‘If You Want Change, Be Part of That Change’: Meet Christie Hoell, New ABGC Board Member

Christie Hoell, MS, CGC, is ABGC’s most recent addition to the Board of Directors. She currently works as a senior graduate program educator at the Northwestern Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling. We asked her questions about her career so Diplomates can get to know her as well as her goals as she begins her service on the board.

Could you share how your background has led you to this role as a board member?

Christie Hoell (CH): I have held several different leadership positions over the years. I was president of the Illinois Society of Genetic Professionals, and I’ve been active in NSGC, serving as chair of the Membership Committee and the Professional Status Survey. I felt like I had a lot of great experiences that I could contribute to ABGC. I also am a part of a program working with students, which gives me really valuable experience and insight to contribute to this role.

What inspired you to become involved with ABGC, and what excites you most about this new role?

CH: I tell my students, ‘If you want change, try to be part of that change. Try to do things within your power to change.’ There are a lot of great opportunities for ABGC to provide more services to Diplomates, whether that be exam resources for candidates or certification resources for Diplomates. I think there are a lot of great opportunities — and there are a lot of changes happening. I think it’s a great time within ABGC to continue that strategic growth.

Can you describe a significant moment or experience in your life or career that has influenced your passion for genetic counseling?

CH: What has shaped my career path is thinking about the impact of what I can do, whether that be in a clinic on an individual level with a patient, on an institutional level in a hospital or where I am now, in a graduate program influencing the next generation of genetic counselors. Thinking about that impact has fueled my career path as a genetic counselor.

Do you have any role models or mentors who have had a profound impact on your journey in genetic counseling?

CH: There have definitely been people along the way who have helped me, and I’m very grateful for that. The people who have been most impactful for my career are those I’ve had the privilege of working alongside — my peers and colleagues who have inspired me to grow in many different ways. My students also keep me on my toes and hold me accountable. If you say you’re going to do something, you had better do it. That’s good and that’s important, and I think they have pushed me beyond my comfort zone to take action when I was hesitating. That has made me grow.

As a new board member, what are some specific goals or initiatives you hope to champion or contribute to during your tenure?

CH: A lot of great work has been done recently and is going to be implemented soon. For example, I’m excited for the DEIJ Committee to continue to build upon their work and I think there will be important conversations for how to navigate the changes associated with their work. [Read more on page x.] There is a lot we will be able to do with the data. Additionally, I’m looking forward to exploring the certification and recertification experience to identify gaps and opportunities and see what additional resources we can provide to candidates and diplomates, and how we can better communicate with our Diplomates as well. There are a lot of opportunities.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?

CH: With having two young kids, I am doing my best to carve out personal time. I love to read, love to try new restaurants in Chicago and love to travel — and hope to be able to get back to doing more of that in the near future.