Our Genetic Counselors

Education & Experience

Once it was time to attend college, I ventured past the Grapevine and found myself at The University of California, Irvine (Go ‘Eaters!).  I found myself particularly drawn to genetics with a focus in population genetics and conservation biology. As much as I enjoyed studying plants and animals, I discovered that I enjoyed talking to people more!  I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology and social behavior with a minor in biology. I worked for a couple of years as a supervisor of college students at an on-campus housing community.

I knew about genetic counseling as a career, however it was not until I shadowed a genetic counselor that I realized it was my true calling. I packed up and moved back to the Bay Area to attend the genetic counseling master’s degree program through California State University, Stanislaus. During my clinical training, I was fortunate enough to work on a research study that examined the cancer screening and surgical practices of BRCA1/2 carriers at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. As graduation was approaching, I knew I wanted to work for Kaiser Permanente. I could see Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to access to quality and affordable healthcare in the actions of the people who work here. This desire brought me back to Southern California where I started at Kaiser Permanente Riverside. I have moved a bit since joining in 2013, spending time in Fontana before settling in Baldwin Park.