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Personnel

AGCF Grant PIs

In 2021, the Warren Alpert Foundation generously awarded the University of Pennsylvania Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program a $9.5 million dollar grant to increase diversity in the field of genetic counseling. Daniel Rader, MD, and Kathleen Valverde, PhD, LCGC, developed the grant proposal and serve as the Co-Principal Investigators. 

Kathleen Valverde, PhD, LCGC Kathleen Valverde, PhD, LCGC University of Pennsylvania
image of Dan Rader Daniel Rader, MD University of Pennsylvania

AGCF Staff

The AGCF Project Director and Project Coordinator are based at the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program. They work in conjunction with Site Coordinators across the four other Alliance programs. Together, they focus on recruiting, retaining, and mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds in the genetic counseling field.  

To drive meaningful change, they conduct research to assess the project’s impact on diversity and awareness, while building partnerships with community organizations to promote greater access and equity in healthcare. 

Kathleen Valverde, PhD, LCGC Kathleen Valverde, PhD, LCGC University of Pennsylvania
Meron Azage Meron Azage, MS, LGCC University of Pennsylvania
Nikkola Carmichael Nikkola Carmichael, PhD, MS, CGC Boston University
image of Katie Gallergher Katie Gallagher, MS, LCGC Sarah Lawrence College
image of Lisa Kessler Lisa Kessler, MS, LCGC University of Pennsylvania
Shama Khan Shama Khan, MPH, MS, LCGC Rutgers University
image of Brianna LaFratta Brianna LaFratta University of Pennsylvania
Beth Merin Beth Georges Merin, MS, CGC Sarah Lawrence College
image of Patrick Semesky Patrick Semesky, MGC, LCGC University of Maryland

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee includes the program directors from the five participating genetic counseling master’s programs. Members oversee admissions, plan and participate in monthly cohort educational activities, review trainee progress, oversee outreach efforts in their communities, and participate in a research program designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the AGCF program. Further, they will facilitate the implementation of new initiatives that are intended to improve the program.  

Kathleen Valverde, PhD, LCGC Kathleen Valverde, PhD, LCGC University of Pennsylvania
Claire Davis Claire Davis, MS, EdD Sarah Lawrence College
Shannan Dixon Shannan Delany Dixon, MS, CGC University of Maryland
image of Lisa Kessler Lisa Kessler, MS, LCGC University of Pennsylvania
Jessica Rispoli Jessica Rispoli, MGC, LCGC Rutgers University
Kathleen Swenson Kathleen Swenson, MS, MPH, CGC Boston University

Internal Advisory Committee

The Internal Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives of the University of Pennsylvania who monitor and evaluate the program’s progress and assess the outcome of the goals of the project. They are committed to supporting the efforts to increase diversity in genetics and genomics. The committee meets annually with the Executive Committee to review the AGCF program admissions, training, retention, and post-completion activities to provide feedback on all aspects of the project.

Maja Bucan Maja Bucan, PhD
Suan Domcheck Susan Domchek, MD
Image of Isaac Elysee Isaac Elysee, MS, LCGC
Donna M-M Donna McDonald-McGinn, MS, LCGC
Katherine Nathanson Katherine Nathanson, MD
Sarah Tishkoff Sarah Tishkoff, PhD

External Advisory Committee

The External Advisory Committee monitors and critically evaluates the program's conduct and outcomes and makes suggestions for improvements. This committee meets annually with the Executive Committee to review progress and updates. 

Wendy Chung Wendy Chung, MD, PhD
image of Barbara Harrison Barbara Harrison, MS, LCGC
Arthur Jenkins Colonel Arthur L. Jenkins, Jr.
Janette Lawrence Janette Z. Lawrence, MS, LCGC
Rebecca Mueller Rebecca Mueller, PhD, LCGC University of Pennsylvania
image of Erica Price Erica Price, MS, LCGC