Clinical Cancer Genomics Team

Leadership
Stacy Gray
Stacy W. Gray, M.D., A.M.
Chief, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics
Dr. Gray is associate professor and chief of the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics within the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research and a secondary appointment in the Department of Population Sciences. Full bio
Heather Hampel, Associate Director, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics
Heather Hampel, M.S., CGC
Associate Director, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics
Recruited to the Department of Medical Oncology in November 2021 from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Heather is an internationally-recognized cancer genetic counselor and researcher with a particular emphasis on universal tumor screening of all colorectal and endometrial cancer patients for Lynch syndrome. Full bio
Faculty
Kathleen Blazer,EdD, MS, CGC
Kathleen Blazer, Ed.D., M.S., CGC
Senior Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
Kathleen leads City of Hope's Intensive Course in Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment. She is a senior genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research at City of Hope. Full bio
Joe Bonner, faculty, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics
Joe Bonner, Ph.D.
Faculty
City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Stephen Gruber
Stephen Gruber, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
Director, Center for Precision Medicine and Medical Oncologist
An internationally recognized cancer geneticist and oncologist, Dr. Gruber is a physician-scientist who focuses his clinical practice and research program on precision medicine and the genomics of cancer in order to improve treatment and care for cancer patients and their families. Full bio
Portrait of Dr. Gregory ldos
Gregory E. Idos, M.D., M.S.
Gastroenterologist
Dr. Idos is a board-certified gastroenterologist and trained cancer geneticist, who specializes in the care of patients with Lynch syndrome, FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis) and other inherited syndromes. The goal of his research is to find new ways to prevent cancer and to improve treatment and care for cancer patients. Full bio
Kevin Mcdonell
Kevin McDonnell, M.D., Ph.D.
Medical Oncologist
Dr. McDonnell specializes in medical oncology and clinical cancer genetics. Named a Top Cancer Doctor by Los Angeles Magazine, Dr. McDonnell brings more than two decades of expertise to his current role at City of Hope. Full bio
Wai Park, D.O. | Clinical Geneticist | Clinical Cancer Genomics | City of Hope | Duarte, CA
Wai Park, D.O.
Clinical Geneticist
Dr. Park brings a passion for genetics research and a veteran caregiver’s empathy to her position as clinical geneticist at City of Hope. Full bio
Joanne Jeter
Joanne M. Jeter
Medical Oncologist
Joanne M. Jeter, M.D. is a Professor, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine at City of Hope, Duarte, California.
Senior Genetic Counselors
Sandra Dreike | Senior Genetic Counselor | South Pasadena, CA | City of Hope
Sandra Dreike, M.S., CGC
Senior Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
Sandra is a senior genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics in City of Hope. Full bio
lauren-gima
Lauren Gima, M.S., CGC
Senior Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
Lauren is a genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research at City of Hope. Full bio
Bita Nehoray | Genetic Counselor | Clinical Cancer Genomics | City of Hope | Duarte, CA
Bita Nehoray, M.S., CGC
Senior Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
Bita Nehoray, M.S., CGC, is a licensed, board-certified genetic counselor specializing in cancer genetics. She received her master's in human genetics and genetic counseling from Stanford University. Bita joined City of Hope's Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics in 2012, where she provides cancer genetics services for patients and families suspected of having a hereditary predisposition to cancer, focusing on Li-Fraumeni syndrome and clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential. Full bio
Christina Rybak | Genetic Counselor | Clinical Cancer Genomics | City of Hope | Duarte, CA
Christina Rybak, M.S., CGC
Senior Genetic Counselor, The City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center
Christina is a genetic counselor at The City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. Education 2006, Master of Science, Genetic Counseling, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 2001, Bachelor of Arts, English, Duke University, Durham, NC Professional Experience 2022-present, Genetic Counselor, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 2021-2022, Telehealth Genetic Counselor, Natera, Austin, TX 2018-2021, Senior Genetic Counselor, Integrated Genetics, Santa Fe, NM 2018, Senior Genetic Counselor, Human Longevity, San Diego, CA 2017-2018, Genetic Counselor, Human Longevity, San Diego, CA 2014-2017, Cancer Genetic Counselor, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 2008-2014, Genetic Counselor, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 2006-2008, Coordinator, Family Risk Evaluation Program and Genetic Counselor, St. Mary Medical Center, San Francisco, CA Memberships 2006-present, National Society of Genetic Counselors 2006-present, Cancer SIG 2017-present, Precision Medicine SIG (2019-2021, Co-Chair, Elective Genome Sequencing Subcommittee) 2019-present, Prenatal SIG 2019-present, ART and Infertility SIG Publications Kilbride, M.K., Egleston, B.L., Hall, M.J., Patrick-Miller, L.J., Daly, M.B., Ganschow, P., Grana, G., Olopade, O.I., Fetzer, D., Brandt, A., Chambers, R., Clark, D.F., Forman, A., Gaber, R., Gulden, C., Horte, J., Long, J.M., Lucas, T., Madaan, S., Mattie, K., McKenna, D., Montgomery, S., Nielsen, S., Nielsen, S., Powers, J., Rainey, K., Rybak, C., Savage, M., Seelaus, C., Stoll, J., Stopfer, J.E., Yao, X.S., Domchek, S.M., & Bradbury, A.R. (2020). Longitudinal follow-up after telephone disclosure in the randomized COGENT study. Genet Med. 22(8)1401-1406. Hou, Y.C., Yu, H.C., Martin, R., Cirulli, E.T., Schenker-Ahmed, N.M., Hicks, M., Cohen, I.V., Jonsson, T.J., Heister, R., Napier, L., Swisher, C.L., Dominguez, S., Tang, H., Li, W., Perkins, B.A., Barea, J., Rybak, C., Smith, E., Duchicela, K., Doney, M., Brar, P., Hernandez, N., Kirkness, E.F., Khan, A.M., Venter, J.C., Karow, D.S., & Caskey, C.T. (2020) Precision medicine integrating whole-genome sequencing, comprehensive metabolomics, and advanced imaging. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 117(6):3053-3062. Solomon, I., Rybak, C., Van Tongeren, L., Kuzmich, L., Blazer, K., Nehoray, B., Niell-Swiller, M., Bray, S., Bray, T.H., Hurley, K., Weitzel, J.N., & Slavin, T.P. (2019) Experience Gained from the Development and Execution of a Multidisciplinary Multi-syndrome Hereditary Colon Cancer Family Conference. J Cancer Educ. 34(6):1204-1212. Beri, N., Patrick-Miller, L.J., Egleston, B.L., Mall, M.J., Domchek, S.M., Daly, M.B., Ganschow, P., Grana, G., Olopade, O.I., Fetzer, D., Brandt, A., Chambers, R., Clark, D.F., Forman, A., Gaber, R., Gulden, C., Horte, J., Long, J., Lucas, T., Madaan, S., Mattie, K., McKenna, D., Montgomery, S., Nielsen, S., Powers, J., Rainey, K., Rybak, C., Savage, M., Seelaus, C., Stoll, J., Stopfer, J.E., Yao, X.S., & Bradbury, A.R. (2019) Preferences for in-person person disclosure: Patients declining telephone disclosure characteristics and outcomes in the multicenter Communication of Genetic Test Results by Telephone study. Clin Genet. 95(2):293-301. Hall, M.J., Patrick-Miller, L.J., Egleston, B.L., Domchek, S.M., Daly, M.D., Ganschow, P., Grana, G., Olopade, O.I., Fetzer, D., Brandt, A., Chambers, R., Clark, D.F., Forman, A., Gaber, Gulden, C., Horte, J., Long, J.M., Lucas, T., Madaan, S., Mattie, K., McKenna, D., Montgomery, S., Nielsen, S., Powers, J., Rainey, K., Rybak, C., Savage, M., Seelaus, C., Stoll, J., Stopfer, J.E., Yao, X.S., & Bradbury, A.R. (2018) Use and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Clinical Multigene Panel Testing for Cancer Susceptibility in the Multicenter Communication of Genetic Test Results by Telephone Study. JCO Precis. Oncol. doi:10.1200/PO.18.00199. Epub 2018 Dec. 18 Slavin, T.P., Van Tongeren, L.R., Behrendt, C.E., Solomon, I., Rybak, C., Nehoray, B., Kuzmich, L., Niell-Swiller, M., Blazer, K.R., Tao, S., Yang, K., Culver, J.O., Sand, S., Castillo, D., Herzog, J., Gray, S.W., & Weitzel, J.N. (2018) Prospective Study of Cancer Genetic variants: Variation in Rate of Reclassification by Ancestry by Ancestry. J Natl Cancer Inst. 110(10):1059-1066. Bradbury, A.R., Patrick-Miller, L.J., Egleston, B.L., Hall, M.J., Domchek, S.M., Daly, M.B., Ganschow, P., Grana, G., Olopade, O.I., Fetzer, D., Brandt, A., Chamber, R., Clark, D.F., Forman, A., Gaber, R., Gulden, C., Horte, J., Long, J.M., Lucas, T., Madaan, S., Mattie, K., McKenna, D., Montgomery, S., Nielsen, S., Powers, J., Rainey, K., Rybak, C., Savage, M., Seelaus, C., Stoll, J., Stopfer, J.E., & Yao, X.S. (2018) Randomized Non Inferiority Trial of Telephone vs. In-Person Disclosure of Germline Cancer Genetic Test Results. JNCI 110 (9):985-993. Weitzel, J.N., Chao, E.C., Nehoray, B., Van Tongeren, L.R., LaDuca, H., Blazer, K.R., S. Lavin, T., Pesaran, T., Rybak, C., Solomon, I. Niell-Swiller, M., Dolinsky, J.S., Castillo, D., Elliott, A., Gau, C.L., Speare, V., & Jasperson, K. (2018) Somatic TP53 variants frequently confound germ-line testing results. Genet Med. 20(8):809-816. Slavin, T.P., Neuhausen, S.L., Nehoray, B., Niell-Swiller, M., Solomon, I., Rybak, C., Blazer, K., Adamson, A., Yang, K., Sand, S., Guerrero-Llamas, N., Castillo, D., Herzog, J., Wu, X., Tao, S., Raja, S., Chung, V., Singh, G., Nadesan, S., Brown, S., Cruz-Correa, M., Peterson, G.M., & Weitzel, J. Clinical Cancer Genomics Community Research Network (CCGCRN).(2018) The spectrum of genetic variants in hereditary pancreatic cancer includes Fanconic anemia genes. Fam Cancer. 17(2):235-245.
Susan Shehayeb | Genetic Counselor | Clinical Cancer Genomics | City of Hope | Duarte, CA
Susan Shehayeb, M.S.
Senior Genetic Counselor
Susan is a licensed, board-certified senior genetic counselor specializing in cancer genetics. She has a Master of Science degree in genetic counseling from University of California Irvine. Before completing her master’s degree, Shehayeb earned her bachelor’s degree in molecular, cell and developmental biology from University of California, Los Angeles. Full bio
Ilana Soloman | Manager | Precision Medicine | City of Hope | Duarte, CA
Ilana Solomon, M.A., Sc.M., CGC
Manager, Center for Precision Medicine
Ilana is a manager of the Precision Medicine Program and a licensed, board-certified genetic counselor specializing in cancer genetics. She received her master’s degree in genetic counseling from the Johns Hopkins/National Human Genome Research Institute. Ilana joined the City of Hope Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics in 2013, where she has provided cancer genetics services for patients and families suspected to have a hereditary predisposition to cancer. Since 2019 she has also managed and developed City of Hope’s Precision Medicine Program to provide all City of Hope patients with genomic-driven care. She has research interests in health care communication and implementation, genetic literacy, and ELSI in genomics. She helped co-develop Helping Oncology Patients Explore (HOPE) Genomics: A patient-directed IT platform for cancer genome sequencing education and return of results. She is faculty for the City of Hope Intensive Course in Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment. She is an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and Southern California Genetic Counselors.
Genetic Counselors
Anuja Anil Chitre | Associate Genetic Counselor | Duarte, CA | City of Hope
Anuja Anil Chitre, M.S., CGC
Genetic Counselor
Anuja is a genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics at City of Hope. Education 2019, Master of Science, genetic counseling, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 2014, Bachelor of Science (Honors), life sciences (specialization in biomedical science), National University of Singapore, Singapore Professional Experience 2023-present, Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2022-2023, Associate Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2019-2022, Cancer Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Genetics, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, Kendall, FL 2018-2019, Coordinator of Office Management, Prevention, Advocacy & Resource Center, Brandeis University Prevention Team, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 2014-2017, Research Officer, National Heart Centre Singapore, National Heart Research Institute Singapore, Singapore Publications Mehta, A., Ramachandra, C.J., Singh, P., Chitre, A., Lua, C.H., Mura, M., Crotti, L., Wong, P., Schwartz, P.J., Gnecchi, M., & Shim, W., 2018. Identification of a targeted and testable antiarrhythmic therapy for long-QT syndrome type 2 using a patient-specific cellular model. European heart journal, 39(16), pp.1446-1455. Mehta, A., Ramachandra, C.J., Chitre, A., Singh, P., Lua, C.H., & Shim, W. 2017. Acetylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 functions as molecular adaptor independent of transcriptional activity during human cardiogenesis. Stem cells, 35(10), pp.2129-2137. Ramachandra, C.J., Mehta, A., Lua, C.H., Chitre, A., Ja, K.M.M., & Shim, W. 2016. ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase: A molecular switch between cardiac and neuroectoderm specification in human pluripotent stem cells. Stem cells, 34(10), pp.2461-2470. Shen, Y.J., Le Bert, N., Chitre, A.A., Koo, C.X.E., Nga, X.H., Ho, S.S., Khatoo, M., Tan, N.Y., Ishii, K.J., & Gasser, S. 2015. Genome-derived cytosolic DNA mediates type I interferon-dependent rejection of B cell lymphoma cells. Cell reports, 11(3), pp.460-473.
Salma Chehabi | Genetic Counselor | Clinical Cancer Genomics | City of Hope | Duarte, CA
Salma Chehabi, M.S., CGC
Genetic Counselor, The City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center
Salma is a genetic counselor at The City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. Education 2019, City of Hope Intensive Course in Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment 2013, Master of Science, Genetic Counseling, University of California, Irvine 2009, Bachelor of Art, Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine 1999, Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine Professional Experience 2022-present, Genetic Counselor, The City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center 2021-2022, Independent Contractor Genetic Counselor, Avellino, Menlo Park, CA 2013-2014 and 2015-2016, Per Diem Cancer Genetic Counselor, Hoag Hospital Hereditary Cancer Program, Newport Beach, CA 2015-present, Founder, Hereditary Cancer Genetic Counseling Program, , Newport Diagnostic Center, Newport Beach, CA
Headshot for Christina Fujii, Genetic Counselor
Christina Fujii, M.S., CGC
Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
Christina is a genetic counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, at City of Hope. Education 2020, Master of Science, Genetic Counseling, University of California, Irvine 2015, Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry & Cell Biology, University of California, San Diego 2013, Associate of Science, Chemistry, Sacramento City College 2013, Associate of Science, General Science, Cosumnes River College, Sacramento, CA Professional Experience 2022-present, Genetic Counselor, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 2020-2022, Prenatal and Cancer Genetic Counselor, Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center, Downey, CA 2019-2020, Pediatric Genetic Counselor Assistant, Stramski Developmental Center, Long Beach, CA
Michael Restrepo
Michael Restrepo, M.S., CGC
Associate Genetic Counselor
Michael is an associate genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics at City of Hope. Master of Science, genetic counseling, 2021, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Bachelor of Arts, integrative biology, 2011, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA Professional Experience 2021-present, Associate Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2020-2021, Project Consultant, Mainstream Genomics, San Mateo, CA 2018-2019, Genetic Counselor Assistant, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program, San Francisco, CA 2016-2017, Clinical Research Coordinator, COTES Study UCSF Department of Psychiatry, San Francisco, CA 2012-2016, Staff Research Associate II, UCSF NRG Oncology Biospecimen Bank, San Francisco, CA Publications Restrepo, M.L. (2021, September). Exploring Perspectives in a Diverse Patient Cohort on the Duty to Recontact with Updates to Variants of Uncertain Significance [Poster Presentation]. National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Conference. Restrepo, M.L. (2021, April). The Responsibility to Recontact After Reporting VUS Results: Exploring Diverse Patient Perspectives on How to Stay Updated on Genetic Information [Thesis Presentation]. Department of Human Genetics Seminar, University of Michigan.
Headshot for Kathryn Reyes, Genetic Counselor
Kathryn Reyes, M.S., CGC
Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
Kathryn is a genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, at City of Hope. Education 2020, Master of Science, Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling, Stanford University 2017, Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine Professional Experience 2022-present, Genetic Counselor, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 2020-2022, Cancer Genetic Counselor, Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA 2017-2018, Genetic Counselor Assistant, Patty and George Hoag Cancer Center, Newport Beach, CA Publications Reyes, K.G., Clark, C., Gerhart, M., Newson, A.J., & Ormond, K.E. “‘I wish that there was more info’: Characterizing the uncertainty experienced by carriers of pathogenic ATM and/or CHEK2 variants.” Familial Cancer (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10689-021-00251-3 Clark, C.R., Reyes, K., Ormond, K.E., Caleshu, C., & Moscarello, T. “U.S. Genetic counselors’ perceptions of inpatient genetic counseling: A valuable model for medically complex patients.” Journal of Genetic Counseling (2021). https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1435 Reyes, K.G. “Physical Activity and Body Composition in Toddlers with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.” Francisco J. Ayala School of Biological Sciences Journal of Undergraduate Research (2015).
Elise Sobotka, Associate genetic counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics
Elise Sobotka, M.S., M.P.H., CGC
Genetic Counselor, Duarte and Antelope Valley, CA
Elise is a genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics at City of Hope's Duarte and Antelope Valley, California, locations. She has a Master of Science in genetic counseling and a Master of Public Health in health management and policy from the University of Michigan. Before graduate school, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and German Studies from Brandeis University. Elise joined the Clinical Cancer Genomics team in July 2020 after graduating from the University of Michigan. Her graduate research focused on understanding barriers to genetic services for cancer in underserved populations and eliciting ideas for interventions to increase uptake. In addition to access to genetic services, her special interests include alternative service delivery models, genetic testing and privacy policies, and the intersection of public health and genetic counseling. Education Master of Science, Genetic Counseling, 2020, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Master of Public Health (Health Management and Policy), 2020, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Bachelor of Science, Biology and German studies, magna cum laude, 2015, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA Professional Experience 2023-present, Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2020-2023, Associate Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2018-2020, Student Administrative Assistant, Department of Pediatric Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 2016-2017, Patient Care Coordinator, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and Hawaiian Islands, Bellevue, WA
Elyssa Zukin | Associate Genetic Counselor | Clinical Cancer Genomics | City of Hope | Duarte, CA
Elyssa Zukin, M.S., CGC
Genetic Counselor
Elyssa is a licensed, board-certified genetic counselor specializing in cancer genetics. She has a Master of Science in genetic counseling from the University of California, Irvine, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a minor in Italian. Zukin joined City of Hope in 2020 as part of the Center for Precision Medicine. Her past research investigated clinical care implications for patients with genetic variants in genes associated with hereditary cancer syndromes that have conflicting interpretations by different genetics laboratories. She is also a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Southern California Genetic Counselors. Education 2020, Master of Science in Genetic Counseling, University of California, Irvine 2017, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Italian, University of California, Los Angeles Professional Experience 2023-present, Genetic Counselor, Center for Precision Medicine, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2020-2023, Associate Genetic Counselor, Center for Precision Medicine, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2019-2020, Pediatric/NICU Genetic Counseling Assistant, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, University of California, Irvine 2017-2018, Research Consent Specialist, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA Publications Zukin, E., Culver, J. O., Liu, Y., Yang, Y., Ricker, C. N., Hodan, R., Sturgeon, D., Kingham, K., Chun, N. M., Rowe-Teeter, C., Singh, K., Zell, J. A., Ladabaum, U., McDonnell, K. J., Ford, J. M., Parmigiani, G., Braun, D., Kurian, A. W., Gruber, S. B., & Idos, G. E. (2023). Clinical implications of conflicting variant interpretations in the cancer genetics clinic. Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics, 25(7), 100837. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gim.2023.100837 Zhang, K., Liu, J., Truong, T., Zukin, E., Chen, W., & Saxon, A. (2017). Blocking allergic reaction through targeting surface-bound IgE with low-affinity anti-IgE antibodies. The Journal of Immunology, 198(10), 3823-3834.
Associate Genetic Counselors
Alex Capasso | Associate Genetic Counselor | Duarte, CA | City of Hope
Alex Capasso, M.S., CGC
Associate Genetic Counselor
Alex is a licensed board-certified genetic counselor specializing in cancer genetics at City of Hope. She received her Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling from Keck Graduate Institute. Before completing her master’s degree, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Southern California Genetic Counselors. Her background in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on STEM education for underserved youth, and advocacy for health care equality shape her research interests. These include increasing accessibility to cancer genetics services through alternative service delivery models and expanding genomics education for patients and providers. Her graduate school research investigated providers' opinions on the importance of informed consent, barriers to pre-test counseling, and the utility of educational tools in cancer genetics. Education 2021, Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA 2016, Bachelor of Science in Business Management, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT Memberships National Society of Genetic Counselors Southern California Genetic Counselors Professional Experience 2021-present, Associate Genetic Counselor, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Hunaydah Elfarawi | Associate Genetic Counselor | Duarte, CA | City of Hope
Hunaydah Elfarawi, M.S., CGC
Associate Genetic Counselor
Hunaydah is an associate genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics at City of Hope. Education 2021, Master of Science, genetic counseling, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 2018, Bachelor of Science (Honors), biomedical science with CO-OP magna cum laude, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada Professional Experience 2021-present, Associate Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA Publications Elfarawi, H., Tolusso, L., McGowan, M.L., Cortezzo, D., & Vawter-Lee, M. Alobar holoprosencephaly: Exploring mothers' perspectives on prenatal decision-making and prognostication. Prenat Diagn. 2022 May;42(5):617-627. Elfarawi, H., Tolusso, L., McGowan, M., Cortezzo, D.M., & Vawter-Lee, M. Alobar holoprosencephaly: Parental perspectives on prenatal decision-making, prenatal provider prognostication, and quality of life [Abstract 116]. International Society of Prenatal Diagnosis, 2021. Marshall, S., Bayley, M., McCullagh, S., Berrigan, L., Fischer, L., Ouchterlony, D., Rockwell, C., Velikonja, D., et al. Guideline for Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Prolonged Symptoms: 3nd Edition (for Adults 18+ years of age). Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, 2018.
Ashley Mochizuki, Associate genetic counselor, Divsion of Clinical Cancer Genomics
Ashley Mochizuki, M.S., CGC
Associate Genetic Counselor
Ashley is an associate genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics at City of Hope. Education Master of Science, genetic counseling, 2022, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL Bachelor of Science, molecular, cell and developmental biology, Dean’s Honors List, 2018, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA Professional Experience 2022-present, Associate Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Rushna Raza | Associate Genetic Counselor | Clinical Cancer Genomics | City of Hope | Duarte, CA
Rushna Raza, M.S., CGC
Associate Genetic Counselor, Duarte and South Bay, CA
Rushna is an associate genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, City of Hope. Education Master of Science, genetic counseling, 2022, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA Bachelor of Science, molecular, cell, and developmental biology, minor in society and genetics, 2019, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA Professional Experience 2022-present, Associate Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2019- 2020, Patient Consent Specialist, Norris Cancer Center, Keck Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 2018, Undergraduate Research Intern, Cedars-Sinai Women’s Hereditary Cancer Program, Los Angeles, CA
Kaila Wilson, Associate genetic counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics
Kaila Wilson, M.S., CGC
Associate Genetic Counselor, Duarte and South Pasadena, CA
Kaila is an associate genetic counselor in the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics at City of Hope in Duarte and South Pasadena, California. Education Master of Science, human genetics and genetic counselling, 2022, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA Bachelor of Arts, psychology (with distinction), Gold LEAD Medallion Scholar, 2020, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON Bachelor of Science, biology (Honors), Gold LEAD Medallion Scholar, 2019, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON Professional Experience 2022-present, Associate Genetic Counselor, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA Publications Senecal, J.B., Metcalfe, K., Wilson, K., Woldie, I., & Porter, L.A. (2021). Barriers to translational research in windsor ontario: a survey of clinical care providers and health researchers. Journal of Translational Medicine, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-021-03097-6 Eichhorn, S.H., El-Ballouli, A.O., Cassar, A., & Kaafarani, B.R. (2021). Columnar mesomorphism of board-shaped perylene, diketopyrrolopyrrole, isoindigo, indigo, and quinoxalino-phenanthrophenazine dyes. Chempluschem, 86(2), 319–339. https://doi.org/10.1002/cplu.202100024 (Graphical Abstract) Pignanelli, J., Billet, B., Straeten, M., Prado, M., Schlingman, K., Ahamed, M.J., & Rondeau-Gagné, S. (2019). Imine and metal–ligand dynamic bonds in soft polymers for autonomous self-healing capacitive-based pressure sensors. Soft Matter, 15, 7654–7662. doi: 10.1039/c9sm01254k (Graphical Abstract)
Nurse Practitioners
Brittany Bradford | Nurse Practitioner | Clinical Cancer Genomics | City of Hope | Duarte, CA
Brittany Bradford, M.S.N.
Nurse Practitioner
Brittany leads a nurse-practitioner-run breast cancer survivorship program at City of Hope with over 1,000 patients under her care. She recently completed the City of Hope's Clinical Cancer Genetics program. She currently works in the high-risk screening and prevention clinic. Education 2021-2022, Clinical Cancer Genetics Intensive Course, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2018, Chemotherapy Certification Course, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2010-2012, Master of Science, Nursing, Gerontology Acute-Care Nurse Practitioner, University of California, Los Angeles 2001-2005, Bachelor of Science, Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Professional Experience 2021-present, High-Risk Screening and Prevention Nurse Practitioner, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2016-present, Breast Cancer Nurse Practitioner, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2012-2016, Medical Oncology and Hematology Nurse Practitioner, City of Hope, West Covina and Glendora, CA Publications Bradford, B. (2012). Chemotherapy-induced infertility in patients with testicular cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 39(1):27-39. City of Hope: Survivorship Handbook for Providers
Elisabeth King bio
Elisabeth McCauley King, M.S.N., R.N., FNP, AGN, AOCNP
Executive Director of Nursing
Elisabeth is a nurse practitioner and the executive director of nursing. Full bio
Duveen Sturgeon | Nurse Practitioner | City of Hope | Duarte, CA
Duveen Sturgeon, M.S.N.
Nurse Practitioner
Duveen is a nurse practitioner at City of Hope. Education 2013, Master of Science, Nursing, Adult – Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN 2003, Intensive Course in Cancer Risk Assessment, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2002, Advanced Course for Nurses in Genetic Cancer Risk Counseling, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 1989, Nursing Diploma, Conestoga College, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Professional Experience 2019 to present, Genomic Nurse Practitioner, Center for Precision Medicine, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 2014-2019, Cancer Genetics Nurse Practitioner, Cancer Genetics Program, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 2006-2014, Program Coordinator, Vanderbilt Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Registry (VHCCR), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 2003-2006, Research Nurse II, Cancer Clinical Trials, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 2001-2003, Genetics/Research Nurse, Northside Hospital, Atlanta GA 1999-2001, Research Associate, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Publications Sturgeon, D., McCutcheon, T., Geiger, T.M., Muldoon, R.L., Herline, A.J., & Wise, P.E. Increasing Lynch syndrome identification through establishment of a hereditary colorectal cancer registry. Dis Colon Rectum. 2013 Mar;56(3):308-14. doi: 10.1097/DCR.0b013e31827edfff. Sturgeon, D., Muldoon, R., Herline, A., & Wise, P. Increasing High Risk Patient Identification Through Establishment of A Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Registry: Podium Presentation American Association of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Meeting, Vancouver, Canada. May 2011 Sturgeon, D., Espenschied, C., Lowstuter, K., Ricker, C., Dolinsky, J., Culver, J.O., Chao, E., Moline, J., Idos, G., McDonnell, K., & Gruber, S.B. Unexpected CDH1 Mutations Identified on Multigene Panels: Podium presentation Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA. September 2014.