What we do and how we do it
Our Mission
Promote genetic education for current and prospective genetics professionals in Tennessee and surrounding states
Host annual education conference and workshops
Increase patient access to genetic counseling services
Support National Society of Genetic Counselors federal advocacy activities
Provide support and resources to help TN genetic counselors secure licensure
Provide genetic resources to patients, clinicians, and students
Advise patients and clinicians considering a genetic counseling appointment
Connect prospective genetic counseling students with education and shadowing opportunities
Support organizations and research geared toward improving the lives of our patients
Offer grants for genetics-focused research
Offer grants for prospective students applying to genetic counseling graduate programs
Membership
All genetic counselors or genetics professionals who work in the state of Tennessee are eligible for membership. In order to become a member, please contact us. If you currently do not work as a genetic professional but live in the state of Tennessee and would like to join, please contact us and the executive committee will review your request.
TNGCA Leadership
Sara lewis, ms, cgc
PRESIDENT
Sara Lewis, MS, CGC, is a senior genetic counselor in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. After receiving her Master of Science in Medical Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006, Sara worked as an adult cancer counselor for several years. She joined St. Jude in 2017 as their first hematology genetic counselor and is privileged to work with patients with a wide variety of hematologic conditions. Her interests include increasing access to genetic services for patients, student education, and investigating the genetics of various rare blood disorders.
Passant shaker, MS, CGC
VICE-PRESIDENT
Passant Shaker obtained her MS in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling from Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, California in 2023. After graduation, she began her work that summer as a pediatric hematology genetic counselor at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Passant has immersed herself in the world of genetics and hematology, advocating for improved access to genetic testing, raising awareness about rare hematologic disorders, and empowering patients to understand their care and condition. She is passionate about expanding cultural diversity in the field of genetics and genomics.
Andrew bell, MS, CGC
SECRETARY & TREASURER
In 2017, Andrew graduated with his M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). After graduation, Andrew began his journey with the Baptist Memorial Healthcare family. He currently serves as the Director of Genetic Counseling for the Baptist system and is actively working to develop genetic counseling access for rural communities throughout the Mid-South. He currently serves on the board of directors for the UAMS and University of Alabama at Birmingham Genetic Counseling programs. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and six boys, church family, and enjoying the growing field of genetics.
LilyAnne Grieve, MS, CGC
COMMITTEE DIRECTOR
LilyAnne Grieve, MS, CGC completed her Master of Science in Medical and Molecular Genetics at Indiana University in 2023. Shortly after graduation, Lily began her career as a pediatric oncology genetic counselor at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. In this role, Lily has merged her passions for patient care and research, focusing on topics including health care transition, service delivery models, and access to care. In her free time, Lily enjoys exploring Memphis, spending time with her cats, Ichabod and Poe, and reading everything the library has to offer.