Class of 2028
Hannah Dugo (she/her)
I was born and raised in Portland and graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S. in Zoology in 2023. I earned a M.S. in Integrative Biology from OSU in 2026, where my thesis research focused on the evolution of complex traits. During this time I had the opportunity to teach introductory biology and genetics to undergraduates and engage in professional development focusing on anti-racism and inclusion in education. I knew I wanted to be a genetic counselor when I first heard about this career in my undergraduate genetics course. I am honored to join the UW GCGP class of 2028 and I’m excited to combine my passions for research, education, and advocacy during my training to empower patients to make informed decisions that are right for them. In my free time you can find me skiing, baking, knitting, playing board games, going for walks in the forest with my dog, Maggie!
Laurie Ferrato (she/her)
Hi everyone! I am incredibly excited and grateful to be a part of UW GCGP. I was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. I moved to northern Nevada in 2014. I earned my B. A. in Secondary Education (Social Studies) from UNR and worked as an Education Advisor for the Washoe Tribe of NV & CA. In 2020, I met my first genetic counselor for predictive testing. And despite the difficulty of that test, I left the appointment feeling safe and supported. It motivated me to learn more about genetics and pursue a career in genetic counseling. I am a mentor in the HDSA mentorship program and I love my Bingo afternoons with residents at an assisted living center. I hope to carry over the skills that I gained in education to ensure that patients understand the content of their appointment. Additionally, I am excited to be part of a program that values patient autonomy and strives to increase accessibility. In my free time, I enjoy cross stitch, hand quilting, and being in my garden.
Annabelle Fryer (she/her)
I graduated from the University of Washington in 2023 with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a minor in Applied Mathematics, and I am excited to return to UW this fall to attend their Genetic Counseling Program.
My interest in genetics began when members of my family underwent genetic testing due to a familial history of various cancers and Tay-Sachs disease. This curiosity grew through my work in a genomics research lab at UW, where I studied how genetic variants influence phenotype and gained a deeper appreciation for the impact of genetics on human health.
After graduation, I worked as a surgical coordinator and wildfire contractor. These experiences helped me realize that I wanted a career that combined my passion for genetics with meaningful patient interaction. Genetic counseling stood out as the ideal way to unite science, communication, and patient advocacy.
Through my training and future career, I hope to empower patients through education and advocacy while helping expand equitable access to genetic counseling services. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, swimming, playing outdoor games, embroidery, and watching reality TV with friends.
Sophia Grousta (she/her)
I am excited to be a part of the class of 2028 UW GCGP, where I was drawn to the endless opportunities to explore my interests and the level of professional preparedness that this program provides. I grew up in Colorado, where I was first exposed to the field in high school and continued to pursue it into college. I graduated from Seattle University in 2023 with a major in Biology and a minor in psychology. Through my experience working as a researcher at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, volunteering with the Crisis TextLine, and volunteering as a Science Education Helper educating local middle and high schoolers about science, I have fallen more in love with all aspects of the career. I look forward to engaging with communities and individuals from all walks of life to ensure they have all the information and compassion they need to lead fulfilling lives. In my free time, you can find me playing volleyball, swimming, playing piano, walking and hiking with my dog, on a run or at the gym, reading, and taking advantage of all the fun things Seattle has to offer.
Zoe Haden (she/they)
I was born in Australia and raised internationally, spending much of my childhood between South Korea, Australia, and the US. This cross-cultural experience showed me how identity, language, and lived experience can shape people’s understanding of health. Landing in Michigan, I graduated from Michigan State University with my B.S. in Genetics and began working in research laboratories. After realizing how much I missed the human dimension of genetics, the lives behind the data in the lab, I transitioned to more patient-focused roles at a fertility clinic, where I supported patients as they navigated complex and emotionally challenging struggles with fertility. These experiences deepened my interest in genetics as a science, while strengthening my passion for cultural sensitivity and equity in health education. I am excited to be part of the UW GCGP community which aligns with my values of providing care that is compassionate and educated, both scientifically and culturally. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, hiking, paddleboarding in the warmer months, and spending time with my two cats.
Jingyun (Jenny) He (she/her)
I graduated from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where I majored in Applied Biology with Biotechnology and minored in Applied Math. I once loved using math and computing to analyze biological data. Over time, I realized that science matters most when it reaches people directly. My own family's experience deepened this belief, and it is what drew me to genetic counseling.
I am passionate about DEIJ advocacy, with interests in rare disease, oncology, and cardiology. I am also eager to explore how AI can be responsibly standardized so that it truly supports genetic counselors rather than replacing the human connection at the heart of their work. In undergrad, I tutored students with disabilities and fellow international students. I also volunteered at SickKids, where I analyzed gene data, and I built an AI model on Chinese population summary data to support rare disease assessment.
I am thrilled to join the UW GCGP as a member of the Class of 2028, and I cannot wait to explore so much more here. Outside of my studies, I am a scuba diving lover who loves nature, as well as an enthusiastic home cook. I hope to use food and conversation to get to know Seattle and American culture!
Vivian Krone (she/her)
Originally from the Chicago suburbs, I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology and minors in Chemistry and Psychology. As an Asian adoptee, I knew I wanted to pursue a career centered around genetics, but I didn't know what that looked like until I learned about genetic counseling in high school. What resonated with me most was the opportunity to combine my passion for genetics with compassionate, patient-centered care. During my gap year, I gained experience in education, patient care, counseling, and a genetic counseling internship. These experiences helped me grow both personally and professionally while reaffirming my passion for the field. In my free time, I enjoy trying new experiences, exploring coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family. I'm excited to start this next chapter in Seattle and become part of the UW genetic counseling Class of 2028!
Abby Martin (she/her)
I am so excited to be joining the UW GCGP class of 2028! I was born and raised in Indiana and graduated from Purdue class of 2026 with a B.S. in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology and Genetics and a minor in Psychology. From the moment I learned about genetic counseling as a career, I knew it was the path for me. I have always loved biology and genetics, and genetic counseling is an incredibly unique profession that allows these passions to be used to help others make well-informed decisions about their health. As the field continues to evolve, I was very drawn to the UW GCGP's commitment to promoting equity and inclusion in their training, and I aspire to make genetic counseling more accessible and improve the outreach of science education. Aside from school, I love to crochet, listen to music, hike, and play card games! I am looking forward to exploring the beauty of the PNW and getting to know Seattle!
Joanna Martinez (she/her)
I’m so excited to join the GCGP at UW! I graduated from the University of California San Diego in 2023 with a BS in General Biology. After earning my degree, I started in the behavioral health field providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services to youth and adults with disabilities. My experience with my clients and their families only deepened my passion for disability advocacy. Hearing the experiences of my clients and their families regarding their interactions with medical professionals and other providers further strengthened my desire to become a genetic counselor who values patient-focused care. With aligned values regarding informed and personalized care, I am confident that UW will allow me to become the genetic counselor I hope to be. In my free time I’m usually listening to podcasts, reading, or watching a good TV show!
Jack McMillan (he/him)
Hi, I’m Jack! I’m from La Jolla, California, and graduated from UC Davis in 2025 with a B.S. in Genetics and Genomics and a minor in Public Health Sciences. Being an identical twin meant genetics was always a topic of conversation growing up, so it's not too surprising that I ended up studying it in college. Along the way, I realized I was just as drawn to the people and conversations surrounding genetics as I was to the science itself. Genetic counseling stood out to me because it offered a way to combine my interest in genetics with the opportunity to work directly with individuals and families and support them through complex, personal moments. During my gap year, I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician supporting children on the autism spectrum and also volunteered with Crisis Text Line and Planned Parenthood. Through those experiences, I realized how much I value helping people navigate uncertainty and feel supported during difficult times. In my free time, I love traveling, discovering cool new coffee shops, spending time near the ocean (or really any body of water), and hanging out with friends. I’m excited to make Seattle my new home and begin this next chapter with the UW GCGP Class of 2028!
Aidan Schutter (he/him)
I am thrilled to be joining the UW GCGP Class of 2028 and to continue calling Seattle home! I grew up in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, but moved to Washington to complete my undergraduate degree at Whitman College. After graduating with a B.A. in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, I joined a GI cancer research lab at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. It was here that I first discovered the genetic counseling profession and fell in love with the PNW. I was specifically drawn to the non-directive nature of the profession and the role genetic counselors play in both educating and empowering patients from all backgrounds. After spending time volunteering with individuals in crisis, I am now eager to further develop my counseling skills and help find solutions to address the shortcomings present in our medical system. The UW GCGP stood out to me for the clear, intentional support they offer their students and their steadfast commitment to increasing both equity and accessibility in genetics-based medical interventions. In my free time, I enjoy riding my bike and exercising, attending Seattle Mariners games, drinking coffee, and spending time with my cat, Elizabeth.
Ashley Sosa (she/her)
I'm thrilled to be joining the UW GCGP! I grew up in both Southern and Northern California, and I graduated from San José State University with a B.S. in Molecular Biology and a minor in Chemistry. As someone with several minority identities and as a patient escort at a hospital, I've seen firsthand many of the inequities that exist in healthcare. Because of this, I am especially passionate about working with marginalized communities within genetic counseling and improving accessibility in the field. The UW GCGP stood out to me because of its strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and I look forward to working with Seattle's diverse patient population! In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, crocheting, playing games, trying new cafes, and learning other languages. I'm excited to explore Seattle!
Andres Stidger (he/him)
I am so excited to be a part of UW’s genetic counseling program! I grew up in California and graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2025 with a B.S in Pharmacology. I was first introduced to genetic counseling when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during my freshman year. Seeing the hope and peace of mind that her counselor was able to instill in her cemented this career as the one for me. During my gap year I volunteered as a crisis counselor and shadowed geneticists in my hometown, deepening my understanding of healthcare inequity and the emotional weight it carries. While at UW, I hope to hone my scientific knowledge and communication skills to that I can offer the same quality support my mother received to the communities that need it most. Outside of work, I enjoy rock climbing, reading, playing games with my friends, and anything that involves a good view.
Lila Sutherlin (she/they)
I’m incredibly grateful to be joining UW’s GCGP class of 2028! I grew up in Burlingame, California and graduated from University of Washington in 2025 with a B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and a minor in Acting. As soon as I learned about the field of genetic counseling, I knew it was the place for me. I’ve witnessed both the fear that comes without a genetic counselor and the life-changing impact one can have. I believe everyone deserves access to someone who can translate complex genetic information into true understanding, and I am driven to be that resource that empowers patients to navigate their unique journey. De novo mutations and somatic mosaicism are among the most complex and emotionally overwhelming topics for families to navigate, and I am eager to utilize my research background in this space to support them as a clinician. Outside of science, I’m involved in the Washington lacrosse community; I played on UW’s lacrosse team, I’m the co-director of the club program 253, and a coach for 3rd/4th graders. In addition to lacrosse, I love watching sports (especially Seattle’s women's sports teams), going dancing, listening to audiobooks, lifting, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with my amazing Seattle community.
Olivia Wilson (she/her)
I am so grateful and excited to pursue my degree in Genetic Counseling with the UW GCGP! I grew up in Illinois and Colorado, and I earned my undergraduate degree in Public Health at Cal Poly SLO in 2025. I initially became interested in genetic counseling because of its unique balance of science and human connection. My experiences in public health research, peer health education, and volunteering at a hereditary cancer clinic solidified my decision to pursue a career focused on helping people navigate complex health information. I am especially passionate about health equity and increasing access to patient-centered care, which further guided me toward this path. In my free time, I love exploring the outdoors, listening to folk music, dancing, and crocheting. I can’t wait to call Seattle home!
Misa Winters (she/her)
I grew up on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi then earned my B.S. in Biotechnology and M.S. in Zoology from Washington State University, where my graduate research focused on ancient DNA and DNA extraction methods.
For the past 12 years, I have worked as a research and development scientist on genetic projects supporting wildlife conservation, disease detection, and One Health initiatives. My interest in genetic counseling grew from a desire to combine my love of genetics with more direct, meaningful interactions with individuals and families. Personal experiences watching friends and family navigate rare genetic conditions also showed me the important role genetic counselors play in providing education, guidance, and support. I am particularly interested in helping underserved communities access genetic information and resources that empower informed health decisions.
Outside of school, I enjoy reading, gaming, crafting miniatures, sewing, baking, and participating in Seattle’s belly dance community.