Genetic Counseling Students

Jade Gmitter  

Michigan State University 
B.S., Biomedical Laboratory Science (2021)

Jade Gmitter is from Berrien Springs, Michigan. While pursuing her degree in biomedical laboratory science with a concentration in medical microbiology, she gained valuable experience working in a toxicology laboratory. Her work involved studying the impact of particulate matter and vapor phase pollutants on the induction or exacerbation of non-small cell lung cancer. Throughout her undergraduate years, Jade volunteered with two student organizations dedicated to combating gendered violence with a focus on assisting survivors of sexual, physical, and verbal abuse: the Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention (SACI) and the Michigan State University Center for Survivors. It was during this time that Jade's interest in genetic counseling began to grow as she worked on the confidential SACI hotline and became a medical advocate. After completing her bachelor's degree, Jade secured a position at Stryker, a prominent medical technology company. Her responsibilities included creating pre-operative surgical plans for robotically assisted total hip and total knee arthroplasty. During her free time, Jade expanded her knowledge of genetic counseling by interviewing and shadowing genetic counselors. Additionally, she attended the Michigan Association of Genetic Counselors Annual Educational Conference and joined GOLDEN Genetics, a group that supports minority individuals interested in careers in genetics. Jade balances her professional pursuits with personal interests, such as going to the beach, cooking, sewing, and spending quality time with friends and family. Her decision to join Kean University's Genetic Counseling Graduate Program stems from the university's diverse population and supportive faculty. Jade is thrilled to be embarking on this new chapter in her life and getting closer to her dream of becoming a genetic counselor!

Aubrey Lewis  

Loyola University
B.S., Biology (2019)

Aubrey Lewis is from Duxbury, Massachusetts. During her undergraduate years at Loyola University Maryland, she was an intern at a local hospital where she conducted translational cancer research on patients’ tumor tissue. Additionally, she worked with the Fibrous Dysplasia Foundation, where she summarized recent medical and genomic scientific papers pertaining to fibrous dysplasia. Upon completing her degree, Aubrey worked at a pediatric therapy center specializing in autism spectrum disorder and coached gymnastics at a local gymnastics center. Prior to starting her graduate education, Aubrey resided in Fort Worth, Texas, where she was employed as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at the UT Southwestern cancer genetics department. During her time in Texas, she dedicated her free time to volunteering at Dallas Life, a local homeless shelter, and Rays of Light, an organization that offers engaging and educational structured activities for children with special needs and their siblings. In her leisure hours, Aubrey enjoys exploring the outdoors and pursuing her personal goal of hiking New Hampshire's 48 4,000 feet mountains. Aubrey is thrilled to continue her education in the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at Kean University!

Parva Mashar 

Michigan State University
B.S., Genomics and Molecular Genetics (2022)

Parva Mashar is from Gujarat, India. After discovering her genetically linked gluten intolerance and supporting her cousin through her genetic disorder diagnosis and treatment, Parva developed a deep interest in studying genetics and advocating for families facing similar challenges. Her passion to become a genetic counselor was solidified when she moved to Michigan and began shadowing cancer genetic counselors. During her undergraduate years, Parva conducted an in-vitro virological essay to compare the pathogenicity of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) strains VHS-Ia and VHS-IVb. This research project won the first prize in the Microbiology and Immunology category at the Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum 2021 (UURAF), hosted by Michigan State University. Additionally, Parva participated in a summer research project focused on vector control, specifically targeting Cuilasita Melanura to prevent the spread of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus. After completing her undergraduate studies, Parva returned to Ahmedabad, India, where she worked as a patient counseling assistant at Shreeji Women's Hospital. Advocating for patients struggling with aneuploidy and other disorders inspired her to pursue studies in prenatal and pediatric genetic counseling. Parva was a Crisis Counselor for the Crisis Text Line and a Physiotherapy Assistant at Bopal Physiotherapy Center. In the latter role, she provided support to children with impaired motor control, genetic disorders, and other special needs during their therapy sessions. During her free time, Parva enjoys exploring local cafés and boba places, admiring sunsets by the beach, and expressing her creativity through painting. The supportive and accomplished leadership team, inclusive community, and exceptional rotation sites provided Parva with a sense of belonging, making her feel confident in choosing at Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program. She is excited to start her graduate journey at Kean University this fall.

Chelsea Munger 

Colgate University
B.A., Molecular Biology (2021), Minor: Mathematical Systems Biology

Chelsea Munger is from Lowville, New York. As an undergraduate, Chelsea worked in a molecular biology lab; however, she discovered that the nature of the work left her feeling isolated. A peer introduced her to the field of genetic counseling assuring her that it would be a better fit. Turns out, her peer was right! After graduating, Chelsea took on the role of a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Ferre Genetics Institute and worked as a counselor at Southern Tier Women’s Health Services. She attributes a significant portion of her growth and development as a counselor to the guidance of Luba Djurdjinovic, M.S. and Peg Johnston during her time at these institutions. Chelsea was involved in many theatre productions in high school and continued her love for performance in her undergraduate career by joining dance teams and working as the school’s mascot. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys hiking, watching horror movies, playing card games with friends, and engaging in videogames. Chelsea is eagerly looking forward to expanding her knowledge in the constantly evolving field of genetic counseling and advancing her education as a member of the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program Class of 2025!

Jaycie Rickert 

Michigan State University (MSU)
B.A., Health Communication (2021)

Jaycie Rickert is from Mount Clemens, Michigan. During her undergraduate studies, she dedicated her time to tutoring student athletes, interning at Clover Genetics, and shadowing various genetic counselors. While at Michigan State University, she was awarded the Dr. David and Patricia Nix "Miss MSU" Barron Endowed Scholarship from the College of Communication Arts and Sciences in both 2020 and 2021. Additionally, she engaged in multiple research projects alongside her professors, delving into topics such as cancer clinical trials, the opioid epidemic, and COVID-19. Jaycie first learned about the field of genetic counseling during a biology lecture, and she immediately developed a deep affection for its combination of advocacy, teaching, patient care, and genomics. Volunteer work holds a special place in her heart, and she has offered her time to various organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Greater Lansing Food Bank, Macomb Foster Closet, and Sparrow Hospital. After completing her studies at MSU, Jaycie gained invaluable experience as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit. In this role, she acquired greater understanding of both inpatient and outpatient genetic counseling, while actively undertaking hands-on and behind-the-scenes responsibilities, such as collecting patient samples, handling insurance prior authorizations, tracking test results and attending Medical Genetics Grand Rounds. In her free time, Jaycie loves to hike, nanny, travel, and watch musical theater. She could not be more excited to become a genetic counselor and help contribute to advancements in healthcare. Moreover, she is thrilled at the prospect of learning from the wonderful students and faculty at Kean University.

Audra Vanroboys 

Miami University
B.S., Biology (2022), Minor: General Business

Audra Vanroboys (she/her) is from Thamesville, Ontario, Canada. She moved to the United States in 2018 to attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. As an undergraduate, Audra was a strong student wellness advocate and held positions as Treasurer and Event Leader for the Student Wellness Advocacy Team. Additionally, Audra served as a Public Health Intern for the Arthritis Foundation, for which she created a health education campaign on joint health awareness targeted toward physically active young adults. Audra discovered genetic counseling during her senior year of college, and she sought opportunities to learn more about the career through informational interviews and shadowing experiences. She also supported individuals of all ages through volunteering with the Crisis Text Line, the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), and Facing Hereditary Cancer Empowered (FORCE). Passionate about working in a pediatric setting, Audra moved to Boston, MA, upon graduating to work at Boston Children’s Hospital as a Patient Experience Representative in the Developmental Medicine Center. In her free time, Audra loves being outdoors, exercising, reading, and volunteering with youth sports teams. Audra chose Kean University for the supportive faculty, and she could not be more excited to be a part of the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program Class of 2025!

Leah Westcott 

University of Wisconsin-Madison
B.S., Genetics and Genomics (2021) 

Leah Westcott is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As an undergraduate, Leah learned about genetic counseling as a freshman. While attending school, Leah worked as a respite provider for families of children with disabilities. Spending time with the families and gaining invaluable insights solidified her decision to pursue genetic counseling as a career. Motivated by a desire for more patient interaction, Leah moved to St. Louis, Missouri, after graduating to work as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at a pediatric hospital. In her role, Leah shadowed professionals, volunteered in specialty clinics, and worked directly with patients and their families. The field of pediatrics appealed to her, as it combined problem-solving, providing families with education and support, and collaborating with professionals from various disciplines. She aspires to work in the pediatric specialty once she completes her studies at Kean University. Outside of the hospital, Leah dedicated her time as a bereavement support call volunteer and an animal shelter volunteer. These activities allowed her to familiarize herself with the community and its people. In her free time, Leah enjoys discovering new coffee shops and swimming when the weather permits. Leah is looking forward to moving to the east coast and to joining the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program with the Class of 2025!

Ashley Zavodnick 

University of Maryland
B.S., Physiology and Neurobiology (2022)
B.S., Psychology (2022) 

Ashley Zavodnick is from Mount Laurel, New Jersey. As an undergraduate, Ashley engaged in research as a member of a genetics lab, studying the neurogenic element of Ftz in Drosophila melanogaster. Additionally, she volunteered for a local hotline and the National Suicide Prevention Line, fulfilled the roles of Teasurer and Recovery Leader for the Food Recovery Network, and tutored children and adults in math and English through the Maryland Mentor Corps. Last summer, Ashley dedicated her time to Camp JCC in Bethesda, Maryland, working closely with young adults who have disabilities, offering support and fostering a safe and inclusive environment. In her free time, Ashley finds joy in baking, hiking, and spending quality time with her cats. Ashley's decision to choose Kean University was influenced by the welcoming faculty and the vast array of opportunities available. Ashley is honored to be joining the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program as a part of the Class of 2025!

Carolina Conti 

Towson University
B.S., Biology (2021): Concentration in Cell and Molecular Biology

Carolina Conti was born in São Paulo, Brazil. She immigrated to the United States with her family when she was seven years of age. As an undergraduate student, Carolina analyzed data from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program assessing the effects of COVID-19 on anxiety levels in persons from diverse U.S. populations. As a Healthy Minds Peer Educator, Carolina combatted the stigma surrounding mental illness through conducting advocacy and educational outreach events. In addition to being the Team Lead for the Healthy Minds group, Carolina worked as a manager at the Towson University admissions office. She has always been passionate about education and dedicated her summers to working as a science camp instructor for Club Sci Kidz. After graduation, Carolina worked with individuals with severe behavioral disorders and developmental disabilities as a clinical assistant in the Neurobehavioral Unit at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Currently, Carolina volunteers as a Crisis Counselor for Crisis Text Line. In her free time, Carolina enjoys hiking and painting. Carolina chose Kean University because of its supportive faculty and diverse community. She is looking forward to beginning this next chapter of her career at the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program! 

Rebecca Hook  
Touro College
B.S., Biology (2022), Minor: Psychology

Rebecca Hook is from Teaneck, New Jersey. Prior to beginning her undergraduate career, Rebecca studied and volunteered abroad in the Middle East, where she developed a passion for educating and empowering others. As an undergraduate, she supported individuals of all ages by working as a high school student mentor, a Big Sister to young adults with Down syndrome, and a Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line. Additionally, Rebecca served as an advocate for JScreen, a public health initiative dedicated to increasing awareness of preconception genetic testing in the Ashkenazi Jewish community. She conducted research in the areas of neuroscience, biopsychology, and alternative medicine. After a year of shadowing and interning with genetic counselors in various specialties including prenatal, pediatric, cancer, and metabolic genetics, Rebecca continued as a full-time Genetic Counseling Assistant at Hackensack University Medical Center. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling around the world, and cheering on the New York Mets. Rebecca is thrilled to be a part of Kean University's Genetic Counseling Graduate Program and cannot wait to see where the world of genetics takes her!

Carissa Huber  
Siena College
B.S., Biology (2020), Minor: Psychology

Carissa Huber is originally from Inlet, New York. As an undergraduate, Carissa worked as a tutor with the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and completed genomic research investigating a genetically silenced area on the fourth chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. She also participated in various volunteer activities including working as a Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line and a classroom aid at Upstate Cerebral Palsy’s New Discoveries Learning Center, a preschool designed for children with behavioral challenges, genetic disorders, or other disabilities that require special attention. Her interest in genetic counseling was solidified after shadowing genetic counselors specializing in cancer and prenatal genetics. After graduating, Carissa moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant for Reproductive Genetic Innovations, a preimplantation genetic testing lab. She quickly became interested in pursuing reproductive genetic counseling and advocating for patients struggling with infertility. In her free time, Carissa likes to explore local restaurants/attractions, work out, and hike. Carissa chose Kean University because of the unique clinical rotation opportunities and forward-thinking attitude. She is excited to return to the east coast and continue her education at Kean University’s Genetic Counseling Graduate Program!

Claudia Jackson 
University of Connecticut
B.S., Pathobiology (2021), Minor: Molecular and Cell Biology

Claudia Jackson is from Ledyard, Connecticut. As an undergraduate, she was a research assistant for a microbiology lab, a genetic engineering lab, and the Spirituality, Meaning and Health Laboratory. Her interest in genetic counseling was solidified when she shadowed at UConn Health and at Geisinger. She was passionate about her volunteer work as a sexual health educator for UConn and her work with project Sunshine where she had the opportunity to bring joy and play to hospitalized pediatric patients. Claudia was also a member of the UConn women's ultimate frisbee team. After graduation, Claudia was a research assistant and then a research technician for two different biotech companies working on at-home COVID-19 tests. She also served as a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line, and was a peer buddy for Best Buddies CT. She is thrilled to be joining Kean University's Genetic Counseling Graduate Program with the class of 2024 and coming one step closer to her dream of becoming a genetic counselor!

Gabriel Koslow 
Rutgers University
B.A., Genetics (2021)
B.A., Psychology (2021)

Gabriel Koslow is from Fort Lee, New Jersey. While majoring in genetics and psychology at Rutgers University, he worked in the Waksman Institute of Microbiology studying the genetics of meristem development in maize plants. During the school year, he was part of the Rutgers sailing team, and volunteered with The Samaritans, a confidential crisis hotline based in New York City. In the summers, he volunteered with the forest service, making wheelchair accessible trails in Montana, and with All Hands and Hearts, rebuilding homes after Hurricanes Harvey and Florence. In the year after graduation, he worked as an AmeriCorps Fellow, teaching fourth grade math at Great Oaks Legacy Elementary School in Newark, New Jersey. In his free time, Gabe goes on bicycle tours, his most recent being from New Jersey to South Carolina. Gabe is excited to join the genetic counseling program at Kean University, especially because of the enthusiastic faculty and exciting rotations.

Madison Perry 
Caldwell University 
B.A. Biology (2021) Minors: Psychology and Theology

Madison Perry is from Hawthorne, New Jersey. She was first introduced to genetic counseling through a seminar she attended as a freshman, and was instantly hooked. She dug into her newly found passion by interviewing various genetic counselors, which led to conducting research on population epigenetics with Drosophila melanogaster. She also interned with Outreach 360 as a science teacher to educate virtually students from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. During her undergraduate years, Madison was a student-athlete with the women’s bowling team. She decided to continue her passion of bowling by coaching for the Special Olympics. Outside of Caldwell University, Madison worked in a local elementary school as an Applied Behavior Analyst aide for students with autism spectrum disorder, and volunteered as a Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line and The Trevor Project. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, hiking with her Australian Shepherd, Savannah, and playing board games with friends and family. Madison is thrilled to be taking this next step as a future genetic counselor and honored to be part of the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program’s Class of 2024!

Corinne Schenone 
Syracuse University 
B.A., Biology (2021)
B.A., Psychology (2021) 

Corinne Schenone is from Washington Township, New Jersey. As an undergraduate, Corinne volunteered in a genetics laboratory researching immune responses of Drosophila melanogaster. Corinne also interned with an obstetrician-gynecologist, applying her passion for women’s health. Corinne’s interest in genetic counseling grew as she began volunteering as a Crisis Counselor with Connect & Breathe: An After-Abortion Nonjudgmental Talkline. Upon graduation, Corinne also volunteered with Pony Power Therapies: a non-profit organization using horses to enhance well-being. In her free time, Corinne enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her rescued cats! Corinne chose Kean University because of the incredibly kind and supportive faculty. Corinne is eager to learn more about the ever-growing field of genetics and is thrilled to be a part of the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program’s Class of 2024! 

Dahlia Shaaban  
Colgate University
B.A., Religion (2005), Minor: Political Science

Dahlia Shaaban is from Montville, NJ. She comes to genetic counseling in the third iteration of her career. She launched her career in Middle East conflict work with the U.S. Institute of Peace, a federal think tank where she facilitated the award and management of State Department funds to grassroots peacebuilding organizations in a post-invasion Iraq. She led capacity-building workshops for grantees in Erbil and Beirut, and coached applicants in developing competitive grant proposals. With her growing interest in integrative medicine, she pursued training in yoga, holistic nutrition, and Thai massage, and apprenticed with teachers who introduced her to Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and other indigenous healing traditions. Following her passion for coaching, she left conflict work and founded Live Deliciously, a practice in which she has designed and implemented workplace wellness programs, and coached over 150 clients in cultivating healthier lifestyles. She studied nutrigenomics and epigenetics as disciplines that illuminate the intersection of heredity and longevity, and engaged her clients in discussions on nutrition, gut health, and gene expression. When she discovered the field of genetic counseling, she immediately embarked on her journey to join the profession. She returned to community college in her mid-30s to complete her prerequisites and shadowed counselors in reproductive, cancer, pediatric, and neurogenetics clinics through the Foundation for Embryonic Competence, Fox Chase Cancer, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and the Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center. For almost two years, she facilitated the management and growth of the Cancer Risk Assessment Program as a genetic counseling assistant at Capital Health-Hopewell, a community hospital that serves diverse populations across Central New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Minority Genetic Professionals Network and Arab Association for Genetic Counselors. Dahlia is thrilled to join the Kean University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program Class of 2024, and to co-create inclusive spaces at an ever-advancing frontier in healing.

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