Matt Ruegg, MS, CGC (he/him)
About Matt:
Matt's Path to Genetic Counseling
Matt discovered genetic counseling early, first learning about the field in high school during a sophomore biology class. Inspired by the intersection of science and clinical service, he focused his academic pursuit on entering this specialized profession.
The UConn Graduate Experience
Matt's favorite moments in the program came from his enrichment rotation, which provided exposure to teratogen-specific counseling, Huntington's Disease counseling and clinical care, and the utilization management and insurance industry. He also highly valued the case review courses, where students presented and analyzed complex cases from their rotations.
Capstone Research Spotlight
Title: Genetic Counselors’ Perception of Certain Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in the Transgender and Gender Diverse Community
Matt's research analyzed how genetic counselors perceive breast cancer risk factors, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries, when performing risk assessments for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) patients. Because professional guidelines are vague and empirical evidence is limited, he sought to evaluate clinical approaches for this underserved population. His study revealed that while counselors were confident in their assessments when clear guidelines existed (e.g., around mastectomies), they expressed uncertainty regarding under-researched factors like testosterone use. Matt presented a poster of his findings at both the NSGC and New England Regional Genetics Group (NERGG) conferences.
Professional Philosophy & Vision
Promoting equitable access to care is Matt's primary professional goal. He believes that regardless of the specific practice setting—whether in clinic, industry, education, or advocacy—all genetic counselors share a responsibility to make genetics and precision medicine accessible to the broader public as these fields move to the forefront of modern medicine.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
In his spare time, Matt enjoys hiking, reading, and practicing art.
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn
Stephanie Auger, MS, CGC (she/her)
About Stephanie :
Stephanie's Path to Genetic Counseling
Stephanie's path was shaped by personal experience. Growing up, she witnessed the profound impact that cystic fibrosis had on her cousin and family. Observing this journey, along with the genetic conversations and screening her own mother underwent, gave Stephanie a firsthand understanding of genetics' emotional and clinical significance, sparking a lifetime desire to help other families navigate the genetic landscape.
The UConn Graduate Experience
Stephanie loved the flexibility of the UConn program, which allowed her to dive deeply into practice areas that matched her interests. She valued being surrounded by a dedicated program team that actively supported her personal goals and did everything possible to help her achieve them.
Capstone Research Spotlight
Title: The Impact of Out-of-Pocket Costs on Access to Genetic Testing; Ethical and Societal Implications to the Human Right to Health
Stephanie's research analyzed the financial barriers patients encounter when seeking genetic testing due to insurance policies. Her capstone examined the ethical implications of these barriers, exploring them through the lens of a fundamental right to health and evaluating how healthcare systems must adapt to guarantee equal access to life-changing genetic testing.
Professional Philosophy & Vision
Stephanie operates under the core belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to understand and make informed decisions about their own genetic information. She believes genetics should never feel inaccessible to patients. Her goal is to demystify complex genetic concepts, advocate passionately for equitable access to services, and respect each individual's autonomy, values, and circumstances.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys coloring, playing video games, and going on long walks with her three West Highland Terriers (Westies).
Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn
Karina Mancini, MS, CGC
About Karina:
Karina's Path to Genetic Counseling
Karina's passion for science and genetics was first sparked by her high school AP biology teacher. Years later, as an undergraduate at UConn, she attended a presentation by Genetic Counseling Program Director Maria Gyure and immediately fell in love with the field, mapping out her path to the profession from that day forward.
The UConn Graduate Experience
Karina thoroughly appreciated the breadth of clinical training offered by UConn, particularly the opportunity to complete rotations in unique, niche, and highly uncommon specialties.
Capstone Research Spotlight
Title: Addressing Barriers to Genomic Research with a Culturally Aware Results Engagement Toolkit within the BabySeq Project
Karina's study evaluated challenges and barriers in the process of returning results for newborn genome sequencing. She identified specific communication barriers within families, as well as pediatric provider comfort and clinical competence concerning newborn sequencing topics. Drawing on these findings, Karina developed a culturally sensitive results engagement toolkit designed to assist pediatricians and genetic providers in clearly and compassionately disclosing newborn sequencing results.
Professional Philosophy & Vision
Karina is guided by a patient-first philosophy: behind every clinical appointment, test result, and medical conversation, there is a person who deserves the absolute highest quality of compassionate care she can provide.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
Karina loves cooking and baking, is currently learning to crochet, and is an avid reader. Her favorite books include light summer beach reads and psychological thrillers.
Connect with Karina on LinkedIn
Mariangelie Beaudry, MS, CGC
About Mariangelie:
The UConn Graduate Experience
For Mariangelie, the highlight of graduate school was the opportunity to attend both local and national conferences with her classmates. She found that these conferences served as excellent learning opportunities and provided a wonderful way to network and connect with the broader genetic counseling community.
Capstone Research Spotlight
Title: Emerging Discussions in the Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome Community: Developing Spanish Language Genetic Counseling Infographics for Patient Education
Mariangelie's capstone research centered on the development of Spanish-language genetic counseling infographics designed to support patient education. By focusing on emerging discussions within the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome community, her project aimed to create highly accessible and culturally tailored educational materials to help patients and families better understand their diagnoses.
Professional Philosophy & Vision
Mariangelie is dedicated to making genetic information accessible and understandable to as many people as possible, breaking down complex scientific concepts to empower diverse patient populations.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
In her free time, Mariangelie enjoys painting, going to the beach, and trying out new restaurants.
Natalie Cartwright, MS, CGC (she/her)
About Natalie:
Natalie's Path to Genetic Counseling
My Path to Genetic Counseling
Natalie discovered genetic counseling while completing her Master's degree in Healthcare Genetics. After taking an introductory course that presented the field of genetic counseling, she knew immediately that this career—which beautifully blended her passion for genetics with direct patient care—was the perfect professional path for her.
Capstone Research Spotlight
Title: Research Staff Perspectives on Enrollment of Underrepresented Populations in Rare Disease Genomic Research
Natalie's capstone project investigated the experiences of research staff involved in recruitment and enrollment for rare disease genomic studies. By surveying these professionals, she sought to identify key barriers and facilitators to enrolling participants from diverse, underrepresented populations, contributing valuable insights toward making clinical genomics research more inclusive.
Professional Philosophy & Vision
Natalie's professional philosophy is centered on the core value of protecting patient autonomy. She strives to help patients and families access appropriate genetic testing, ensures they are fully informed about their options prior to consenting, and focuses on clearly communicating genetic testing results and their medical implications.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
Outside of her professional work, Natalie enjoys playing the oboe, listening to music, working on puzzles, playing board games with friends, and crocheting.
Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn
Heather Shipley, MS, CGC
About Heather:
Heather's Path to Genetic Counseling
While serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant for a "Biotechnology in Society" class for non-STEM majors, Heather led a case study focused on genetic counseling and Huntington's disease. The deep ethical, scientific, and human elements of the case study left a profound impact on her, showing her firsthand how genetic counselors can change people's lives and inspiring her to enter the field.
The UConn Graduate Experience
Heather's favorite aspect of graduate school was the supportive community she built with her classmates. Although she now practices in a different part of the country, she describes this close-knit group as an invaluable professional and personal resource that continues to support her long after graduation.
Capstone Research Spotlight
Title: Exploring the Impacts of a Virtual Support Group for Caregivers of Individuals with Huntington's Disease
Heather conducted a qualitative study examining the impacts of the UConn virtual Huntington's Disease (HD) caregiver support group on its participants. Her research analyzed how the group affected attendees, with a focus on identifying specific therapeutic benefits, clinical limitations, and the reciprocal interactions among group members.
Professional Philosophy & Vision
Heather's mission as a counselor is to serve her community with deep compassion. She utilizes strengths-based clinical approaches to empower her patients, colleagues, and the broader healthcare community.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
Heather enjoys exploring local coffee shops, spending time with her dog, Bear, and watching Dancing with the Stars every week.