Webinar: Ask a Simons Searchlight Genetic Counselor
Recorded on May 25, 2022

As part of Public Health Genetics Week, Simons Searchlight Genetic Counselors hosted a live Q&A to answer questions from families. Topics covered included: What are the roles of genetic counselors? How will genetic counselors help me navigate a new diagnosis? What is genetic testing? What resources does Simons Searchlight provide families?

Below is the recording of the webinar:

The Simons Searchlight Genetics Team has a message for you – READ IT HERE!

About the panelists:

Jamie Atondo, GC, MS  Geisinger, Panelist

Jamie Atondo graduated from Lycoming College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in psychology in December 2018. She then attended the University of Pennsylvania for her Masters of Science in Genetic Counseling degree and graduated in May 2021. Her thesis project focused on parental perceptions and opinions of their child’s genetic testing for hearing loss. Jamie joined the Simons Searchlight team in 2021 as a genetic counselor working on variant interpretation and helping families navigate the complexities of their genetic information and genetic testing results. While not working on Simons Searchlight, Jamie is a clinical genetic counselor in pediatric neurology. Outside of work Jamie enjoys playing with her dog, reading and traveling.

Rebecca Smith, LGC, MS   Geisinger, Panelist

Becky Smith earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Lebanon Valley College in 2017.  She then earned her Masters in Genetic Counseling from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2019.  During her time at UMD, her thesis focused on the role of genetic counselors in the recognition and prevention of sexual abuse in populations with intellectual disabilities.  Becky joined Simons Searchlight in 2019 as a genetic counselor, working with variant interpretation and interacting with families to help make meaning from and answer questions about genetic results.  In her free time, Becky enjoys hiking, reading, and learning to play the cello.

Curtis Weaver, BS   Geisinger, Q&A Host

Curtis Weaver graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in Biology in May 2019.  He also obtained a minor in Spanish.  After working with firefly genomes as a senior, he became interested in the applications of genetic research.  He was hired through Geisinger as a Research Assistant for the Simons Searchlight and SPARK projects and is planning on eventually obtaining a graduate degree.  In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing field hockey, and playing video games with friends.