Kayla Lemens

Hello! My name is Kayla Lemens, and I’m from West Bend, Wisconsin. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in Genetics and Genomics, and a certificate in French. During my time at UW–Madison, I was active in my school’s chapter of A Moment of Magic, Alpha Omega Epsilon Sorority, and the Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization. After learning about the genetic counseling profession in my freshman year seminar, I decided to join a pharmacogenomic lab, as well as a lab focusing on Merkle Cell Carcinoma to gain some hands-on research experience. These experiences solidified my interest in genetics and, more importantly, showed me that I wanted to combine my passion for genetics with my interest in patient care. After graduating, I began working as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. In this role, I supported a team of cancer genetic counselors and developed skills to support patients by communicating negative test results and coordinating testing. This role deepened my understanding of how patients process complex information, make difficult decisions, and navigate uncertainty. I also wanted to find a way to be more active in my new community, so I began volunteering as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line. Outside of academics, you can usually find me playing pickleball, watching whatever the new hit movies are, or hanging around with my 2 cats. I’m incredibly excited to begin my journey toward becoming a genetic counselor as a student in the Genetic Counseling program at the Medical College of Wisconsin.