Students pursuing a career in genetic counseling build unique experiences as they
prepare for graduate education. Each of our students has something special to offer
from their undergraduate, post graduate and extracurricular experiences as they merge
to become a team of learners.
What Does it Mean to be a Genetic Counseling Student?
At the University of South Carolina it means you become part of the team from day one: an engaged learner in our genetics
center. You'll have an experienced faculty who are open door mentors in your preparation
for this career. You'll have access in the classroom and in the clinic to the genetic
counselor faculty and geneticists in our rotation network of twelve genetic centers.
The world of genetic counseling will unfold for you in two very busy years.
Our goal is to provide a strong foundation in genetic concepts and interpersonal communication
to prepare our students for the dozens of roles open to genetic counselors today.
Upon graduation, our students will demonstrate advanced knowledge in genetics, genomics
and psychosocial skills and will be equipped to collaborate with an interprofessional
team to provide patient centered care in a variety of settings.
Bryel Frasch is from Gordon, Pennsylvania and graduated from The Pennsylvania State
University in 2020 with a major in Genetics and Developmental Biology and a business
certificate minor. During her time at PSU, Bryel was a member of the Presidential
Leadership Academy, president of an acapella group, and worked as a summer undergraduate
research intern where she had her first exposure to genetic counseling! After graduation,
Bryel gained more counseling experience working as a genetic counseling assistant
at Geisinger in Danville, PA for over two years. As a GCA, she had various roles supporting
a team of 6 cancer genetic counselors. She contributed to two research projects looking
at the effects of returning genetic results to minors and assessing adolescent perspectives
on the transition period from pediatric care to adult care in those with a hereditary
cancer predisposition. She also worked closely with the Inherited Risk GI Multidisciplinary
Clinic team, shadowed genetic counselors of various specialties, and was a hospice
volunteer. Bryel is elated and grateful to be part of the GC program here at USC!
Bryel.Frasch@uscmed.sc.edu
Kaitlyn Gmitro
Kaitlyn Gmitro is from Greenville, South Carolina. She attended Clemson University
and graduated May 2023 with a B.S. in Genetics and minors in Psychology and Life Sciences.
While at Clemson, Kaitlyn volunteered with ClemsonLIFE, a program for young adults
with intellectual disabilities to help them learn life skills and attend college with
the goal of independent living. She participated in undergraduate research in a bioinformatics
lab where she learned to code and run data-intensive workflows. Kaitlyn was a genetics
peer mentor and a Wellness Ambassador for the Clemson Honors College helping to promote
holistic wellness and mental health awareness on Clemson’s campus. During this time
she worked as a coach at Brain Balance to help children with ASD, ADHD/ADD, and developmental
delays perform better in school. Kaitlyn gained valuable experience in the field while
she was a genetic counseling intern for the Greenwood Genetics Center in Charleston,
SC in the summer of 2022. She is very excited to be a part of the class of 2025 and
welcomes any questions about applying to GC school and participating in the LEND fellowship!
Kaitlyn.Gmitro@uscmed.sc.edu
Kashish Khanna
Kashish Khanna is from Louisville, Kentucky. She graduated from the University of
Cincinnati in December 2022 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minor in Psychology.
During her undergraduate career, she was a member of the executive team for the first
Genetic Counseling Club at UC. She also worked as a peer tutor and was part of a research
lab investigating the genetic causes affecting the cranial and sensory-skeletal systems
of the model organism, Astyanax mexicanus. As part of her advocacy work, she volunteered
for the Crisis Text Line and UCRefugee, a club that helps mentor refugees in order
to foster intercultural exchange and dialogue. At Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical
Center (CCHMC), she worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator on a study investigating
the risk of exposure to third-hand smoke for children. In the time between graduating
from UC and starting grad school, she worked as a laboratory genetic counseling assistant
at CCHMC as well. She is so excited to be a student at USCGCGP class of 2025 and is
happy to answer any questions!
Kashish.Khanna@uscmed.sc.edu
Cassidy Lena
Cassidy Lena graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023, where she completed
a B.A. in Public Health and a minor in Spanish. While at USC, she was a trainee in
the Maternal and Child Health Leadership and Education for Undergraduate Pathways
(LEAP) program, the secretary of the Advocate's Against Alzheimers Association, and
volunteered with the SC Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare. She was also in
the Honors College at USC, where she completed her Honors Senior Thesis on a Medicaid
policy analysis on maternal mortality and morbidity, and infant mortality, among urban
and rural women in South Carolina. Cassidy also worked as a genetic counseling assistant
at USC, where she solidified her decision to become a genetic counselor. In addition,
she studied abroad in Costa Rica where she participated in educational and service-oriented
cultural excursions, including observing the Costa Rican healthcare system, and completed
a medical internship in Cusco, Peru this past summer helping rural clinics. Outside
of USC, she is a U.S. figure skating coach teaching students all of ages in competitive
and recreational skating. Cassidy is so grateful to be a part of the USC Genetic Counseling
Class of 2025 as well as one of the LEND trainees, and is happy to answer any questions
about the program!
Cassidy.Lena@uscmed.sc.edu
Audrey Parrott
Audrey Parrott is from Macon, Georgia. She attended Georgia College & State University
where she graduated in May 2023 with a B.S. in Biology. While at GCSU, Audrey worked
as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader, SI Coach, and Biology and Chemistry tutor.
She also spent 3 years in a reproductive physiology research lab where she completed
her senior capstone. Away from school, she volunteered as a community instructor for
The Arc in Macon where she advocated for, and befriended, a young woman with Downs
Syndrome. These experiences instilled a passion for teaching, learning, science, and
advocacy, leading Audrey to genetic counseling. After shadowing and interviewing several
genetic counselors, she knew this was her calling. This has led her to Columbia, SC
where Audrey is thrilled and proud to be a part of the USCGCP, Class of 2025 as one
of three LEND fellows!
Audrey.Parrott@uscmed.sc.edu
Ansley Roberts
Ansley Roberts graduated from Furman University in December 2022, where she completed
a B.S. in Biology with a minor in film studies. During her time at Furman, she pursued
research looking at the effect of calcium on how T cells fight off infections in the
body. She also worked in the housing department as a resident assistant and an assistant
area coordinator where she supported and mentored college students. Ansley was also
a part of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity at Furman. During the summer before
her senior year, she had an internship with three cancer genetic counselors at Prisma
Health in Greenville, SC. After graduating, Ansley worked as a genetic assistant for
Greenwood Genetic Center in Columbia, SC. As a genetic assistant, she facilitated
eVisits, obtained approval for patient genetic testing from insurance companies, and
assisted pediatric genetic counselors with daily tasks. Ansley is thrilled to be a
part of the USC Genetic Counseling class of 2025 and is happy to answer any questions
about the program or application process!
Ansley.Roberts@uscmed.sc.edu
Sophia Salvatore
Sophia Salvatore is from Haddonfield, NJ, and graduated from Thomas Jefferson University
in 2023 with a B.S. in Biopsychology and a minor in Genetics. Throughout undergrad,
Sophia had roles as a resident assistant, freshman peer mentor, orientation leader,
and teaching assistant for Biology I and Principles of Genetics lab courses. She also
participated in an internship in the summer of 2021 at Rowan School of Biomedical
Sciences, where she worked in Dr. Michael Henry’s microbiology lab focused on mitochondrial
genetics. At TJU, she was a research assistant under Dr. Podowitz-Thomas for the studies:
“Experiences of Neurodivergent Undergraduate Students with Group Work in STEM Courses”
and “Chemistry Problem-Solving Approaches of Neurodivergent Students and Their Peer
Tutors.” Outside of school, Sophia volunteered as a crisis counselor at Crisis Text
Line and shadowed genetic counselors at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University
in New Jersey, both of which helped solidify her interest in genetic counseling. She
chose USCGCP due to the emphasis on community outreach and the tight-knit relationships
between students and faculty, and is extremely grateful to be a part of the class
of 2025!
Sophia.Salvatore@uscmed.sc.edu
Julia Schoeni
Julia Schoeni is originally from Newtown, Connecticut. She graduated from Rutgers
University in May 2019 with a B.A. in Genetics. While at Rutgers, she participated
in undergraduate research in the Rongo lab studying the mechanisms of mitochondrial
transport along neurons in C. elegans. After graduating, she joined the Peace Corps
and volunteered as a Biology and Chemistry teacher at a secondary school in Tanzania.
Upon her return, she starting working at Labcorp as a technologist in the COVID-PCR
department and eventually transitioned into a role as a Cytogenetic technologist with
the Oncology group. As a technologist, she cultured and karyotyped patient bone marrow
specimens as well as read FISH prenatal samples. During this time, she also volunteered
with Crisis Text Line as a crisis counselor. To learn more about genetic counseling,
she interviewed and shadowed many counselors in a variety of specialties and confirmed
her decision to become a genetic counselor herself. Julia is thrilled to be a part
of the USC Genetic Counseling Class of 2025 and is happy to answer any questions!
Julia.Schoeni@uscmed.sc.edu
Maggie Stuhlreyer
Maggie Stuhlreyer is from Franklin, Tennessee. She graduated from the University of
Georgia in May of 2022 with a B.S. in Genetics. During her undergraduate experience,
she researched various aspects of gene expression in plants and received an assistantship
from the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities. She volunteered at the Crisis
Text Line and a local mental health resource center in Athens, GA. Additionally, she
completed a summer term at the University of Oxford where she studied biomedical ethics.
After graduation, she worked as a Clinical Trials Associate at Vanderbilt University
Medical Center on a team studying the potential benefit of offering a high-dose influenza
vaccine to solid organ transplant recipients. She is excited to be a part of the USC
Genetic Counseling Program and is happy to answer any questions!
Maggie.Stuhlreyer@uscmed.sc.edu
Class of 2026
Laura Ciccarelli
Laura Ciccarelli is from Charleston, South Carolina and graduated from Clemson University
in 2023 with a B.S. in Genetics and a minor in Spanish. At Clemson she worked in a
research lab focused on identifying genes involved in the process of senescence in
maize plants. She also developed genetics lesson plans for middle school students
in South Carolina through a Clemson creative inquiry project. She was an active member
of the National Community Service organization Alpha Phi Omega where she served as
quartermaster. Beyond Clemson, Laura participated in the Medical University of South
Carolina Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). She worked on validation studies
for a novel pancreatic cancer drug and presented her research at the SURP symposium.
Following graduation, she trained and tested to become a registered behavioral therapist.
She worked with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and learned about the lived
experiences of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities. She is thrilled to be
a part of the University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program and LEND fellowship.
She is happy to answer any questions about the program, fellowship, or application
process!
Laura.Ciccarelli@uscmed.sc.edu
Ashton Farmer
Ashton Farmer is from Manchester, Kentucky. She graduated with her B.S. in Biology
and Public Health from University of the Cumberlands in 2024. Ashton began her journey
to genetic counseling in high school when she shadowed a genetic counselor for the
first time. She interned for Camp UNITE in 2020, a free camp for middle schoolers
that is focused on substance abuse education. From 2021 through 2024, she volunteered
during the summer with Children’s Center of the Cumberlands, a child advocacy center
that provides resources for children who have experienced abuse. She also served on
her university’s Campus Activities Board for 4 years, helping to plan and work during
campus events. Ashton is most passionate about improving health literacy and advocacy
in rural Appalachia where she was raised, and she hopes to work there as a genetic
counselor one day. She would be happy to answer any questions from prospective students
at ashton.farmer@uscmed.sc.edu!
Katie Fix
Katie graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2022 with a B.S. in Public Health
and a minor in medical humanities. At UARK she was involved in several organizations,
including Hogz End Alz, the Honors College ambassador program, and Ronald McDonald
House Charities. She also volunteered as a peer mentor for EMPOWER, a program that
helps students with intellectual disabilities improve academic, independent living,
and social skills. During her senior year, she was an intern for the Campus Sexual
and Relationship Violence Center where she led on campus awareness and advocacy events.
After graduation, Katie moved to Dallas, Texas and worked at a domestic violence agency
doing educational sessions with children living in the emergency shelter and with
teenage girls on probation. During this time, she also volunteered with the Crisis
Text Line. To gain exposure to the field, she conducted several informational interviews
and shadowed genetic counselors throughout multiple Dallas hospital systems. Katie
is very excited to be a part of the USC Genetic Counseling Program and the LEND fellowship
and is happy to answer any questions! katie.fix@uscmed.sc.edu
Cammi Galley
Cammi Galley is from Baltimore, MD and earned her B.A. in Psychology from Loyola University
Maryland in 2022. Much of her initial knowledge of genetic counseling came from interviewing
several Genetic Counselors, then landing a GC summer internship with Johns Hopkins.
Fueled by her pursuit of genetic counseling, she completed research on social perceptions
of Huntington’s Disease in undergrad. She then worked as a Genetic Counselor Assistant
at the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine for two years where she learned much
about the important intersectionality of fertility and genetics. She also volunteered
with Therapeutic Recreation in Colorado, a program that facilitates adaptive activities
for individuals with a variety of disabilities. UofSC drew Cammi’s attention because
of the program’s emphasis on community engagement, and throughout the entire application
and interview process, she knew that UofSC was where she wanted to match. Cammi is
thrilled to be a part of the USCGCP Class of 2026 and is happy to answer any questions
about the program or application process!
Cammi.Galley@uscmed.sc.edu
Anna Girten
Anna Girten is from Geneseo, Illinois. She attended the University of Northern Iowa
and graduated with a B.A. in biology and a minor in psychology in May of 2024. At
UNI she was involved in TriBeta Biology Honor Society, the College of Humanities,
Arts, and Sciences Dean’s Advisory Board, the Learning Center, and the University
Honors Program. She completed her senior honors thesis on the perceptions surrounding
pharmacogenomics. One of her favorite undergraduate experiences was her involvement
in the Spectrum Project, a music, movement, drama, and art program for children with
differing abilities. Outside of school she enjoyed volunteering at House of Hope,
a transitional housing program for single mothers. She applied to USC because of their
emphasis on community engagement, supportive faculty and staff, and close-knit cohort.
She is excited to be a part of the class of 2026 and is happy to answer any questions!
anna.girten@uscmed.sc.edu
Teeya Mercer
Teeya Mercer was born in Reynoldsburg, Ohio but frequently moved around due to her
parents being active duty in the Army. She spent the last 11 years in Jacksonville,
Florida and graduated from the University of North Florida in December 2022 with a
B.S in Behavioral Neuroscience. During her time at UNF, she was an active member in
the UNF Best Buddies Club where they worked towards creating friendships and connections
with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as raising
awareness for the cause of the organization. She also worked as a teacher’s assistant,
chemistry tutor, and participated in the UNF International Peer Mentorship program.
Before her final semester, she was an intern for an organization called Yoga4Change
where she was able to learn about the method used to create trauma informed yoga curriculum
to aid specific populations such as veterans, incarcerated individuals, youth, and
those living with mental health conditions. Outside of school, she was involved in
various volunteer activities that focused on providing support to individuals with
autism. Her advocacy to help those with disabilities began when her younger brother
was diagnosed with autism when she was only 4 years old. She was a Special Olympics
Unified Partner for bowling and participated in a peer mentorship program with Center
for Independent Living Jacksonville. Teeya also volunteered with the Autism Society
of Florida where she frequently worked at resource fairs that were for families and
individuals living with autism. For this organization, she also was responsible for
managing a monthly social group for individuals with autism that helped facilitate
peer connections by gaming together. After she graduated, she worked at University
of Florida Health hospital in their Neuroscience department as a customer service
representative. Apart from shadowing and conducting informational interviews with
genetic counselors, she also is a GOLDEN Genetics Mentee which is an organization
that is dedicated to raising awareness for the profession of genetic counseling to
African American students. She is delighted to be a student of the USCGCP class of
2026! Feel free to reach out to her with any questions!
Teeya.Mercer@uscmed.sc.edu
Sydney Price
Sydney Price is from Manasquan, New Jersey. She graduated from Randolph-Macon College
in 2023 with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During her time as an undergraduate,
Sydney was president of the equestrian team, a genetics and biology tutor, and a
volunteer for the Crisis Textline. While at R-MC Sydney got involved in research focused
on developing a non-lethal genetic assay to determine sex in Brook Trout. This research
led Sydney to her first publication as well as multiple conference presentations.
After graduating, she worked as an Environmental Scientist, getting to risk assess
the effect of pollutants on human health. She also spent some time as a Medical Assistant
for a surgeon, focusing on the patient provider interaction. Following college, she
also enjoyed volunteering at an equine therapy program in her local community. Sydney
is very excited to be a part of the class of 2026 and is happy to answer any questions.
Sydney.Price@uscmed.sc.edu
Mary Claire Sherman
Mary Claire Sherman is from Moncks Corner, South Carolina. She attended Clemson University
and graduated in May 2024 with a B.S. in Genetics and minors in Biological Sciences
and Social Sciences. While at Clemson, Mary Claire acted as a Student Ambassador within
the College of Science, served as Events Coordinator for Clemson FCA, and was a part
of the College of Science Student Advisory Board. She participated in undergraduate
research in a biochemistry and genetics lab where she investigated eDNA in places
at Clemson and researched its implications for public health. An additional experience
she had at Clemson came from her summer study abroad learning Bioethics in Pamplona,
Spain! As a part of her advocacy work, Mary Claire volunteered with the Julie Valentine
Center acting as a Victim Advocate for survivors of sexual assault and child abuse.
In her summers, she also volunteered with My Sister’s House, a domestic violence advocacy
group, to aid the Director of Finance. Mary Claire gained valuable experience in the
field from shadowing multiple Genetic Counselors at the Medical University of South
Carolina and taking the summer course, Careers for the Future, at USC! She is very
excited to be a part of the class of 2026 and welcomes any questions about applying
to GC school and participating in the PFF fellowship!
mcs26@uscmed.sc.edu
Rylan Sweitzer
Rylan Sweitzer attended The University of North Carolina Wilmington where she majored
in Biology and minored in psychology and neuroscience. She completed her honors thesis
on “The Effects of Expressive Writing Therapy in the Stress Response.” After graduation
she worked as a medical assistant for Anne Arundel Gastroenterology where she worked
with doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to help patients get the
help they needed. These experiences showed her that she wanted to help and support
patients, not just treat them. So she looked for a new job that would apply to genetic
counseling more directly. She was lucky enough to work as the Helpline Coordinator
for Cancer Support Community where free resources are provided to anyone affected
by cancer. She chose USC because of their genuine love for their program and students
as well as the focus on community engagement.
Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.
