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, Director: Zhenghe (John) Wang, PhD
Zhenghe.wang@case.edu
216.368.0446

Interim Director,
Medical Director:

Anna Mitchell,MD,PhD
anna.mitchell@case.edu
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
Administrator: Michelle Yanick
Michelle.Yanick@case.edu
216.368.8539
Manager, Patient Access Services: Julia Jackson
Julia.Jackson@UHhospitals.org
216.983.0848

Clinical Providers

Genetic Counselors

Headshot of Sarah Aufmuth

Sarah Aufmuth, MS

Prenatal, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Sarah.Aufmuth@UHhospitals.org

Phone: 216.844.3936

headshot of Sarah Grimes Hodges

Sarah Grimes-Hodges, MS

Cancer Research, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Sarah.Grimes@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

headshot of Joanna Horn

Joanna Horn, MS

Cancer, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Joanna.Horn@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

headshot of Katie Lincoln

Katie Lincoln, MGC

Cancer, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Katherine.Lincoln@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

headshot of Emily Massiello

Emily Massiello, MS

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

Cancer, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Elyse.Petek@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Headshot of Rachel Rabenn

Rachel Rabenn, MS

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

Prenatal, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Larisa.Rippel@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Headshot of Christine Shuss

Christine Shuss, MS

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

Email: Christine.Shuss@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Headshot of Elianna Miller

Elianna Miller MS,CGC

Cancer and Prenatal, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Elianna.Miller@UHhospitals.org

Phone:216.844.3936

Fellows/Residents

Headshot of Michelle Chung

Michelle Chung, MD

Internal Medicine, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Michelle.Chung@UHhospitals.org

Phone: 216.844.3936

headshot of Brandon Hoff

Brandon Hoff, DO

Pediatric Genetics, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Brandon.Hoff@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, MD

Psychiatry, 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

Headshot of Mark Yoder

Mark Yoder, MD

Internal Medicine, Center for Human Genetics,
University Hospitals

Email: Mark.Yoder@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