Amy White

President

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Genetic Counseling program in 2002, and I spent the first half of my career at Children’s Wisconsin working primarily in pediatric genetics and specializing in biochemical genetics. After 12 years in clinic, I transitioned to a telework genetic counseling role in the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, where I spend my days on the phone assisting providers with biochemical genetic testing orders and results.

Amanda Jacquart

Vice President

I am a certified genetic counselor and a Genomic Science Liaison with Ambry Genetics. I earned an MS in genetic counseling from the University of Pittsburgh in 2014. I worked as a clinical genetic counselor for just under 8 years in the Clinical Cancer Center at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin. I started working with Ambry in May 2022 and I currently provide clinical and technical genetic testing education and support to providers across multiple states in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.

Laura Mcfarlane

Treasurer | Chair of Finance Committee

I began my professional life as a genetic counselor after graduating from the University of Colorado – Denver’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program in 2014. I have been a genetic counselor for eight years. I currently work at Advocate Aurora Health as a Senior Genetic Counselor.

Kristina Garcia

Secretary | Chair of Communication Committee

I attended the University of Wisconsin Madison Genetic Counseling program and graduated in 2020. I have been a clinical genetic counselor with UW Health for almost 4 years and have experience in pediatric and oncology genetics . I am also an adjunct associate professor with the UW Madison program where I teach a first-year course.

Kimberly anderson

Co-chair of Education Committee

I attended the Genetic Counseling program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have been a genetic counselor for 11 years starting first as a prenatal counselor before transitioning to a non-patient facing role. I currently work at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene in the Cytogenetic and Molecular Genetics Laboratory where I function as education coordinator and work as part of the variant interpretation team.

Tessa Bachinski

Co-chair of Education Committee

I graduated from the Northwestern University Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling in 2021. I am currently a clinical genetic counselor at Advocate Aurora Health, specializing in oncology, cardiology, and pharmacogenomics. I also am a clinical supervisor for students in the MCW Genetic Counseling program. 

Cory smid

Chair of Nomination Committee

My genetic counseling journey began as a teenager, when a member of my family was diagnosed with a chromosomal disorder. The empathy, patience, and kindness of our genetic counselor reflect the skills and attitudes I intentionally mirror in my own career. For several years, I was able to utilize these skills with brilliant teams in Milwaukee, and more recently, back home in Madison. Outside of work, I enjoy going to hikes with my partner and our dog, as well as playing ultimate frisbee.

Education Committee

The Education Committee aims to create and promote opportunities for members to continue developing professional skills and to oversee instructive activities for the general public.

Goals include participating in various community events, supporting genetic conference initiatives, and increasing educational material throughout the community.