Where are you from?
Memphis, Tennessee
Describe your path to the Emory Genetic Counseling Training Program
I graduated from the University of Georgia (UGA) in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and a minor in Spanish. While at UGA, I participated as a student volunteer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Children’s). I discovered a deep passion for patient interaction and advocacy, specifically in the pediatric setting. My love for learning and working with patients ultimately led me to explore a career in genetic counseling.
After graduation, I moved to Atlanta and started a job as a genetic counseling assistant with Children’s Cardiology. In this role, I gained exposure to cardiovascular genetic counseling and learned more about caring for patients with inherited heart disease. I especially loved the opportunity to work with families, teaching them about genetic information and supporting them beyond their diagnosis. Genetic counseling was a perfect combination of my interest in genetics with my passion for supporting patients through psychosocial care.
As I applied to graduate programs, it became clear that Emory would be a wonderful place to pursue my love of genetic counseling. I could tell that the program’s wide range of experiences delivered exceptional academic and professional growth.
What field do you plan to pursue post-graduation?
I have accepted a position as a pediatric cardiovascular genetic counselor at Children’s Cardiology. Returning to the place that helped build the foundation for my interest in cardiovascular genetics and shape my passion for genetic counseling is an incredibly rewarding full-circle moment. I am very excited to be working with such an amazing group of people in the field I love.
Why did you decide to pursue a career as a genetic counselor and come to Emory?
My mom nurtured my interest in genetic counseling. As a certified nurse-midwife, my mom had incredible admiration for the talented prenatal genetic counselors she worked with over the years. Once I learned about what an impactful career this could be, I started looking for more opportunities to gain exposure to the field.
After studying genetics throughout my undergraduate career, I was absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work with two incredible genetic counselors at Children’s Cardiology. These dedicated professionals taught me so much about cardiovascular genetics and genetic counseling. This experience confirmed my interest in this career. I am incredibly grateful to have such tireless advocates during my pursuit of this dream.
I knew I wanted to continue working closely within the medical community in Atlanta. Emory offered a variety of clinical rotations that sparked my interest, including opportunities to interact with patients early in training. From my admission interview onward, I felt genuinely welcomed and connected with both peers and faculty at Emory. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this supportive and inspiring environment.
What would you want others to know about your years in the Emory Genetic Counseling Training Program?
The rigorous curriculum, diverse clinical experiences and highly supportive community made me proud to earn my degree here. My path to graduation has instilled me with greater confidence and resilience. The students in this program are unique and brilliant, and they have inspired me through thoughtful classroom conversations and beyond.
The faculty, mentors and supervisors within the program have played a huge role in supporting me throughout this journey. They really championed my specific interests and created a path for me to pursue my individual passions, while also challenging me to explore new areas and expand my perspective. I developed valuable skills that expanded my understanding of both research and patient care. Overall, it has been a very full and rewarding couple of years.
What did you like most about living in Atlanta?
Atlanta has so much to offer! In my free time, I frequently stroll along the Beltline or around Piedmont Park. I also spend a lot of time at the coffee shops around the Virginia-Highland neighborhood, which is also home to my favorite bookstore!