Genetic Counseling Students

Class of 2026

 

Olivia Bales Headshot

Olivia Bales

Hello, my name is Olivia Bales and I was born and raised in Port Huron, Michigan. I graduated from  Oakland University in 2022 with my Bachelor of Science in Biology. During my time at Oakland, I was a Moceri Scholar and Teaching Assistant for the Honors College, served as the Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Chairwoman for Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, was an executive board member for Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Fraternity, and completed undergraduate research on E. coli pollution sources in the Great Lakes. After graduation, I moved to the greater Chicagoland area where I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, supporting providers in a wide variety of specialties. Additionally, I volunteered at WINGS Program Inc., a domestic violence support program, where I ran a children’s group for kids who have been exposed to domestic violence. In my free time, I am a lover of coffee, art, museums, and music. I also love staying active through sports, lifting weights, and exploring nature! I can’t wait to be a part of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø community and further my genetic counseling skills!


Michelle Benson Headshot

Michelle Benson

Hello, my name is Michelle and I am thrilled to continue my education at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø! I grew up in southern Minnesota and graduated from Augustana University, earning a B.A. in Biology with minors in Psychology and Spanish. Throughout college, I worked as a teaching assistant for freshmen biology students, a summer camp counselor, and an undergraduate research assistant with the South Dakota Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network. Since graduating, I've had a variety of jobs, most recently supporting matches at Big Brothers Big Sisters and working on-call as a mental health crisis responder. When I have free time, I enjoy reading, swimming, watching movies, and spending time with my friends and family.


Rae Dwyer Headshot

Rae Dwyer

 Hello! My name is Rae Dwyer and I am from Lindenhurst, Illinois. I graduated in 2023 from Case       Western Reserve University with a degree in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Psychology.           During my time in undergrad, I was an executive member of Voices for Reproductive Health and         ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø for Autism Acceptance. I worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant for biochemistry, as well as a genetic counseling assistant at University Hospitals. I volunteered as a counselor through Crisis Text Line and the Sparties Running Program, where I spent time working with autistic children in the community. After I graduated, I continued working as a GCA at University Hospitals in Cleveland. In my free time I enjoy running, reading, watching reality TV, and spending time with friends and family. I am thrilled to be joining Case Western’s genetic counseling program!


Sarah Eisen Headshot

Sarah Eisen

Hi! My name is Sarah Eisen. I’m from Toronto, Ontario. I graduated from Queen’s University in Ontario in 2021 with a BSc in Psychology. After graduating, I worked at an arts and social program for adults with disabilities and volunteered as a Crisis Responder for a crisis call line. I also volunteered for a dance program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease at Canada’s National Ballet School. In this role, I was able to share my love of dance and see firsthand how dance therapy improves the day-to-day life of individuals with Parkinson’s. For the past year, I’ve worked as a GCA at a General and Metabolic Genetics clinic at University Health Network in Toronto where I’ve had the opportunity to learn from an amazing interdisciplinary team. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, reading, dancing, and playing word games. I'm so excited and honored to be a part of the Genetic Counseling Training Program's class of 2026!


Renee Engels Headshot

Renee Engels

Hi, my name is Renee Engels and I’m from Southeastern Wisconsin. I graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2020 with a BS in Genetics & Genomics and Gender & Women’s studies. During my time at Madison, I was an undergraduate research assistant in the Handelsman Lab, studying the biochemical and genetic regulation of antibiotic production, microbial diversity, antibiotic resistance, and symbioses in microbial communities. I was a co-Volunteer chair of the Undergraduate Genetics Association; my favorite volunteer activity was creating genetics-related educational activities for children at Saturday Science, a monthly event held at the Wisconsin Institute of Discovery. After graduation, I moved to Seattle and began work as a genetic counseling assistant at Seattle Children’s Hospital, supporting the medical genetics division by coordinating genetic testing and prepping for patient visits. I am so excited to continue learning about genetic counseling at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø!  In my free time, I enjoy yoga, literature, film, food, and spoiling my two cats. 


Anna Fulbright Headshot

Anna Fulbright

Hello! My name is Anna and I am from Greenville, South Carolina. I graduated from Wofford College in 2021 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies. As an undergraduate student, I enjoyed volunteering with Halter, an equine therapy organization, and Wofford Companions, a student organization committed to creating events on campus for young adults with developmental disabilities to spend time with college students. For a year after graduation, I worked as the Coordinator for Student Development at Wofford assisting in the planning of on-campus events and student engagement opportunities. I then moved to Cleveland and have been a GCA working with cardio and prenatal GCs at the Cleveland Clinic for the last two years. I am very excited to join the Genetic Counseling class of 2026 at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø! In my free time, I love working on my cross stitch, knitting, and other fiber art crafts and taking walks around the park with my husband. 


Shelby Harding Headshot

Shelby Harding

Hi there! My name is Shelby and I’m from Sarasota, FL. I graduated from the University of Florida with a BS in Microbiology and Cell Science, and a BA in French and Francophone Studies. Throughout undergrad, I served on the Student Conduct Committee, held leadership roles in the student government, and spent a summer studying medicine and health abroad in Europe. After graduation I worked as a laboratory technician at microbial and chemical companies, and more recently worked in the genetics department at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL, where I loved connecting with patients to see how their lives are transformed through the genetic counseling process. I’ve also spent time volunteering with Crisis Text Line and tutoring at-risk teenagers. I’m so excited to be a part of the genetic counseling program at Case! I enjoy exploring museums and local bookstores, reading, gaming, and spending time with friends and family.


Chloe Maffei Headshot

Chloe Maffei

Hi everyone! My name is Chloe Maffei, and I am a first year GC student here at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. I am originally from North Jackson OH, a small rural town about 20 minutes west of Youngstown. I eventually moved to Kent OH, where I got my BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and a minor in Forensic Anthropology at Kent State University in 2022. After graduating, I became a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Akron Children's Hospital. In the same year I became an Electrophysiology Research Coordinator in the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. I also volunteered as a Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line for a time. I am beyond excited to expand upon my passion for genetics that I developed in undergrad, and learn from the individuals within the program. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, painting, gaming, and spending time with my friends. I look forward to the next chapter of my life at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø!


Karis Wang Headshot

Karis Six

Hello! My name is Karis and I am from the northern panhandle of West Virginia. I graduated from West Virginia University in 2023 with a BS in Biology and a minor in Medical Humanities and Health Studies. While an undergraduate, I was a teaching assistant for introductory biology courses, a patient experience volunteer at a UPMC hospital for a summer, and a volunteer crisis counselor on Crisis Text Line. I also completed a summer genetic counseling internship at WVU Medicine at the prenatal and cancer clinics. In my free time, I enjoy embroidery, reading, and trying new food! I am so excited and grateful to be a part of the genetic counseling program here at Case!


Caitlin Wahal Headshot

Caitlin Wahal

Hi! My name is Caitlin Wahal. I am from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, which is a suburb south of the city of Pittsburgh. I graduated from Penn State in 2024 with a BS in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Throughout my undergraduate education, I was a learning assistant for an introductory biology course, as well as a teaching assistant for a psychology course. I helped start the Genetic Counseling Club at Penn State and was a Founding Member Treasurer my senior year. I was also in my Advanced Genetics professor's lab for one semester where I assisted him with any procedures he would perform with plant genetics. I volunteered as a crisis line counselor through Crisis Text Line throughout school as well. The most rewarding activity in my undergraduate education unique to Penn State was participating in THON as a student volunteer for three years where I provided emotional and financial support to children with childhood cancer and their families, as well as ensured funding for critical research all in pursuit of a cure. The summer of my senior year, I was given the opportunity to volunteer in the genetics department at UPMC CHP and take an asynchronous course titled Genetic Counseling: Career for the Future through the University of South Carolina. In my free time, I love to go for outdoor walks, read romance or mystery books, watch TV with my dog, and go to country concerts. I am so excited to be joining the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Genetic Counseling Training Program and start learning from many incredible leaders in this field!


Class of 2027

 

Emily Bober Headshot

Emily Bober

Hello everyone! My name is Emily Bober and I'm from Pittsburgh, PA. I graduated from Penn State University in 2023 with a B.S. in Biology (Genetics & Development option). In my time at Penn State, I was an undergraduate teaching assistant for a remote general science course for students who were non-science majors. I also did undergraduate research with the Llinas Lab on P. falciparum, the parasite that is responsible for malaria. Most memorably, I volunteered as a committee member with Penn State THON, which is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world with the goal of raising awareness and funds to provide support for families and children fighting childhood cancer. Since graduating from Penn State, I have also volunteered as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line and have been working as a Genetic Counseling Assistant with the Cancer Genetics Program at Allegheny Health Network in the Pittsburgh area. Outside of being a GCA, I love spending time outdoors, exploring different state and national parks, junk journaling, skiing, and trying new restaurants. I am beyond excited to start my journey to become a genetic counselor with the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø GC program and can't wait to unwind the double helix!


Livia Fredrick Headshot

Livia Fredrick

Hi! My name is Livia Fredrick and I am from Evanston, Illinois. In May 2025, I graduated from the University of Michigan, where I double-majored in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Spanish. During my time at Michigan, I was involved in Adaptive Gymnastics, a volunteer club that puts on gymnastics classes for children with disabilities. I also worked as a research assistant in the Orthopaedic Research Laboratories at Michigan Medicine. Additionally, I volunteered as a crisis counselor for Ozone House, an organization that provides youth and family services for at-risk and unhoused youth. While shadowing a pediatric GC, I saw how my extracurricular and academic interests were combined into one amazing profession that I am so grateful to be pursuing! In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, playing guitar, and spending time outside. I am so excited to begin at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø! 


Isabella Gray Headshot

Isabella Gray

Hi! My name is Isabella Gray and I am from Columbus, Ohio. I graduated from the Ohio State University in 2022 with a BS in Neuroscience specializing in cellular/molecular neuroscience. During my time at OSU, I was on the executive board for Buckeyes Raising Awareness in Neuroscience and was a neuroscience major ambassador. I also held leadership positions at Camp Kesem at OSU, a national non-profit organization that provides support for children impacted by a parent's cancer, and I am still involved as an alumni. After graduation, I worked as clinical research assistant at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in the Ophthalmology and Genetics Department. The research studies I worked on focused on the genetics of uveal melanoma, a rare type of eye cancer, and the BAP1 cancer gene. During this time, I also volunteered at North Central Mental Health Services working on the suicide prevention hotline. In my free time, I enjoy reading, going for walks, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with my family and friends. I am so excited to be joining Case Western's Genetic Counseling Program!


Savanna Hindman Headshot

Savanna Hindman

Hello! My name is Savanna Hindman. I’m originally from Irwin, Pennsylvania. I graduated from Allegheny College, a small liberal arts school in Meadville, PA, in May 2024 with a degree in Biology and a minor in history. During undergrad I also worked as a teaching assistant, volunteered at a free medical clinic, interned as a Health Coach, and researched the molecular mechanisms of collagen IV disorders. After graduation, I moved back home and worked as a substitute teacher for my gap year. I especially enjoyed the days that I spent in special education classrooms. In my free time, I love reading, baking and spending time with my family. I also love to travel and explore new places. I’m so excited to be a part of ºÚÁϳԹÏ꿉۪s genetic counseling class of 2027!


Jillian Janssen Headshot

Jillian Janssen

Hello! My name is Jillian Janssen and I’m from Cary, North Carolina. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Psychology and minors in Exercise Science and History. During my time at UNC, I served as an undergraduate learning assistant for statistics and was involved in a wide range of research, from archival research to exploring the impact of ankle joint injuries on sensorimotor control. I also conducted two independent psychology research projects. After graduation, I worked in home health care, supporting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families impacted by conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, cancer, autism, and mitochondrial disorders. These experiences deepened my desire to pursue a career in genetic counseling. Outside of work, I’ve been a mentor with Comfort Zone Camp, a bereavement organization for children grieving the loss of a loved one. I also volunteered as a literacy tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center. In my free time, I love rock climbing, swimming, watching documentaries, playing board games and finding the best local bakeries. I'm excited to continue my education and training at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø!


Sasha Ledwin Headshot

Sasha Ledwin

Hi! My name is Sasha Ledwin and I’m originally from Brick, New Jersey, but I’ve lived in the Cleveland area for the past two years. I graduated from Gannon University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During my time at Gannon, I was a member of the university’s competitive dance team and assisted in lab research focused on mRNA cancer vaccines. After graduation, I worked as an Associate Scientist in a preclinical Genetic Toxicology lab and completed a genetic counseling assistant internship at Akron Children’s Hospital. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, traveling and hiking. I’m so excited and grateful to be part of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Genetic Counseling Class of 2027!


Skylar Lounds Headshot

Skylar Lounds

Hello! My name is Skylar Lounds and I am from Holt, Michigan. I graduated from Michigan State University in 2022, where I earned my degree in Human Biology. While I was attending MSU I worked as a physical therapy aide and volunteered as a freshman high school volleyball coach. After graduating I worked for two years as a research assistant for the Early-Phase Schizophrenia: Practice-based Research to Improve Treatment Outcomes (ESPRITO). In the nine months leading up to matching with ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant for the Cancer Genetics Center at Corewell Health in Royal Oak, Michigan. Outside of work and school I volunteered with Crisis Text Line, and for the Facing Hereditary Cancer Empowered organization. In my free time I love to spend time with loved ones, read, hike and be creative! I am so thrilled to be a part of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's class of 27'! 


Kamdyn Serakowski Headshot

Kamdyn Serakowski

Hello! My name is Kamdyn Serakowski and I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I graduated from Miami University (OH) in May 2024 with a Bachelor’s in Biology & Pre-Medical Studies and a minor in Medical Humanities. During my time at Miami of Ohio, I volunteered as a hospital advocate for Women Helping Women and was a coordinator/counselor for Camp Kesem. I also volunteered in an undergraduate lab studying the composition change of bug species in Southwest Ohio. After graduating, I spent my gap year working as a medical lab technologist at UPMC Shadyside and coached girls club volleyball. In my free time, I enjoy going outdoors and being active, spending time with friends and family, and I also love reading. I am so excited to be a part of the Genetic Counseling class of 2027 and can’t wait to start my next chapter here at Case! 


Allison Weidmann Headshot

Allison Weidmann

Hello, my name is Allison and I am so excited to continue my education at CRWU! I grew up in the south hills of Pittsburgh, PA and was raised a big steeler fan! I graduated from Ohio State University in December of 2023 with a BS in molecular genetics and a minor in clinical psychology. During my college years I was on the board of the undergraduate genetic counseling club, worked in a research lab at the Hillman Cancer Center, and volunteered in the genetics department at UPMC Children's Hospital. After graduation I worked as the newborn screening coordinator for hematology at Nationwide Children's Hospital. There I was able to counsel families to explain abnormal newborn screen results and educate them on the genetics of hematological diseases. When I have free time, I enjoy reading, running, watching sports, going to country concerts and spending time with friends and family. I am looking forward to this next chapter of my life at Case Western! 


Samantha Wright Headshot

Samantha Wright

Hi! My name is Sami Wright and I’m from Collingswood, New Jersey. I graduated in 2023 from Bucknell University with majors in Biology and Psychology, and a minor in Linguistics. While in undergrad, I did research on multisensory mental imagery. After graduating, I moved to Wisconsin to work as a laboratory genetic counseling assistant at PreventionGenetics.  I’ve volunteered with Special Olympics and the Child Life department at my local children’s hospital. In my free time, I love reading fantasy + romance, thrifting, crafting, gaming and hanging out with my cat Teddy. I am so excited to be joining ºÚÁϳԹÏ꿉۪s GC program!

 


Allison Zyck Headshot

Allison Zyck

Hi everyone! My name is Allison, and I'm from the Chicago suburbs. I graduated from ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø in the spring of 2024 with a B.A. in Biology and minors in English and Psychology. As an undergraduate, I did research in a lab investigating RNA splicing in the CFTR gene. I was also part of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's Delta Gamma chapter, and served as the Vice President of Social Standards. I began working part-time as a genetic counseling assistant at University Hospitals as an undergraduate, and transitioned to working as a full time cancer GCA at UH during my gap year. I also volunteer with hospice patients, and have been a Caring Call Volunteer with NAMI Greater Cleveland. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, embroidery and spending time with my friends (and my cat). I'm so excited to be a part of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Genetic Counseling program!