1. science
2. medicine
3. genetics

Candidate Statement - MAGC 2014 Board of Directors Elections
(2015-2017 term)
Please briefly answer the following questions regarding your interest in
serving on the MAGC Board of Directors. Your answers will be posted on
the MAGC website and included with the ballot for membership review
prior to the election.
1.
Why are you interested in serving on the MAGC Board of
Directors?
I am interested in being a member of the MAGC Board of Directors so that I
may serve and help to further the professional development of the genetic
counseling community in the State of Michigan. Additionally, my personal
goals as a genetic counselor directly parallel the goals of the Michigan
Association of Genetic Counselors; to promote genetics education, foster
professional development, encourage communication and alliances, and
facilitate access to services. Finally, I’m interested in being on the Board of
Directors as an excuse to gather with my fellow genetic counselors on a
frequent basis to discuss professional (or completely non-related) topics!
2.
What skills would you bring to the MAGC Board of Directors and
to this position specifically?
As a candidate for treasurer, I will bring strong communication and
organization skills that I believe are essential to maintain financial order and
accomplish stated aims and objectives. I will bring enthusiasm and humor to
subjects that tend to be very dry and boring (finances!). Also, because I have
not yet been blessed with children of my own, I have the availability to devote
a significant time commitment to my duties as treasurer and a member of the
MAGC Board of Directors.
Please return the completed form, along with your CV, by email to
Nominating Committee Chair, Erin Carmany, at ecarmany@med.wayne.edu
by August 29, 2014
JESSICA L. CHAPERON
2017 Lancaster Street, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 | 231-675-9850 | jesschaperon@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Certified Genetic Counselor
Passed board certification exam in August of 2013
2013
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
M.S. in Medical and Molecular Genetics
May 2013
Thesis: Radiohumeral synostosis, microgastria, and other unique features: A new genetic syndrome?
2013
Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI
B.S. in Biological Sciences
Area of Concentration: Genetics
Undergraduate coursework completed in 7 semesters/3.5 calendar years
2011
EMPLOYMENT
Reproductive Genetic Counselor, Wayne State University Physician Group, Detroit, MI
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Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine
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May 2011 – May 2013
Laboratory assistant to Kenneth White, Ph.D.
Performed genotype analysis via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on mouse subject populations,
used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to analyze FGF23 expression in transgenic
mice
Biology & Chemistry Department, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI
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May 2013 - present
Counsel patients regarding a wide variety of indications, including but not limited to, abnormal
serum screening, age-related risks for aneuploidy, family history of genetic disorders, and
preconception counseling
Review treatment, management, and prevention strategies and provide referrals when
appropriate
Provide short- and long-term patient centered psychosocial counseling
Work closely with a variety of laboratories, including Sequenom, Natera, Integrated Genetics,
Counsyl, Verinata, GoodStart Genetics, and DMC University laboratories
Attend and present at weekly ultrasound and genetics case conferences
Provide instruction and teach obstetrics and gynecology residents, medical students, maternalfetal-medicine fellows, and genetic counseling students
February 2010 – May 2011
Teaching Assistant
Led laboratory experiments, enhanced student understanding of biology coursework, completed
grading and evaluation of student performance, and acted as a liaison between professors and
students
EDUCATION/TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Clinical Reproductive Genetics Supervisor
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Participated in supervision during counseling sessions and teaching of obstetrics and gynecology
residents, medical students, maternal-fetal-medicine fellows, and genetic counseling students
Responsible for giving lectures to a wide variety of audiences regarding all aspects of reproductive
genetic counseling
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Wayne State University Genetic Counseling Program Open House – Wayne State University School of Medicine
An Overview of Reproductive Genetic Counseling
Medical Genetics Grand Rounds – Detroit Medical Center, Division of Medical and Biochemical Genetics
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis – Basic Overview and Special Considerations
anticipated August 2014
June 2014
JESSICA L. CHAPERON
PAGE 2
October 2013
Obstetric Ultrasound and Genetics Weekly Case Conference
A Sherlock Holmes Approach to Fetal Limb Malformations
Graduate Research Thesis Defense
Radiohumeral synostosis, microgastria, and other unique features: A new genetic syndrome?
March 2013
GRADUATE TRAINING EXPERIENCE
St. Vincent Maternal Fetal Medicine and Genetics Center
Center for Prenatal Diagnosis at St. Vincent Health
Indiana University Prenatal Diagnostic Clinic
Cancer Genetics Risk Assessment Program at St. Vincent Hospital
Biochemical and Metabolic Genetics at Riley Hospital for Children
Indiana Familial Cancer Clinic at the Indiana University Medical Center
Genetic Counseling Clinic at the Indiana University Medical Center
Pediatric and Preconception Genetics at Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI
Indiana Teratogen Information Service at the Indiana University Medical Center
Neurogenetics Clinic at Riley Hospital for Children
Medical Genetics Clinic at Riley Hospital for Children
March 2013 – April 2013
February 2013 – March 2013
January 2013 – February 2013
November 2012 – December 2012
October 2012 – November 2012
October 2012 – November 2012
August 2012 – September 2012
July 2012 – August 2012
June 2012 – August 2012
May 2012 – June 2012
January 2012 – August 2012
MEETINGS
National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Education Conference – anticipated attendance September 2014
National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Education Conference – October 2012
Indiana University Marfan Syndrome Patient Education Conference – September 2012
Indiana Network of Genetic Counselors Annual Education Conference – September 2011 & 2012
Young Breast Cancer Survivors of Indianapolis Meeting – April 2012
Huntington Disease Indiana Chapter Support Group Meeting – September 2011
MEMBERSHIPS
American Board of Genetic Counseling – inducted August 2013
American College of Medical Genetics (Student Member) – inducted September 2012
National Society of Genetic Counselors (Full Member) – inducted March 2012
Michigan Association of Genetic Counselors (Full Member) – inducted March 2012
REFERENCES
Available upon request