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Julia Allen
Julia Allen is from Godfrey, Illinois, in the St. Louis metro area. She graduated from Western Kentucky University in May of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biotechnology. She then moved to Birmingham to work as a Genetic Counseling Assistant where she gained experience across a variety of clinical specialties and worked closely with patients, families, and genetic counselors. Through this experience, she developed a deeper understanding of the many roles genetic counselors play in patient care.
While working as a GCA, Julia also completed a Graduate Certificate in Industry Genetics and Genomics at UAB. Her coursework further strengthened her interest in genetics, particularly in the interpretation of genetic variants and the ways genetic information can be translated into meaningful information for patients. She also volunteered as a Rape Response Advocate with the Birmingham Crisis Center, where she developed a passion for listening to and supporting people during difficult times. Outside of genetic counseling, Julia enjoys needlepointing, taking dance classes, and reading.
Meghan Courtney
Meghan Courtney is originally from Harvest, Alabama. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, a Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Genetics and Genomic Sciences, and a minor in Public Health. During her time in university, she shadowed genetic counselors at Clearview Cancer Institute and served as an AmeriCorps VISTA for two service terms. While serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA, she pursued her passions of community service and healthcare through organizing a health literacy intervention at UAB’s PATH Clinic. During this intervention, Meghan was able to assess underserved patients for health literacy levels, provide a space for patients to communicate their needs in healthcare settings, and create educational materials for providers to practice health literacy-sensitive care. Outside of work and class, Meghan enjoys spending time at the various parks and rivers around Birmingham, practicing piano, hanging out with friends, and relaxing at home with her cat.
Lindsay Evermon
Lindsay is from Auburn, Alabama and attended Auburn University for her undergraduate degree. She graduated summa cum laude in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Biotechnology and a minor in Psychology. During her undergraduate, Lindsay enjoyed volunteering with organizations that support the disability community such as the Miracle League and Exceptional Foundation. She also gained crisis counseling experience while volunteering at Women’s Hope Family Center. Lindsay spent a summer as a genetic counseling intern through HudsonAlpha’s BioTrain program. While there, she shadowed over 40 counseling sessions and completed a retrospective chart review for patients seen for hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. She presented her findings in a research poster, which has been used as educational material for patients and accepted to the 2025 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting.
After graduation, Lindsay moved to Birmingham and worked as a genetic counseling assistant at the UAB Medical Genomics Laboratory. There, she worked alongside a laboratory team to provide genetic information to patients and referring physicians and coordinated genetic testing and results. While working as a GCA, Lindsay pursued a Graduate Certificate in Industry Genetics and Genomics at UAB. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys reading and developing new sourdough recipes.
Julia Henderson
Julia Henderson is from Marietta, Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2025 with a degree in Genetics and a minor in Human Services. As an undergraduate, Julia gained exposure to genetic counseling through an internship with the cancer genetic counselors at Piedmont Hospital, where she shadowed hereditary cancer counseling sessions. Julia also spent three years working with ESP, an organization serving individuals with disabilities and their families, where she developed skills in advocacy, communication, and building meaningful relationships. Additionally, she served as a peer mentor through UGA’s Destination Dawgs Program, supporting students with disabilities on campus and in their day-to-day living. During her gap year, Julia worked as a Genetics Coordinator at a genetics clinic, where she gained hands-on experience with ordering genetic testing, collecting patient and family history, making referrals, and communicating genetic test results. These experiences strengthened her passion for genetic counseling and patient-centered care. In her free time, Julia loves reading, going to concerts, going on long walks, trying new coffee shops, and traveling to visit friends.
Mary Jones
Mary Jones is from Cumming, Georgia and graduated from Tulane University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a minor in Public Health. As an undergraduate, she worked as a research assistant at LSU Health Sciences Center, studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of homeostasis and aging in the brain. This experience, along with her coursework, sparked her interest in neurodegenerative diseases and the role genetics play in disease risk. During this time, she also shadowed the genetic counseling team at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans and participated in a summer internship with Gateway Domestic Violence Center. Both experiences strengthened her passion for advocacy and equitable access to care.
After graduation, Mary moved to Huntsville, Alabama, to work as a genetic counseling assistant at The Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine at HudsonAlpha. In addition to supporting clinical workflows, she helped facilitate appointments for HudsonAlpha’s HOPE-AD Alzheimer’s research study. This experience was particularly meaningful as it was the first time she was able to conduct clinical research, and she gained valuable experience helping families navigate Alzheimer’s disease.
Outside of school, Mary enjoys cooking, getting lost in a craft project, and traveling to visit friends.
Kendall Warwick
Kendall Warwick is from Knoxville, TN and graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a minor in Hispanic Studies. Following graduation, she started her role as a Patient Flow Coordinator at UT Medical Center’s Breast Center where she supported the High-Risk Breast Management clinic and helped coordinated genetic testing services offered through the facility. In 2025, she transitioned into her role as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at UT Medical Center’s Cancer Institute where she was able to build upon her previous clinical experience. Her responsibilities included processing referrals, scheduling appointments, conducting chart preparation, constructing pedigrees and family letters, and supporting the genetic counselor in clinic. Additionally, she has served as a Patient Advocate Leader for the FORCE organization and volunteered at a local food pantry in her community. These opportunities not only provided her with a deeper understanding of genetic counseling but also valuable hands-on experience within the field. In her free time, Kendall enjoys reading, travelling, collecting vinyl records, and playing Catan with friends and family.
Tabitha Wilson
Tabitha is from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Pre-Professional Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Before beginning her training at UAB, she completed a post-baccalaureate internship with ClinGen at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she primarily coordinated expert panels and gained experience with variant curation. Her interest in genetic counseling began with a fascination with how genetics explains some of the quirks that make each of us unique. Through genetic counseling shadowing at UNC, virtual shadowing, mentorship programs, crisis counseling, and adaptive aquatics volunteering, she became drawn to the field’s combination of science, teaching, and hearing people’s stories. She chose UAB because of the program’s strong commitment to serving and contributing to the community. During her training, she looks forward to advocating through clinical rotations and learning from the variety of patients and experiences they provide. Outside of school, Tabitha enjoys all things aquatic and spending time with her three bunnies.
Faith Wix
Faith Wix is from Orlando, Florida. She graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and a minor in Psychology. She graduated with the Honors Scholar Distinction and received the Dean’s Medal for Biological Sciences, Dean's Award for Academic Excellence, and Alpha Gamma Delta Laverne Taylor Flanagan Volunteerism Award. As an undergraduate, Faith worked as a Peer Tutor and Tutor Mentor, helping peers through difficult classes in chemistry, biology, and statistics. She also worked as a research lab assistant in the College of Veterinary Medicine, studying the prevalence of pathogens in ticks.
Outside of the classroom, she served as a Recruitment Counselor for Auburn Panhellenic and Vice President of Education for her sorority. She also served as Vice President of Advancement for Auburn University Dream Makers, helping raise funds and awareness for children’s healthcare. She volunteered in the NICU at East Alabama Medical Center, engaging with families and offering emotional support. These experiences fostered her interests in science, patient-centered care, teaching, and connecting with others, leading her to pursue a career in genetic counseling. In her free time, Faith enjoys reading, cooking, dancing, and spending time with friends.
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Mary James Bridges
Mary James Bridges is originally from Auburn, Alabama. She graduated summa cum laude with University Honors from The University of Alabama, earning a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with a minor in Global Health. Her undergraduate research on genetic polymorphisms in fish modeling autism spectrum disorder, combined with her experience serving as Head Recruitment Counselor for the Alabama Panhellenic Association, cemented her passion for science and teaching. These passions lead her to pursue the field of genetic counseling. She also served on the executive council for the Alabama Student Genetics Association, which served to educate her peers on current events and career opportunities related to genetics.
Following graduation, she moved to Birmingham, Alabama to work as a genetic counseling assistant at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. While in this role, she actively participated in pediatric, cancer, adult, and specialty clinics, such as those for metabolic disorders and Neurofibromatosis. Her responsibilities included placing clinical test orders, triaging referrals, and assisting with sample collection. This opportunity also provided a plethora of hands-on experience with patients, solidifying her commitment to the profession. Outside of work, Mary James enjoys travelling and scrapbooking her adventures!
Maddie Buhl
Maddie Buhl is from Colleyville, Texas. She graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2025 with both a bachelor's and master's degree in biological sciences with a minor in global health. During her time at UA, Maddie served as the lab manager for a research group investigating the genetic basis of aging in fruit flies, which provided her the opportunity to present at regional, national, and international conferences. Additionally, she served as the president of Beta Beta Beta biology honor society, which created community for students studying biology. Maddie was actively involved in student support programs, working as a peer advisor in the Capstone Center for Student Success and mentoring out-of-state students through the UA First office. Beyond campus, she volunteered as a front office aide at Good Samaritan Clinic, assisting uninsured individuals in West Alabama. In her free time, Maddie enjoys reading and practicing yoga.
Carley Chin
Carley Chinn is from Roswell, Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia in May of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and a minor in Biology. As an undergraduate, she volunteered at the University Cancer and Blood Center in Athens, GA, where she supported cancer patients as a genetic counseling assistant. In this role, she documented family histories, coordinated appointments, and tracked genetic test results, gaining valuable exposure to a wide range of hereditary cancer syndromes.
Carley also spent a summer as a Student Instruction and Behavior Assistant at Pattison’s Academy, where she provided one-on-one support to students with genetic conditions and disabilities. There she focused on helping students develop life skills and achieve personal goals, while collaborating with a healthcare team to meet daily medical and behavioral needs. Together, these experiences deepened her passion for genetic knowledge, precision medicine, and patient-centered care, and prepared her well for a career in genetic counseling. In her free time, Carley enjoys playing pickleball, visiting friends, baking, and spending time with her cat, Pickles.
Gabi Fitzjarrell
Gabi Fitzjarrell is from Aurora, Colorado. She graduated magna cum laude from Iowa State University in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics. During her undergraduate career, she took part in a Cancer Research Fellowship through The University of Colorado studying how CAR-T cell therapy can be used in the treatment of melanoma and shadowed a genetic counselor through UCHealth. After graduating, Gabi completed a genetic counseling assistant training program through Johns Hopkins University and has been working as an administrative assistant and receptionist at a private family practice in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. In her free time, she volunteers as a crisis counselor at the Crisis Text Line. These opportunities and exceptional experiences confirmed her passion in pursuing a career in genetic counseling which led her to applying to UAB. Outside of work and school, Gabi enjoys baking or cooking new things and spending time with friends and family.
Jared Murray
Jared is from Georgetown, IN. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Indiana University Southeast. Following his graduation in 2023, Jared joined The Cancer Prevention and Genetics Clinic at Community Health Network in Indianapolis, IN, as a genetic counseling assistant. Outside of the clinical and clerical duties involved with supporting the team of five oncology genetic counseling, Jared offered administrative support for the clinic’s Young Adult Social Support group, a support group designed for young adults with a current or previous history of cancer, and led the team of genetic counseling assistants in the clinic’s ongoing efforts increase access to sample collection for genetic counseling patients across the network.
In addition to his degree in biology, Jared holds a Bachelor Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Louisville, and continues to maintain an active schedule of teaching, freelancing, and performing throughout Kentuckiana. Across both disciplines, Jared has demonstrated a passion for teaching, mentoring, collaboration, and leadership, all of which being aspects that drew him to the profession of genetic counseling. In his free time, Jared enjoys cooking and baking, gaming, riding Peloton, and spending time with his family and friends.
Caroline Nelson
Caroline Nelson is from Spanish Fort, AL and attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She graduated summa cum laude with high distinguished honors in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Genomic Sciences and minors in German and STEM Education. During undergrad, Caroline spent a summer working in college ministry in Germany as well as a semester student-teaching ninth grade biology at a local high school, which allowed her to practice teaching to students of incredibly diverse backgrounds. Caroline also worked as a Supplemental Instructor for three years, creating additional instructional materials and leading peer tutoring sessions for UAB’s Intro to Genetics class.
During that same time, she volunteered with the Civitan Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research Project where she assisted with diagnostic evaluations, administered the BOT-2 motor proficiency assessment, performed literature reviews for multiple studies, and befriended many children with neurodevelopmental differences and their families. She was also heavily involved in her sorority and served on UAB’s Panhellenic Executive Board for a year. When she isn’t busy studying, Caroline loves to read, explore Birmingham’s many parks, try new recipes, and spend time with her friends and cats.
Patti Anne Smith
Patti Anne Smith is from Moulton, Alabama. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama in May of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Social Innovation and Leadership. As an undergraduate, Patti Anne worked for UA as a biology tutor for student-athletes, served as a volunteer crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line, and volunteered with service organizations addressing needs like food insecurity and health literacy. She was also a member of the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows program—a cohort-based Honors program specializing in community engagement and social impact.
As a student, Patti Anne also spent time working as an undergraduate researcher studying the effects of early-life environmental complexity on learning and problem-solving abilities. During her last semester of college, she completed her coursework asynchronously and accepted a genetic counseling assistant position at the Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine on the HudsonAlpha campus in Huntsville, Alabama. In this role, she had the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of patients and immerse herself in the field of genetic counseling. In her free time, Patti Anne enjoys spending time at Smith Lake and going to concerts with friends and family.
Trevor Turner
Trevor Turner is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Genomic Sciences and a Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Sciences, with a concentration in genetics and genomic sciences. During his undergraduate years, Trevor served as an honors Resident Assistant in both freshman and upperclassman residence halls. This role sparked his passion for mental health advocacy and helped him develop strong leadership and crisis management skills.
Trevor also volunteered at the 1917 Clinic, where he worked directly with patients living with HIV, providing education on diagnosis and treatment, assisting with health technology, and promoting sexual health in a compassionate and accessible way. He served as president of the Student Association of Genetic Counseling and founded the Community Health Initiatives Association, which helped connect fellow students with shadowing and volunteer opportunities in Birmingham. Outside the classroom, Trevor enjoys discovering new coffee shops, exploring the local food scene, and binge-watching the latest murder mystery series.