Could you tell us a little bit about your educational background?

I obtained a BS in Pre-Veterinarian/Animal Science with an emphasis in Genetics at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. I continued on to study at DePaul University for a Masters in Molecular Biology.

What first got you interested in the healthcare field as a career choice? There are a lot of career options in the field -nursing, physician assistant, etc., what made you decide that genetic counseling was the right practice area/career choice for you?

I found my passion for Genetics during undergraduate studies while working in a Genetics laboratory and isolating my first strand of DNA. I believed and still believe that genetics is the future of medicine, and I really want to be a part of the advancements in this field. I specifically decided on Genetic Counseling after joining the United States Peace Corps, and realized that I can combine both my passions of helping others and genetics into one career.

What type of obstacles have you had to overcome on the road to getting your education and in particular in pursuing your Genetic Counseling degree?

During my journey for MS in Molecular Biology, writing my thesis after having worked hard on complicated research was a demanding task. Deciding on specific programs for a graduate degree is always a challenge, due to finding the right fit for your future. Specifically, Genetic Counseling programs are highly competitive and have a low number for acceptance rate. Creating a great resume through hard work and education and writing a novel personal essay were stimulating hurdles.

Once you decided to pursue a Genetic Counseling degree, how did you know that KGI was the right school for you?

This year I broaden my applications to the majority of schools in California and was very pleased to apply to the KGI program. I knew this was the right place when I attended the admission interview. All the people at KGI were kind and friendly and just what you expect from someone working in the field of counseling. At KGI I felt at home, very valued and appreciated.

What are you most looking forward to about beginning your Genetic Counseling studies at KGI?

I love school and educating myself. I am most looking forward to studying in the field of genetics again and learning about the advancements of the technology and the knowledge I will acquire as the coursework proceeds.

What is one fun and interesting fact about you?

I am a huge nature enthusiast, I have 3 dogs and 2 cats and my husband and I spend as much outdoor time (camping, hiking, biking, boating, etc.) as possible with our furry loved ones.