Class of 2027
Lauren Ackermann (she/her)
Since high school, I have been drawn to the field of genetic counseling because it uniquely combines my passions for genetics and scientific communication. I look forward to making healthcare more accessible by offering education and support to patients, empowering them to make confident and informed decisions about their health. I also hope to continue connecting with underserved communities and working to address inequities in healthcare. The past four years at the University of Washington have taught me so much, and I am thrilled to continue my journey by joining UW’s genetic counseling program this fall! Outside of school, I love spending time outside walking, exploring Seattle, or trying new restaurants. I also enjoy baking, cooking, and winding down with a good TV show or movie!
Julia Arscott (she/they)
I graduated from Rutgers University in 2024 with a B.S. in Genetics and a minor in Health and Society, where I developed an interest in the ways environment, identity, and access shape genetic healthcare. Working as a genetic counseling assistant in a cancer clinic affirmed that genetic counseling was the perfect combination of science and advocacy. I am thrilled to be a part of the UW GCGP and begin my journey as a genetic counselor! Outside of class, you can find me reading books, playing games, or watching reality TV. I am also super excited to explore the restaurants, coffee shops, and museums of Seattle.
Angelica Bandayrel (she/her)
I was born in the Philippines and raised in Houston, Texas. I’ve spent the past several years working as a Cytogenetic Technologist, where I developed a strong foundation in genetic testing and analysis. Over time, I found myself wanting to move beyond the microscope and connect with the people behind each sample.
That desire to bridge science and human connection is what led me to pursue a career in genetic counseling. I’m especially passionate about closing gaps in care for underserved communities. This commitment was shaped by my experience as a first-generation immigrant navigating complex healthcare systems alongside my family. Outside of the lab, I’ve been involved in advocacy work, including volunteering at Camp Phever, a summer camp for children with PKU, which deepened my belief in the power of community and education.
I’m incredibly excited to begin my training at UW GCGP, a program that reflects my values and places a strong emphasis on equity, inclusion, and compassionate patient care. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, weight training, spending time with my family, and I’m especially looking forward to exploring Seattle’s legendary coffee scene.
Janaya Barrett (she/her)
Born and raised in Minnesota, I have been pursuing a career in genetic counseling since high school. As a GCA, I developed a deep appreciation for genetic counseling and its applications. I strive to demystify the field and the role it plays in healthcare through education and serving my community. I am also committed to promoting equitable healthcare. My time as a security escort at Planned Parenthood molded my values in compassion, accessibility, and advocacy. I aim to embody these values throughout my education and career as a genetic counselor. I am proud to be training with the UW GCGP. Outside of work, I love art, nature, and video games. I have a pet snake named Darwin and I love coffee!
Paige Brause (she/her)
I've dreamed of a career in genetic counseling since high school, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Class of 2027! I grew up in the Bay Area and moved to Seattle for my undergraduate degree, and it’s been home ever since. After graduating with a B.S. in Public Health, I worked in patient-facing roles at an urgent care clinic and a cancer research center, where I supported individuals facing complex and often emotional health challenges. These experiences strengthened my passion for patient advocacy and health education, while also deepening my interest in genetics and its growing impact on personalized care. I’m excited to continue working with the communities I’ve come to know, helping others navigate their medical journeys with compassion, clarity, and support. In my spare time, I enjoy going to weekly trivia nights with friends, going on urban hikes, or relaxing at home with my cat, Louie.
Emma Cleveland (she/her)
I am excited and grateful to be pursuing my master’s degree in Genetic Counseling with the UW GCGP. I grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, and earned my undergraduate degree in Systems Biology from Virginia Tech. I am passionate about building supportive relationships through genetic counseling and look forward to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families. I am especially interested in rare diseases and the ways genetic counseling can provide essential guidance and resources. Outside of school, I enjoy practicing yoga, crafting, baking, spending time outdoors, and exploring new coffee shops. I’m looking forward to everything I’ll learn and how this program will help me grow into the counselor I aspire to be.
Kayla Gotzion (she/her)
My goal of becoming a genetic counselor began when I was first introduced to the profession through personal experience in high school. The field felt like it created the perfect blend of my interest in genetic research and patient advocacy. Working as a GCA I had the opportunity to work with patients with complex medical history, many of whom had been on a diagnostic odyssey and passed from clinic to clinic previously. This ignited a passion in me to help increase accessibility of comprehensive genetic testing and counseling to patients of all demographics and circumstances. The University of Washington’s GCGP stood out to me because of their commitment to increasing equity, accessibility, and patient centered care within the field. Outside of my professional ambitions I enjoy exploring the outdoors, racing triathlon, and spending time with my dog Rosie.
Juliane Ivtchenko (she/her)
I am thrilled to be joining the Genetic Counseling Program at the University of Washington, a school that values collaboration, compassion and lifelong learning. As someone who experienced a back condition, I realized how much one’s psychosocial and physical wellbeing could equally be impacted in the process. The medical team throughout my journey provided the individualized educational care and resources that inspired me to pursue the field of genetic counseling. I believe knowledge is a powerful tool that allows people to self-advocate and make informed decisions about their health. I look forward to being a part of a community that shares a common goal of providing equitable and culturally-sensitive care in this advancing field. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy dancing bachata, the outdoors, and board games.
Oliwia Masiewicz (she/her)
Hi, I’m Liv! I graduated from WSU in 2024 with my B.S. in Biology and have been working as a research coordinator for a Parkinson’s Disease research group ever since. I’m incredibly excited to pursue my passion for genetic counseling at the UW, a school that aligns with my values surrounding patient care and makes me feel supported as an immigrant and member of the LGBTQ+ community. In my free time, I love to spend time with my friends and family, curling up with a book or TV show, and snapping countless of photos of my little black cat, Lily.
Fernando Mercado (he/him)
I am excited to be joining the GCGP at UW this fall! Growing up as a first generation Mexican American, I have experienced the challenges of acculturation. I believe that these experiences have shaped and guided me toward a career in genetic counseling. I am excited to learn the skills necessary to take an ever-changing body of knowledge and communicating that to individuals of various backgrounds. I love that the UW program focuses on the social and cultural factors that contribute to the uniqueness of people. In my free time, I like to play my guitar, cook, and read. I particularly love to read philosophy. The books provide a glimpse into the lives of interesting people. I also believe that it gives me the opportunity to reflect on my own beliefs and values.
Raina Ng (she/her)
Genetic counseling clicked for me when I saw how genetic counselors advocate for their patients in different ways. I love how the profession would allow me to empower others through education and make them feel seen. As someone who worked as a legal assistant at a worker’s compensation law firm for several years, I learned how crucial it is to see injured workers holistically, outside of their claim. I hope to channel this energy I have fostered into the way I counsel my patients and see them past their condition or their medical record numbers. My goal is to increase my cultural sensitivity while connecting with patients from all walks of life. I’m excited to embark at the UW GCGP and counsel my future patients through an inclusive and compassionate lens. If I’m not at home, I am most likely eating at a new restaurant, taking a walk, or thinking about Pompompurin (the Sanrio character)!
Jacob Petrzelka (he/him)
I am incredibly grateful and excited to be joining the University of Washington’s genetic counseling program. Genetic counseling brings together my passions for genetics and psychology. I am fascinated by the continual advancements and ongoing discoveries being made in the field, which means there is always something new to learn. My previous experience includes variant annotation and working in research to help improve the accuracy and clinical utility of polygenic risk scores for individuals with diverse genetic ancestry. I'm eager to keep developing these skills and learn alongside an amazing cohort, with the goal of helping patients make informed, empowered decisions about their health. I’m passionate about bridging healthcare gaps in rural communities by expanding access to essential services like genetic counseling. In my free time I enjoy spending time outside exploring, reading and playing board games.
Kiana Roberts (she/her)
I am thrilled to join the UW GCGP Class of 2027! I grew up in Colorado and graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2022 with B.S. degrees in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Psychology. During my gap year, I worked in a pediatric hematology oncology laboratory at the University of Colorado Anschutz. I then pursued an M.S. in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics at Keck Graduate Institute, graduating in 2025. My lifelong passion for genetic counseling is rooted in my family's history of hereditary cancers and Alzheimer's disease. I aspire to become an empathetic genetic counselor and advocate who helps address healthcare barriers and inequalities. I look forward to working with Seattle’s diverse patient populations through the UW GCGP and to grow into a well-rounded and inclusive provider. Outside of genetic counseling, I enjoy reading, spending time in nature, exploring the city, and doing nail art.
Hanna Schulte (she/her)
My personal experience with a genetic condition sparked my passion for disability advocacy and shaped my career aspirations. I grew up in Southern California and graduated with a B.S. in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology and a minor in Disability Studies from UCLA. My goal as a genetic counselor will be to deliver patient-centered and dignity-affirming care; attending the UW GCGP will help me achieve that. I’ve lived in Washington since 2023, and the PNW truly feels like home. I’m excited to deepen my roots here personally and professionally. Outside of work and school, I enjoy reading, cooking and baking, taking naps, and hanging out with my dog, Otto, and my cat, Franklin (a nod to my hero, Rosalind).
Kenda Scruggs (she/her)
I am excited to combine my interests in genetics, education, research, and advocacy by pursuing a degree in genetic counseling from the University of Washington. I have experience in science education and outreach as well as molecular laboratory diagnostics and hope to use skills from both fields to compassionately explain clinical genetics to patients from all backgrounds. Furthermore, as a multiracial individual who grew up in diverse Southern California and has taught underserved communities, it is important to me that the UW GCGP shares my values on diversity, anti-racism, and inclusion. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, reading, baking, and hiking, and look forward to exploring Seattle and the Pacific Northwest!
Danielle Sestak (she/her)
I knew genetic counseling was the career for me when I learned the beautiful blend of genetics, patient advocacy, and education this career has to offer. Previously working as a genetic counselor assistant at UCLA Health, I have cemented my passion and commitment to this field as I was introduced to the amazing world of cancer genetics. At the UW GCGP, I am thrilled to surround myself with like minded individuals and shared values of providing equitable care across diverse communities. I look forward to increasing access to resources and create personalized care for my patients as a genetic counselor. Outside of class you can find me at the climbing gym, out for a run, or exploring all Seattle has to offer!
Vidhi Singla
I’m so excited to be joining the UW Genetic Counseling Graduate Program this fall! I grew up in India and graduated with my B.S. in Biological Sciences and minors in Chemistry and Psychology from the University of Cincinnati. My passion for Genetic Counseling started with my brother’s diagnosis and I realized how important it is to have support and understanding in navigating similar conditions. This has deepened through research and advocacy experiences over the years. I’m especially drawn to UW’s strong focus on community outreach and commitment to supporting underserved populations and I’m looking forward to getting involved. Outside of academics, I love playing and watching tennis, going to the gym, and binge watching TV shows. I can’t wait to bring my background and experiences to this next chapter in Seattle!
Kevin Teng (he/him)
Born and raised in Seattle, I’m excited to continue my path toward becoming a Genetic Counselor with the UW GCGP! Growing up in an immigrant family and working in a genetics clinic, I’m no stranger to witnessing barriers in healthcare. These experiences have inspired my passion for improving access to genetic services, particularly in underserved communities and internationally. I look forward to further engaging with Seattle’s diverse community and learning ways to contribute to global health equity in the field of genetics. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, watching movies/dramas, trying new restaurants, learning languages, and traveling. Ask me about any of these and I’d love to give my recommendations!