Clinical Supervisors in Genetic Counseling
Learn more about the UT GCP Clinical Supervisors in their individual profiles below.
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Program Leadership - McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
Claire N. Singletary
MS, CGC
Program DirectorClaire N. Singletary, MS, CGC is the Director of the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program. She is a Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. Claire received her B.S. degree in Psychology from Furman University and her M.S. degree in Genetic Counseling from Northwestern University. As Director, she administers the program, steers curriculum development, mentors genetic counseling students, lectures in classes, supervises students on rotation, and sits on thesis committees. She heads the GCP Advisory Board, Core Genetic Counselor Group, and Admissions Committee. In addition to her commitment to genetic counseling education, she remains passionate about practicing the art of prenatal genetic counseling. She is active in the National Society of Genetic Counselors, the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors, and the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors. Her main research interests are in risk perception, new prenatal technologies, and psychosocial counseling.
*GSBS Faculty Member
Meagan Choates
MS, CGC
Assistant Program DirectorMeagan Choates, MS, CGC is the Assistant Program Director and Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the McGovern Medical School. She received a BS in Biochemistry and Genetics with a Minor in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2014 and an MS in Genetic Counseling from the UTGCP in 2016. Meagan primarily provides prenatal genetic counseling services at several Houston area clinics, and supervises genetic counseling students while on their prenatal rotation. In addition, she coordinates the Embryology course, Approaches to Genetic Counseling Research I & II, Prenatal Genetic Counseling, Contemporary Issues I&II, and Psychosocial Practicum. She teaches and participates in student thesis projects as both a chair and committee member. She is an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), NSGC's Prenatal Special Interest Group, and the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors. Her research interests include understanding how genetic screening and testing options are discussed, utilized, and interpreted in the clinical setting.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Leslie N. Dunnington
MS, CGC Assistant Director of External RotationsLeslie Dunnington is a genetic counselor and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She serves as the Assistant Director of External Rotation for the UT Genetic Counseling Program. Leslie received her B.S. in Biology with a minor in Genetics from Texas A&M University in 2008 and her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program in 2010. She sees pediatric and adult patients at the UT medical genetics clinic where she focuses on cancer genetics and general genetics with a particular interest in movement disorders and dementia. Leslie specializes in Huntington disease and provides genetic counseling to this population at the UT HDSA Center of Excellence once per week. She is a course director for Topics in Medical Genetics I and II and enjoys getting to know students in class and during clinical supervision.
Laura Farach MD
FACMG
Medical DirectorLaura Farach, MD, FACMG is the Medical Director of the Genetic Counseling Program and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics. She obtained her Medical Degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA. She completed a combined Pediatric and Medical Genetics residency program here at UTHealth and is board certified in Medical Genetics. She is a Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics. She loves teaching and is invested in the training of future pediatricians, geneticists, and genetic counselors. Her clinical interests include neurogenetic disorders including autism, epilepsy, and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Her clinical research focus is in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
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McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
Pediatrics, Medical Genetics & Pediatric Research
Myla Ashfaq
MS, CGCMyla Ashfaq, MS, CGC is a genetic counselor and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Myla co-coordinates MotherToBaby - Texas TIPS, a toll-free teratogen helpline, which provides counseling to both the general public and health care professionals regarding teratogen exposures. Her responsibilities also include providing genetic counseling to pediatric patient families at Shriners Hospitals for Children in their Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Multiple Congenital Contracture, and Osteogenesis Imperfecta clinics. As co-director of the genetics course for the medical school students, Myla oversees the integration of genetics education in the for the McGovern Medical School students. She is involved in coordinating courses, teaching, and supervising students for the UT GCP. Myla graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2005 with a BA in Genetics and received her MS in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling from Stanford University in 2011. She is interested in multi-cultural and international genetic counseling.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Barbara Dominguez
BSNBarbara Dominguez is a genetic nurse coordinator working in McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in the Department of Pediatrics. She coordinates the care of metabolic and genetic patients evaluated in the outpatient clinic and inpatient consults. She is a contact person for the TDH newborn screening program when a new case of PKU or galactosemia is detected in the statewide screening program. She is involved in educating genetic counseling students, medical students, and residents who rotate on the clinical service. She is a member of the UT GCP Advisory Board. Barbara is one of the founders and co-director of Camp Phever a summer camp for kids with PKU. Barbara graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a BS degree in nursing. Barbara is a member of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics as well as a member of ASHG.
Kathryn Leal
MS, CGCKatie Gunther is a genetic counselor and clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Her clinical responsibilities include coordinating the in-patient genetic consult service for Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, ordering the genetic testing for NICU and PICU patients, and counseling the patient families. Katie also assists in coordination of the LBJ out-patient clinic and consult service. She also participates in the teaching and training of genetic counseling students, medical students, residents, and fellows. Katie graduated from The University of Alabama in 2016 with a B.S. in Biology and Mathematics. She received her M.S. in Genetic Counseling from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2018.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Jacqueline Hecht
PhD, CGCJacqueline Hecht, PhD Medical Geneticist and Genetic Counselor, is the Vice Chair for Research and Director of the Pediatric Research Center in the Department of Pediatrics, and Associate Dean for Research at the School of Dentistry. She is the founding director of the UT GCP. Dr. Hecht obtained a MS in Genetics and Genetic Counseling from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and a PhD in Genetic Epidemiology from The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston. She provides lectures in the Topics in Medical Genetics courses, is a member of the GCP Advisory Board, and supervises rotating students in their clinical activities and thesis projects. Dr. Hecht's clinical interests are in genetic orthopedic disorders, craniofacial anomalies and dwarfing conditions. Her research interests are targeted at identifying genes that cause nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate, pseudoachondroplasia, and clubfoot. She is a member of the health professional team that attends the Little People of America convention that is held annually. She is involved in numerous organizations related to genetics, genetic counseling and growth disorders.
*GSBS Faculty Member
Paul Hillman
MD, PhDDr. Paul Hillman is a board certified Medical Geneticist and Pediatrician in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He received is MD/PhD from Texas A&M University in Medical Sciences and completed a combined residency in Pediatrics and Medical Genetics McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) in Houston. His research has largely focused on neurodevelopment in model organisms including both fruit fly and mouse. His dissertation focused on the molecular regulation, impact, and evolution of the imprinted domain associated with Angelman syndrome. As a clinician and new faculty he has a focus in inborn errors of metabolism and general medical genetics with particular interest in case reports of novel disease presentation and new or rare conditions. He also has a passion for education including lectures and various levels of post undergraduate training and mentoring of trainees in the field of genetics.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Kate Mowrey
MS, CGCKate Mowrey is a genetic counselor and clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Kate assists in the LoneStar Leadership Education in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program as well as the UT Tuberous Sclerosis Center of Excellence. Furthermore, her responsibilities include clinical coordination and providing genetic counseling to pediatric patient families in general genetics as well as neurology clinics. She is involved in teaching and supervising students for the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Training Program. Kate graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2014 with a BS in Human Biology, concentration in Genetics and Biotechnology and received her MS in Genetic Counseling from Genetic Counseling from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in May 2018.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Hope Northrup
MD, FACMGHope Northrup is an M.D. Medical Geneticist (Clinical, Biochemical and Molecular) in the Department of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She is a Professor and Director of the Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Northrup is the Director of the Medical Genetics Residency/Fellowship Program. Dr. Northrup obtained an M.D. degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. She completed a Pediatric Residency at Children's Medical Center/Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas and a Medical Genetics Fellowship at the Institute for Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Her clinical interests include metabolic diseases, neurogenetic diseases and chromosome disorders. Dr. Northrup's research interests focus on unraveling the basis of neurogenetic diseases, specifically tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and spina bifida (SB). An additional academic focus of Dr. Northrup is delineating the phenotypes associated with rare chromosome disorders. She has served on the Residency Review Committee (RRC) for Medical Genetics of the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) (1998-2003; Vice Chair 2001; Chair 2002 and 2003). She provides lectures in Genetic Counseling and Medical Genetics courses and supervises rotating students in their clinical activities.
*GSBS Faculty Member
David Rodríguez-Burítica
MD, FAAPDavid Rodríguez-Burítica, MD, FAAP is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics. He obtained his Medical Degree at the National University of Colombia, South America and continued his training with a General Pediatrics internship and residency at Winthrop University Hospital in Long Island, New York. He then pursued a Pediatric Endocrinology fellowship at the same hospital, and a Clinical Genetics fellowship at University of Alabama in Birmingham. He is most interested in exploring endocrine abnormalities and treatment, as well as improving diagnostic approaches in patients with genetic and endocrine conditions that include Glycogen storage disorders, hypoglycemia, adrenal disorders and disorders of sexual differentiation, imprinting disorders and growth problems. He actively participates in the training of genetic counseling students, medical students, geneticist, pediatricians, Med-Peds residents and pediatric endocrinology fellows.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Jordan Zeiger MS, CGCJordan Zeiger is a genetic counselor and clinical instructor for the Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics at UT Health McGovern Medical School. In addition to providing genetic counseling for families in general genetics at UT, Jordan assists the lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) specialty clinic at UT, and provides clinical coordination and genetic counseling for the genetics clinic at the Harris Health C.E. Odom Pediatric and Adolescent Health Center. Jordan graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia in 2013 with BAs in Sociology and Anthropology. In 2023, Jordan completed her MS in genetic counseling at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Jordan’s research interests include access to genetics services and genetic testing, equity in genetics, neurogenetics, and lysosomal storage disorders.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Maternal Fetal Medicine
Aranza Gonzalez Cendejas
MS, CGCAranza Gonzalez Cendejas is a genetic counselor and instructor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She received a BS in Human Biology from The University of Texas at Austin in 2014, a BS in Molecular Genetic Technology from the UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions in 2015, and a MS in Genetic Counseling from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 2020. Aranza provides prenatal genetic counseling services at several Houston area clinics. She is an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors.
Luana Goulet
MS, CGCLuana Goulet is a genetic counselor and instructor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She received her B.S. in Biobehavioral Health from the Pennsylvania State University in 2018 and her M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of Maryland, School of Medicine in 2021. Luana provides prenatal genetic counseling services at several Houston area clinics. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors.
Jacqueline Harkenrider
MS, CGCJacqueline Harkenrider is a prenatal genetic counselor and clinical instructor in the Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Department at the McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She holds a B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Biophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and went on to earn a M.S. degree in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College. Her primary focus is to provide prenatal and preconception genetic counseling services at several Houston area clinics as well as supervising students from the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program during their prenatal rotation. Her professional memberships include the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors and the National Society of Genetic Counselors where she participates in the Student/ New Member and Prenatal special interest groups.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Samantha Montgomery
MS, CGCSamantha Montgomery is a genetic counselor and instructor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She received her BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University in 2016 and her MS in Genetic Counseling from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 2019. Samantha mostly provides prenatal genetic counseling services, but also sees individuals and families interested in genetic counseling for psychiatric indications. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) and NSGC’s Prenatal Special Interest Group. Her research interests include psychiatric genetic counseling and the genetics of mental illness.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Shannon Mulligan
MS, CGCShannon Mulligan is a board certified genetic counselor and Assistant Professor in the Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Department at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She received a BA in Mathematics from Austin College in 2009, a BS in Molecular Genetic Technology from the UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions in 2010, and is certified in Molecular Biology through the American Society for Clinical Pathology. She received her MS in Genetic Counseling from the UTGCP in 2014. Her primary focus is to provide prenatal and preconception genetic counseling services at several Houston area clinics. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors. Shannon facilitates classes for the UT GCP and supervises genetic counseling students during their prenatal rotation. She additionally has a special interest in psychiatric disorders and cancer during pregnancy.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Aarti Ramdaney
MS, CGCAarti Ramdaney, MS, CGC is a Genetic Counselor and Assistant Professor in the Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Department at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She received a B.S. degree in Genetic Engineering from Cedar Crest College in 2012 and a M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the UT GCP in 2014. Her primary focus is to provide prenatal genetic counseling services at several Houston area clinics, as well as supervising students from the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program. She co-coordinates the Introduction to Genetic Counseling course and has frequently serves as a chair or committee member for student thesis projects. Aarti currently serves as the co-chair of the National Society of Genetic Counselor’s Prenatal Special Interest Group and also coordinates the UT prenatal genetics rotation for the Maternal Fetal Medicine fellows, Medical Genetics fellows, and OB/GYN residents.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Rosemary Rogers
MS, CGCRosemary (Rose) Rogers, MS, CGC is a genetic counselor and instructor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She started her career in Austin, Texas as a counselor for the Comprehensive Fetal Care Center and Maternal Fetal Medicine. She joined UT Physicians in 2023. She received her B.S. in Genetics and Genomics and her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2019. She received her M.S. in Genetic Counseling from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 2021. Rose provides prenatal genetic counseling services at several Houston area clinics. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors.
Gina Sanchez
MS, MB, CGCGina Sanchez, MS, MB(ASCP) is a genetic counselor and instructor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She received a BS in Zoology from Texas Tech University in 2012, a MS in Molecular Pathology from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2013, and a MS in Genetic Counseling from The University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program in 2022. Gina provides prenatal genetic counseling services in both English and Spanish at several Houston area clinics. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors. Gina's research interests include genetic counseling education and increasing access to genetic counseling care for the Spanish-speaking patient population.
Blair Stevens
MS, CGCBlair Stevens is Director of Prenatal Genetic Counseling Services and Assistant Professor in the Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Department at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and her graduate training in Genetic Counseling at the UT GCP. She provides prenatal genetic counseling services at the UT Fetal Center and at various routine prenatal clinics. She is a clinical supervisor and instructor. Blair’s professional involvement includes membership to the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors and to the National Society of Genetic Counselors, where she participates in the Prenatal Special Interest Group.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Theresa Wittman
MS, CGCTheresa Wittman is a prenatal genetic counselor and instructor in the Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Department at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She received undergraduate degrees in Biology and Spanish at the University of New Mexico and a M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Theresa provides genetic counseling to various clinics in the Houston area and is involved in supervision and teaching of genetic counseling students. Theresa’s professional memberships include the NSGC Prenatal Special Interest Group and well as the NSGC Public Policy Committee. Her research interests include public perception of genetic testing and how cultural differences influence the election of prenatal genetic testing.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Department of Neurology, Center for Neurogenetics
Émile Moura
MS, CGCÉmile Moura is a genetic counselor at the Center for Neurogenetics in the Department of Neurology at the The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Evansville in 2020 and her M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 2022. At the start of her career, Émile offered genetic counseling services to both pediatric and adult patients, specializing in hematology and general genetics. Now, Émile provides genetic counseling services to patients diagnosed with epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Additionally, she contributes to research efforts related to variant interpretation and genotype-phenotype correlations.
Emily Huth
MS, CGCEmily Huth is a board-certified genetic counselor in the Center for Neurogenetics in the Department of Neurology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She earned a BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from Rice University in 2020 and a MS in Genetic Counseling from Baylor College of Medicine in 2023. Emily provides clinical genetic counseling services in neurology clinics at UTHealth and conducts research as part of the Center for Neurogenetics. Her research interests include variant interpretation and the impact of reclassification on patient care, genotype-phenotype relationships, and genetic testing outcomes. Emily’s professional involvement includes membership in the American Society of Human Genetics, the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors, and the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine Division of Gynecologic Oncology
Brittanie Shelton
MS, CGCBrittanie Morris is a certified cancer genetic counselor and clinical instructor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She graduated from Howard University in 2012 with a B.S. degree in Biology, and received a M.S. degree in Genetic Counseling in 2014 from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine- Genetic Counseling Program. Her primary clinical responsibility is to provide risk assessment and genetic counseling services to individuals concerned about hereditary cancer predisposition with a gynecologic component. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors, and will be involved with the UT GCP as a clinical supervisor in the future.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Department of Internal Medicine
Alana Cecchi
MS, CGCAlana Cecchi, MS, CGC is a board certified genetic counselor who specializes in aortic and vascular disease. She is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Medical Genetics within the Department of Internal Medicine at McGovern Medical School. Alana obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Michigan State University and received her graduate genetic counseling training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She is interested in increasing the identification of patients and families with hereditary predispositions to aortic and vascular disease through genetic testing and screening. She conducts clinical research as part of the John Ritter Research Program and sees patients in the Multidisciplinary Aortic and Vascular Disease Clinic at UT Physicians.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
School of Dentistry, Department of Diagnostic & Biomedical Sciences
Emily Hansen-Kiss MS, MA, CGC
Emily Hansen-Kiss is an Assistant Professor at The University of Texas Health Houston - School of Dentistry, Department of Diagnostic & Biomedical Sciences. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 2010 with a M.S. in Genetic Counseling and M.A. in Counseling Psychology. Emily is involved in teaching and supervision of the genetic counseling students, teaching of the dental students and residents at the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, and research. She sees patients as part of the multi-disciplinary Cleft Lip and Palate Team at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Houston and the Craniofacial Clinic at the UTHealth Houston/Memorial Herman. Emily’s professional involvement includes the NSGC Pediatric & Clinical Genetics Special Interest Group – Craniofacial subcommittee and Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling Program Review Committee. National memberships include National Society of Genetic Counselors, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, and American Dental Education Association. -
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Clinical Cancer Genetics
Hiam M. Abdel-Salam
MS, CGCHiam Abdel-Salam is a board-certified cancer genetic counselor at MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Clinical Cancer Genetics Program. She primarily works with breast cancer patients in providing risk assessments for a variety of hereditary cancer syndromes, with a focus on hereditary breast cancer risk. Hiam received her Bachelor of Science with Honors in Biology from the University of Chicago in 2019 and her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of Michigan in 2021. Beyond her role in clinical care, she is currently a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and is involved in teaching students from the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Training Program. Her research interests focus on addressing racial and ethnic health disparities in cancer genetics services.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Banu Arun
MD, FASCOBanu Arun, MD, FASCO is a Professor in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology and the Co-Chair of the Department of Clinical Cancer Genetics (CCG) at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She obtained her medical degree from the Istanbul University Cerrahpasa, followed by a Hematology and Oncology fellowship at Georgetown University, Washington, DC. Her research interests involve breast cancer genetics, biological markers, chemoprevention, and breast cancer treatment. She has led several clinical trials evaluating agents, including PARP inhibitors for metastatic breast cancer and short-term breast cancer prevention trials. As the Co-chair of CCG, she mentors and oversees the activities of their genetic counselors and is actively involved in developing innovative strategies to identify individuals at genetic risk together with the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based programs aimed at improving access to genetic counseling and genetic testing for the underserved populations. Dr. Arun is an established opinion leader in the field of breast cancer genetics, treatment, risk assessment, and prevention, having authored over 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications, commentaries, and reviews to provide perspective for key research. She has been awarded research grants from national, state, and private foundations, including the NCI, CPRIT, and Susan G. Komen foundation. In 2017 she featured in Forbes as one of the top 30 breast medical oncologists in the Nation. In 2020 the American Society of Clinical Oncology honored her with the distinguished FASCO award. Given her national and international expertise, she has served in several prestigious committees, including The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Prevention committee, the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) Prevention and Epidemiology Committee where she is currently the Co-Chair, the NCCN Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Guideline Committee, the ASCO BOLD task force, the ASCO IDEA committee, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Prevention Steering Committee.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Erica Bednar
MS, CGCErica Bednar MS, MPH, CGC is a certified genetic counselor in the Clinical Cancer Genetics program at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She earned a B.S. degree in Microbiology from Ohio State University an M.S. degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh, and an M.P.H. from the University of Texas UTHealth School of Public Health. Erica is the Program Lead of the Oncology Standard of Care Dissemination within the MD Anderson Moon Shots™ Program Cancer Prevention and Control Platform, which includes coordination and management of several multi-site collaborative quality improvement and research projects. Her clinical responsibilities include providing genetic counseling services in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology at MD Anderson and Lyndon B. Johnson hospital. Erica participates in teaching, clinical supervision, and thesis projects for genetic counseling students.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Gabriela Chen
MS, MPH, CGCGabriela Chen is a board-certified genetic counselor at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She provides risk assessment and genetic counseling services for individuals concerned for a variety of cancer predisposition syndromes, primarily in the Breast Medical Oncology Department. She will be involved in supervising and teaching students from the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Training Program in the future. She received an M.S. in Genetic Counseling, an M.P.H. in Health Behavior and Health Education, and a Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Michigan in 2022. Prior to that she earned a B.S. in Genetics and Genomics and a Certificate in Global Health from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research interests include utilizing implementation science, health communication and risk perception, behavioral science, and motivational interviewing to address health disparities. She is an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) and American Public Health Association (APHA).
Jessica Corredor
MS, CGCJessie Corredor is a cancer genetic counselor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her primary role is to provide risk assessment and genetic counseling services to individuals concerned for a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer. In the future she plans on expanding her role by also evaluating pediatric patients for hereditary cancer syndromes. Jessie will also be involved in facilitating courses and supervising students from the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Training Program in the future. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and Texas Society of Genetic Counselors. She received a B.S. degree in both Biology and Psychology from the University Of Missouri- Columbia. She then received a M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Molly Daniels
MS, CGCMolly S. Daniels has been a Genetic Counselor at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center since 2002, and has an adjunct appointment as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She provides hereditary cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling services to patients in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology. She is also involved in clinical research studies aimed at the identification of gynecologic cancer patients at risk for hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. She lectures on hereditary cancer for both trainees and the general public, and provides clinical supervision for graduate students in genetic counseling. Ms. Daniels received a M.S. in medical genetics from the University of Cincinnati genetic counseling training program in 2002, and achieved certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling in 2005. Ms. Daniels also received a M.S. in biochemistry from the University of California San Francisco, and a B.S. in biological sciences with honors and distinction from Cornell University.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Andrew McKeon
MS, CGCAndrew McKeon is a board certified genetic counselor in the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He provides risk assessment and genetic counseling services for patients with a variety of cancer indications, primarily at the League City Houston Area Location. His research interests broadly include patient perceptions of complex risk information, alternative service delivery models, and the expanding applications of genetic and genomic technologies. His professional involvement includes membership with the National Society of Genetic Counselors. He received his B.S. in Biology and B.A. in music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2019, as well as his M.S. in Genetic Counseling and a Graduate Certificate in Precision Health from the University of Michigan in 2021.
Maureen Mork
MS, CGCMaureen Mork is a cancer genetic counselor in the Clinical Cancer Genetics program at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Her clinical responsibilities include providing risk assessment and genetic counseling services to individuals concerned about hereditary conditions with a GI component. Maureen works in the Department of Gastroenterology to evaluate and facilitate medical management for patients with conditions such as Lynch syndrome, FAP, MAP, and hamartomatous polyposis syndromes. She is also interested in GI cancer genetic counseling research. She teaches and supervises students in the UT Genetic Counseling program. Maureen received her B.S. in Biology and B.A. in French from The Ohio State University and her M.S. in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling from the University of Michigan. She has been with the Clinical Cancer Genetics team since 2011.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Julie Moskowitz, MS, CGC
Julie Moskowitz is a genetic counselor within the GI Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her clinical responsibilities include providing risk assessment and genetic counseling services to individuals concerned about hereditary conditions with a GI component. She received her undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Psychology from Lehigh University in 2011 and her graduate degree, a Masters in Genetic Counseling, from Long Island University in 2013. She practiced as a prenatal genetic counselor within the greater Philadelphia area prior to transitioning to clinical cancer genetic counseling at MD Anderson. She is a supervisor to UT genetic counseling students on the cancer genetics rotation. Her professional involvement includes memberships with the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Nadine Rayes
MS, CGCNadine Rayes is a Cancer Genetic Counselor in the Clinical Cancer Genetics program at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Her primary role is within the Department of Gynecologic Oncology working directly with patients to provide cancer risk assessment and counseling. She is involved in supervising students from the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Training Program. Nadine is also involved in clinical research studies related to genetic counseling and hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. Nadine completed her B.S. in Biological Science at the University of California, Irvine and received her M.S. in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling from Stanford University. She is an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) and the NSGC Cancer Special Interest Group.
Susan Reilly
MS, CGCSusan Reilly is a board-certified genetic counselor in the Clinical Cancer Genetics program at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
She provides cancer risk assessment and counseling to patients at the West Houston Area Location and the Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital’s general oncology clinic. She is involved in supervising and teaching students from the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Training Program. Susan received an M.S. in Genetic Counseling from Long Island University in 2019. Prior to that, she received her B.A. in Biological Sciences and M.A. in Biological Sciences from Binghamton University. Susan is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and Texas Society of Genetic Counselors.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Donika Saporito
MS, CGCDonika Saporito is a genetic counselor in the Clinical Caner Genetics program at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her primary clinical responsibilities include providing risk assessment and genetic counseling services to individuals concerned about hereditary cancer conditions. She will be involved in supervising and teaching students from the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Training Program in the future. Donika received her B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M her M.S. in Genetic Counseling from Ohio State University. Her professional involvement includes membership to the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Rachael Shilbauer
MGCS, CGCRachael Shilbauer is a genetic counselor in the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She provides cancer risk assessment and counseling to patients at the Sugar Land Houston Area Location. She will be involved in supervising and teaching students from the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Training Program in the future. She received her graduate degree, a Master in Genetic Counselor Studies (MGCS), from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2021. Prior to that, she received a BS in genetics from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2018. Rachael is also a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
Catherine Skefos
MC, CGCCatherine is a Certified Genetic Counselor in the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she provides genetic counseling services to patients in the endocrine and sarcoma centers. She worked as a cancer genetic counselor at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Boston Children’s Hospital before joining the MD Anderson team. She received an M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2019. Prior to that, she completed bachelor’s degrees in biology and anthropology at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and an M.A. in medical anthropology from the University of South Florida, where her research focused on health care access and health disparities. Catherine has a special interest in teaching, particularly educating health care providers and others about the benefits of genetic counseling and testing with the goal of improving patient access to genetic services.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Autumn Vara
MS, CGCAutumn Vara is a genetic counselor in the Clinical Caner Genetics program at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She provides cancer risk assessment and counseling to patients at the League City Houston Area Location and the Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital’s general oncology clinic, where she counsels the county’s underserved population. She will be involved in supervising and teaching students from the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Training Program in the future. Autumn received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Houston and her M.S. in Genetic Counseling from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Her professional involvement includes membership to the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Jacynda Woodman-Ross
MS, CGCJacynda Woodman-Ross is a cancer genetic counselor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her primary role is to provide hereditary cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling services in the pediatric and young adult population. She is also involved in research regarding cancer risk assessment for Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselor. She received a B.A. in Biology from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. She then received a M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Jacynda is also a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
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Clinical Supervisors at Outlying Sites
University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston
Colin Bixler
MGCColin Bixler is a prenatal and cancer genetic counselor in the Division of Medical Genetics at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He received his Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Connecticut and his Master’s in Genetic Counseling from the University of Maryland Baltimore. Colin provides prenatal and cancer genetic counseling services at several UTMB clinics in the Houston and Galveston areas. He is a member of the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors and the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
Erin Cooney
MD, FAAP, FACMGDr. Erin Cooney is an assistant professor in the Division of Medical Genetics & Metabolism at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Dr. Cooney’s clinical focus is on medical genetics and the inborn errors of metabolism for patients of all ages. She is a consultant for the Texas Newborn Screen Program and advocates for improved metabolic practices through the Society for Inherited Metabolic Disorders Public Policy Committee. She also serves as the UTMB faculty supervisor for prenatal genetics and has a special interest in medical/genetics education. Dr. Cooney holds undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic Technology from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center, respectively. She received her doctoral degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and completed Pediatrics and Medical Genetics & Genomics residencies as well as a clinical fellowship in Medical Biochemical Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine – Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas. Dr. Cooney is triple boarded including certifications in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics, and Medical Genetics & Genomics and Medical Biochemical Genetics by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Dr. Cooney was recipient of the American College of Medical Genetics & Genomics Foundation Training Award and received Resident of the Year by the Baylor Department of Molecular and Human Genetics in 2017. She was awarded the 2021 Early Career Pediatric Educator Award for Excellence in Student Education at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pediatrics. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Texas Pediatric Society, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, and the Society for Inherited Metabolic Disorders.
Jenny Do
MS, CGCJenny Do is a medical genetics counselor for the division of Medical Genetics within the department of Pediatrics. She also helps coordinate the care and work-up of newborn screening patients referred to Genetics from community pediatricians. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. After two years working as a post-baccalaureate research fellow at the National Human Genome Research Institute, she then received her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Science. Jenny is a member of the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors (TSGC) and the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).
Christina Falugi
MS, CGCChristina Falugi is a board certified cancer genetic counselor at the University of Texas Medical Branch where she sees adult and pediatric patients at risk for a variety of hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. She is also involved in facilitating courses and supervising genetic counseling students, medical students, and residents. Christina received her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Genetics from The Ohio State University and her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of Texas Health Science Center. She is an active member in the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors and National Society of Genetic Counselors. In addition to cancer genetics, Christina has a special interest in healthcare and genetics education.
Megan Morand
MS, CGCMegan Morand is a board certified genetic counselor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch where she sees pediatric and adult patients in the outpatient genetics clinic. Megan is also the inpatient genetics coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. She then received her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Science. Megan is an active member of the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors and the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
*GSBS Associate Faculty Member
Swetha Narayanan
MS, CGCSwetha Narayanan is a board certified genetic counselor for the division of genetics within the Department of Pediatrics. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Genetics from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. She received her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. Swetha provides genetic counseling services for prenatal, pediatric, and adult patients. Swetha is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).
Joseph W. Ray, MD
Dr. Joseph Ray is the Division Director of Medical Genetics and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He received his MD from the University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Molecular Genetics as well as his pediatric residency and medical genetics fellowship in a combined program at the University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston. Dr. Ray specializes in medical genetics and sees adult and pediatric patients with all forms of conditions with genetic etiologies including skeletal dysplasias, cancer syndromes, chromosome abnormalities, single gene defects, inborn errors of metabolism, mitochondrial disorders, etc. Dr. Ray is board certified and a diplomate of the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics.
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Alexa Badalamenti
MS, CGCAlexa Badalamenti is a board-certified genetic counselor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in genetic counseling for patients who are at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes and sees patients in multiple UT Southwestern clinics. Ms. Badalamenti earned her B.S. in Bioinformatics from Loyola University Chicago and later received her M.S. in Genetic Counseling from Baylor College of Medicine. She joined the UT Southwestern Division of Hematology and Oncology’s Cancer Genetics Program in 2022. In addition to her clinical roles, she is an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors. Her clinical and academic interests include the impact of variant reclassification, patient outcomes, genetics education, and outreach.
Cheyla Clark
MPH, MS, CGCCheyla Clark is a board-certified genetic counselor who joined UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Cancer Genetics Program in 2021. She specializes in genetic counseling for patients who are at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes and sees patients in multiple clinics around the Dallas metroplex. She earned her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Human Genetics in 2014 from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Science in Genetics and Genetic Counseling in 2020 from Stanford University School of Medicine. Prior to joining the team at UT Southwestern, she worked as a prenatal genetic counselor at a maternal fetal medicine practice in Fort Worth, TX. Her interests include working with underserved populations, alleviating health disparities in genetics and genetic counseling by improving access to genetics care, and mentorship. She also has a passion for genetics education and outreach.
Caitlin Mauer
MA, MS, CGCCaitlin Mauer is a board-certified genetic counselor who has been in clinical practice since 2012. Caitlin obtained her Masters of Science in Genetic Counseling at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. In 2016, she also completed her Masters of Arts in Medical Humanities and Bioethics from Northwestern University. Caitlin manages and sees patients at the oncology genetic counseling program at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, and also performs contractual genetic counseling work for Medneon. She enjoys conducting and publishing research related to genetic counseling, focusing her interests on patient outcomes, access to genetic services, and the business aspects of the field. Caitlin is heavily involved in state and national societies, previously holding board of director positions within the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors (Secretary, Vice-President), and actively as a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ Ethics Advisory Committee, Online Education Subcommittee, and the Annual Conference Abstract Working Group. Caitlin is also the first and only genetic counselor to sit on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis panel. Caitlin coordinates genetic counseling student rotations through the cancer genetics clinic at UT Southwestern, provides clinical supervision for those students, and is involved in genetic counseling students’ thesis projects.
Chandler Myers
MS, CGCChandler Myers, MS, CGC, is a member of the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern. She specializes in genetic counseling for patients who are at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes. Ms. Myers earned her Master of Science in genetic counseling at Northwestern University in Chicago. She joined UT Southwestern’s Cancer Genetics program in 2020. Her current research interests include genetic testing delivery models and the use of chatbots and artificial intelligence in genetic counseling.
Remington Brice Fenter
MS, CGCRemington Fenter joined UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Cancer Genetics program in 2017. Prior to beginning his career, he completed his Master of Science in Genetic Counseling at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Fenter sees patients who are at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes at multiple UT Southwestern clinics. His clinical research interests include hereditary pancreatic cancer, hereditary renal cancer, and improv training for medical professionals. Mr. Fenter also has an interest in genetic testing technologies, somatic testing, and variant classification. 
Amber Gemmell
MS, CGCAmber Gemmell joined UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Cancer Genetics program after graduating with her Master of Science in genetic counseling from the University of Minnesota in 2016. She sees patients at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes at multiple UT Southwestern clinics. In addition to her clinical roles, Amber is involved in research, education, and community outreach. She is an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors. As the Education Coordinator for the Cancer Genetic Program at UT Southwestern, Amber is involved in developing and organizing various education opportunities for prospective genetic counseling students. Amber has a particular interest in somatic testing in oncology and is committed to bridging patient and provider understanding of somatic and germline genetic testing. She has an active presence on both adult and pediatric molecular tumor boards. 
Sayoni Lahiri
MS, CGCSayoni Lahiri is a cancer genetic counselor with the Cancer Genetics program at UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. She currently oversees the cancer prevention grants team, which focuses on population screening for hereditary cancer and genetic patient navigation.
She completed her graduate training at Northwestern University in Chicago, receiving a Master of Science degree in genetic counseling. Her professional and research interests include expanding access to genetics services in underserved populations; use of alternate service delivery models in clinical practice; improving clinical outcomes of patients with hereditary cancer; and management of patients with complex genetic testing results.
Jacqueline Mersch
MS, CGCJacqueline Mersch joined the UT Southwestern Medical Center Cancer Genetics program in 2014 after completing her Masters of Science in Genetic Counseling at University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Houston, Texas. She currently manages the Cancer Genetics program in Fort Worth at Moncrief Cancer Institute. Prior to her career as a genetic counselor, Jackie worked in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell preservation.
Kelsey Moriarty
MS, CGCKelsey Moriarty joined UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Cancer Genetics program in 2018. She meets with patients at multiple UT Southwestern clinics to discuss hereditary cancer syndromes. She completed her Master of Science in molecular, cellular, developmental biology and genetics with an emphasis in genetic counseling at the University of Minnesota. During her graduate education, she developed an interest in public health through her research on the public’s willingness to participate in precision medicine research. Additionally, she has an interest in hereditary hematological malignancies and childhood cancer predisposition syndromes.
Sara Pirzadeh-Miller
MS, CGCSara Pirzadeh-Miller M.S., CGC is the Associate Director of the Cancer Genetics Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX. She leads 16 genetic counselors that provide hereditary cancer risk assessment in 10 clinical sites and over 5,700 patients served annually in the DFW area. She serves on the Board of Directors of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), as well as a past co-chair of the Cancer Special Interest Group (SIG) of the NSGC. Her research interests include genetic counseling workforce efficiency, service delivery models, and population screening.
Parker Read
MS, CGCParker Read is a board-certified genetic counselor with the UT Southwestern Cancer Genetics Department. Parker graduated from Texas A&M University in 2013 with a B.S. in genetics and received his M.S. in genetic counseling in 2016 from the University of Michigan. Parker has been with UT Southwestern since 2016, and counsels patients at multiple clinic sites throughout the DFW area about hereditary cancer risk. Parker has been involved with numerous projects focused on improving genetic counseling workflow and access to genetics services, and he is passionate about professional education.
Brian Reys
MS, CGCBrian is a fulltime remote genetic counselor with the UT Southwestern Cancer Genetics Program and the manager for the Genetic Counseling Assistant Team. His research interests include GU cancers, risk modeling, and using technology to improve referral identification. Outside of work Brian is an avid reader, foodie, and coming around to embracing hiking as a weekend hobby. 
Mary Grace Roden
MS, CGCMary Grace Roden is a certified genetic counselor with the UT Southwestern Cancer Genetics Program. She received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Alabama and her M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Mary Grace counsels patients who are at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes at multiple UT Southwestern clinics. She has special interests in childhood cancer predisposition syndromes and hereditary gastric cancer. In addition to her clinical roles, Mary Grace’s current interests include community outreach and mentorship. 
Elise Watson
MS, CGCElise Watson, MS, CGC is a genetic counselor with the Cancer Genetics program at UT Southwestern. In addition to overseeing scheduling, she provides cancer risk assessment and counseling to patients at multiple clinics throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. Elise has special interest in mentorship of prospective genetic counseling students and the management of and surveillance outcomes for patients at increased risk for pancreatic cancer. She has held several positions with the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors (TSGC) and is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC). Elise received her B.S. in Genetics from Texas A&M University and her M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 
John Zimmerman
MS, CGCJohn Zimmerman is a certified genetic counselor with the UT Southwestern Cancer Genetics Program. He earned a Master of Science degree in genetic counseling from the University of Minnesota in 2017. John is an active member of the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors and the National Society of Genetic Counselors. His research interests are focused on the use of health technology to increase the identification of patients at risk for hereditary cancer.