Pennsylvania Association
of Genetic Counselors
News & Announcements
University of Pennsylvania
Genetic Counseling Program
awarded grant to increase diversity
in student enrollment
Warren Alpert Foundation awards $9.5 Million grant to
the University of Pennsylvania for scholarships to incoming students. Scholarships include tuition and living expenses. Four other genetic counseling programs are participating in awarding scholarships. UPenn Program Director, Kathy Valverde, is the P.I.
CEU Webinar Series
Funded by the Warren Alpert Foundation
Click on icons below for more information
PAGC Pennsylvania GC
Professional Status Survey
Updated Management Guidelines
for 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
April 2025
Newsletter Issue
Scroll down to read about featured genetic counseling students
About PAGC
We are a 501 (c)(6) non-profit organization that supports the professional growth of the genetic counseling community in Pennsylvania. There are great opportunities on the horizon for those who would like to volunteer their time and experience to support the needs of genetic counselors in our state. Please explore our site to get to know us and visit our Membership Page for more information about how you can get involved.
PAGC values diversity and inclusion as core tenets to the field of genetic counseling. PAGC promotes the use of language that is conscious of these principles and encourages all members of the genetic counseling community to engage in language that is acceptable.
Resources for learning about fluidity in gender identity if you are looking for more information:
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Barnes H, Morris E, Austin J. Trans-inclusive genetic counseling services: Recommendations from members of the transgender and non-binary community. J Genet Couns. 2020 Jun;29(3):423-434. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1187. Epub 2019 Nov 11. PMID: 31710150; LINK to article
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von Vaupel-Klein AM, Walsh RJ. Considerations in genetic counseling of transgender patients: Cultural competencies and altered disease risk profiles. J Genet Couns. 2021;30(1):98-109. doi:10.1002/jgc4.1372; LINK to article
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Sheehan E, Bennett RL, Harris M, Chan-Smutko G. Assessing transgender and gender non-conforming pedigree nomenclature in current genetic counselors' practice: The case for geometric inclusivity. J Genet Couns. 2020 Dec;29(6):1114-1125. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1256. Epub 2020 Mar 30. PMID: 32232917; LINK to article
PAGC Membership
PAGC was formed to promote genetics education, foster professional development, encourage communication and facilitate access to services in the state of Pennsylvania. Professional membership, participation in conferences and webinars, and volunteer support are crucial to our success!
Featured Genetic Counseling
Graduate Students
If you would like to be featured, please email pagcmembership@gmail.com for submission materials.
Nicole Delgado
Thomas Jefferson University
Year of Graduation: 2025
What was your major as an undergraduate?
Double major in Psychology and Biology
What attracted you to pursue a career in genetic counseling?
The appeal of genetic counseling for me lies in its strong focus on patient advocacy and support. It’s a profession where we not only provide crucial information but also take the time to understand and meet patients where they are, tailoring our approach to their unique needs—whether those needs are informational, emotional, or psychosocial. I’m drawn to the opportunity to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients, guiding them through complex decisions and offering compassionate care. This personalized approach is what makes genetic counseling a dynamic, ever-evolving field that will keep me deeply engaged with both my patients and my career for years to come.
What field of genetic counseling are you most interested in post-graduation?
Cardiology has deeply drawn my interest, particularly because of the high prevalence of heart disease in underserved areas where access to genetic counseling may be limited. The heart carries profound emotional and cultural significance as the core of life, and I’m fascinated by the intersection of its physical and emotional aspects. I’m passionate about helping patients not only understand their condition but also feel empowered to take charge of their health. By offering clear, accessible information, I aim to guide patients in becoming strong advocates for themselves, turning an overwhelming experience into one of confidence and control over their heart health.
What has been the most valuable aspect of your training so far?
The most valuable aspect of my training has been the numerous opportunities to engage with professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialties through conferences and lectures. These experiences have not only enhanced my education but also provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing me to learn from experts and expand my professional connections.
Please provide a brief description of your thesis project.
My thesis aims to assess the need for genetic counseling in underserved populations, addressing a critical gap in current needs assessment strategies. Traditionally, these assessments rely on data from individuals who have already accessed genetic counseling services, often overlooking the perspectives of those who face barriers to care due to inequitable access. This approach fails to capture the full scope of unmet demand in these communities. By highlighting this deficiency, my goal is to advocate for increased funding and inform workforce planning strategies that will enhance equitable access to genetic counseling services for all those who need it.
Caitlin Findlay
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Year of Graduation: 2026
What was your major as an undergraduate?
I started my professional life in public relations after earning a degree in Public Communications from American University, but my path shifted when I became a parent navigating the complexities of a rare genetic condition. Pursuing genetic counseling as a nontraditional student meant moving my family—including my now 15- and 13-year-old children—across the country from Southern California to attend UPenn. This journey has deepened my commitment to making genetics more accessible and impactful for families navigating the complexities of genetic conditions.
What attracted you to pursue a career in genetic counseling?
Navigating my son's rare copy number variation (a large duplication on his 2nd chromosome) meant grappling with uncertainty and advocating for his care. That experience gave me firsthand insight into the gaps in genetic counseling and the power of clear, compassionate guidance. I want to provide that support for other families.
What field of genetic counseling are you most interested in post-graduation?
My primary interests are in rare disease, prenatal care, and expanding the role of genetics across all areas of healthcare. I’m particularly interested in ensuring genetic information is not just available but actively used to guide medical decisions in diverse clinical settings. The evolving integration of genetics into mainstream medicine has the potential to transform patient care, and I’m excited to be part of that shift.
What has been the most valuable aspect of your training so far?
The most impactful part of my training has been learning from the experienced genetic counselors and clinicians at CHOP and Penn, along with the diverse clinical insights they offer. Given today's challenging biomedical research climate, I especially value being part of UPenn's community, where the faculty remains strongly committed to supporting and funding meaningful research. Alongside this training, I’m eager to bring my skills back to my hometown of Lancaster, PA, this summer for a rotation at The Clinic for Special Children, where I’ll gain additional hands-on experience working with a unique patient population.
Please provide a brief description of your thesis project.
By following up with the caregivers of patients who underwent rapid genome sequencing in the CHOP NICU one year ago, I aim to assess not only the impact of testing on clinical outcomes but also how families process and use this information over time. Understanding this long-term utility can help refine how genetic results are communicated and supported in the NICU and beyond.
