represent and serve the Hispanic population.

I grew up in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and moved to Indiana with my family in 2002. I attended Indiana University and graduated with a BS in Chemistry in 2015. During my undergraduate studies I worked in an organic chemistry lab on the Synthesis of 𝛼-galactocylceramide Produced by Bacteroides Fragilis. I then attended medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine and graduated in 2020. During my medical genetics elective, I worked with genetic counselors and GC students and realized that the values and focus of genetic counseling aligned with my interests and career goals. While applying to genetic counseling programs I taught preschool in Indianapolis and had a great time with the challenges of teaching young children as well as the opportunity to share my love of science and education. I also enjoy working and volunteering within my community and have been involved with numerous volunteer groups in the various places I have lived including Circles of Monroe County, Movement Exchange, Advocates for Youth, Rebecca's Garden of Hope, and the IU Student Outreach Clinic. When I am not working I love biking, playing ultimate frisbee, hiking, playing board games, and cuddling with my dog. I look forward to all the experiences that the genetic counseling program at Cincinnati Children's and UC will offer and my future career as a genetic counselor!

I was born and raised in northern Virginia about half an hour outside of Washington, DC. I attended the University of Virginia and graduated in 2018 with a degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Bioethics. Throughout my undergraduate career I was a resident advisor, I volunteered for my university’s crisis hotline, and I shadowed in the genetic counseling clinic at the University of Virginia hospital. Additionally, I completed two bioethics internships through which I observed ethics committee meetings and took part in ethics consults at the hospital. I discovered genetic counseling during my first year of college through a personal family experience with genetic testing. After learning more about it, I realized this was everything I had been looking for in a career, and my shadowing experiences only contributed to my excitement.  Immediately after graduation I moved out to Seattle, WA for a couple years where I worked for a tech company and volunteered for Crisis Text Line before returning to the DC area to be a genetic counseling assistant. In my free time I love traveling, finding cute coffee shops, exploring new places, cheering on my DC sports teams, and hanging out with friends and family. I am incredibly excited to be part of the University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling class of 2023!

Born and raised in Dallas, I am a true Texan. I completed my B.A. in Biology at Texas Christian University in 2017 with minors in both Spanish and General Business. During my undergraduate career, I worked as a research intern at the University of North Texas Health Science Center PreClinical Services Lab. I also volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and Fort Worth. After completing my degree, I joined staff at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and completed additional coursework to prepare myself to enter the genetic counseling field.

I began working as a Cancer Genetic Counseling Assistant in early 2019 at Medical City Dallas Hospital. Being a GCA gave me the education and confidence to actively speak to patients about their referrals, draw pedigrees, assess risk, explain laboratory offerings, and explain to others on the benefits of genetic counseling. My experience shadowing cancer and prenatal genetic counselors solidified my vocation to genetic counseling.

In my free time, I enjoy spending lots of time outside with my two dogs including trips to the Dog Park and long hikes. I also love to travel (by plane and car), play tennis, bake, and watch The Office. I’m very excited to explore Cincinnati!

I grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. I graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 2021 with a B.S. in Biology, B.A. in Hispanic Literatures and Cultures, and a minor in Chemistry. During my undergraduate career I was a research assistant for the Matute lab in the Biology department where I worked with various species of Drosophila for evolutionary genetics experiments. When I was not in the lab, I spent the majority of my time volunteering with Carolina For The Kids, an organization dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to the patients and families of UNC Children’s. I held two sub-chair positions within this non-profit, where I focused on improving hospital and patient relationships. Particularly, I was passionate about working alongside interpreters to expand our resources to the Hispanic community at UNC Children’s. Additionally I volunteered with Victory Junction, Crisis Text Line, and as a genetics peer mentor. My time at Carolina allowed me to find that I deeply valued all of the connections I made through my volunteering experiences as well as my genetics research--laying the groundwork for my path to genetic counseling. In my free time I love to read, hike and spend time with my family and dog! I am so excited to pursue my passions at Cincinnati and join such an incredible field!