Class of 2027
Emily Bober
Hello everyone! My name is Emily Bober and I'm from Pittsburgh, PA. I graduated from Penn State University in 2023 with a B.S. in Biology (Genetics & Development option). In my time at Penn State, I was an undergraduate teaching assistant for a remote general science course for students who were non-science majors. I also did undergraduate research with the Llinas Lab on P. falciparum, the parasite that is responsible for malaria. Most memorably, I volunteered as a committee member with Penn State THON, which is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world with the goal of raising awareness and funds to provide support for families and children fighting childhood cancer. Since graduating from Penn State, I have also volunteered as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line and have been working as a Genetic Counseling Assistant with the Cancer Genetics Program at Allegheny Health Network in the Pittsburgh area. Outside of being a GCA, I love spending time outdoors, exploring different state and national parks, junk journaling, skiing, and trying new restaurants. I am beyond excited to start my journey to become a genetic counselor with the CWRU GC program and can't wait to unwind the double helix!
Livia Fredrick
Hi! My name is Livia Fredrick and I am from Evanston, Illinois. In May 2025, I graduated from the University of Michigan, where I double-majored in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Spanish. During my time at Michigan, I was involved in Adaptive Gymnastics, a volunteer club that puts on gymnastics classes for children with disabilities. I also worked as a research assistant in the Orthopaedic Research Laboratories at Michigan Medicine. Additionally, I volunteered as a crisis counselor for Ozone House, an organization that provides youth and family services for at-risk and unhoused youth. While shadowing a pediatric GC, I saw how my extracurricular and academic interests were combined into one amazing profession that I am so grateful to be pursuing! In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, playing guitar, and spending time outside. I am so excited to begin at CWRU!
Isabella Gray
Hi! My name is Isabella Gray and I am from Columbus, Ohio. I graduated from the Ohio State University in 2022 with a BS in Neuroscience specializing in cellular/molecular neuroscience. During my time at OSU, I was on the executive board for Buckeyes Raising Awareness in Neuroscience and was a neuroscience major ambassador. I also held leadership positions at Camp Kesem at OSU, a national non-profit organization that provides support for children impacted by a parent's cancer, and I am still involved as an alumni. After graduation, I worked as clinical research assistant at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in the Ophthalmology and Genetics Department. The research studies I worked on focused on the genetics of uveal melanoma, a rare type of eye cancer, and the BAP1 cancer gene. During this time, I also volunteered at North Central Mental Health Services working on the suicide prevention hotline. In my free time, I enjoy reading, going for walks, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with my family and friends. I am so excited to be joining Case Western's Genetic Counseling Program!
Savanna Hindman
Hello! My name is Savanna Hindman. I’m originally from Irwin, Pennsylvania. I graduated from Allegheny College, a small liberal arts school in Meadville, PA, in May 2024 with a degree in Biology and a minor in history. During undergrad I also worked as a teaching assistant, volunteered at a free medical clinic, interned as a Health Coach, and researched the molecular mechanisms of collagen IV disorders. After graduation, I moved back home and worked as a substitute teacher for my gap year. I especially enjoyed the days that I spent in special education classrooms. In my free time, I love reading, baking and spending time with my family. I also love to travel and explore new places. I’m so excited to be a part of CWRU’s genetic counseling class of 2027!
Jillian Janssen
Hello! My name is Jillian Janssen and I’m from Cary, North Carolina. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Psychology and minors in Exercise Science and History. During my time at UNC, I served as an undergraduate learning assistant for statistics and was involved in a wide range of research, from archival research to exploring the impact of ankle joint injuries on sensorimotor control. I also conducted two independent psychology research projects. After graduation, I worked in home health care, supporting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families impacted by conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, cancer, autism, and mitochondrial disorders. These experiences deepened my desire to pursue a career in genetic counseling. Outside of work, I’ve been a mentor with Comfort Zone Camp, a bereavement organization for children grieving the loss of a loved one. I also volunteered as a literacy tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center. In my free time, I love rock climbing, swimming, watching documentaries, playing board games and finding the best local bakeries. I'm excited to continue my education and training at CWRU!
Sasha Ledwin
Hi! My name is Sasha Ledwin and I’m originally from Brick, New Jersey, but I’ve lived in the Cleveland area for the past two years. I graduated from Gannon University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During my time at Gannon, I was a member of the university’s competitive dance team and assisted in lab research focused on mRNA cancer vaccines. After graduation, I worked as an Associate Scientist in a preclinical Genetic Toxicology lab and completed a genetic counseling assistant internship at Akron Children’s Hospital. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, traveling and hiking. I’m so excited and grateful to be part of the CWRU Genetic Counseling Class of 2027!
Skylar Lounds
Hello! My name is Skylar Lounds and I am from Holt, Michigan. I graduated from Michigan State University in 2022, where I earned my degree in Human Biology. While I was attending MSU I worked as a physical therapy aide and volunteered as a freshman high school volleyball coach. After graduating I worked for two years as a research assistant for the Early-Phase Schizophrenia: Practice-based Research to Improve Treatment Outcomes (ESPRITO). In the nine months leading up to matching with CWRU I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant for the Cancer Genetics Center at Corewell Health in Royal Oak, Michigan. Outside of work and school I volunteered with Crisis Text Line, and for the Facing Hereditary Cancer Empowered organization. In my free time I love to spend time with loved ones, read, hike and be creative! I am so thrilled to be a part of CWRU's class of 27'!
Kamdyn Serakowski
Hello! My name is Kamdyn Serakowski and I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I graduated from Miami University (OH) in May 2024 with a Bachelor’s in Biology & Pre-Medical Studies and a minor in Medical Humanities. During my time at Miami of Ohio, I volunteered as a hospital advocate for Women Helping Women and was a coordinator/counselor for Camp Kesem. I also volunteered in an undergraduate lab studying the composition change of bug species in Southwest Ohio. After graduating, I spent my gap year working as a medical lab technologist at UPMC Shadyside and coached girls club volleyball. In my free time, I enjoy going outdoors and being active, spending time with friends and family, and I also love reading. I am so excited to be a part of the Genetic Counseling class of 2027 and can’t wait to start my next chapter here at Case!
Allison Weidmann
Hello, my name is Allison and I am so excited to continue my education at CRWU! I grew up in the south hills of Pittsburgh, PA and was raised a big steeler fan! I graduated from Ohio State University in December of 2023 with a BS in molecular genetics and a minor in clinical psychology. During my college years I was on the board of the undergraduate genetic counseling club, worked in a research lab at the Hillman Cancer Center, and volunteered in the genetics department at UPMC Children's Hospital. After graduation I worked as the newborn screening coordinator for hematology at Nationwide Children's Hospital. There I was able to counsel families to explain abnormal newborn screen results and educate them on the genetics of hematological diseases. When I have free time, I enjoy reading, running, watching sports, going to country concerts and spending time with friends and family. I am looking forward to this next chapter of my life at Case Western!
Samantha Wright
Hi! My name is Sami Wright and I’m from Collingswood, New Jersey. I graduated in 2023 from Bucknell University with majors in Biology and Psychology, and a minor in Linguistics. While in undergrad, I did research on multisensory mental imagery. After graduating, I moved to Wisconsin to work as a laboratory genetic counseling assistant at PreventionGenetics. I’ve volunteered with Special Olympics and the Child Life department at my local children’s hospital. In my free time, I love reading fantasy + romance, thrifting, crafting, gaming and hanging out with my cat Teddy. I am so excited to be joining CWRU’s GC program!
Allison Zyck
Hi everyone! My name is Allison, and I'm from the Chicago suburbs. I graduated from Case Western Reserve University in the spring of 2024 with a B.A. in Biology and minors in English and Psychology. As an undergraduate, I did research in a lab investigating RNA splicing in the CFTR gene. I was also part of CWRU's Delta Gamma chapter, and served as the Vice President of Social Standards. I began working part-time as a genetic counseling assistant at University Hospitals as an undergraduate, and transitioned to working as a full time cancer GCA at UH during my gap year. I also volunteer with hospice patients, and have been a Caring Call Volunteer with NAMI Greater Cleveland. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, embroidery and spending time with my friends (and my cat). I'm so excited to be a part of the CWRU Genetic Counseling program!
Class of 2028
Amanda Arnold
Hi! My name is Amanda Arnold, and I’m from Waynesville, Ohio. I graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2024 with a degree in Biological Sciences and minors in Theology and Compassionate Care in Medicine. During my time at Notre Dame, I participated in evolutionary genomics research and volunteered at an after-school program for kids and young adults with disabilities. After graduation, I worked at Myriad Genetics in Ohio as a lab tech on their pharmacogenomics test. I then lived in Detroit for a year while working as a GCA in a cancer genetics clinic. In my free time, I like crocheting, reading, and being outside. I’m excited to continue my education at CWRU and to have opportunities to complete clinical rotations in the Cleveland healthcare system!
Grace Bowman
Hello, my name is Grace Bowman and I am from Waco, Texas. I graduated from Penn State University in 2025 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychological Sciences. During my time at Penn State I volunteered with Meals On Wheels and published pop culture articles with the Comm Radio Club. After graduating I worked as a Cancer Genetic Counseling Assistant at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. This position allowed me to work with 23 genetic counselors and six other GCAs in daily activities across six clinic sites, including two safety net hospitals for underserved populations. My favorite part of this position was getting the opportunity to disclose negative and VUS results to patients and discussing management recommendations from GCs over the phone, using interpreters as needed. During my time in Dallas I volunteered at Rays Of Light and spent Friday evenings playing and providing one-on-one support for children with disabilities. In my free time I love hosting events, needlepointing, running, biking, calling friends, and listening to podcasts! I am so excited to be joining CWRU’s GC program!
Deanna Bryan
Hello! My name is Deanna Bryan and I am originally from Columbus, Ohio. I graduated from Ohio State University in 2024 with a double major in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology with a minor in General Psychology. During my time at Ohio State, I served as the Ombudsman for Alpha Phi Omega, my service fraternity. I also helped raise dogs through an organization called 4 Paws for Ability which trained dogs to be service animals for veterans and for people with disabilities. After graduation, I began working as a GCA, supporting cancer and cardiology genetic counselors at OhioHealth. I also began serving as a Hospice Volunteer with National Church Residences. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crafting, and spending time with my loved ones and my two cats! I'm very excited to continue my education with the Genetic Counseling Training Program at Case!
Sarah Chan
Hi! My name is Sarah Chan and I’m from Rochester, NY. I graduated from the University of Rochester in 2021 with a BS in Molecular Genetics and a BA in Psychology. After graduating, I worked as a patient service representative in the Emergency Observation department at Unity Hospital and as a medical secretary at Pittsford Pediatrics. I also volunteered as a Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line for a time. For the last two years, I was a genetic counseling assistant for the Division of Clinical Genetics at the University of Rochester Medical Center, supporting both the pediatric and adult general genetics teams. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, reading, and spending time with my family and friends! I am so excited to be a part of the CWRU Genetic Counseling class of 2028!
Riley Hunter
Hi! My name is Riley Hunter and I'm from Springboro, OH. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2025 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. As an undergraduate, I did research with the Lander Lab on Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that is responsible for Chagas disease. My research focused on identification of cAMP signaling microdomains by lipid raft labeling and motility impacts from flagellar-protein deficient genes. Additionally, I was a member of UC’s Genetic Counseling club and a volunteer with ChemCats, an afterschool science club at a local elementary school. After graduation, I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, crafting, reading, cooking, and record shopping! I am so excited to be a part of CWRU’s GC program!
Cameron Jones
Hello! I’m Cameron Jones, and I’m from Munroe Falls, Ohio. I attended Kent State University and graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During my time in undergrad, I volunteered through Alpha Phi Omega, fundraised for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation through Delta Tau Delta, and was an active member of Biology Club, The College Diabetes Network, and The Environmental Society. During my summers, I worked in various labs at a remote Arctic research station in Alaska, studying soil ecology and Arctic hydrology. After graduation, I started working at CWRU’s RNA Profiling Core, performing complex RNA-based protocols for other labs and PIs. Three years later, I applied to CWRU’s Genetic Counseling Program to combine my experiences in science and advocacy. In my free time, I love playing pickleball and volleyball, hiking, and, most of all, birding! I’m so excited to start my educational journey in genetic counseling at Case Western Reserve University!
Theresa Junker
Hello! My name is Theresa Junker and I am from Dayton, Ohio. I graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2025 with a B.A. in Psychology and Evolutionary Biology. During my time in undergrad, I volunteered at UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital on the oncology/hematology floor, and also volunteered as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line. I enjoyed volunteering and serving as an Operations Coordinator for Camp Kesem Greater Cleveland, a national non-profit organization that supports children impacted by a parent's cancer. After graduating, I began working as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at University Hospitals. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crocheting, and spending time with friends. I am so excited and grateful to be joining the genetic counseling program at CWRU!
Chloe Kuenzel
Hi! My name is Chloe Kuenzel, and I am from Northfield, Ohio. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BS in Neuroscience and a minor in Biological Sciences. During my time at UC, I was a teaching assistant for a research methods and statistics lab and an introduction to neuroscience course, a member of UC’s Genetic Counseling Club, and volunteered with Crisis Text Line. After graduation, I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at The Christ Hospital and TriHealth in Cincinnati. In my free time, I enjoy crafting, watching reality TV, and hanging out with friends. I am so excited to be a part of the CWRU's Genetic Counseling Program!
Claire Lindway
Hi! My name is Claire Lindway! I earned my B.S. in Microbiology from The Ohio State University in 2026. During my undergraduate experience, I developed a passion for immunology, virology, and, most importantly, genetics. While at OSU, I worked as a Head Chemistry Teaching Assistant and as a Chemistry Intern at Lubrizol. I also volunteered with Crisis Text Line and currently volunteer at the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. In my free time, I enjoy sewing, baking, hiking, and watching horror movies. Cleveland is where I grew up and where I call home, so I am ecstatic to be back! I am so excited for this next chapter at CWRU and honored to be a part of the Class of 2028!
Rebecca Lisi
Hello, my name is Rebecca Lisi and I am from Avon Lake, Ohio. I graduated in 2024 from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Genetics and a minor in Clinical Psychology. During my undergraduate studies, I served as Secretary of the Undergraduate Genetic Counseling Club. I also worked as a research assistant in a lab studying changes in RNA-binding proteins and their effect on tumor growth. I also spent time volunteering with the Crisis Textline, Girls on the Run of Central Ohio, and Colony Cats Adoption Center. After graduation, I worked as a Research Technician in a lab investigating the role of the NDUFB5 gene in tumor hypoxia and resistance to cancer therapies. For the past year, I have worked as a Cancer GCA at University Hospitals in Cleveland. In my free time I enjoy reading, crocheting, and spending time with my friends, family, and cat. I am so excited to be joining CWRU's Genetic Counseling program!
Lauren Rosenblatt
Hello! My name is Lauren Rosenblatt and I’m from Moreland Hills, OH. I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2024 with a BS in Biology, Health, and Society and a minor in Political Science. During undergrad, I was involved with Genes in Diseases and Symptoms/miRcore, a club focused on bioinformatics and genetics education, and 7 Cups, an online mental health community. After graduating, I moved to Boston to work as a Genetic Testing Coordinator at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. During this time, I also volunteered at the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, supporting teens and young adults with Down syndrome. In my free time, I love reading and crocheting. I’m so excited to be a part of the CWRU Genetic Counseling Class of 2028!