Margaret “Maggie” Drohen, MS, CGC (she/her)
About Maggie:
Maggie's Path to Genetic Counseling
Maggie's journey began during a "Life After Biology" course at UMass Amherst, which exposed her to various career paths. Intrigued by genetic counseling, she shadowed multiple practicing genetic counselors, which confirmed her passion and solidified her decision to pursue the profession.
The UConn Graduate Experience
For Maggie, the clinical and non-clinical rotations were the highlight of her graduate training. They allowed her to fully explore and gain a deep appreciation for the full spectrum of roles, environments, and impact areas a genetic counselor can hold.
Capstone Research Spotlight
Title: Postmortem Genetic Testing: A Comprehensive Guide for Genetic Counselors
Maggie developed a self-paced, online educational module designed to equip genetic counselors with foundational knowledge and practical skills for navigating postmortem genetic testing (PMGT). Her module covers clinical indications, key stakeholders, sample types, testing workflows, barriers, and critical considerations for living relatives. Informed by an extensive literature review and expert consultation, the module includes short instructional videos and knowledge checks. Maggie expanded this research in collaboration with the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer the module for continuing education units (CEUs) on the NSGC website, which went live in July 2026. Find the module here.
Professional Philosophy & Vision
Maggie is committed to being an invaluable resource and a strong, compassionate advocate for the individuals and families she serves. She is also dedicated to serving as a positive influence for the next generation of genetic counselors, actively supporting the profession as it continues to grow.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
In her free time, Maggie enjoys reading, cycling, hiking, beekeeping, skiing, scuba diving, painting, crocheting, and general crafting.
Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn
Nathan Mitnick, MS, CGC (he/him)
About Nathan:
Nathan's Path to Genetic Counseling
Nathan first learned about genetic counseling in high school biology class. Having always possessed an affinity for genetics, he was drawn to the practical application of utilizing genetic information to help patients optimize their health and navigate complex medical choices.
The UConn Graduate Experience
For Nathan, the tight-knit cohort structure was the defining element of his graduate training. He loved growing exceptionally close to his fellow students, who provided support and camaraderie throughout the program.
Capstone Research Spotlight
Title: Assessing Referral Patterns and Barriers to Cancer Genetic Services Among Providers of Gender-Affirming Care for Gender-Diverse Patients
Nathan conducted a mixed-methods survey of gender-affirming care (GAC) providers, acting as a crucial clinical bridge between GAC and cancer genetics. The study evaluated GAC providers' utilization of cancer genetic counseling, family history collection practices, ability to recognize NCCN testing guidelines, and perceptions of risk assessment. His findings revealed that GAC providers highly value hereditary cancer risk assessment to clarify appropriate future cancer screenings, understand hormone-related cancer risks, and inform surgical decision-making. However, the study also exposed significant barriers: GAC providers' family history collection is often limited (typically only first-degree relatives), which is compounded by fragmented family history relations in transgender and gender-diverse populations. As a result, relying solely on standard family history may systematically underestimate hereditary cancer risk in these patients.
Professional Philosophy & Vision
Nathan's guiding clinical philosophy is beautifully simple: "Just be human." He approaches every client interaction with authentic empathy, prioritizing human connection and mutual respect as the bedrock of effective counseling.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
A highly accomplished musician, Nathan plays approximately 20 different instruments. He also loves hiking, swimming, and caring for his extensive plant collection, which he affectionately refers to as his children.
Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn
Amanda Mueller, MS, CGC (she/her)
About Amanda:
Amanda's Path to Genetic Counseling
Amanda sought a career that would allow her to merge her deep fascination with genetics and genomics with her desire to build long-term, supportive, and meaningful relationships with patients.
The UConn Graduate Experience
The absolute highlight of Amanda's time at UConn was building deep, lifelong friendships with her fellow cohort peers, forming a highly collaborative and supportive network.
Capstone Research Spotlight
Title: Detection Without Direction: Exploring Prenatal Provider Awareness, Counseling Practices, and Clinical Responses to Cell-Free DNA Results Suggestive of Maternal Malignancy
Amanda's capstone project explored prenatal healthcare provider awareness, counseling methodologies, and clinical management responses following atypical non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) cell-free DNA results that are suggestive of maternal malignancy. Her research highlighted a critical need for standardized, evidence-based clinical guidelines to ensure prenatal providers can offer consistent, equitable, and structured patient care when managing these complex clinical scenarios.
Community Leadership
Amanda extends her professional commitment into the community, serving as an active Medical Team Member for Jack's Basket, a national non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating babies diagnosed with Down syndrome and supporting their families.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
In her free time, Amanda enjoys making and painting pottery, attending concerts and sporting events, perfecting her espresso-making skills, and spending time with her friends, family, and her beloved cat.
Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn
Christianne Senechal, MS, CGC (she/her)
About Christianne:
Christianne's Path to Genetic Counseling
Christianne discovered genetic counseling while pursuing her first Master's degree in Health Care Genetics at UConn. Networking with practicing genetic counselors and studying genetics in depth made her realize she wanted to build a career around genetics within a direct, clinical healthcare setting.
The UConn Graduate Experience
Christianne's favorite part of graduate school was forming lifelong friendships with her peers. Even though UConn's program is primarily online, her cohort built an incredibly close community, spending countless hours studying, collaborating, and enjoying their free time together.
Capstone Research Spotlight
Title: Empowering Special Educators Through Genetics: The Development of an Online Learning Module for Supporting Students with Genetic Conditions
Christianne developed an online, highly accessible learning module designed for special educators who provide services to students with known or suspected genetic conditions. Her project aimed to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to deliver individualized, genetically-informed special education services, ultimately improving educational outcomes and attainment for these students.
Professional Philosophy & Vision
Christianne's central guiding philosophy as a genetic counselor is empowerment. She works to help patients and families feel fully informed, confident, and active participants in their healthcare decision-making.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
An avid traveler, Christianne loves exploring different National Parks across the country. When she is at home, she enjoys reading, writing, and scrapbooking her travel adventures.
Connect with Christianne on LinkedIn
Natalie Zaba, MS, CGC (she/her)
About Natalie:
Natalie's Path to Genetic Counseling
Natalie first learned about genetic counseling during an undergraduate genetics course while exploring career paths. Intrigued, she learned more through podcasts, informational interviews, and shadowing experiences. After graduation, she worked as a clinical research coordinator in a neurology lab focused on stroke genetics and recovery. Building meaningful relationships with patients and supporting them through unexpected medical crises confirmed her desire to pursue a patient-centered career that combined clinical support with genetic science.
The UConn Graduate Experience
Natalie loved discovering how connected and supportive an online graduate program could feel. Through shared classes, clinical rotations, and occasional in-person gatherings, she formed deep, lasting friendships and found a highly supportive community in her cohort.
Capstone Research Spotlight
Title: Perspectives of the Newborn Screening Workforce on Integrating Genomic Sequencing into Newborn Screening Programs
Natalie's capstone project explored the viewpoints of the newborn screening (NBS) workforce regarding the potential integration of whole genome sequencing (WGS) into public health newborn screening programs. She conducted semi-structured interviews with professionals in the field and utilized thematic analysis. While participants recognized the value of WGS for early detection of treatable childhood conditions, they raised critical concerns regarding informed consent, privacy, workforce capacity, cost, and the immediate need for clear professional guidelines to direct implementation.
Professional Philosophy & Vision
Natalie's primary goal is to empower patients by recognizing, valuing, and incorporating their unique cultural backgrounds into their healthcare journeys. She is committed to guiding patients to make informed healthcare decisions that align with their individual values, needs, and circumstances.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
In her free time, Natalie enjoys reading, going to concerts, trying out new restaurants, and relaxing at the beach.