Genetic Counselors

What Do We Do?

Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process integrates the following:

  • Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence.
  • Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research.
  • Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.

Genetic counselors are Masters trained health professionals. We are licensed by the State of Illinois and certified by the American Board of Genetic Counselors.

Genetic counselors are available to speak to patients for various reasons. At your reproductive genetic counseling visit, we will collect you and your partner’s personal and family health history to provide information regarding potential risks for birth defects and other possible genetic conditions. Based on the information collected, we will also discuss potential genetic screening and diagnostic testing options that are available to you. Some common reasons why you might meet with a genetic counselor include a personal or family history of birth defects, intellectually disability, known genetic disorders, or to discuss different prenatal genetic testing options or carrier screening.

Appointments are by referral from a physician. For appointment information call:

Brenda Ortiz: (312) 413-3890

Our Genetic Counselors

Headshot for Sonia Ehrlich

Amanda Allred, MS

 aallred@uic.edu

Biography:

Ms. Amanda Allred is a Genetic Counselor with special training and skill certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Amanda Allred earned her Genetic Counseling Master of Science at Brandeis University. Ms. Allred has 3 years of experience in clinically reviewing patient family histories, explaining test results and treatment options, helping families to make decisions, providing emotional support, communicating with laboratories, writing consultation letters, collaborating with health care providers, and conducting research related to the risk of inherited disorders.
Headshot for Sonia Ehrlich

Sonia Ehrlich, MSGC

sehrlich@uic.edu

Biography:

Sonia Ehrlich graduated from the University of Minnesota with her Bachelor of Science in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development. While in Minneapolis, she worked at a treatment center for adults with chemical dependency, helping clients with medication management and health-focused counseling. This experience informed an interest in chemical exposures in pregnancy, which was further influenced by clinical internship experience with the teratogen information specialists at MotherToBaby. Sonia graduated from the Bay Path University Genetic Counseling Program in May 2021, and is looking forward to providing pre-conception and prenatal care to help patients in the Chicagoland area make informed, values-driven decisions.