Class of 2023
Brynn Riley
Hi! My name is Brynn Riley and I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I graduated in 2021 from the University of Michigan with degrees in Biology, Health, and Society (BHS), and Spanish. During undergrad I worked in a lab determining the genes that are involved in the metabolism of signaling molecule c-di-GMP, and its role in biofilm formation and motility in A. baumannii, a multidrug resistant pathogen. Outside of class, I volunteered as a crisis line counselor at Ozone house, a shelter & support non-profit organization for youth. In my free time I love to travel, watch sports, and spend time with my friends and family. I am very excited to be a part of the class of 2023 here at Case and looking forward to learning alongside an incredible cohort!
Kayla Johnson
Hi! My name is Kayla Johnson and I am from Ypsilanti, Michigan. I graduated in 2019 from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a degree in Allied Health Sciences and Biology. After graduating, I moved back to east Michigan and spent two years working at the University of Michigan - Kellogg Eye Center. While there, I served as a GCA for the Retinal Dystrophy Clinic and Clinical Coordinator for an ophthalmic genetic research study, which aimed to define new gene variants associated with various eye conditions such as glaucoma and nanophthalmos. I am excited to be a part of the 2023 genetic counseling cohort at Case and am so thankful to learn with, and from, so many incredible people! In my free time, you can find me reading or hanging out at a sporting event with my fiancé, family & friends.
Natali Semerad
Hi! My name is Natali Semerad, and I am from Savage, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul. I graduated from Creighton University in 2019 with a BS in Biology and a minor in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuropsychology. After graduation, I volunteered for the Omaha Women’s Center for Advancement with their domestic violence hotline and was a co-facilitator for a weekly teen support group. I also worked as a Genetic Counseling Associate for two years at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, assisting their hereditary cancer and pediatric genetic counselors and exploring the growing genetic counseling field. In my free time, I love to spend time with my friends and family, explore new places, and listen to music. I am so grateful to be part of the 2023 CWRU Genetic Counseling class and am looking forward to the next two years in Cleveland!
Sydney Bruggeman
Hi my name is Sydney Bruggeman and I am from Neenah, Wisconsin. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2020 with a BS in Genetics and Genomics. During undergrad, I worked in a research lab studying metabolism in mice, volunteered as a crisis text line counselor, and served as VP on the executive board of Delta Delta Delta sorority. I was also able to spend a summer at Johns Hopkins Hospital as a genetic counseling intern which made me confident this is the right field for me. After graduation, I started working at PreventionGenetics as a laboratory GCA. There I was also able to volunteer at the local hospice center and as a sexual assault victim advocate. In Cleveland, I love finding new hiking places and exploring fun neighborhoods like Little Italy!
Justin Yeater
Hello! My name is Justin and I'm from Perrysburg, OH. I graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Arts in Microbiology with a minor in Management. While attending Miami University, I was a brother of the Chi Psi Fraternity, Vice President of Men Against Rape & Sexual Assualt, and a Sexual Assault Crisis Advocate with Women Helping Women. I'm very grateful and excited to be a part of Case Western's Genetic Counseling Training Program! Aside from school, I've worked throughout the last few years at various restaurants as a dishwasher, server, food runner, and host. Some of my hobbies include cooking, estate sale shopping, and more recently, indoor plant collecting.
Christina Mealwitz
Hi! My name is Christina Mealwitz and I am one of the second-year genetic counseling students here at CWRU. I am from a small town called Lagrange, Ohio which is only an hour west of Cleveland. I went to Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio for my undergraduate degree where I earned my BS in Biology. Throughout my coursework and experiences at Heidelberg, I was able to find a passion for genetic counseling as it combined my love for genetics and desire to help people better understand their own genetics. I was drawn to CWRU's program as the program staff was extremely welcoming and the wide variety of clinical rotations that are available for students here at CWRU. I am extremely excited to start our clinical rotations this school year! Throughout the past year living in Cleveland, I have enjoyed cheering on all of the Cleveland sports teams, getting to know my classmates better, and trying out new restaurants in the area!
Erin Soule
Hi everyone! I’m Erin and I am from Butler, PA. I graduated from Bowling Green State University in May 2020 where I majored in Biology with a minor in Psychology. While at BGSU, I was a member of the Honors College where I completed my thesis exploring the role genetics can have in children’s literature resulting in the publication of a children's book. I worked as a genetics tutor, academic coach, and was a member of Alpha Phi Omega. I also volunteered with a local domestic and sexual violence agency. During my gap year, I worked as a domestic violence advocate where I worked directly with survivors in a variety of settings. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog, painting, knitting, exploring Cleveland, and watching true-crime documentaries.
Hannah Singerline
My name is Hannah and I'm a 2nd year GC student. I am from Strongsville, OH, a suburb of Cleveland. I graduated from John Carroll University in 2019 with an MS in Cell and Molecular Biology and minors in Spanish and Peace, Justice, and Human Rights. After completing undergrad, I spent a year on the US-Mexico border in Agua Prieta, Mexico and another year working in healthcare administration in Cleveland, while applying to GC programs. Outside of class I spend my time on the emotional rollercoaster of Cleveland sports, biking around the city, and hanging out with my dog, Stanley.
Class of 2024
Cameron Buoy Hayes
Hi, I am Cameron Buoy Hayes! I am from Lewisburg, PA. I graduated from Bloomsburg University in 2020 with a Health Science Degree and a Medical Genomics and Counseling Certificate. Throughout undergrad, I did bioinformatics research, coached field hockey, waitressed, and took care of my grandparents. After graduation, I worked at Geisinger as a GCA. In my free time, I like spending time with my husband and our dog, hiking, fishing, gardening, and collecting antiques/ plants. I am excited to be a part of CWRU’s GC class of 2024!
Megan Conlon
Hi! My name is Megan. I am from a suburb of Detroit Michigan. I graduated in 2022 from the University of Michigan with a degree in Microbiology and a minor in Community Action and Social Change (CASC). During my time at the University of Michigan, I was a part of a literature research scooping review to determine how differences in sex development (DSD) genetic conditions impact different psychosocial variables of patients and their family members. I worked through the University of Michigan’s Science Learning Center as a genetics study group facilitator and at the University of Michigan’s Recreational Sports Department as a building supervisor. I volunteered as a crisis line counselor through Crisis Text Line and Ozone house, a shelter and safe space for homeless youth in Ann Arbor. I also volunteered with Ann Arbor Public Schools to help ESL (English second language) students in the classroom. In my free time, I love to run, watch Netflix, and spend time with my family and friends. I am so excited and grateful to be a part of the 2024 genetic counseling cohort at Case!
Garrett Edinger
Hello! My name is Garrett Edinger and I am from Milton Pennsylvania. I graduated from Eastern Nazarene College with a BS in General Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During my time in undergrad I served as a teaching assistant for several classes, held several roles within student government, and spent a summer working as a camp counselor. After I graduated from college I started working for the COVID-19 contact tracing program for the Indiana Department of Health, first doing contact tracing work, then managing a team of folks doing various public health activities related to COVID-19 including contact tracing and vaccination outreach. I also started volunteering as a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line and then with The Trevor Project. To prepare for GC training I was able to interview several GCs, shadow with a GC, and take a class about the profession through the University of South Carolina. I'm so thrilled to be a part of the Genetic Counseling program at Case! In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, listening to podcasts, gaming, baking, and watching soccer and F1 racing.
Alyssa Fasano
Hi! My name is Alyssa. I grew up in a small town outside of Toledo, OH. Growing up, my family was active in the Mid Atlantic Connection for PKU and Allied Disorders. I continued to work with individuals who have genetic disorders and developmental disabilities throughout high school and college. I graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a biology major and minors in philosophy & law and molecular biology. As an undergraduate, I worked as a community educator for environmental non-profit organizations. I also became a crisis counselor for the Crisis Text Line. After graduation, I got a job as a genetic counseling assistant at University Hospitals of Cleveland. In this role, I am also able to serve as a research assistant on a study aiming at identifying new genes involved in the genetic predispositions to certain cancers. I am particularly interested in the intersection of genetics and ethics, which drew me to Case. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, true crime, and exploring the Cleveland area!
Amanda Liddicoat
Hi! My name is Amanda Liddicoat and I am a first-year genetic counseling student at Case Western Reserve University. I am from the metro-Detroit area in Michigan–about three hours northwest of Cleveland. I graduated from the Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University with my Bachelor of Science in Genomics and Molecular Genetics. While attending Michigan State, I volunteered with the MSU Center for Survivors as a Survivor Advocate and conducted ophthalmic genetics research investigating candidate genes for Progressive Retinal Atrophy in canine models with the MSU Veterinary College. After graduation, I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant for two genetic testing companies and gained experience in prenatal and neurogenetics. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring new coffee shops and book stores, and checking out all the museums and concerts Cleveland has to offer. I am so excited to be a part of the class of 2024 and am looking forward to learning from and with all of these amazing people!
Danielle Maulucci
Hi my name is Danielle Maulucci and I’m from Indianapolis, IN. I graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology and a minor in Biology in 2020. As an undergraduate, I was a research assistant in a developmental psychology lab. During my gap year, I worked in a Neuroscience lab at IU School of Medicine as a research technician where I was involved in studying Alcohol Use Disorder. Outside of work, I volunteered as a sexual assault hospital response advocate with Firefly Children and Family Alliance. In my free time I enjoy exploring new breweries, cooking, and hanging out with my dog, Sprecher.
Abby Smith
Hello! My name is Abby Smith and I am from Crown Point, Indiana. I graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2019 with a BS in Molecular Biology and Molecular/Cellular Neuroscience. While in undergrad I volunteered as a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line and helped at Misericordia, a home for residents living with disabilities in Chicago. After graduating, I worked as a research technician/lab manager in the Advanced Center for Translation and Genetic Medicine Lab at Lurie Children’s Hospital. My work focused on studying GnRH neuron ontology in zebrafish, as well as, confirming candidate genes found in families from Greece with undiagnosed genetic disorders. I am thrilled to be joining the CWRU Genetic Counseling Training Program! In my free time, I enjoy biking, reading, baking, and trying new restaurants.
Jenna Ward
Hi everyone! My name is Jenna Ward and I am a 1st year GC student. I am from Mentor, a suburb of Cleveland. I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During my time in undergrad, I was a Learning Assistant for Biology I and II. I was also involved as a member of the American Medical Women’s association, Order of Omega, and served on the executive board of Kappa Kappa Gamma for two terms. Additionally, I have been a Student Ambassador for the rare disease group, the United Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency Foundation for over a year. I am so grateful for this experience, as it has shown me first hand the challenges that families face, both medically and psychosocially. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, shopping, and traveling. I am so excited to be a part of the CWRU GC class of 2024!
Miura Wiley
Hi! My name is Miura Wiley, and I am a first-year student from Buffalo, NY. I graduated from the College of Wooster in 2021, where I earned my degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Spanish. I completed my Independent Study thesis exploring a gene in fruit flies related to Fragile X Syndrome in humans. I also played varsity soccer and lacrosse throughout my time at Wooster. After graduating, I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at UBMD Pediatrics in Buffalo and volunteered with Crisis Text Line. In my free time, I love spending time with friends and family, finding new restaurants to try, and being outside.