Professional Interests

I have been practicing genetic counseling since 2016.  My main specialty interests include oncology (cancer) genetics and fertility. Additionally, I am interested in the telehealth and educational aspects of genetic counseling. My goal is to be an advocate in the genetic counseling field by promoting prevention, proactivity, and personalized treatment for patients.  I also aim to help patients make informed decisions concerning their future health screening and management options.

I knew I wanted to be a genetic counselor ever since I read about this career path in a 6th grade science textbook.  As I got older, I realized that genetic counselors were few and far between.  My goal is to bring this growing profession back to my hometown of Effingham and make genetic counseling services accessible to those living in South-Central Illinois and Southern Illinois, as well as via telehealth.

Another way I am involved in growing the genetic counseling field is being a founding mentor of the Prospective Genetic Counselor Guidance Program (PGCGP).  This is a virtual mentorship program for individuals intending to apply to genetic counseling graduate school programs, but who do not have genetic counselors near them to shadow.  If you are a prospective genetic counseling student, please see the PGCGP website at www.iwanttobeagc.com.

Board Certification and Licensure 

I became nationally board certified via examination by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) in August 2016.  I am licensed to practice genetic counseling in several states, including Illinois. While Illinois is my primary practice state, I also hold genetic counseling licenses in Arkansas and Tennessee.  However, I am able to see certain patients in select other states as well (please see the Book Now page for a list of states).

Additionally, I have been a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) since August 2014, and I am an active member of the society's Cancer Special Interest Group.  I also became a member of the Illinois Society of Genetic Professionals (ISGP) in May 2020.

Education

I earned my Master of Science degree in Genetic Counseling at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock in May 2016. My thesis research project was titled "Ovarian cancer and genetic counseling/testing: Who is being referred?"

Prior to graduate school, I attended Indiana University Bloomington for my undergraduate education.  Go Hoosiers!  While there, I majored in Human Biology (with a concentration in Reproduction & Sexuality) and double-minored in Psychology and Gender Studies.  I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and graduated with Distinction in December 2012. 

During my formative years, I attended grade school, junior high, and high school within the Effingham Unit 40 school system.  I graduated from Effingham High School as a Valedictorian in May 2009.

Personal Life

I was born and raised in Effingham, IL.  I moved back to my hometown in July 2019 after being away for 10 years due to schooling and starting my career.  My husband and I got married in summer 2024, and we have a goldendoodle, who is very entertaining and believes she's more human than pup.  Since returning to Effingham, I have made an effort to become more involved in the community.  This includes being Co-Chair of the local nonprofit group, 100+ Women Who Care of Effingham County.  In my limited free time, you can find me enjoying farmers markets, stargazing, listening to live music, Jeeping, fourwheeling, cooking, making iced lattes, and soaking up the sun.

Other Genetic Counseling Experience

• GeneDx (genetic testing lab): Regional Account Executive

• Variantyx (genetic testing lab): Clinical Sales Specialist

• eviCore Healthcare (insurance/policy):  Genetic Counselor on the Lab Management Team

• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Genetic Counseling Program: Faculty Member and Guest Lecturer

• GeneMatters (telehealth):  Contract Genetic Counselor for Oncology Genetics

• Highlands Oncology Group (private practice group in Northwest Arkansas):  Genetic Services Coordinator - Oncology Genetic Counselor

• University of Tennessee Medical Center (university health system in Knoxville): Oncology Genetic Counselor

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

Our founder, Courtney M. Cook-Helregel, MS, LCGC, is a full-time employee of GeneDx, a genetic testing laboratory, and is a stockholder of said laboratory, and thus has a financial interest in GeneDx.  Cook Genetics Assessment and Testing, LLC, will not recommend nor endorse any genetic testing offered by GeneDx that could result in a perceived or actual conflict of interest.  Furthermore, Cook Genetics focuses on hereditary cancer genetics services, which is a test offering but not a primary sales target for GeneDx.  This potential conflict of interest will be disclosed to each patient.