Our Team
Amanda Jacquart
President
I am a certified genetic counselor and a Genomic Science Liaison with Ambry Genetics. I earned an MS in genetic counseling from the University of Pittsburgh in 2014. I worked as a clinical genetic counselor for just under 8 years in the Clinical Cancer Center at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin. I started working with Ambry in May 2022 and I currently provide clinical and technical genetic testing education and support to providers across multiple states in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.
Anna Cisler
Vice President
Abbie Schofield
Treasurer | Chair of Finance Committee
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison Genetic Counseling program in 2023. I am currently a clinical genetic counselor at the Medical College of Wisconsin where I primarily work in pediatric genetics. I also take part in clinical supervision for the Medical College of Wisconsin genetic counseling students.
Kristina Garcia
Secretary | Chair of Communication Committee
I attended the University of Wisconsin Madison Genetic Counseling program and graduated in 2020. I have been a clinical genetic counselor with UW Health for almost 4 years and have experience in pediatric and oncology genetics . I am also an adjunct associate professor with the UW Madison program where I teach a first-year course.
Tessa Bachinski
Chair of Education Committee
I graduated from the Northwestern University Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling in 2021. I am currently a clinical genetic counselor at Advocate Aurora Health, specializing in oncology, cardiology, and pharmacogenomics. I also am a clinical supervisor for students in the MCW Genetic Counseling program.
Cory smid
Chair of Nomination Committee
My genetic counseling journey began as a teenager, when a member of my family was diagnosed with a chromosomal disorder. The empathy, patience, and kindness of our genetic counselor reflect the skills and attitudes I intentionally mirror in my own career. For several years, I was able to utilize these skills with brilliant teams in Milwaukee, and more recently, back home in Madison. Outside of work, I enjoy going to hikes with my partner and our dog, as well as playing ultimate frisbee.
WIGCA Committees
WIGCA Members are able to participate in multiple committees to pursue various initiatives and develop a range of interdisciplinary skills. Learn about some of the ongoing efforts of WIGCA committees below and join a committee when you become a member or volunteer with WIGCA!
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee is responsible for the image and networking surrounding the WIGCA community. Ongoing duties include: maintaining social media presence, establishing a genetic healthcare directory, and increasing public awareness of the genetic counseling profession.
Social Policy Committee
The Social Policy Committee worked tirelessly to achieve genetic counselor licensure in the state of Wisconsin which was accomplished in 2023! The Committee continues to keep membership updated regarding relevant WI state policies and statutes.
Education Committee
The Education Committee aims to create and promote opportunities for members to continue developing professional skills and to oversee instructive activities for the general public.
Goals include participating in various community events, supporting genetic conference initiatives, and increasing educational material throughout the community.