About Me

Lauren Moissiy, MS, LCGC - Licensed and Board Certified Genetic Counselor

With over a decade of experience in the field of genetic counseling and medical genetics and a focus on psychological wellness and healing, you can depend on my expertise and experience to receive a personalized session and testing approach, rather than a one-size-fits all approach.

Background and Certifications

Education: B.A., Biology, College of Creative Studies at University of California, Santa Barbara, 2013. M.S., Genetic Counseling, California State University, Stanislaus, 2016

Areas of Expertise: Family Planning, Cardiovascular Genetics, Cancer Genetics, Pharmacogenomics, Psychiatric Genetics

I am able to provide tele-counseling for patients in select states in the US:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, US territories and Washington DC.

Genetic Counselor License: CA, WA

Board Certified by the American Board of Genetic Counselors

National Society of Genetic Counselors Member

American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Member

- ASRM Genetic Counseling Professional Group

- ASRM Nutrition Special Interest Group

Advisory Board Member for Jacqueline Rush Foundation

Expertise You Can Depend On

Laboratory and Clinical Expertise

I know first hand how important it is to choose the best genetic test for a patient from my 7 years of experience working for clinical genetic testing laboratories. Sometimes one laboratory's technology is limited for a specific gene, yet at another laboratory their technology is able to identify the gene variant. This is one of the factors that makes or breaks a genetic diagnosis for a patient. I have consulted for pharmaceutical companies on this topic in order to help them identify the best genetic testing available and is what encouraged me to create my private practice.

Lead by Clinical Guidelines

I follow the most up to date clinical guidelines for genetic testing and recommendations, while also relying on my expertise in a multitude of rare diseases and disorders for which no guidelines exist.

Zero Bureaucratic Limits

I believe each genetic counseling session must be highly tailored to each specific situation and the whole person. My varied professional experience allows me to assess each individual or family completely, without being limited by a specific protocol that most other institutions employ - dictating the time that can be spent with a patient, the genetic tests that can be ordered, or which laboratories that can be used. Unfortunately, these limitations at other institutions can at times negatively impact patient care and outcomes because patients won't be offered certain genetic tests that could be beneficial. Why does this happen at even the top hospitals? Lab contracts, lack of time to spend with the patient, and decision makers who enforce limits on services.

My Background

I was a genetic counseling assistant in Santa Barbara, CA for a cancer genetic counselor in 2013 while simultaneously working in the Emergency Department at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. I received my Master of Science in Genetic Counseling in 2016 through a California State University, Stanislaus and University of California, San Francisco collaboration (Now officially the UCSF program), with extensive clinical training and didactic instruction at UCSF, Stanford Medical Center, Kapiolani Women and Children's Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, and John Muir Health. I am proud to say I trained under many of the most esteemed doctors and senior genetic counselors in the US. I also have 7 years of experience working for clinical genetic testing laboratories. My varied experiences enable me to offer a unique combined clinical and lab perspective to provide individualized care. I counsel patients for a variety of health concerns, and provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and couples to discuss their best options and how to integrate genetic health information into their lives.

My Approach

My focus is to help individuals navigate the sometimes confusing space of genomic medicine, genetic testing, and reproductive testing options like carrier screening. I achieve this by providing a neutral and safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a plan for you and your relatives if needed, while coordinating care with your doctor or other health care team. Finding a trusted source of accurate and up to date information is crucial. I stay up to date on the latest research so I can provide the best patient experience.

Patient Experience

I will be there for you every step of your journey. Equipped with knowledge and a better understanding of your unique genomic information and health, you will have access to tailored health care and lifestyle approaches, and know how to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system as needed. Genetic counseling can be an empowering experience, even if there is some initial fear or anxiety. We will work through that together.