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!