Advisory Board
The mission of the Advisory Board is to assist in fulfilling the goals and objectives
of the program as we advance the education of genetic counselors to meet the healthcare
needs of South Carolina and beyond.
The Advisory Board is comprised of leaders in genetics, business and the community
and serves to bring new perspectives to the table as they advise the program directors
and School of Medicine administration in the evolution of the curriculum and program
resources.
This program is so important to the state, the region and the nation. We need to ensure
its strength and stability long into the future.
Dr. Sashi Pai, professor and clinicial geneticist, Medical University of South Carolina
The Genetic Counseling Program Advisory Board works to:
- support the mission of the Genetic Counseling Program;
- support the program in continuous improvement of the curriculum;
- be knowledgeable about the needs of the Genetic Counseling Program;
- make recommendations to the program directors and School of Medicine administration
where appropriate;
- support the goal of increasing program resources, financial and otherwise;
- promote the program as a state, regional and national resource.
Board Members

Allison Aitchison, MS
Alumna, Genetic Counseling Class of 1995
“I am proud to serve on the Advisory Board and the School of Medicine Alumni Association
Board to promote awareness of the value of the Genetic Counseling Program to the University
of South Carolina and our community and to promote enthusiasm and involvement among
our alumni.”

Melissa Bennett, MS, CGC
Clinical Director, Lab Management Program
EviCore
“I serve on the advisory board to give back to the Genetic Counseling Program that has
given so much to me. I want to help ensure the program's sustainability for the training
of many more generations of genetic counselors. “

Karen Albiez Brooks, MS, CGC
Genetic Counselor, South Carolina Oncology Associates
“It’s a privilege to serve on this board along with others whose goal it is to sustain
and strengthen our USC Genetic Counseling Program.”

Judith T. Burgis, MD
Professor and Chair
USC SOM Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
“I serve this board to support the Division of Genetic Counseling as we incorporate
new applications and developments in genomic education and clinical practice. “

Laurie Demmer, MD, FACMG
Director, Clinical Genetics
Atrium Health

Phyllis Dennis, RN
Community Leader
"I have seen this program develop from a local to a national to an international program
with talented graduates who provide compassionate genetic counseling. I am proud
to serve on this board."

Janice G. Edwards MS, CGC
Clinical Professor and Director
USC Genetic Counseling Program
“It is an honor to work with this well-informed group of advisors to strengthen the
curriculum as we prepare genetic counselors for the future of genetic medicine.”

David Everman, MD
Medical Director, USC Genetic Counseling Program
Associate Clinical Geneticist, Greenwood Genetic Center
“The Advisory Board will help ensure that the distinguished Genetic Counseling Program
at USC continues to produce top notch genetic counselors that will be so integral
to the future of medicine.”

Lilly Filler, MD
Retired Obstetrician & Jewish Community Leader

Donna Jumper
Former Patient

Libby Malphrus, MS, CGC
Genetic Counselor, Savannah Perinatology
"As a proud Alumna and native South Carolinian, I am honored to be a part of the continued
growth of an already outstanding program."

G. Shashidhar Pai MD, FACMG
Clinical Geneticist
Medical University of SC
“Work done for no personal gain is far superior to any other kind of work.”

Shannon Pooser
Former Patient &
Community Philanthropist
“I am passionate about educating others about genetic counseling; genetics impacts
families everywhere.”

Cristi Radford, MS, CGC
Alumna, Genetic Counseling Class of 2005
“I serve on this board to give back to the program that educated me and to help prepare
genetic counselors for the constantly evolving workforce.”

Andrea Sellers, MS, CGC
Assistant Director, Education Outreach
USC Genetic Counseling Program
“I work to ensure the USC Genetic Counseling Program is as strong as possible for
future generations of genetic counselors.”

Steven A. Skinner, MD
Director, Greenwood Genetic Center
“The USC Genetic Counseling Program is a valuable resource for our state that continues
to produce high quality genetic counselors who are meeting a priority need in South
Carolina.”

J.T. Thornhill, MD
Associate Dean, Medical Education & Academic Affairs
“As genetics and genetic counseling take on an increasing role in health care, I am
honored to be a part of a group looking to educate and train the next generation of
healthcare professionals in these important areas.”

Debera Zvejnieks, MS, CGC
Genetic Counselor, Palmetto Health-USC Medical Group
“As a graduate of the USC Genetic Counseling Program, I support the program that has
enabled me to successfully pursue my career through various transitions and geographical
relocations. This program is a tremendous asset for South Carolina and the southeast,
both to the medical community and to the population served.”