Meet Our Team of Genetic Counselors
The Genetic Counseling Program has a diverse staff of four genetic counselors and the support of the Medical Director of Ferre Institute, Inc.
Luba Djurdjinovic, MS
Luba Djurdjinovic, MS is the Executive Director of Ferre Institute, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides services in genetics and reproductive health. She is also Director of its Genetic Counseling Programs. She is a practicing genetic counselor with clinical interests in issues of infertility, familial cancer histories and most recently, cardiovascular genetics. Luba is credited for developing a unique genetic service delivery model and has promoted its adoption. In her 30 years of practice, she has been active in many state and national genetic professional organizations. She is the past president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and a recipient of its National Achievement Award. Presently, Luba is co-chair of the NYS Genetic Counselors Group that represents all NYS genetic counselors.
Luba has been a principle investigator on several projects with the National Human Genome Research Institute (Human Genome Project). She has provided public and professional education. In 2000, Luba completed 19 years on the adjunct faculty at the School Social Work in Syracuse, New York. In 2005, she received special recognition from the Alliance of Genetics Supports (an international organization representing genetic support groups). Luba is an author in a leading textbook for genetic counseling students and lectures extensively.
Erin E. Houghton, MS, CGC
Erin E. Houghton, MS, CGC received her genetic counseling master’s degree from the University of California, Irvine, in 2004. While studying at UC Irvine, she performed research in the field of cancer genetics by completing a thesis entitled “Factors Associated with Pre-Genetic Counseling Distress Levels in Women at Risk for Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer.” Erin received her board certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling in September 2005. She is currently employed by Ferre Institute, Genetic Counseling Program, as the Associate Genetics Director. Her clinical interests include cancer, cardiovascular, and pediatric genetics. Prior to her genetic counseling training, Erin was employed as a biochemist with Merck Research Laboratories and was directly involved in vaccine development.
Lindsey Morse, MS, CGC
Lindsey Morse, MS, CGC received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Molecular Genetics from the University of Vermont in 2004 and her Master of Science from Brandeis University Genetic Counseling Training Program in 2006. Her graduate thesis was titled: “Internet vs. Face-to-Face Huntington Disease Support Groups: A Comparative Survey”. Lindsey joined the Community Genetics Program of the Ferre Institute in 2006 and received her board certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling in 2007. Her clinical interests span prenatal genetics to adult genetics. She also serves as a consultant with the NYS Pregnancy Risk Network Teratogen Information Service and lectures on a variety of genetic issues to community organizations including high school, university, and medical students, physicians, and community health programs. Lindsey is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, the American College of Medical Genetics and the Genetic Alliance.
Alissa Bovee, ScM, CGC
Alissa Bovee, ScM is a 2002 graduate of Cornell University with a BS in biology and genetics. Prior to her career as a Genetic Counselor, she worked at the National Institutes of Health studying breast cancer protein biology. Alissa is a 2006 graduate from the Johns Hopkins/NIH Genetic Counseling Master of Science Program. Her training includes clinical rotations at The Genetic Alliance, Georgetown University, Children’s Hospital of Washington, DC, Johns Hopkins University, the National Institutes of Health, and the INOVA Fairfax Cancer Center. Her graduate thesis focused on the impact of hereditary cancer on young family members, and was titled: “The Role of Family History and Perceived Heredity in Adolescents’ Adaptation to their Mother’s Breast Cancer.” After graduation, she worked briefly as a cancer genetic counselor in a large community hospital in Fairfax, Virginia. Her clinical interests are broad, and include prenatal, pediatric, and cancer genetics. Alissa has provided various lectures to community organizations, students, physicians, and other health professionals. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Alissa joined the Community Genetics Program of the Ferre Institute in 2006 and received her board certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling in 2007 .
Murray L. Nusbaum, MD
Murray Nusbaum is the founder and Medical Director of Ferre Institute Inc. He is the Medical Advisor to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) for New York State. He spent many years in the private practice of reproductive medicine and infertility before becoming Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. He is credited for the promotion of concurrent evaluation of infertile couples. In addition, his clinical work has resulted in a unique research database that has been central to numerous papers and congressional reports on the practice of infertility. In 2004, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from District II ( New York State) ACOG.
Dr. Nusbaum has advocated for the integration of genetic discussions in clinical practice for 30 years. He is a frequent lecturer to professional and community groups about the importance of genetics in our daily lives. In addition, he has been involved in enhancement of ob-gyn services in rural counties of New York State with an emphasis on the Mohawk Valley and the “North Country”.