Program Faculty

Raluca Kurz, LCGC, PhD

Program Director

Raluca N. Kurz, PhD, MS, CGC is a genetic counselor, health services researcher, and academic leader with over two decades of experience in cancer genetics, genomic medicine, and healthcare strategy. She currently serves as Director of the Genetic Counseling Program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and is Adjunct Faculty at Keck Graduate Institute. Dr. Kurz earned her PhD in Health Services Research from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, where her research examined the uptake of BRCA testing and downstream healthcare utilization. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College and a Bachelor’s degree with honors in Genetics and Immunology from the University of Western Ontario. She is board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counselors and licensed in California. Her clinical career includes extensive work at leading institutions, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Kaiser Permanente, where she specialized in hereditary cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling. In parallel, she has held leadership roles in industry, including Senior Consultant in Genomic Strategy at Kaiser Permanente and positions in Medical Affairs and Business Development at Invitae.

A central focus of Dr. Kurz’s work is addressing health disparities and improving equitable access to genomic care. Her research and professional efforts examine barriers to genetic testing and precision medicine, particularly among underserved populations, and aim to advance more inclusive, effective models of care delivery. She is committed to integrating genomics into routine clinical practice in ways that expand access, reduce disparities, and improve outcomes across diverse patient populations. Dr. Kurz has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and international collaborative studies on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Her work bridges clinical practice, research, and health system implementation, with a focus on translating genomic advances into accessible, patient-centered care.

Maria D’Addario Hudson

Associate Program Director

Maria D’Addario, MS, CGC, is a licensed, board-certified genetic counselor with over three decades of experience spanning clinical care in prenatal, cancer, cardiac, and adult genetics, trainee education, and laboratory science. She is recognized for her expertise in complex case management, risk assessment, and patient-centered counseling. With a passion for genetic counseling trainees, she has participated in admissions activities for several genetic counseling programs and has played a key role in securing program accreditation, designing and overseeing clinical training experiences, mentoring students, and delivering classroom instruction. Her work emphasizes competency-based education, student support, and curriculum development.

She earned her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Mount St. Mary’s College. In her work at the Charles Drew University Genetic Counseling Program, Maria brings a deep commitment to training the next generation of genetic counselors and advancing the field through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Amanda Higa, MS, LCGC

Genetic Counseling Clinical Experience Coordinator

Amanda Higa, MS, LCGC, is the Clinical Experience Coordinator and a certified Genetic Counselor. She earned her Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling from Keck Graduate Institute and is board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

As a practicing genetic counselor specializing in oncology and general adult genetics, Amanda provides comprehensive genetic risk assessment, counseling, and coordination of testing for individuals and families affected by hereditary conditions. She is passionate about increasing awareness of genetic counseling and improving access to genetic testing services across all communities.

As a volunteer with FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), Amanda advocates for expanded access to hereditary cancer care and genetics services. She believes everyone deserves the opportunity to benefit from the power of genetics in their healthcare.

Dr. Rosetta Hassan

Adjunct Faculty

Dr. Rosetta Hassan is a Partner Emeritus, retired physician in the Regional Genetics and Obstetrics and Gynecology Departments at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. She is the past Director of the California State Prenatal Diagnostic Centers for Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers. Dr. Hassan is a graduate of Kalamazoo College with a B.S. in Biology. She received her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her post-graduate residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) at Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital/Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and completed a Fellowship in Clinical Genetics at UCLA Medical Center. She is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Clinical Genetics. Dr. Hassan has over 35 years of experience in OB/GYN and Clinical Genetics.

She was formerly Vice Chair and Director of Women’s Health, and Director of the Residency Program in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital/Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. In addition, Dr. Hassan was Director of the California State-Approved Comprehensive Prenatal Genetics Center for King Drew Medical Center. Dr. Hassan practiced OB/GYN and Clinical Genetics in private practice.

Kaylee Ruiz, MS, CGC

Adjunct Faculty

Kaylee Ruiz, MS, CGC, is an ABGC-certified genetic counselor licensed in 35 states. She earned her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Fresno. She later completed her master’s degree in Genetic Counseling at the University of Utah. Following her training, Kaylee practiced as a clinical genetic counselor for three years, specializing in pediatric genetics. She currently works in a laboratory setting, where she provides counseling through telehealth and serves a wide geographic area.

In addition to her work as a genetic counselor, Kaylee is engaged in community education. She regularly volunteers with local community programs, discussing genetics and the diverse professional roles of genetic counselors, with a particular emphasis on the accessibility and equity of genetic medicine. Kaylee approaches genetic counseling as a form of education and is particularly interested in how teaching principles can enhance patient care, student training, and the public’s understanding of genetics.

Madeline Currey, MS, GC

Genetic Counseling Curriculum Coordinator

Madeline Currey, MS, is a genetic counselor at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science and the Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center. Her interest in the field began after a relative was diagnosed with a genetic disorder, inspiring her to support individuals and families navigating similar experiences.

She earned her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of California, Los Angeles. Madeline has worked extensively in cancer genomics, including with the Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics at City of Hope. Her work there focused on developing educational tools to support the return of genetic test results, including adapting complex genetic information for cancer patients who primarily speak Spanish and Mandarin.

This experience has shaped her passion for research aimed at advancing genetic care for diverse patient populations. Madeline is a published researcher on returning secondary findings in late-stage cancer care and is an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Shorronda Warren

Program Coordinator

Shorronda B. Warren is a dedicated Project Manager in the College of Science and Health at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, where she combines a strong commitment to service with academic excellence. Known for her warm presence, attention to detail, and strong sense of responsibility, Shorronda plays a key role in coordinating major events, supporting accreditation efforts, managing academic operations, and enhancing the student experience across the College of Science and Health.

Her work is guided by a deep belief in the power of education, a genuine love for helping others, and a personal commitment to uplifting every space she enters. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Shorronda values authentic connection, collaboration, and creating environments where people feel supported and seen. Her blend of compassion, leadership, and organizational strength reflects her personal mission to show up with heart, serve with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and success of the CDU community.

Caroline Lieber, LCGC

Program Advisor

Caroline Lieber is Director Emeritus of the Sarah Lawrence College Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics, the nation’s first and largest master’s program in genetic counseling. She brings more than 45 years of experience in human genetics, including 18 years as a clinical genetic counselor and supervisor, and 15 years as an educator and administrator serving as Program Director of the Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College.

From 2013 to 2018, Caroline served as a consultant for Counsyl, a rapidly growing genomics company based in San Francisco, California. More recently, she has served as a program advisor to several genetic counseling training programs, including Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Southern California.

Caroline remains actively engaged in professional and educational outreach, with a particular focus on the narrative aspects of patient care. She regularly speaks to community and academic audiences, sharing insights drawn from her extensive experience in genetic counseling education and practice.