Class of 2025
Mia Dragich
Hi! My name is Mia Dragich and I am from Columbus, Ohio. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2022, where I earned my degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Psychology. During my time at UC, I was founder and president of the UC Genetic Counseling Club and did research investigating hemoglobin gene regulation and expression throughout development in Astyanax mexicanus (blind cave fish). I was also a member of the women's club soccer team throughout my four years. After graduating, I had the pleasure of working at Cincinnati Children’s as a genetic counseling assistant and gained experience in pediatric genetics. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, exercising, exploring new restaurants, and hanging with friends and family. I am so thrilled and grateful to be a part of the CWRU genetic counseling class of 2025!
Deirdre Hall
Hello everyone! My name is Deirdre Hall. I’m a first-year student from Walkersville, Maryland. I graduated from Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College with a degree in Biological Sciences and Health Professions and a minor in Psychology. During my time at Penn State, I worked as an undergraduate research assistant and completed a thesis analyzing the effects of prenatal antidepressant use on adolescent mental health outcomes. Following graduation, I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant in the Medical Genetics department at Geisinger Medical Center. I also volunteered as a Crisis Counselor for Crisis Text Line. When I’m not studying, I love to sing, bake, read, and spend time with friends. I’m thrilled to be a part of CWRU’s class of 2025!
Elle Holland
Hello! My name is Elle Holland and I’m a first-year here at CWRU. I’m from Buffalo, NY and graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in May 2023 with a B.S. in Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience and a Psychology minor. While at RIT, I was a member of the Varsity Swimming and Diving team and worked with a lab studying cancer cell lines. Outside of school I volunteered with Crisis Text Line and have spent many summers working with children with special needs. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching the Buffalo Bills or reality TV and staying active. I am so grateful to be a part of the Case Western Genetic Counseling Program and cannot wait to learn so much more!
Macie Hricovec
Hi! My name is Macie Hricovec, and I am from Avon, Ohio. I graduated from Mercyhurst University with a BS in Public Health and a minor in Biology. Throughout my undergraduate education, I was involved in research within my university’s biology department as well as interning at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie my senior year. After graduating, I spent my gap year working for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio in one of their hospital based programs at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Outpatient Center. I really enjoyed this opportunity to support families that were receiving care at the hospital and spending time with the patients and their siblings. In addition to working during my gap year, I also volunteered on the Crisis Text Line. When I am not working or studying, I enjoy traveling to national parks with my family, exploring new restaurants, trying different workout classes, and spending time with friends. I am very excited to be in this cohort at Case Western, and I am looking forward to learning from this program’s community!
Alyssa Palumbo
Hello! My name is Alyssa Palumbo, I'm from the metro-Detroit area. I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelors in Behavioral Neuroscience and minors in Applied Statistics and Biology. During undergrad, I was a teaching assistant for genetics lab and a tutor for Italian. I spent time volunteering with Crisis Textline and on projects to educate the general public about cancer implications, causes, treatments. I worked as a GCA for the cancer and general genetic counselors as Cleveland Clinic. In my freetime, I like to read, hike, and spend time with my friends.
Madison Prindle
Hi, my name is Madison, and I am a first- year genetic counseling student! I grew up in Canfield, OH and graduated with my B.S. in Biology and minor in Chemistry from Youngstown State University in 2021. After graduation I worked as a secretary for Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatrics then, as a Genetic Counseling assistant at University Hospitals. Outside of work I volunteer as a supportive “Listener” for 7 Cups of Tea, a chat site for people in need of emotional support. In my free time I enjoy cooking, discovering new restaurants, attending Cleveland’s sports events, and being with dogs. I’m very excited to be a part of CWRU’s Class of ‘25!
Alyssa Riggle
Hi, my name is Alyssa Riggle and I am from Broadview Heights, OH! I graduated in 2023 from Kent State University with a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a minor in Psychology. During my undergrad years I worked as a tutor for the university, volunteered on a crisis helpline, and also worked as a GCA at Akron Children's Hospital. I also spent one of my summers as a camp counselor at Camp Cheerful where I got to work closely with children with a variety of cognitive, developmental, and sensory disabilities. I am extremely grateful for my experience as a camp counselor as it allowed me to gain a different perspective on individuals living with genetic disorders. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and spending time with my friends and family. I am very excited to be a part of Case Western Reserve's GC class of 2025!
Shubhangi Sharma
Hi! My name is Shubhangi Sharma and I am from Gurnee, Illinois. I graduated in 2021 from Michigan State University with a major in Genomics and Molecular Genetics with a minor in Bioethics. During my time at Michigan State University, I was a Resident Assistant, Biology Teaching Assistant, and a Research Assistant in the Tap Lab. After graduation, I moved back to Illinois and worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Advocate Aurora Health Care. I volunteered as a Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line and as an Outreach Volunteer at Imerman Angels. I am so excited to be apart of Case’s program and learn from all the amazing individuals in the program! In my free time I love hanging out with my dog, reading, and doing yoga!
Isabelle Westcott
Hello everyone! My name is Isabelle and I am from a southwest suburb of Chicago, IL. I graduated from Loyola University Chicago in May 2022 where I majored in Biology with a minor in Psychology. While studying at Loyola, I served as an executive member of a collegiate health and wellness organization named CHAARG, acted as a Big Sister with Big Brother Big Sister Chicago, and worked as a Personal Assistant for a student with a disability. During my gap year, I was employed full time as a Medical and Legal Advocate at a nonprofit agency called Guardian Angel Community Services. In this role, I worked directly with survivors of sexual violence within hospital, court, school, community, and crisis hotline settings. Throughout this time, I also began volunteering for the rare disease group, the United Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency Foundation, as a Student Ambassador. This ongoing experience continues to shed light on the challenges of rare disease families and the fight to find a cure. In my free time, I love spending time with my dogs, working as a dog walker/sitter, reading, and enjoying time with my friends/family.
Class of 2026
Olivia Bales
Hello, my name is Olivia Bales and I was born and raised in Port Huron, Michigan. I graduated from Oakland University in 2022 with my Bachelor of Science in Biology. During my time at Oakland, I was a Moceri Scholar and Teaching Assistant for the Honors College, served as the Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Chairwoman for Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, was an executive board member for Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Fraternity, and completed undergraduate research on E. coli pollution sources in the Great Lakes. After graduation, I moved to the greater Chicagoland area where I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, supporting providers in a wide variety of specialties. Additionally, I volunteered at WINGS Program Inc., a domestic violence support program, where I ran a children’s group for kids who have been exposed to domestic violence. In my free time, I am a lover of coffee, art, museums, and music. I also love staying active through sports, lifting weights, and exploring nature! I can’t wait to be a part of the CWRU community and further my genetic counseling skills!
Michelle Benson
Hello, my name is Michelle and I am thrilled to continue my education at CWRU! I grew up in southern Minnesota and graduated from Augustana University, earning a B.A. in Biology with minors in Psychology and Spanish. Throughout college, I worked as a teaching assistant for freshmen biology students, a summer camp counselor, and an undergraduate research assistant with the South Dakota Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network. Since graduating, I've had a variety of jobs, most recently supporting matches at Big Brothers Big Sisters and working on-call as a mental health crisis responder. When I have free time, I enjoy reading, swimming, watching movies, and spending time with my friends and family.
Rae Dwyer
Hello! My name is Rae Dwyer and I am from Lindenhurst, Illinois. I graduated in 2023 from Case Western Reserve University with a degree in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Psychology. During my time in undergrad, I was an executive member of Voices for Reproductive Health and CWRU for Autism Acceptance. I worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant for biochemistry, as well as a genetic counseling assistant at University Hospitals. I volunteered as a counselor through Crisis Text Line and the Sparties Running Program, where I spent time working with autistic children in the community. After I graduated, I continued working as a GCA at University Hospitals in Cleveland. In my free time I enjoy running, reading, watching reality TV, and spending time with friends and family. I am thrilled to be joining Case Western’s genetic counseling program!
Sarah Eisen
Hi! My name is Sarah Eisen. I’m from Toronto, Ontario. I graduated from Queen’s University in Ontario in 2021 with a BSc in Psychology. After graduating, I worked at an arts and social program for adults with disabilities and volunteered as a Crisis Responder for a crisis call line. I also volunteered for a dance program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease at Canada’s National Ballet School. In this role, I was able to share my love of dance and see firsthand how dance therapy improves the day-to-day life of individuals with Parkinson’s. For the past year, I’ve worked as a GCA at a General and Metabolic Genetics clinic at University Health Network in Toronto where I’ve had the opportunity to learn from an amazing interdisciplinary team. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, reading, dancing, and playing word games. I'm so excited and honored to be a part of the Genetic Counseling Training Program's class of 2026!
Renee Engels
Hi, my name is Renee Engels and I’m from Southeastern Wisconsin. I graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2020 with a BS in Genetics & Genomics and Gender & Women’s studies. During my time at Madison, I was an undergraduate research assistant in the Handelsman Lab, studying the biochemical and genetic regulation of antibiotic production, microbial diversity, antibiotic resistance, and symbioses in microbial communities. I was a co-Volunteer chair of the Undergraduate Genetics Association; my favorite volunteer activity was creating genetics-related educational activities for children at Saturday Science, a monthly event held at the Wisconsin Institute of Discovery. After graduation, I moved to Seattle and began work as a genetic counseling assistant at Seattle Children’s Hospital, supporting the medical genetics division by coordinating genetic testing and prepping for patient visits. I am so excited to continue learning about genetic counseling at CWRU! In my free time, I enjoy yoga, literature, film, food, and spoiling my two cats.
Anna Fulbright
Hello! My name is Anna and I am from Greenville, South Carolina. I graduated from Wofford College in 2021 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies. As an undergraduate student, I enjoyed volunteering with Halter, an equine therapy organization, and Wofford Companions, a student organization committed to creating events on campus for young adults with developmental disabilities to spend time with college students. For a year after graduation, I worked as the Coordinator for Student Development at Wofford assisting in the planning of on-campus events and student engagement opportunities. I then moved to Cleveland and have been a GCA working with cardio and prenatal GCs at the Cleveland Clinic for the last two years. I am very excited to join the Genetic Counseling class of 2026 at CWRU! In my free time, I love working on my cross stitch, knitting, and other fiber art crafts and taking walks around the park with my husband.
Shelby Harding
Hi there! My name is Shelby and I’m from Sarasota, FL. I graduated from the University of Florida with a BS in Microbiology and Cell Science, and a BA in French and Francophone Studies. Throughout undergrad, I served on the Student Conduct Committee, held leadership roles in the student government, and spent a summer studying medicine and health abroad in Europe. After graduation I worked as a laboratory technician at microbial and chemical companies, and more recently worked in the genetics department at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL, where I loved connecting with patients to see how their lives are transformed through the genetic counseling process. I’ve also spent time volunteering with Crisis Text Line and tutoring at-risk teenagers. I’m so excited to be a part of the genetic counseling program at Case! I enjoy exploring museums and local bookstores, reading, gaming, and spending time with friends and family.
Chloe Maffei
Hi everyone! My name is Chloe Maffei, and I am a first year GC student here at CWRU. I am originally from North Jackson OH, a small rural town about 20 minutes west of Youngstown. I eventually moved to Kent OH, where I got my BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and a minor in Forensic Anthropology at Kent State University in 2022. After graduating, I became a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Akron Children's Hospital. In the same year I became an Electrophysiology Research Coordinator in the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. I also volunteered as a Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line for a time. I am beyond excited to expand upon my passion for genetics that I developed in undergrad, and learn from the individuals within the program. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, painting, gaming, and spending time with my friends. I look forward to the next chapter of my life at CWRU!
Carly Miller
Hi everyone! My name is Carly Miller and I am from Maumee, Ohio (a suburb outside of Toledo). I graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology. During my time at BGSU, I participated in a variety of clubs; my favorite of which was Best Buddies because it highlighted my passion for supporting those with disabilities. I also completed an internship with The Avalon Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting patients with Hypophosphatasia & their families, and I still continue to volunteer with them as a member of their Patient Support Team. Since graduation, I have been working as a Genetic Counseling Assistant and Oncology Office Coordinator in ProMedica Cancer Institute’s Genetics Clinic. Outside of work, I became a Companionship Volunteer for patients of Hospice of Northwest Ohio and participated in various cancer support groups at The Victory Center. In my free time, I enjoy reading, thrifting, exercise classes, exploring nature, and spending time with my family, friends, & pet bunny named Buns. I am very excited to be a part of CWRU’s class of 2026!
Karis Six
Hello! My name is Karis and I am from the northern panhandle of West Virginia. I graduated from West Virginia University in 2023 with a BS in Biology and a minor in Medical Humanities and Health Studies. While an undergraduate, I was a teaching assistant for introductory biology courses, a patient experience volunteer at a UPMC hospital for a summer, and a volunteer crisis counselor on Crisis Text Line. I also completed a summer genetic counseling internship at WVU Medicine at the prenatal and cancer clinics. In my free time, I enjoy embroidery, reading, and trying new food! I am so excited and grateful to be a part of the genetic counseling program here at Case!
Caitlin Wahal
Hi! My name is Caitlin Wahal. I am from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, which is a suburb south of the city of Pittsburgh. I graduated from Penn State in 2024 with a BS in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Throughout my undergraduate education, I was a learning assistant for an introductory biology course, as well as a teaching assistant for a psychology course. I helped start the Genetic Counseling Club at Penn State and was a Founding Member Treasurer my senior year. I was also in my Advanced Genetics professor's lab for one semester where I assisted him with any procedures he would perform with plant genetics. I volunteered as a crisis line counselor through Crisis Text Line throughout school as well. The most rewarding activity in my undergraduate education unique to Penn State was participating in THON as a student volunteer for three years where I provided emotional and financial support to children with childhood cancer and their families, as well as ensured funding for critical research all in pursuit of a cure. The summer of my senior year, I was given the opportunity to volunteer in the genetics department at UPMC CHP and take an asynchronous course titled Genetic Counseling: Career for the Future through the University of South Carolina. In my free time, I love to go for outdoor walks, read romance or mystery books, watch TV with my dog, and go to country concerts. I am so excited to be joining the CWRU Genetic Counseling Training Program and start learning from many incredible leaders in this field!