Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Graduate Program - Class of 2021 Class of 2022
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January 2021 | Page 1
Cincinnati Genetic Counseling
Graduate Program
Winter 2021 Newsletter
Explore what's inside
What a wild year it has been!
Come see what we've been up to. Co-Directors' Update --------- 2
LEND Trainee Spotlight -------- 3
Class of 2021
Alumni Spotlight ------------- 4
Second Year Reflections ------ 6
First Year Reflections -------- 8
Class of 2020 Job Placements -- 9
2019-2020 Awards ---------- 10
Class of 2022 Baby Announcement --------- 12
2020 NSGC Conference ------- 13
Prospective Student &
Online CEU Info ------------- 14
Heuther Endowment &
Program Contact Info ------- 15
January 2021 | Page 2
Melanie Myers, MS, PhD, CGC Carrie Atzinger, MS, CGC
Co-Directors' Update
Happy New Year Everyone! Here’s hoping
Rebecca, and Kathleen are busy working with
that 2021 provides us all a fresh start. Here at
fieldwork supervisors to revamp student
the Cincinnati GCGP we have mostly adjusted to
evaluations and fieldwork syllabi. The good
teaching, learning, and providing genetic
news is that we have more flexibility with types
counseling services during a pandemic. At the
of countable cases. As you know the diversity of
moment all classes remain online. Students
fieldwork opportunities is a huge strength of
have a mix of telehealth and some in-person
the Cincinnati GCGP so the increased flexibility
clinics. We are looking forward to a time in the
with countable cases should be advantageous
near future where we can return to in-person
for us.
teaching and learning! We miss seeing the
Other exciting program news is that we
students in-person, but are making the best of
received full accreditation for another 8 years!
the situation. As you’ve seen from previous
Thank you to all the alumni, supervisors, and
emails and communications, we are looking for
students who helped us with the remote re-
rotation opportunities for the Cincinnati GC
accreditation process. We could not have done
students. If you have the ability and willingness
it without you! In addition, we wouldn’t want to
to supervise a student remotely or in-person,
do it without you. We are very proud and
please let us know.
appreciative of our alumni and the site visitors
As you also likely heard, we are in the
commented that the alumni are a strength of
process of forming a Diversity, Equity, and
the program and seem to feel part of a lifelong
Inclusion (DEI) Task Force that includes alumni,
community. We certainly agree!
students, and supervisors to consider how the
Melanie and Carrie continue to work well
Cincinnati GCGP can better respond to
together as Co-directors. Emily is now leading
structural racism and social injustices. Charges
our online learning program and the
for the DEI Task Force will include creating a DEI
admissions process. Rebecca continues to teach
statement for our website and setting a DEI
IGC, Cancer, and to provide clinical
agenda for Cincinnati GCGP. We strongly believe
coordination, Kathleen provides peer-
that we need to be proactive to increase
supervision and clinical instruction for second
awareness about these issues and to do our
years and Mylo keeps the program running! We
part to help diversify the field of genetic
all appreciate the shift in responsibilities and
counseling. If you have ideas or suggestions,
are grateful to be able to work with such a
don’t hesitate to reach out.
strong GCGP team.
The GCGP has to be in compliance with new
ACGC Standards by summer of 2021. Carrie,
- Melanie Myers & Carrie Atzinger
January 2021 | Page 3
LEND Trainee Spotlight
2nd year Kaylee Crossen guides us through the LEND program and her experience as a trainee!
The Leadership Education in parents share their
Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities experiences. I have
(LEND) Training Program is part of the found this perspective
University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in invaluable as I learn
Developmental Disabilities. Genetic counseling what is most
students can apply to be a full LEND trainee in important to families
their second year. I was interested in becoming regarding the health-
a full LEND trainee after two pediatric rotations care management of
in my first year, where I gained more interest in their child.
pediatric genetic counseling. I knew that the Another one of my
LEND program could help me to be a better favorite parts is the
genetic counselor and an advocate for my family mentoring
patients with disabilities and their families. It project, where we meet twice a semester with a
helps us to understand our patient's needs, family who has a child with a disability. My family
gain knowledge about the disability community, has a son with Fragile X. It is great to get to learn
learn how to advocate, and collaborate with about their home life and what it is like living
other disciplines that we will encounter in the with a child with a disability. We also have the
field in any genetic counseling specialty. chance to be involved in the community. I
As genetic counselor LEND trainees, we are currently work with Special Olympics in Hamilton
involved with three parts of the curriculum: County with two other trainees to plan weekly
Leadership Seminar, Interdisciplinary Training Zoom activities for the athletes during the
Team, and Core Course. In the Leadership pandemic. Both opportunities have given me
Seminar, I have already learned so much about insight into the disability community outside of
family-centered care, cultural competency in the clinic.
healthcare, policy, advocacy, and my leadership The LEND program can seem overwhelming
style. On our interdisciplinary training team, we at times, but each assignment has an important
work with other trainees to evaluate a patient. I purpose. I am learning so much about disability,
learned so much about the roles of future advocacy, and my role as a provider. It has made
colleagues in different displaces and how to me aware that I will be only one puzzle piece to a
address specific parental concerns. Core course family's care. I believe that making these
has been filled with many interesting topics that connections with other disciplines and the
I may not have gotten to learn about in our community groups is going to help me support
genetic counseling classes but will play an families with their other puzzle pieces.
important role in how I help families. One of my Additionally, I have a better understanding of the
favorite lectures was on sibling support. I have patient's experiences with other healthcare
also really enjoyed the sessions focusing on one providers and at home, which is building my
disability, such as Down syndrome or Fragile X. confidence in providing patient and family
During these sessions, we have had panels of centered care as a genetic counselor.
January 2021 | Page 4
Alumni Spotlight
Fatima Amir, MS, CGC
Twitter and Instagram: @FatimaAmirCGC
Fatima Amir, MS, CGC graduated from the University of
Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Genetic Counseling Graduate Program in 2018. She currently
works as a Cancer Genetic Counselor at the Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute in Boston, MA. She is passionate about increasing
access to genetic services among underserved populations.
Fatima is the co-chair of the Antiracism Subcommittee under the
NSGC Cancer SIG. She is also a founding member of the Boston
Minority Genetic Counselors (BMGC).
What is your current position and allows me to expand my knowledge of
what is your favorite part of the cancer genetics.
position?
I am currently working as a cancer Do you have any special professional
genetic counselor at the Dana-Farber interests or projects that you are
Cancer Institute in Boston, MA, where I currently pursuing?
have been since I first graduated in 2018. Increasing racial diversity, inclusion, equity
My favorite part of the position is being and justice in our field and in my practice
able to break down complex genetic has been a cause near and
information into understandable and dear to my heart since I first entered the
meaningful information for the patient, field. Following the rise in overdue
empowering them in understanding conversations on racism this past
their own cancer risk and their family’s summer, the Antiracism Subcommittee
cancer risk, as well as being able to help was formed under the NSGC Cancer SIG,
them navigate their emotions around which I am co-chairing with Shreshtha
genetic testing during what often is the Garg, a genetic counselor who is working
most difficult time of their life. I also as a faculty member at Northwestern
really enjoy the challenge that comes University's Genetic Counseling Program.
with seeing genetically complex cases, One of the overarching goals of the
whether that be a complicated result or subcommittee is to produce resources
working up a challenging case, which that can be used to increase justice &
January 2021 | Page 5
Alumni Spotlight
Fatima Amir, MS, CGC assuming it is safe to do so (fingers
crossed for the vaccine!). After a long day
equity within cancer genetics. We just of work, I like to watch reality TV shows to
announced our subcommittee and put numb my brain. I’m also planning to
out a call for membership at the end of adopt a cat, which I am excited for!
November, and it has been encouraging
to see the interest and passion that What advice would you give current
members are bringing to the table. We students and new graduates?
have ongoing projects under the Take the time to reflect on what you are
subcommittee to address racism within passionate about. Ask yourself what you
various areas of cancer genetics, i.e. are good at, what you bring to the
Policy, Research, Industry, Clinic and field, what you want to fix or make better
Education. I also recently joined the in our field, and then connect with others
newly formed Pakistani Society of who share that goal with you (Pro tip:
Medical Genetics (PSMG) to help with Twitter is a great place to connect with
expanding the scope of medical genetics the wider GC community, use #GCchat). I
and genetic counseling in Pakistan. find that working on something that is
important to you can make your
What was the most valuable part of professional life so much more
your experience at Cincinnati GCGP? meaningful. At the same time, make sure
The most valuable part of my experience you have some form of work life balance.
at UCGCGP were the bonds I made, Have a support network around you,
including with classmates who became including those who can lift you up when
lifetime friends, and faculty who became the imposter syndrome may kick in. You
professional mentors for life. are qualified to be where you are, I
promise!
Tell us about your personal interests,
family life, hobbies, etc.
I enjoy spending time with my husband (I
got married this year!) and am cautiously
starting to think about planning a
wedding reception for next year
Click HERE to check out Fatima's article in NSGC Perspectives!
January 2021 | Page 6
Second Year Reflections
2nd Years Hunaydah Elwafari and Natasha Lillie
discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted
their education.
Hunaydah : The COVID-19 pandemic has also skills gained that will undoubtedly
forced us all to become more adaptable. come in handy in the future.
We as a program had to quickly learn the As aspiring genetic counselors, we are
ins and outs of online classes, telehealth trained in the realm of psychosocial
clinic appointments, and conducting thesis counseling, and I’ve learned that the
projects remotely. For me, this provided techniques we are taught come in handy
the opportunity to reach more patients in everyday life. My classmates have been
that otherwise wouldn’t have been able to a solace through these trying months.
make it to in-person appointments. Despite the physical distance, we
But it also came with isolation and have been able to comfort one
separation from my peers. We another and support each other.
were no longer able to debrief with There are many unknowns lurking
each other in passing after a the in future. Will we be able to
particularly difficult clinic case, nor were have an in-person graduation? Will the job
we able to just stop by each other’s desks market take a hit? Will we all pass boards
for a much needed breather. Instead, we and be gainfully employed? But what I do
got accustomed to seeing each other on know is that I will always have my
tiny square boxes online. Still, we classmates to fall back on, and that we will
persevered and made the most out of our get through this together.
current situation. We altered our thesis
project methodologies, we learned how to Natasha : Like many others, I needed a
counsel over the phone without the use of long adjustment period before I fully
visual aids, and we became pros at saying accepted doing classes and clinic from
“oh sorry, go ahead” when we inevitably home. It was hard being separated from my
unmuted ourselves and spoke up at the classmates since we all depend on each
same time as someone else during class. other. It was also difficult adjust to seeing
Yes, there was loss and grief for the way patients virtually when I had only just gotten
things could have been, but there were used to building rapport in person. As the
January 2021 | Page 7
Second Year Reflections, continued
year progressed, more of the events we from children and pets, but it was nice
had been looking forward to were moved to meet them in their own environment.
online, such as meeting interviewees, As a class, we have adjusted to the
watching our second years graduate, online world and now get together
summer rotations, and NSGC. However, through online happy hours and game
as we all adjusted to a virtual world, I nights. Although COVID-19 certainly
began to see the positives of being a threw a wrench in the year, it has been
student during this time. so helpful to have my classmates for
Since my summer rotation was support and supervisors to help me
postponed, I had more time to work navigate the world of telehealth.
toward other goals. I
got a head start on
interviewing
participants for
my thesis project.
Many were readily
available to talk
during the day
because they were at
home. When I did start seeing patients
again, my skills transferred to a
telehealth format easier than expected.
My summer rotation was pushed back to
the fall, where I worked with a St. Louis
institution without leaving my Cincinnati
apartment. I started to enjoy the
convenience of counseling from home.
Patients were happy that they did not
have to make a trip into the hospital, and
often invited other family members to
join the session. It was sometimes
challenging to connect with patients
video chatting me on their phone in odd
locations or experiencing interruptions
January 2021 | Page 8
First Year Reflections
If you could go back and tell
yourself one thing as an incoming
We asked our first years to respond to the following question: GC student, what would it be?
Moriah: I would emphasize how important it is
Courtney: Take the extra breaks here and there,
to take breaks and practice self-care. It's really
because in the end you will still do well in your
easy to be busy all the time, but taking time off is
classes and your mental health and time spent
crucial to preventing early burnout.
with loved ones is more important. Also, purchase
a desktop computer because you have no idea
Amber: "Hold on tight to your excitement” is the
that all your classes and clinics will be virtual this
advice I would have given myself 4 months ago.
semester!
Despite often feeling overwhelmed these past
few months by the breadth of information I need Liz: I think I would tell myself to not focus so much
to know to be a competent genetic counselor, I on the letter grades - I am here to learn for my
never want to forget the joy of getting to be career, not just memorize information to pass
involved in someone else’s story in clinic. Every some classes. It's okay to not be perfect at
moment spent seeing patients is a reminder to everything on the first try, that's the whole point of
me to hold fast to the excitement I feel at getting learning!
to be a part of this incredible field.
Brycen: It’s okay if a class assignment, test, clinic
Mackenzie: It can be hard not to compare visit, etc. does not go the way you hoped. Striving
yourself to your classmates, especially when you for perfection in all aspects only causes
are struggling with something in school, but imperfection. Striving to improve and better
remember that every student comes from a yourself is what is key. Do that, and you will start
different background and therefore everyone seeing perfection take shape all around you.
has different strengths. And that you have
unique strengths as well, which is why you were Colleen: Your cohort will become your best
chosen for the program! friends! They truly understand what you are going
through - the highs and the lows -and are here to
Amanda: Trust the learning process. School is support you or celebrate with you.
meant to challenge us, and part of becoming a Anna: Lean on your classmates! COVID makes it
GC is learning how to embrace new challenges that much harder to build connections but they are
and work outside of our comfort zones. all amazing, supportive people who want to see you
succeed. Don't be hesitant to reach out and ask
Kelly: It will go by faster than you think, so really them for help!
savor and take advantage of every learning
opportunity you get. Leanne: Do not be afraid to ask questions to peers,
supervisors, or program staff. Even if the question
Lauren: Your knowledge level is a drop in the may not seem like the most intelligent or you feel
ocean of genetics and psychosocial information, like you may be "bugging" the person you are
and that is exactly the level you're supposed to asking, it's still the right thing to do. Everyone in the
be at. On the flip side, trust your intuition - you program enjoys helping others and are happy to
know more than you think. answer any questions that may arise!
January 2021 | Page 9
Class of 2020 Job Placements
Leanne Hagen
Anjali Aryamvally
Lysosomal, CCHMC
Cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cincinnati, OH
New York, NY
Bailey Hancock
Chloe Barnett
Cancer/Cardio, St. Elizabeth's
Prenatal, M Health
Edgewood, KY
Minneapolis, MN
Anne Heuerman
Kelly Buh
Prenatal, Beaumont Health
Prenatal, Loyola University Health
Royal Oak, MI
Maywood, IL
Abigail Ugas
Teresa Campbell
Pediatrics, CCHMC
PhD, University of Buffalo
Cincinnati, OH
Buffalo, NY
April Vanderwal
Andrea Edwards
Pediatricss/Prenatal/Cancer
Cancer, Allina Health
Health Sciences North
Minneapolis, MN
Sudbury, Ontario
Jessica Feldman
Joshua Webster
Prenatal, Mass General
Pediatrics/Cancer, Kapio'lani Medical
Boston, MA
Honolulu, HI
Congratulations
to all our
graduates!
January 2021 | Page 10
Supervisor We had many nominations for all of these awards and
Awards feel very lucky to have such wonderful and dedicated
supervisors and students in our program community.
Please join us in congratulating our 2019-2020 awardees!
Beatrix was noted by students to provide a great balance of
autonomy and support. She encourages students to answer patient Student Choice Award:
questions and provides prompts of additional things to cover rather
than jumping in herself. Students indicated that they learned a lot Beatrix Wong
from Beatrix’s constructive feedback and encouragement.
Both Nicki and Elizabeth are really invested in students’ growth. They
Off-Site Program
take time ensure students are learning and improving. They also
Choice Award:
volunteer their time to share their expertise in prenatal by coming to the
Elizabeth Owens-Thomas
program and giving lectures on a variety of prenatal topics. The students
& Nicki Smith
and program are lucky to have Nicki and Elizabeth as collaborators.
Leandra always goes above and beyond to help students learn. This year in
addition to her regular supervision of students, Leandra developed an
On-Site Program
“Escape Room” activity to help reinforce prenatal concepts. When the
pandemic unexpectedly forced both clinic and classes to move to remote
Choice Award:
learning, Leandra created telehealth practice cases for students and Leandra Tolusso
converted her Escape Room to a virtual format. The GCGP appreciates
Leandra’s hard work, creativity, and commitment to student learning.
In addition to our program supervision awards, each year, all GC programs have the opportunity to select one
supervisor to receive the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors Outstanding Supervisor
Award. This national award is given based on feedback from the graduating class. This year, the person
selected by the Cincinnati GCGP to receive this award is:
Students describe Paige as a supervisor who goes above and beyond
to help students learn. She puts trust in students and builds their
Paige Hazelton confidence while also providing constructive feedback that aids in
their development. She challenges students to take on new roles
while also providing them support as they learn.January 2021 | Page 11
NSGC We are very proud of our supervisors and
Awards alumni family promoting excellence and
enriching the genetic counseling community
as a whole. Please join us in congratulating
our 2019-2020 awardees!
Erin Miller is a genetic counselor in the Heart Institute NSGC Outstanding
provides clinical and research supervision. Her hard work Volunteer Award:
and dedication is admired by the program and the
genetic counseling field. Erin Miller
To recognize and promote excellence in research and
scholarship in recent trainees, the Journal of Genetic
JOGC Best Trainee Paper
Counseling is pleased to announce the Best Trainee Paper
Award:
Award. Each year, up to four awards are given to
Elizabeth Owens- outstanding papers authored by a current or former trainee
Thomas on her/his research conducted as a trainee. Click HERE to
check out Elizabeth's paper!January 2021 | Page 12
feature!
We are thrilled to
announce the arrival
of baby Deacon this
past fall!
Congratulations to
Rebecca Sisson and Jeff
Schwab on the beautiful
addition to their family!January 2021 | Page 13
2020 NSGC Conference
2nd Year Melissa Wong and 1st Year Kelly Tomins share their experiences at the
Annual National Society of Genetic Counselors Conference.
As with nearly everything in 2020, NSGC students associated with genetic counseling
was just a little bit different this year. Instead programs. It was a nice way to meet with our
of packing our bags and spending the week in peers (and future coworkers!) and discuss
a flurry of flights, networking, and hopping shared experiences as genetic counseling
between conference rooms, most of us spent trainees.
this conference in our pajamas on the couch. A recurring theme of the conference were
The virtual format definitely had its pluses issues of diversity and equity, a much needed
and minuses. Many of us enjoyed the focus for a profession that is comprised of over
flexibility of the format and the ability to 90% white GCs. Erika Stallings’s tremendous
seamlessly jump between various talks. It was plenary talk demonstrated how racial biases in
great to see so many UCGCP class of 2020 medicine and genetic counseling transcend
graduates share their research in both socioeconomic class. The jamboard, which
platform presentations and poster welcomed conference attendees to
presentations, and the option of watching all anonymously answer prompts related to their
lectures and sessions at a later time was a personal experience with diversity efforts and
great feature of NSGC going virtual racism, was extremely insightful and a must-
this year. Another read for all attendees.
benefit of the virtual The efforts that NSGC has made in terms of
format was that first- enhancing diversity, such as hiring an outside
year students and consulting group (Exeter), are commendable
second year students and certainly a step in the right direction to help
had the ability to attend spearhead future changes. While it was certainly
the conference together for the first time. My encouraging to hear about progress that NSGC
first year classmates and I were thrilled to is making, it was also disheartening to learn that
participate in our first NSGC and loved delving only 14% of eligible genetic counselors
deeper into the genetic counseling responded to the initial survey regarding
community. With less pressure to network or diversity efforts. Working towards a more
go job searching, it was a low stress equitable and welcoming profession will take all
environment to expand our genetic of our efforts, and this conference certainly
counseling knowledge. inspired us to prioritize diversity and inclusion
For second years beginning their job hunt, efforts in our future roles as genetic counselors
NSGC offered a student and job seeker and become more involved in current efforts to
lounge with a link to the NSGC Job Board, and improve the field.
an expansive virtual exhibit hall where we got
to speak with many great organizations,
For more information about the 2020
including laboratories and patient services.
There was also a student networking event NSGC Conference, click here!
where we could meet and talk with otherJanuary 2021 | Page 14
Virtual Prospective Student Informational Session
The Cincinnati GCGP hosts quarterly events to provide information
about genetic counseling and our program.
The Genetic Counseling Information sessions are a
chance for individuals to come and learn more
about the genetic counseling profession as well as
the Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Graduate
Program (GCGP) in a small group setting. Brief
presentations will be made by genetic counselors
and faculty from the GCP with an opportunity to
ask questions at the end. Sessions that have less
than 4 registrants may be rescheduled.
Click HERE for upcoming events and free signup!
Online Courses
Continue your education with CCHMC/UC CEU courses!
Courses Offered
Cardiovascular Genetics (1.0 CEUs)
Clinical Embryology (2.55 CEUs)
Laboratory Genetic Counseling (1.9 CEUs)
Neurogentics (1.1 CEUs)
Teratology (2 CEUs)
Genetic Counseling Case Series
(CEUs unavailable)
To learn more, click here for the Online and CEU Courses Website!January 2021 | Page 15
Huether Endowment
The generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Huether has supported UC
genetic counseling students for many years. Donating to
the Huether Endowment ensures continued support for
genetic counseling students' educational travel, where
they learn about cutting edge research, present posters,
and network for future employment.
Click HERE to donate now, or visit:
https://foundation.uc.edu/donate?id=9ae770f4-a284-4754-a15e-262829548169
Website:
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/educati
If you or on/clinical/student-grad/genetic-counseling
someone you Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/UCgeneticcounseling
know is
interested in Twitter Page:
www.twitter.com/CincyGeneticCo1
learning more
Student Blog:
about genetic www. ucgeneticcounseling.blogspot.com
counseling and Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
our program, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
3333 Burnet Ave., ML 4006
please visit: Cincinnati, OH 45229
Phone: 513-636-8448 Fax: 513-636-0543
Email: GCPROG@cchmc.org
Winter 2021 Editors: Lauren Hsuan & Moriah EdwardsYou can also read
