Clara is from Dublin, Ohio. She attended Miami University of Ohio where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Environmental science. Following graduation, she pursued her passions in genetics and worked as a medical assistant at CCHMC pediatric genetics department. Clara's passions for patient advocacy and support for survivors of domestic abuse and assault led her to also serving as hospital advocate for Woman Helping Woman of Cincinnati. Clara's academic passions then led her to the University of Washington to obtain her master's in genetic counselling. Clara chose the UWGCGP due to its strong background for genomic education and research and focus on D+I topics relevant to the field of genetic counseling.
Growing up in a non-native English-speaking family, Clara witnessed firsthand the difficulties many immigrant families face in accessing healthcare. Her career passions include development and facilitation of resources, increasing accessibility, and addressing barriers to access to services for BIPOC, LGBT+, immigrant and other traditionally underserved communities.
Clara believes as we enter the era of precision-based medicine through the utilization of genetic services it is increasingly pertinent to address the inequities in healthcare access to various communities on an institutional, state, and federal level.
Clara enjoys attending the different food festivals in Cincinnati, local coffee shops, travelling, hiking and spending time with her two cats.