Genetic Counselors & Genetic Counseling

Welcome to the Lurie Children’s Genetic Counseling Program. We want to share information with you about genetic counselors, our roles in patient care and what to expect when working with a genetic counselor.

Who Are Genetic Counselors?

Healthcare professionals with specialized education and training in genetics, counseling and research who have:
- Masters-level degrees from accredited genetic counseling programs
- Board-certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling
- Licenses issued by the State of Illinois
We work with patients and families independently or as part of a healthcare team

How Do Genetic Counselors Help Families?

*©2022 Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago*

We help families with genetic conditions by providing education, support, and advocacy. We focus on family centered care and strive to work together with families, healthcare providers, and researchers. Your genetic counselor can:

Provide education on how your genetic condition may affect your health and development, ways to manage and treat your condition, and how your condition may be inherited
Help you understand your genetic test results
Assess the risk of having a genetic disorder
Discuss the benefits and limitations of genetic testing to help with decision making for genetic testing
Identify research opportunities and potential cutting edge treatments
Provide support and advocacy on your medical journey

Meet Our Genetic Counselors

Our Mission

Navigating genomic medicine for patients, families and healthcare providers by delivering compassionate and equitable genetic counseling services through education, collaboration, research, advocacy, and support.

Family Testimonials

Robinson Family
“Since the day we received our diagnosis, Katherine has been right by our side, helping us navigate the unfamiliar world we were entering. She is always available to guide us to the answers—whether it’s medical questions, insurance issues, or concerns about the future. And she’s just as available to share in our successes. Katherine has made us feel like we’re all on the same team, working to make sure our family stays on the right track.”
Pictured: Genetic counselor Katherine Kim, MS, with Celia, Ben, Beth and Jerry.

Rosa Moy
"My daughter Karina and I came to Dr. Webster and Sara Cherny scared and desperate for answers….Sara Cherny has such a sincere and witty personality that I was immediately drawn to her, and I can see my daughter was too. She explained step by step of what the genetic testing was for and how it would help us seek those answers we were looking for. She was so patient with us. We laughed and cried with her. She was a breath of fresh air for us, and I finally felt like we were on the right path to helping my daughter. She made us feel safe and … she refueled me with the strength to get my daughter through this."

Karina Moy
"Sara was providing emotional support when I needed it the most. … I never felt alone or confused about the situation after that initial appointment with Dr. Webster and Sara. I have an amazing team and support system. I can never truly describe how grateful I am for having them in my life. As a teenager, I was already overwhelmed with school and trying to find my “place” in life and adding this to my plate was so stressful. It was definitely a struggle dealing with all of this, but I did not have a single worry because I knew Sara and Dr. Webster had me and my case under control and I left Lurie’s that day knowing that EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE OKAY!"
Pictured: Karina with genetic counselor Sara Cherny, MS

Genetic Counselor Affiliated Clinics & Programs

Pediatric Genetic Counseling Clinic
Division of Genetics, Genomics and Metabolism
312.227.6120

22q11 Deletion Syndrome Clinic
Division of Genetics, Genomics and Metabolism
312.227.6120

Cancer Predisposition Program
Division of Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology & Stem Cell Transplantation
312.227.4007
Learn more about the Cancer Predisposition Program

Cardiovascular Genetics Center
Division of Cardiology
312.227.2505
Learn more about the Cardiovascular Genetics Center

Connective Tissue Disorders Clinic
Division of Cardiology and Division of Genetics, Genomics and Metabolism
312.227.6120
Learn more about the Connective Tissue Disorders Clinic

Pediatric Epilepsy Genetic Counseling Clinic
Epilepsy Center
312.227.3540
Learn more about the Pediatric Epilepsy Genetics Counseling Clinic

Leukodystrophy Disorders Clinic
Division of Genetics, Genomics and Metabolism and Division of Neurology
312.227.6120
Learn more about the Leukodystrophy Care Program

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Clinic
Mazza Foundation Neuromuscular Program
Division of Neurology
312.227.3550
Learn more about the MDA Clinic

Neurofibromatosis Clinic
Division of Genetics, Genomics and Metabolism
312.227.6120
Learn more about the Neurofibromatosis Program

Prenatal Genetic Counseling
The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health
312.227.4747

Pediatric Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Clinic
Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine
312.227.6260

Sex Development Program
Division of Endocrinology
Clinic Coordinator: Danielle Lee, MSW, LCSW
312.227.6203
Learn more about the Sex Development Program

Skeletal Dsyplasia Clinic
Division of Genetics, Genomics and Metabolism
312.227.6120

Related News

Rare Disease Day Invites You to Show Your Stripes®

Learn about Rare Disease Day, observed globally to raise awareness and support individuals and families affected by rare health conditions. Explore challenges, resources, and Lurie Children's Hospital's efforts in rare disease diagnosis, treatment, and research.

Genetic Testing in Cardiology Frequently Asked Questions

Lurie Children's experts answer the most frequently asked questions about genetic testing and screening to help you understand and manage your family's cardiovascular health.