Board of Directors

Officers of the Board

Justine Pickarski, President

Justine Pickarski is the Assistant Director of the Molecular Tumor Board at the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center. She graduated from the University of Texas-Houston Genetic Counseling Program in 2010 and has been dedicated to advancing cancer genetics in Kentucky. For over a decade, Justine provided genetic counseling to individuals and families affected by cancer, including spending seven years as supervisor of the cancer genetics team at Markey, where she led efforts to grow and strengthen clinical services. In 2024, Justine transitioned into a full-time role with the Molecular Tumor Board, where she focuses on expanding access to precision oncology statewide. Justine is passionate about equitable access to genetic and genomic services and works to address disparities in care across the state. She is also committed to the evolving role of genetic counselors in clinical care, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration and hopes to continue advocating for genetic counselors and genetics services with KYSGC. Outside of work, Justine enjoys sipping on craft cocktails, exploring other countries with her husband, and spoiling their two cats.

Andrea Frickman, Secretary

Andrea Frickman is a Cancer Genetic Counselor at Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky. Originally from Taylor Mill, Kentucky, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022. She is passionate about expanding access to genetic services across Kentucky, with a focus on comprehensive follow-up care for individuals with cancer genetic predisposition syndromes. Andrea also serves as a clinical supervisor and mentor to trainees. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, traveling, and spending time with her goldendoodle, Tito.

Anna Crider, Treasurer

Anna is a licensed genetic counselor in the hereditary cancer, neurogenetics, and general adult specialties, and she collaborates closely with pharmacogenomics specialists to provide personalized care for patients with rare diseases. In addition to her clinical expertise, she brings a foundation in finance and accounting, having completed a minor in accounting at the University of Cincinnati and held internships in both fields. She has also taught in both traditional and non-traditional settings, underscoring her commitment to education and patient empowerment. In addition to her clinical work, she serves on the Kentucky Society of Genetic Counselors (KYSGC) Conference Planning Committee, where she worked directly with sponsors to secure funding and provide necessary tax documentation. Anna is committed to supporting the society’s mission through transparent and effective financial stewardship

Board Members at Large

Terra Armstrong, President Ex Officio

Terra is the Cancer Genetics Supervisor at UK Healthcare in the Markey Cancer Center. Terra graduated from Northwestern University with her Master’s in Genetic Counseling in 2015 and worked for two years in Chicago as a cancer/prenatal GC. Terra then transitioned back home to Kentucky and worked at UK for the past six years as a senior cancer GC. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling with her husband, and hanging out with their dog Zoey. Terra hopes to continue to advocate for genetics care across Kentucky and inspire other GCs to participate in KYSGC!

Hillary Rieger

Hillary Rieger, LCGC is a pediatric and adult genetic counselor at UKHealthCare. Prior to becoming a genetic counselor, she worked for several years in a research setting with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders with a focus on genetic etiologies and treatments. She then pursued concurrent master’s degrees in Genetic Counseling and Medical Humanities and Bioethics at Northwestern University. Upon graduating, she moved to Lexington where she lives with her partner and 2 dogs, Ziggy and Boots. During her time at UKHealthCare, she has established a multi-specialty internship program for individuals interested in pursuing careers in genetics, joined the Clinical Ethics Committee at UK, and is a board member for the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). She considers herself a lifelong learner with a passion for mentorship and fostering the growth and success of others. In her work with KYSGC, she hopes to support the implementation and advancement of genetics care for the folks of KY.

Jason W. Tate

Jason is the Pathology Genetic Counselor at UK Healthcare in Lexington, KY. Originally from Laurel County, he completed a Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling at Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, CA in 2022, before returning to KY. Jason has a special interest in the accessibility and availability of genetic counseling services and hopes the KYSGC will help to expand both for Kentucky.

Carley Brueckner

Carley Brueckner is a board-certified genetic counselor specializing in prenatal and cancer genetics at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Northern Kentucky. She earned her Master’s degree from UT Health Houston's Genetic Counseling Program. As a proud Kentucky native, Carley is deeply committed to expanding access to genetic counseling services across the state and is passionate about elevating the profession through community education and outreach.

Mindy Kolodziejski

Mindy Kolodziejski, MS, LCGC, is a Senior Genetic Counselor at UK Healthcare in Lexington, KY, where she provides genetic counseling to pediatric and adult patients across a variety of indications. She also provides genetic counseling in the multidisciplinary Differences of Sex Development (DSD) clinic at UK. Originally from Minnesota, Mindy earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities before completing her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling at the UTHealth Houston Genetic Counseling Program. Upon graduating, she moved to Lexington where she lives with her cats, Kylo and Ezra. Mindy is passionate about improving access to genetic services for underserved and underrepresented communities, with professional interests in inpatient genetics care, the fetal-to-neonatal care transition, and LGBTQIA+ issues in genetic counseling. In her free time, Mindy enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music, crocheting, and exploring new restaurants.

Lydia Pack

Lydia was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She completed her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling at Washington University in St. Louis. Upon graduation, she returned to her home state as an oncology genetic counselor at UK. Lydia hopes to continue building community among current and aspiring GCs in the state of KY as well as promote the well-being of the individuals in our community. Some of her goals include to help plan more social outings and gatherings for genetics professionals as well as to find more ways for regular communication/connection. Lydia loves spending time with animals (currently in her house is 1 golden retriever and 2 cats, always aspiring for more), reading, being in nature, and is currently attempting to love running.

Dave Baker

Dave is a Kentucky native originally from Henderson, KY. He joined the Army out of high school and became a Russian linguist. He spent most of his military service as a member and leader of a special operations team specializing in signals intelligence and electronic warfare. After separating from the military in 2015, Dave earned a Bachelor of Science in biological engineering from Montana State University and a Masters of Genetic Counseling from Vanderbilt University in 2023. He currently works as cancer and cardiovascular genetic counselor at Baptist Health in Lexington, KY. Dave has been a member of KYSGC since its founding and collaborated with its members to help facilitate the annual education conferences and continues to strive to support projects increasing genetic services accessibility to Kentuckians. He welcomes the challenges and opportunities to support the KYSGC board, Kentucky genetic counselors, and related professions to progress the genetic counseling profession and services to increase awareness and access to high quality genomic care in Kentucky.

Jodie Huff

Jodie is a cancer genetic counselor at Owensboro Health. Huff earned a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Brandeis University and a post-baccalaureate in Biology from the University of Louisville. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking with her dogs, botany and birding. She and her husband have two dogs and two cats who run the house.