Ferre Institute (Ferre) was founded in Utica, NY, in 1974 as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to providing exemplary community-based genetic/genomic counseling services to all, regardless of insurance status. The Ferre Institute’s Genetic Program has pioneered a unique approach to comprehensive genetic services. We have been molding the concept of community-based genetic services through our clinical efforts in much of upstate NY. Our mission is to provide comprehensive genetic risk assessment, counseling, and testing in direct collaboration with the referring health practitioner. In addition, since its founding, the Institute has been developing resources and providing educational conferences and professional materials that promote accessible, medically-accurate information to all who require it, especially underserved populations. Ferre has a 40-year history in providing counseling and education about family-building. In 2000, the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project of the Ferre Institute, Inc., was launched to provide education and support for lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT)-headed families and LGBT individuals and couples who want to add children to their families in upstate New York.

Luba Djurdjinovic, MS, is the Executive Director of Ferre Institute, Inc., a nonprofit 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 of Social Work in Syracuse, NY. 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, 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 titled “Factors Associated with Pre-Genetic Counseling Distress Levels in Women at Risk for Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer.” Erin received her board certification from 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.

Claudia Stallman, MA, is founding Project Director for the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project. The Project was established in 2000 with a grant from the New York State Health Department to the Ferre Institute, Inc., and is dedicated to helping lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) people in upstate New York build and strengthen their families (www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org). Claudia brings to this work 25 years of professional experience as an educator, community planner, and organizer in the environmental field and in the movements for women’s and gay and lesbian rights.

As Outreach Educator for the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project, Karen Armstrong has gotten a chance to assist in providing education, support, and a sense of community to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people in New York State. She was instrumental in the implementation of the LGBT Healthy Families Initiative, which provides health information relevant to these families and also on the importance of family health history in LGBT families. Prior to her current position, she worked as an HIV/AIDS educator for her local county health department.

Shanon Nasoni is the Technology and Communication Director for Ferre Institute, Inc. Shanon has an undergraduate degree in Business Marketing/Management, a background in art and design, and experience as a successful business owner. Shanon is responsible for the development and expansion of marketing and communication for Ferre Institute through the development of websites and web applications and creation of all marketing materials for Ferre’s several programs. Shanon also manages all hardware, software, networking/security, and domain and server applications within the Institute.

Adrienne Carpenter performs database management for Ferre Institute. She is a recent graduate of Elmira College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in Management. Adrienne also completed two Microsoft Access Certificate courses at Broome Community College to enhance her database skills. She is responsible for the creation and maintenance of a variety of databases to meet Ferre’s needs.