Our Experts

Genetics is a complex and fast-changing field. Each day brings us more research and information on what genes can — and cannot — tell us about ourselves. Staying abreast of this powerful science is a full-time job. That's why genetics is all we do.

To provide you with up-to-date information, the latest tests, and quality support services, we have a dedicated team of genetic experts. As new developments are uncovered, we are ready at the forefront, incorporating them into our information and services.

We are committed to being the best at what we do, so you can benefit from the power of your genes — and make smart, better-informed personal and family health choices.

Thomas Musci, M.D., FACOG, FACS, FACMG
Medical Director

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Trish Brown, M.S., CGC
Vice President of Clinical Affairs

Trish Brown is an executive with over 15 years of experience in the business of medical genetics. She is a board certified genetic counselor with a passion for personalized medicine and consumer advocacy. Prior to joining DNA Direct, Trish was an Associate Vice President at LabCorp and Director of Strategic Technology Management and Implementation. In this role she oversaw the commercialization of new technologies and developed expertise in operations, project management, strategic planning, and product development. She was also responsible for LabCorp’s genetic information services which included a specialized genetics call center and clinical genetic counseling services.

Trish received her undergraduate degree in Genetics at the University of California, Davis. She obtained her genetic counseling degree at Sarah Lawrence College, and then practiced prenatal and craniofacial genetic counseling at St. Peter’s Medical Center in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Her next career step was at Duke University Medical Center in the Maternal Fetal Medicine department where she provided prenatal counseling and was on the Faculty for the Department of Pediatrics and Genetics for the Medical Genetics Fellowship Program. Trish has authored over forty five peer reviewed posters, publications, and presentations. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Health Care Industry Foundation, and the Healthcare Business Women’s Association. 

Lisa Kessler, M.S., CGC
Senior Genetic Counselor

Lisa R. Kessler is a board-certified genetic counselor with a background in medical genetics and research. Kessler worked in adult genetics at the University of Pennsylvania, Division of Medical Genetics, where she had the opportunity to meet with patients and families with a variety of different medical concerns including hemochromatosis, hereditary cancer syndromes, Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia, and Marfan syndrome.

Kessler helped design and manage research for individuals who have had Aortic Dissections and she presented the findings at several national conferences. Kessler also has experience providing genetic counseling to women with hereditary breast cancer as part of a research study that focused on African American women. One of the goals of this project was to create a successful referral network including local hospitals, physician offices, and support groups. Kessler has had several publications resulting from this research and enjoyed the opportunity to reach out to women who may not otherwise benefit from access to genetic counseling.

Kessler is often inspired by her patients, learning from their determination, strength, and commitment to helping others. She has observed the development and utilization of support groups, and the significant impact these groups have made. Kessler is enthusiastic about helping DNA Direct create lasting relationships with advocacy organizations to promote increased access to genetic services.

Andi Ybarra, M.S., CGC
Senior Genetic Counselor

Andi Ybarra is a board-certified genetic counselor with experience in clinical genetics, genetics laboratory-support, research, and DNA diagnostics. Andi comes to DNA Direct from LabCorp where she fulfilled many roles, including prenatal clinical genetics, genetics laboratory support, technical training, business development, and managing a team of clinical and laboratory-based genetic counselors. In her clinical role, Ybarra enjoyed meeting with patients, facilitating their understanding, and helping them through what could be an emotional time. She is a strong patient advocate who believes in a patient’s rights to their genetic information without fear of discrimination. In her genetics laboratory-support role, she was able to aid physicians and their staff in their understanding of genetic test results and relaying those results back to their patients. Ybarra also worked at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX in both genetics research and clinical DNA diagnostics laboratories. She worked mainly with the trinucleotide repeat disorders, such as fragile X syndrome and Huntington’s disease, and finds the genetics of these conditions fascinating.

Following completion of her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX, Ybarra then completed her Master of Science degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, graduate program in genetic counseling.  Following graduation, Ybarra has enjoyed training new genetic counselors as a clinical supervisor for the genetic counseling program.  Ybarra coordinated the genetic counseling students’ experience in the prenatal clinic and cytogenetics laboratory rotations at LabCorp.

Theresa Boomer is a board-certified genetic counselor with specialized laboratory expertise in both Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics. Prior to joining DNA Direct, Theresa was a Genetic Counselor at Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute in San Juan Capistrano, CA. She served as the primary clinical liaison between the Cytogenetic laboratory and ordering physicians, hospitals, and clinics, ensuring all critical results were relayed as quickly and clearly as possible.  She also developed expertise in oncology cytogenetic testing and result interpretation. Theresa practiced for several years as a genetic counselor conducting rural outreach clinics for Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena, MT. There she met the unique challenge of providing prenatal, pediatric, adult, oncology, laboratory, and fetal pathology counseling all in one setting. In addition to clinical services, she also functioned as the Administrative Director for Department of Medical Genetics.

Prior to clinical practice, Theresa spent many years in the laboratory as both a Cytogenetic and Molecular Technologist.  She enjoyed positions at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, Dianon Systems in Stratford, CT, Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO, and briefly at the University of Chicago.

Theresa received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Colorado College in Colorado Spring, CO, and her graduate degree in Genetic Counseling at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.  Theresa has authored over 35 posters, publications and presentations.  She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling, and has dual certifications in Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology through the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA).

Jennifer Bojanowski, M.S., CGC
Senior Genetic Counselor

Jennifer Bojanowski is a board-certified genetic counselor who comes to DNA Direct from a large, Hawaii-based HMO where she established prenatal, pediatric, and cancer genetics programs. After earning her Master’s from U.C. Berkeley’s Genetic Counseling Program, Jennifer was a genetic counselor for the Northern California Comprehensive Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Centers. Jennifer has served on multiple genetics advisory boards and task forces and has been active in efforts to establish genetic counseling licensure in Hawaii. She was a genetics volunteer following Hurricane Katrina and is interested in the use of DNA identification in disaster recovery. In addition to genetic counseling, Jennifer has been Assistant Academic Dean/Director of Disability Support Services at Holy Names University and Administrative/Development Director for Mothers’ Living Stories Project, a nonprofit helping seriously ill mothers record their life stories for their children.

Jennifer has filled dozens of speaking engagements on topics ranging from fragile X and hemoglobin genetics to disability culture. Her publications appear in peer-reviewed journals including Genetics in Medicine, Journal of Pediatrics, and Blood. She is also credited with several patient pamphlets, newsletters, genetics and alternative medicine articles, and multiple chapters in the Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders. Jennifer is passionate about genetics education, supporting families facing hereditary breast cancer, and promoting awareness of cultural and disability issues in the profession and practice of genetic counseling.

Erin Nicholas, M.S., CGC
Senior Genetic Counselor

Erin Nicholas is a board-certified genetic counselor who comes to DNA Direct with expertise in metabolic genetic disorders and a background in the high-tech industry. Prior to joining DNA Direct, Erin was a genetic counselor in the Biochemical Genetics service at the University of California, San Francisco, where she provided genetic counseling to patients and families, managed the newborn screening follow-up program and coordinated clinical trials.  She also collaborated with many industry and patient advocacy groups to coordinate educational and outreach activities.

Erin received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Before attending graduate school, she worked for a start-up software company called Transoft Networks, which was later acquired by Hewlett-Packard.  Erin earned her master of science in genetic counseling from the University of California, Irvine where her research focused on primary care physicians’ knowledge regarding genetic information and services. As a genetic counselor, Erin is uniquely sensitive to the way that genetic information is accessed, interpreted, and communicated and she is excited to work for a company committed to changing that paradigm in a responsible and innovative way.

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