The Board of Directors shall appoint a President, Chairman of the Board, Secretary, Treasurer, Western Regional Representative, Northern Regional Representative, Central Regional Representative, and Eastern Regional Representative. At the end of the appointed term, the immediate President will become the Past-President and the appointed member will assume the office of the President.
Chelsea ChambersPresident
I graduated from Arcadia University in Philadelphia, PA in 2014. I have recently become the Neurology genetic counselor in the Neuromuscular program at VCU Health. Previously, I was a Neurology genetic counselor at the University of Virginia. My work at VCU in Neuromuscular includes both clinical and research responsibilities. I have also been a clinical supervisor for the VCU Genetic Counseling program during my time at UVA.
In my role as President I serve as the representative for VaAGC members through media, legislative, and other public interactions. I chair conference calls and meetings of the VaAGC Officers and meetings of the general membership. I also serve on the Bylaws and Public Policy committee. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding VaAGC as an organization or if you would like to get involved in VaAGC.
I graduated from Arcadia University in Philadelphia, PA in 2014. I have recently become the Neurology genetic counselor in the Neuromuscular program at VCU Health. Previously, I was a Neurology genetic counselor at the University of Virginia. My work at VCU in Neuromuscular includes both clinical and research responsibilities. I have also been a clinical supervisor for the VCU Genetic Counseling program during my time at UVA.
In my role as President I serve as the representative for VaAGC members through media, legislative, and other public interactions. I chair conference calls and meetings of the VaAGC Officers and meetings of the general membership. I also serve on the Bylaws and Public Policy committee. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding VaAGC as an organization or if you would like to get involved in VaAGC.
Lydia HiggsPast-President
I earned my Master’s of Science in Genetic Counseling with distinction from Arcadia University in Philadelphia, PA in 2015. I have been a Licensed and Certified Genetic Counselor in the High Risk Genetics Program at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, VA since the fall of 2017, working primarily in oncology. Previously, I was an oncology genetic counselor at the University of Virginia. My work at Carilion is primarily clinical, but I also serve as a faculty Instructor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.
In my role as Past President, I work to maintain continuity from one administration to the next.
I earned my Master’s of Science in Genetic Counseling with distinction from Arcadia University in Philadelphia, PA in 2015. I have been a Licensed and Certified Genetic Counselor in the High Risk Genetics Program at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, VA since the fall of 2017, working primarily in oncology. Previously, I was an oncology genetic counselor at the University of Virginia. My work at Carilion is primarily clinical, but I also serve as a faculty Instructor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.
In my role as Past President, I work to maintain continuity from one administration to the next.
Wendi GillSecretary
I graduated from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences genetic counseling program. I currently work as a telehealth cancer genetic counselor at Genome Medical and I previously worked as a cancer genetic counselor at the University of Virginia.
In my role as secretary, I keep minutes during officer meetings. I also serve on the Digital Maintenance committee.
I graduated from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences genetic counseling program. I currently work as a telehealth cancer genetic counselor at Genome Medical and I previously worked as a cancer genetic counselor at the University of Virginia.
In my role as secretary, I keep minutes during officer meetings. I also serve on the Digital Maintenance committee.
Matthew ThomasTreasurer
In my role as treasurer, I plan and implement funding of the VaAGC’s key activities and projects. I also serve on the Membership committee.
In my role as treasurer, I plan and implement funding of the VaAGC’s key activities and projects. I also serve on the Membership committee.
Erin SwartzEastern Representative
I graduated from the Genetic Counseling Training Program at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ in 2020. I am currently a licensed and board-certified genetic counselor practicing in pediatrics and general genetics at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Norfolk, VA. In addition to general genetics, I also participate in craniofacial and muscular dystrophy multidisciplinary clinics.
In my role as Eastern Representative, my job is to represent genetic counselors in the Eastern Virginia region and serve as a point of contact at VAAGC for genetic counselors in this region. I also serve on the State Meeting & Education committee. Please feel free to contact me if there are regional informational updates that VAAGC should be made aware of and if there are questions regarding the Annual State Meeting.
I graduated from the Genetic Counseling Training Program at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ in 2020. I am currently a licensed and board-certified genetic counselor practicing in pediatrics and general genetics at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Norfolk, VA. In addition to general genetics, I also participate in craniofacial and muscular dystrophy multidisciplinary clinics.
In my role as Eastern Representative, my job is to represent genetic counselors in the Eastern Virginia region and serve as a point of contact at VAAGC for genetic counselors in this region. I also serve on the State Meeting & Education committee. Please feel free to contact me if there are regional informational updates that VAAGC should be made aware of and if there are questions regarding the Annual State Meeting.
Tahnee CauseyCentral Representative
I graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Biology/Psychology. I obtained my MS in Genetic Counseling from the University of South Carolina. I have been a practicing genetic counselor for 25 years and have been at Virginia Commonwealth University for 14 years. I am the Director of the MS in Genetic Counseling Program at VCU.
In my role as Central Region Representative, my job is to serve as the contact for regional resources and educational opportunities. I also serve on the Membership committee.
I graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Biology/Psychology. I obtained my MS in Genetic Counseling from the University of South Carolina. I have been a practicing genetic counselor for 25 years and have been at Virginia Commonwealth University for 14 years. I am the Director of the MS in Genetic Counseling Program at VCU.
In my role as Central Region Representative, my job is to serve as the contact for regional resources and educational opportunities. I also serve on the Membership committee.
Edward WilliamsWestern Representative
I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2003. Starting in February of 2017, I have directed the hereditary cancer risk assessment program with Centra Health at the Pearson Cancer Center in Lynchburg, VA. Prior to joining Centra Health, I worked as the Laboratory Genetic Counseling Manager for LabCorp-Integrated Genetics in the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
In my role as Western Representative, my job is to represent genetic counselors in the Western Virginia region and serve as a point of contact at VAAGC for genetic counselors in this region. I also serve on the Communication and Outreach committee.
I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2003. Starting in February of 2017, I have directed the hereditary cancer risk assessment program with Centra Health at the Pearson Cancer Center in Lynchburg, VA. Prior to joining Centra Health, I worked as the Laboratory Genetic Counseling Manager for LabCorp-Integrated Genetics in the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
In my role as Western Representative, my job is to represent genetic counselors in the Western Virginia region and serve as a point of contact at VAAGC for genetic counselors in this region. I also serve on the Communication and Outreach committee.
Katie SchwartingNorthern Representative
I am a board-certified and licensed cancer genetic counselor at Inova Schar Cancer Institute. I joined Inova in the fall of 2020. I studied biology and Spanish as an undergraduate at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. I received my Masters of Science in Genetic Counseling from Brandeis University.
Prior to joining Inova, I spent three years as a cancer genetic counselor in Orlando, FL where I helped establish a pediatric oncology genetics program at OrlandoHealth. I also helped mentor genetic counseling students as part of their educational training.
As a genetic counselor, I am passionate about empowering patients and their families through education and support regarding hereditary cancer, including navigating the intricacies of genetic testing, medical management, and family communication. I am also passionate about training and educating the next generation of genetic counselors. In my free time, I love to read, run, play volleyball and tennis, and cheer on the UVA basketball team.
In my role as Northern Region Representative, my job is to serve as the contact for regional resources and educational opportunities. I also serve on the State Meeting & Education committee.
I am a board-certified and licensed cancer genetic counselor at Inova Schar Cancer Institute. I joined Inova in the fall of 2020. I studied biology and Spanish as an undergraduate at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. I received my Masters of Science in Genetic Counseling from Brandeis University.
Prior to joining Inova, I spent three years as a cancer genetic counselor in Orlando, FL where I helped establish a pediatric oncology genetics program at OrlandoHealth. I also helped mentor genetic counseling students as part of their educational training.
As a genetic counselor, I am passionate about empowering patients and their families through education and support regarding hereditary cancer, including navigating the intricacies of genetic testing, medical management, and family communication. I am also passionate about training and educating the next generation of genetic counselors. In my free time, I love to read, run, play volleyball and tennis, and cheer on the UVA basketball team.
In my role as Northern Region Representative, my job is to serve as the contact for regional resources and educational opportunities. I also serve on the State Meeting & Education committee.
Julie Bayer-VileBoard of Directors
I received my Master’s in Genetic Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021. In my current role as a board-certified and licensed genetic counselor at VCU Health, I work in the pediatric and adult general clinic and the multidisciplinary craniofacial clinic. Prior to pursuing genetic counseling, I was a senior medical technologist in the molecular diagnostics laboratory at VCU Health. I also hold a Master’s in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of Texas Medical Branch and am certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, a Specialist in Clinical Chemistry, and a Technologist in Molecular Biology by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. I am also a parent and a long-distance runner, with a goal to run a race in every state (11 down, 39 to go).
In my role as a board member, my role is to elect/confirm officers and participate in officer meetings. I also serve on the Bylaws and Public Policy Committee.
I received my Master’s in Genetic Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021. In my current role as a board-certified and licensed genetic counselor at VCU Health, I work in the pediatric and adult general clinic and the multidisciplinary craniofacial clinic. Prior to pursuing genetic counseling, I was a senior medical technologist in the molecular diagnostics laboratory at VCU Health. I also hold a Master’s in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of Texas Medical Branch and am certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, a Specialist in Clinical Chemistry, and a Technologist in Molecular Biology by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. I am also a parent and a long-distance runner, with a goal to run a race in every state (11 down, 39 to go).
In my role as a board member, my role is to elect/confirm officers and participate in officer meetings. I also serve on the Bylaws and Public Policy Committee.
Joyti KhokharBoard of Directors
I graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University Genetic Counseling program in 2016. I currently practice as a genetic counselor at the University of Virginia specializing in pediatric genetics. I have previously worked in pediatric/general genetics, including various sub-specialties, and in cancer genetics.
In my role as a board member, my role is to elect/confirm officers and participate in officer meetings. I also serve on the Digital Maintenance committee.
I graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University Genetic Counseling program in 2016. I currently practice as a genetic counselor at the University of Virginia specializing in pediatric genetics. I have previously worked in pediatric/general genetics, including various sub-specialties, and in cancer genetics.
In my role as a board member, my role is to elect/confirm officers and participate in officer meetings. I also serve on the Digital Maintenance committee.
Dina Alaeddin Board of Directors
I graduated with a Master of Genetic Counseling from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2017 and am currently a genetic counselor at Inova Schar Cancer Institute.
In my role as a board member, I elect/confirm officers and participate in officer meetings. I also serve on the Communication and Outreach committee.
I graduated with a Master of Genetic Counseling from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2017 and am currently a genetic counselor at Inova Schar Cancer Institute.
In my role as a board member, I elect/confirm officers and participate in officer meetings. I also serve on the Communication and Outreach committee.