Center for Human Genetics

The Center for Human Genetics, a unique collaboration between researchers of Case Western Reserve University and clinicians of University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, is an interdisciplinary center that brings together the expertise of medical geneticists, clinical laboratory geneticists, genetic counselors and research human geneticists that serves patients with a variety of conditions.

Chairman Zhenghe (John) Wang, PhD
zhenghe.wang@case.edu
216.368.3806

Interim Director/
Medical Director

Anna Mitchell,MD,PhD
anna.mitchell@UHhospitals.org
216.844.3936
Lead Genetic Counselor Larisa Rippel,MS,LGC
Larisa.Rippel@UHhospitals.org
216.844.3936
Administrative Director Cortney Byrne
Cortney.Byrne@UHhospitals.org
440.289.9466
Manager, Patient Access Services Julia Jackson
Julia.Jackson@UHhospitals.org
216.983.0848

Clinical Providers

Genetic Counselors

Sarah Aufmuth Headshot

Sarah Aufmuth, MS, LGC

Prenatal, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Sarah.Aufmuth@UHhospitals.org

Phone: 216.844.3936

Elianna Breetz Headshot

Elianna Breetz, MS, LGC

Cancer and Prenatal, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: elianna.miller@UHhospitals.org

Phone: 216.844.3936

 

Erika Hanson, MS

Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: erika.hanson@UHhospitals.org

Phone: 216.844.3936

Headshot of Christine Shuss

Christine Hinkel, MS, LGC

Cancer, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: christine.hinkel@uhhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

headshot of Sarah Grimes Hodges

Sarah Grimes-Hodges, MS, LGC

Cancer Research, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Sarah.GrimesHodges@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

headshot of Joanna Horn

Joanna Horn, MS, LGC

Cancer, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Joanna.Horn@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

headshot of Katie Lincoln

Katie Lincoln, MGC, LGC

Cancer, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Katherine.Lincoln@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Emily Mason Headshot

Emily Mason, MS, LGC

Cancer, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: emily.mason@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

headshot of Emily Massiello

Emily Massiello, MS, LGC

Prenatal and General Genetics, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Emily.Massiello@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Headshot of Elyse Petek

Elyse Petek, MS, LGC

Cancer, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Elyse.Petek@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Headshot of Rachel Rabenn

Rachel Rabenn, MS, LGC

Cancer and General Genetics, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Rachel.Rabenn@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Headshot of Larisa Rippel

Larisa Rippel, MS, LGC

Prenatal, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Larisa.Rippel@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Fellows/Residents

headshot of Brandon Hoff

Brandon Hoff, DO

Pediatric Genetics, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Brandon.Hoff@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Chalermkiat Kansuttiviwat Headshot

Chalermkiat Kansuttiviwat, MD

Genetics, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Chalermkiat.Kansuttiviwat@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Headshot of Jose Pascual

Jose Pascual, MD

Internal Medicine, Genetics, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Jose.Pascual@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

headshot of John Pina

John Pina, DO

internal Medicine, Medical Genetics, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: John.Pina@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Headshot of Rachel VanCoillie

Rachel VanCoillie, DO

Pediatric Genetics, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Rachel.VanCoillie@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Research

Nurse

Clinical Dietitian Advanced Practice

Administrative Staff

Special Expertise in Diagnosis and Management of:

  • The genetic basis of cancer
  • Inborn errors of metabolism and newborn screening disorders
  • Prenatal genetic screening and testing
  • Neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders caused by genetic defects, including autism spectrum disorder
  • Undiagnosed diseases program
  • Prader-Willi syndrome
  • Marfan syndrome and connective tissue disorders
  • Mitochondrial diseases

Therapies:

  • Enzyme replacement therapies
  • Small molecule- and vector-based therapies
  • Newest genetic and genomic diagnostic tools

Distinguishing Features:

  • Comprehensive clinical genetics team with experts in all major areas of clinical genetics
  • Cancer Genetics services provided in coordination with the Seidman Cancer Center and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Cutting edge diagnostic and treatment technologies provided by leaders in the field
  • Personal attention to patient and family needs (“personalized medicine” that focuses on the person)
  • Comprehensive prenatal genetics services in conjunction with experts in Reproductive and Maternal Fetal Medicine
  • Access to industry- and government-sponsored clinical trials for genetic and metabolic disorders