Program Personnel

AID-GC Staff

The AID-GC Project Director and Project Coordinator are located at the University of Pennsylvania Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program. They work in conjunction with the other four alliance program Site Coordinators in recruiting, retaining, and establishing mentorship for students underrepresented in the genetic counseling field. Research will be conducted to assess the project’s effectiveness to increase diversity and awareness in genetic counseling and establish networks with community partners to create greater access and equity of healthcare.

Kathleen Valverde, PhD, LCGC

University of Pennsylvania
Co-Principal Investigator

Meron Azage, MS, LGCC

University of Pennsylvania
Site Coordinator

Lisa Kessler, MS, LCGC

University of Pennsylvania
Site Coordinator

Shama Khan, MPH, MS, LCGC

Rutgers University
Site Coordinator

Rachel Nusbaum, MS, CGC

University of Maryland
Site Coordinator

Nikkola Carmichael, PhD, MS, CGC

Boston University
Site Coordinator

Janelle Villiers, MS, CGC

Sarah Lawrence College
Site Coordinator

The Executive Committee is the governance group that guides all activities of the AID-GC. The members of this group oversee admissions, plan and participate in monthly cohort educational activities, review scholar progress, oversee community outreach efforts, and participate in research designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the AID-GC program.

Kathleen Valverde, PhD, LCGC

University of Pennsylvania
Co-Principal Investigator

Daniel J. Rader, MD

University of Pennsylvania
Co-Principal Investigator

Laura Conway, PhD, LCGC

University of Pennsylvania
Committee Member

Claire Davis, MS, EdD

Sarah Lawrence College
Committee Member

Shannan DeLany Dixon, MS, CGC

University of Maryland
Committee Member

Lisa Kessler, MS, LCGC

University of Pennsylvania
Committee Member

Jessica Rispoli, MGC, LCGC

Rutgers University
Committee Member

Kathleen Swenson, MS, MPH, CGC

Boston University
Committee Member

Janelle Villiers, MS, CGC

Sarah Lawrence College
Committee Member