Genetic Counseling Students

Emily Bogdanovski 

Indiana University  

B.S., Biology (2026), Minors: Counseling and Psychology 

Emily Bogdanovski is from Arlington Heights, Illinois. During her undergraduate studies, she explored a variety of academic and volunteer experiences that supported her interests in becoming a genetic counselor. Her role at New Hope, a homeless shelter, allowed her to dedicate her time within the family programming to build connections with residents from diverse backgrounds and provide stability for those facing hardships. Additionally, she is a counselor for Crisis Text Line where she has gained valuable skills such as resilience, active listening, and risk assessment for individuals facing personal challenges that she will further apply when helping patients of her own. Emily shadowed various genetic counselors in prenatal and cancer specialties around the Indianapolis area where she deepened her passion for genetic counseling. She explored this field further by being part of the Pre-GC club through IU where she had opportunities to speak with genetic counselors and gain insight into different roles and specialties. In her free time, she enjoys trying new coffee shops, going for walks, and spending time with her friends and family. Emily chose Kean University for its strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, commitment to its students, and the supportive faculty. She is thrilled to be part of the Kean University Genetic Counseling class of 2028! 

Elsie Cheung 

University of Washington 

B.S., Biochemistry (2024) 

Elsie Cheung is from Seattle, Washington. As a teaching assistant at Seattle Chinese School and leader in a Chinese music ensemble, she developed early skills in mentorship, communication, and culturally responsive support. After discovering genetic counseling during her junior year of college, she began pursuing opportunities that combined genetics, advocacy, and patient care. Elsie works as a Biological Analyst and phlebotomist at Seattle Sperm Bank, where she conducts family history screenings, reviews genetic testing results, and supports patients through complex, emotional moments. She also volunteered with Crisis Text Line, providing emotional support and crisis intervention for individuals in distress. The active listening and de-escalation skills she developed in this role informed her work at The Sophia Way, where she built meaningful connections with women experiencing homelessness through companionship and empathy. Elsie is also active in hereditary cancer advocacy as a Patient Advocate Leader with FORCE. She participates in state and federal legislative outreach, helping elevate patient perspectives in a fertility clinic setting. Through FORCE’s 2025 Advocacy Day, she shared patient experiences with federal lawmakers and advocated for healthcare policies such as the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act. She also supported Washington State’s fertility preservation legislation (HB 1129/SB 5121), highlighting the need for insurance coverage for fertility preservation services. Outside of work, Elsie enjoys visual arts, strength training, and sharing sweet treats with family and friends. She is excited to join Kean University and promote a more inclusive approach to genetic counseling that expands access and respects diverse identities. As a future genetic counselor, she hopes to support patients through difficult choices and empower them to make informed decisions with confidence.  

Lauren Engelking 

Ohio State University 

B.S., Molecular Genetics (2022), Minor: Business 

Lauren Engelking is originally from New Berlin, Wisconsin. Her love for genetics has been life-long, but it was not until shadowing a genetic counselor freshman year of college that she fully dove into the profession. Since then, she has held both clinical and laboratory Genetic Counseling Assistant positions and spends time outside of work volunteering at various organizations including the Crisis Text Line, The Ronald McDonald House, Clinical Genome Resource, and her personal favorite, Cincinnati Animal CARE Shelter. These opportunities not only deepened her understanding of genetics but strengthened her empathy skills and ability to meet individuals where they are. In her free time, Lauren enjoys going on adventures with her dog, Fi, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and exploring all NYC has to offer! She is thrilled to fulfill her dream of becoming a genetic counselor and take that next step as part of the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program Class of 2028!

Savannah Freebury  

University of Nevada, Reno 

B.S., Biology (2025) 

Savannah Freebury is originally from Lincoln, California. Her interest in genetic counseling began when she was young after being referred to a genetic counselor herself. The experience sparked both her curiosity for genetics and an appreciation for empathy in patient care. She later pursued this interest at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Through her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong foundation in genetics, human development, and counseling theory. Outside of academics, Savannah is passionate about education and mentorship. She currently works as a science teacher for elementary-aged students. She works to create hands-on and engaging science lessons that are designed to make learning more approachable. In addition to teaching, she has volunteered with Engineer Like a Girl, mentoring middle school girls in STEM and encouraging them to build their confidence in science and engineering fields. Recently, she completed grief counselor training through Stephen Ministry, which only deepened her appreciation for showing empathy and walking alongside others facing difficult moments in life. Savannah was drawn to the Kean University program because of its commitment to advocacy within genetic counseling training, as well as the welcoming environment that the current students and faculty create. She is overjoyed and eager to begin her journey as part of the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program Class of 2028 and looks forward to a future where she can support individuals and their families as a future genetic counselor. 

Kimberly Houck 

King’s College 

B.S., Biology (2024), Minor: Forensic Studies 

Kimberly is from the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. Her interest in genetics began in middle school when she first learned about the role genetics plays in health and disease. At the same time, a serious accident involving her father introduced her to the counseling and support side of healthcare. Through years of accompanying him to appointments and support groups, Kimberly witnessed the profound impact that compassionate communication and patient advocacy can have on individuals and families during difficult times. As an undergraduate student, Kimberly studied biology and completed an independent research project examining how genetic variation may contribute to differences in cognition and educational interests. Through this work, she gained experience in molecular genetics techniques, including DNA collection, PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, and gel electrophoresis, while developing a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between genetics and human behavior. Following graduation, Kimberly joined Geisinger as a Genetic Counseling Assistant in Developmental Medicine. In this role, she supported patients and families navigating genetic conditions and helped coordinate multidisciplinary specialty clinics for individuals with fragile X syndrome, Smith-Magenis syndrome, and Dup15q syndrome. These experiences strengthened her passion for genetic counseling and reinforced the importance of collaborative, patient-centered care. Outside of work, Kimberly has volunteered as a Crisis Text Line counselor, providing support to individuals experiencing emotional crises, and has participated in community events supporting veterans and individuals with disabilities through organizations such as Team River Runner and adaptive recreation programs. In her free time, she enjoys staying active, spending time with friends and family, and line dancing. Kimberly is excited to continue her journey at Kean University and looks forward to fulfilling her dream of becoming a genetic counselor who empowers patients through education, advocacy, and compassionate care. 

Teriana Jones 

University of Central Florida 

BS, Biomedical Sciences (2021) 

Teriana Jones is originally from Denver, Colorado. As an undergraduate, she was a Transfer-Student Research and Integration Program (T.R.I.P.) scholar for which she researched the acid-induced disassembly of the Haemophilus ducreyi cytolethal distending toxin. Beyond the classroom, Teriana remained actively involved in community service through volunteer work at a women's and children's homeless shelter, Nemours Children's Hospital, where she helped provide resources to families based on their Social Drivers of Health (SODH), and Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit resort that provides cost-free vacations and experiences for children with critical illnesses and their families. After graduation, she worked as a medical scribe in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Through her experiences, she discovered the field of genetic counseling and became increasingly aware of disparities in access to genetic information and education, particularly within African American and other historically underserved communities. Through genetic counseling, shadowing experiences, and participation in the GC Immersive at Color Program, her passion for the profession - and for promoting awareness and advocacy in minority communities -continued to grow. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her two cats, and taking advantage of her annual theme park passes as a dedicated theme park enthusiast. 

Ali Mangean 

Rutgers University 

B.A., Genetics (2025) 

Ali Mangean (she/her) is from northern New Jersey. She graduated cum laude from Rutgers University with a bachelor's degree in Genetics. Through her undergraduate and post-graduate experiences, she pursued a variety of clinical, research, and service opportunities that strengthened her commitment to a career in genetic counseling. As a laboratory assistant in the Driscoll Lab at Rutgers, Ali investigated the effects of targeted gene knockdowns on the neurons of C. elegans. Following graduation, Ali volunteered with the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention, assisting with patient outreach and family history collection. She later joined Juno Genetics, a preimplantation genetic testing laboratory, as a Genetic Counseling Assistant. In this role, she further developed her communication skills and gained valuable insight into the collaborative efforts that support patients and genetic counselors throughout the testing process. Beyond genetics, Ali is very interested in environmental sustainability and conservation. As an intern with the PSEG ISS Green Teams at Montclair State University, she researched water management strategies and sustainable solutions for flood-prone areas in New Jersey. In her free time, Ali enjoys hiking, running, and any excuse to spend time with friends. Ali chose Kean University because of its emphasis on collaboration and growth through clinical practice. She is excited to expand her knowledge and skills throughout the program while building meaningful relationships with her cohort. 

Michaella Schultz 

Rutgers University 

B.A., Genetics (2024) 

Michaella Schultz is from Blairstown, New Jersey and earned her bachelor’s degree in Genetics from Rutgers University. During her undergraduate studies, she participated in research with Ellison Laboratory through the Genomics Education Partnership during which she manually constructed a gene model to examine the effects of moving Drosophila Melanogaster F Element genes to regions with higher rates of recombination. She explored the field of genetic counseling by working as a Genetic Counseling Assistant for two years at Juno Genetics, a preimplantation genetic testing laboratory. In this role, she gained valuable exposure to the genetic counseling profession and developed a deeper understanding of patient care and the necessary communication skills such requires. Committed to service and advocacy, she volunteers with Crisis Text Line, providing support to individuals seeking help in real-time, and with Special Olympics, working to promote inclusion and empower athletes with disabilities. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, crafts, and traveling. She is excited to take the next step in pursuing a career about which she is passionate with the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, and looks forward to becoming a genetic counselor that provides accepting and inclusive care. 

Amanda Shaughnessy 

University of Rhode Island 

B.A., Biology (2025), Minor: Psychology 

Amanda Shaughnessy is originally from Wallingford, Pennsylvania. While serving as a Biology Lab Undergraduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Rhode Island, she discovered how much she enjoyed helping students understand scientific concepts and developed a passion for educating and supporting others. During her undergraduate years, she also worked as a Peer Career Advisor, helping students explore career paths, prepare resumes, and build confidence in their professional goals. As a Peer Health Educator, she promoted health and wellness initiatives on campus and worked as a CPR instructor for nursing students. In addition to these roles, she gained research experience observing computational analysis of glioma tumor samples and volunteered as a crisis counselor with Empower Work. She currently works as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Capital Health Cancer Center in Pennington, New Jersey, where she supports patients and genetic counselors throughout the genetic testing process. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, crafting, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. She is grateful and excited to join the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program and continue developing the skills that will help her become a compassionate and knowledgeable genetic counselor.  

Laura Sickler 

The College of New Jersey 

B.S., Biology (2026), Minor: Psychology 

Laura Sickler is from Cinnaminson, New Jersey. As an undergraduate, Laura conducted developmental genetics research using zebrafish models, investigating mechanisms of embryonic development and gene regulation. She also served as a Biology Peer Mentor, supporting first-year students as they adjusted to college life and coursework. Beyond campus, Laura worked as a Food Microbiology Intern at EMSL Analytical, a role that strengthened her attention to detail, communication skills, and laboratory techniques. Her interest in genetic counseling stems from both personal and academic experiences. Inspired by her grandmother's experience navigating health complications with limited access to medical care, Laura developed a passion for improving health literacy and helping individuals make informed healthcare decisions. Laura is a Crisis Text Line volunteer allowing her to provide emotional support and crisis intervention to individuals experiencing mental health challenges and to gain valuable skills in active listening, empathy, and problem-solving. She has also volunteered with organizations including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the B+ Foundation, supporting individuals and families affected by chronic illness and childhood cancer. Through shadowing experiences in pediatric genetics and conversations with practicing genetic counselors, Laura discovered a profession that perfectly combines her interests in genetics and compassionate care. In her free time, Laura enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends and family, and exploring new restaurants. Laura is excited to join the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program and is thrilled to take the next step towards her dream of becoming a genetic counselor! 

Taylor DePolo  

Pennsylvania State University 
BS, Psychology, Life Sciences Track (2023), Minor: Biology 

Taylor DePolo (she/her) is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her passion for genetics began in her childhood, when her grandmother was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Her first-hand experience with the disease sparked an interest in genetics which was solidified in college. During her time as an undergraduate student, Taylor was a research assistant for the Empathy and Moral Psychology Lab studying how cultural dehumanization, attitudes, stereotyping, and in-group beliefs affect perceived dehumanization and the mental health of the studied population. She is working on a manuscript that focuses on the dehumanization of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Additionally, she was the Tapestry Dance Company Leader for THON, a student-run philanthropy, and a teaching assistant. Upon graduating, Taylor became a Clinical Trial Research Assistant for Neuroendocrine and Thyroid Cancer at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Ohio State University. With genetics playing a huge part in cancer research, Taylor was introduced to genetic counseling and never looked back. Volunteering has also been a huge part of Taylor’s post-grad experience. She is a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association, for which she visits local living facilities giving presentations to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their family members. Additionally, she is a crisis counselor for The Crisis Text Line, where she has gained invaluable experience learning skills involved in de-escalation and applying these skills to crises in real time. In her free time, Taylor loves to hike, take cycling classes, bake, and play with her cat. She is excited to pursue a career about which she is passionate and looks forward to being a genetic counselor that provides her patients with a safe and accepting environment. She cannot wait to make her dream a reality at Kean! 

Jaya Dhadda 

Texas Woman’s University  

B.S., Biology (2024), Minors: Chemistry, Psychology and Philosophy 

Jaya Dhadda is from Dallas, Texas. Her early volunteer experience at a domestic violence shelter sparked a lifelong interest in connecting with others through empathy and support. That moment of realizing the shared humanity between herself and those she served laid the foundation for her future in genetic counseling. Jaya graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a degree in Biology and minors in Chemistry, Psychology and Philosophy—an intentional blend that reflects her dedication to understanding both the science and the stories behind every patient. While pursuing her degree, Jaya worked in various roles for hospitals such as Baylor Scott & White and Texas Health Presbyterian, gaining insight into the inner workings of medical facilities. On campus, Jaya served as the Volunteer Chair of the JNIWL Legacy Leaders scholar program, and contributed to philanthropic efforts of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, by attending volunteer events. During her senior year, Jaya returned to the domestic abuse treatment center where she first volunteered, this time interning under a professional Advocate. After graduating, she worked as an Academic Enrichment Specialist for Communities in Schools, teaching almost a hundred students in under-resourced schools. To deepen her understanding of the field, Jaya shadowed various genetic counselors across pediatric, cancer, and prenatal specialties around the Dallas area at Children’s Health, Medical City, Baylor Scott and White, and UT Southwestern. She also completed the GC Immersive program at Color, a fully remote course designed to expand the knowledge of aspiring, diverse genetic counselors. Inspired by the balance of science, communication, and compassion that the profession requires, Jaya is thrilled to continue her journey toward becoming a genetic counselor. She chose Kean University for its focus on community, innovation, and commitment to training well-rounded, culturally aware counselors. She’s excited to take this next step surrounded by a passionate cohort and supportive faculty!  

Anna Lieberman 

Pennsylvania State University 
B.S., Biology (2024) 

Anna Lieberman is from Pottsville, Pennsylvania. As an undergraduate, Anna assisted with research at the Child Health Study, examining the ways that different life experiences can affect a child's health and well-being. She also worked as a Patient Care Partner in the emergency department at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pennsylvania. Anna was a student volunteer for two years at Penn State THON, a student-run philanthropy committed to providing emotional and financial support to children and families impacted by childhood cancer and ensuring funding for critical research. She worked year-round to fundraise, spread awareness, and helped run the 46-hour dance marathon that culminated the school year. Her work with the THON children and families inspired her as she began to work as a Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA) in Allentown, Pennsylvania at the St. Luke's University Health Network Cancer Center where she supported a team of cancer genetic counselors and maternal fetal medicine genetic counselors. In her free time, Anna enjoys reading, cooking, watching sports, and exploring local coffee shops and businesses. Her passion for genetic counseling has grown with each new experience, and she is thrilled to be joining the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program as a part of the Class of 2027! 

Melody Lin   

Stony Brook University  
B.S., Psychology (2023), Minor: Biology 

Melody Lin (she/her/hers) is from Rockland County, New York. In college, she was an Undergraduate Team Leader in research on autism spectrum disorder. She found immense passion in working with families directly so became involved in the launch of SPARK for Autism as the Assistant Site Coordinator at Stony Brook University. She also was a trainee with the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program at Stony Brook University. These experiences led her to participate in the Warren Alpert Foundation Genetic Counseling Internship at Sarah Lawrence College. After graduation, Melody began working as the Genetic Counselor Assistant at Weill Cornell Medicine OB-GYN in New York, a role in which she was able to practice direct patient counseling, coordinate testing, and shadow multiple specialties within the New York Presbyterian hospital system. In her free time, Melody enjoys volunteering, exploring historical landmarks and museums, and playing video/tabletop games with friends. Melody is enthusiastic about pursuing her interests of patient care and health equity at Kean University and is incredibly excited to join the field of genetic counseling! 

Sarah Montagna  

College of William and Mary 
BA, Biology (2022) 

Sarah Montagna is from Mountainside, New Jersey. At the College of William & Mary, she conducted research in a functional genomics lab, investigating the role of the CG11180 gene in Drosophila stem cell development. Additionally, she was the President of the William & Mary Swim Club as well as a freshman resident assistant. After graduating, Sarah worked as a medical assistant at an otolaryngology medical practice. This provided her with firsthand experience working in a clinical environment and further solidified her passion for working directly with patients. She then accepted a genetic counseling assistant position at New Jersey Perinatal Associates (NJPA), a maternal fetal medicine office in Livingston, NJ. In this role, she worked with prenatal genetic counselors to coordinate genetic testing and assisted in providing prenatal care. Her experience as a genetic counseling assistant provided her with extensive exposure to both the clinical and interpersonal facets of genetic counseling. Sarah is also deeply committed to advocacy work. She volunteered at the Children’s Specialized Hospital, providing adaptive swimming lessons to children with disabilities. She currently serves as a trained crisis counselor for Connect & Breathe to support individuals navigating post-abortion experiences. These experiences have refined her ability to listen with empathy and support individuals’ needs. In her free time, Sarah enjoys running, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with her dog. She is thrilled to join the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program Class of 2027! 

Emily Newman  

Clark University 
B.A. in Biology, Concentration in Health, Science, and Society (2025) 

Emily Newman is from River Edge, New Jersey. As an undergraduate, Emily pursued a range of academic and extracurricular experiences that deepened her passion for genetic counseling. She contributed to research as a laboratory assistant studying the genetic diversity of Basidiobolus. She also volunteered in a cancer genetics lab, gaining insight into the clinical applications of genetics research. Emily has always been passionate about fostering inclusive environments, especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – a passion sparked by her time as a Teacher’s Assistant in a special services school district. This commitment continued through her work as a behavior technician in an autism services clinic, her involvement with Best Buddies, and her volunteer role with Rising Kites. On campus, Emily served as a Peer Educator Intern at her university’s Center for Counseling and Personal Growth and volunteered as a counselor for the Crisis Text Line. She served as President of the Challah for Hunger club, where she advocated for food insecurity awareness and action. She was also a teacher’s assistant for American Sign Language (ASL) courses, promoting communication accessibility and inclusion. In addition to her academic and volunteer commitments, Emily served as the captain of her NCAA DIII volleyball program. In her free time, Emily enjoys dancing, watching Friends, and playing daily word games. She was drawn to the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program due to its emphasis on diversity, advocacy, and compassionate care. Emily is thrilled to be part of the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program Class of 2027 and is excited to take the next step in her journey toward becoming a genetic counselor. 

Sarah Rogillio 

UNC – Wilmington 
B.S., Biology (December 2024) 

Sarah Rogillio is from Austin, Texas. She discovered the field of genetic counseling during a high school biology course and has aspired to become a genetic counselor ever since, aiming to assist patients on their diagnostic odysseys. As an undergraduate, Sarah was a student-athlete on the University of North Carolina-Wilmington swim team and a member of the Honors College. She shared her passion for swimming by teaching it to children. She enjoyed interacting with children from all backgrounds and building relationships with them, which fueled her desire for patient care even more. Additionally, she established the first chapter of Morgan’s Message on her campus to encourage mental health awareness among student-athletes. This initiative earned her an invitation to represent her campus at the inaugural student-athlete symposium as part of the NCAA Inclusion Forum. Sarah also conducted research for her undergraduate thesis on the metabolic processes of C. elegans in anaerobic conditions. In her spare time, she enjoys art and crafts as well as spending time outdoors. Sarah is excited to embark on her journey to become a genetic counselor in the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program Class of 2027! 

Savannah Rowden  

Colorado Mesa University 
B.S. Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology (2023), Minor: Chemistry 

Savannah Rowden (she/her) is from Fort Collins, CO. While studying at Colorado Mesa University (CMU), she discovered genetic counseling and was immediately intrigued. Pursuing her interest in genetics, Savannah participated in the GEP Pathways Project, annotating genes in the insulin pathway of two Drosophila species. At CMU, she held leadership roles in the Graduate Education in Medical Sciences Club and served as Special Projects Manager on the Sustainability Council. Dedicated to supporting others, Savannah volunteered as a patient companion with HopeWest Hospice. After graduating, she completed a six-month genetic counseling internship at Grand Valley Oncology, during which she shadowed professionals, reviewed oncology-related genetic research, and explored the administrative side of the field. She later worked as a Medical Imaging Assistant in Northern Colorado, gaining experience with both inpatient and outpatient radiology patients. She also volunteered for the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center’s hotline serving Northern Colorado. In her free time, Savannah enjoys hiking, swimming, crocheting, cooking, attending concerts, and reading. She is thrilled to join the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at Kean University, and chose Kean for the welcoming faculty and students, urban location, and commitment to increasing diversity in the field. 

Florie Sambuis  

Texas A&M University 
B.S., Psychology (2024), Minor: Genetics 

Originally from Nice, France, Florie Sambuis moved to the United States at the age of eight and discovered her passion for genetic counseling during her sophomore year of high school. She graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University, where she was actively involved in advocacy and research. For nearly three years, she served as a hotline advocate for the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC), providing support and resources to survivors. Florie gained research experience as an assistant in two distinguished labs: the Social Cognition Lab, studying counterfactual thinking and behavioral consequences, and the Avian Quantitative & Functional Genomics Lab, where her work focused on age-related declines in broiler breeder fertility and semen parameters. She completed several specialized training programs, including the Color Genetic Counseling Immersive Program, the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Genetic Assistant Training Program, and the Advocate Genetics Grad School Prep Program. As part of the latter, she developed a bilingual counseling aid to simplify donor egg epigenetics and mentored interns on topics such as high carrier numbers, patient literacy, and fertility-related concerns. Returning to her roots, Florie completed two internships at Georges Pompidou European Hospital in Paris, where she shadowed genetic counselors in cardiology and oncology, assisted with pedigree building, and contributed to personalized risk assessments. She also volunteered with l’Escale, a nonprofit organization supporting social integration for young adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. After attending the 2024 European Society of Human Genetics Conference (ESHG), she completed an oncology genetic counseling internship at Medisyn, a clinical laboratory in Switzerland. Currently, Florie is a Genetic Counseling Assistant at GeneDx, specializing in accession checking for various tests, including exome, genome, array, and panel testing. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, friends, and two Siamese cats. Florie is thrilled to continue pursuing her dream as part of the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program Class of 2027 and looks forward to making a lasting impact as a future genetic counselor. 

Aciana Franco 
Pending

Anja Hall 
Cancer Genetic Counselor 
AtlantiCare 
Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Kelci Hill 
Genetic Counselor 
Pediatric Genetics 
Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital 
Knoxville, TN

Alisha Jain 
Pending

Sydnee (McIlvaine) Leaver 
Pending

Ryan Mendel 
Pediatric Genetic Counselor 
Dartmouth Health System 
Lebanon, NH

Abigayle Nafus 
Genetic Counselor 
New Jersey Perinatal Associates 
Livingston, NJ

Angelina Santini 
Pending

Jade Gmitter 
Genetic Counselor 
UT Southwestern Medical Center 
Moncrief Cancer Institute 
Dallas, TX 

Aubrey Lewis 
Pending 

Parva Mashar 
Genetic Counselor
Maternal Fetal Medicine 
HCA Healthcare
Summerville Hospital
Summerville, SC

Chelsea Munger 
Genetic Counselor 
Ferre Institute 
Binghamton, NY 

Jaycie Rickert 
Genetic Counselor 
Arkansas Children’s Hospital 
Pediatric Department/Molecular Genetics Pathology Lab 
Little Rock, AR 

Audra Vanroboys
Genetic Counselor
Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program
Department of Radiology
Weill Cornell Medicine 

Leah Westcott 
Genetic Counselor 
New Jersey Perinatal Associates 
Livingston, NJ 

Ashley Zavodnick 
Pediatric Genetic Counselor
Hackensack Meridien
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Neptune, NJ

Carolina Conti
Genetic Counselor
Bing Cancer Center
OhioHealth
Columbus, OH

Gabriel Koslow
Genetic Counselor
Aortic Disease Center
University of Florida Health
Gainesville, FL

Rebecca Hook 
Genetic Counselor 
Hackensack Meridian Health 
Maternal Fetal Medicine 
Hackensack, NJ 

Carissa Huber
Genetic Counselor
NYU Langone Fertility Center
NYU Langone Health
New York, NY

Claudia Jackson 
Genetic Counselor 
Smilow Cancer Genetics 
Yale New Haven Health 
New Haven, CT 

Madison Perry
Genetic Counselor
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Nuvance Health
Poughkeepsie, NY

Corinne Schenone
Genetic Counselor
Division of Genetics
St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital
Paterson, NJ

Dahlia Shaaban
Genetic Counselor
Lexington Oncology
Lexington Medical Center
Columbia, SC

Janel Barbee, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
Smilow Cancer Genetics
Yale New Haven Health
New Haven, CT

Makena Green, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism
Children’s Specialty Group
Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters
Norfolk, VA

Jessica Hopkins, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
St. Luke's University Health Network 
Maternal Fetal Medicine
Easton, PA

Marissa Jensen, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
New Jersey Perinatal Associates
Livingston, NJ

Megan Keeney, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
Pediatric Genetics
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital
Knoxville, TN

Debra Paul, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
NextGen Genetics
Santa Clara, CA

Amanda Rentas, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine
Department of Pediatrics
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, TN

Morgan Secoy, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute
Lehigh Valley Health Network
East Stroudsburg, PA

Congratulations to our first class.  All students employed prior to graduation!

First Graduates of Kean’s Genetic Counseling Program Have Jobs Waiting - Kean University

Maya Briskin, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
Integrated Genetics
New Brunswick, NJ

Esther Choi, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
New Jersey Perinatal Associates
Livingston, NJ

Jamie Cormier, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
Division of Human Genetics
Department of Pediatrics
Lifespan - Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, RI

Monica Dillon, M.S.
Genetic Counselor
St. Luke’s University Health Network Cancer Center
Bethlehem, PA

Jessica Dowling, M.S.
Oncology Genetic Counselor
Advocate Christ Hospital
Chicago, IL

Rebecca Kelly, M.S.
Laboratory Genetic Counselor
Mayo Clinic
Hematopathology Division
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Remote position