Pediatric genetics

The Division of Genetics at Advocate Children’s Hospital offers a team of genetic specialists to help individuals and families navigate the complex arena of genetics and genomics. Our team of specially trained clinical geneticists and genetic counselors provide a full range of services, including genetic risk assessment, clinical evaluation, genetic testing, and genetic counseling. Our team is committed to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients with genetic disorders. We provide education, information and support to families facing hereditary and genetic disorders, and guide you through complicated genetic issues in an easy-to-understand manner.

The Division of Genetics offers comprehensive care that extends beyond genetic counseling and diagnosis. As part of Advocate Children’s Hospital, our patients have access to multidisciplinary clinics that offer exceptional, compassionate care to children with a variety of genetic disorders. Children in these multidisciplinary clinics have the opportunity to be evaluated by an experienced treatment team which includes multiple specialists from different healthcare disciplines.

The Division of Genetics is currently hosting and participating in a number of multidisciplinary clinics for patients with disorders that affect multiple body systems:

Down Syndrome Clinic

Genetics, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Audiology

Cystic Fibrosis Center

Pulmonology, Genetics, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, Social Work, Nutrition

DiGeorge Clinic (Oak Lawn)

Genetics, Immunology, Endocrinology, Developmental Pediatrics
Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Social Work, Dietetics

Craniofacial/Cleft Palate Clinic (Park Ridge)

Otolaryngology, Genetics, Audiology, Psychology, Speech-Language Pathology
Plastic Surgery, Oral Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthodontics

The Division of Genetics at Advocate Children’s Hospital promotes the health and well-being of children of all ages.

Infants, children, and adolescents who typically benefit from a genetics evaluation include, but are not limited to, those with the following:

Birth defect or congenital anomaly (e.g., cleft lip/palate, heart defect, kidney defect)
Chromosome abnormality (e.g. Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, microdeletion/duplication syndromes)
Developmental delay, intellectual disability, loss or regression of skills
Autism spectrum disorder, progressive behavioral problems
Unusual facial features
Seizure disorder
Abnormal newborn screen (e.g. cystic fibrosis, hearing loss)
Unusual short or tall stature
Suspected or diagnosed genetic syndrome
Family history of a hereditary or genetic condition
Medical issues in a child of parents who are closely related (e.g. parents are first cousins)
Family history of a hereditary cancer syndrome where cancer screening begins prior to the age of 18 (e.g. Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Von Hippel-Lindau)

Cytogenetic studies (e.g. FISH, karyotype, microarray)
Single gene disorders
Multi-gene disorders
Imprinting disorders
Parental carrier screening
Prenatal screening and diagnosis
Whole exome sequencing

Our specialists can help identify support groups and social services, and provide educational resources helpful to your understanding of a genetic disorder. When available, we also provide age-appropriate booklets for children and teens on their particular condition.

Advocate Children’s Hospital – Park Ridge

Doctors:
Brad Angle, MD
Jillene Kogan, MD

Genetic counselors:
Rachel Baker, MS, CGC
Kelly Bontempo, MS, CGC
Eden Faye, MS, CGC
Chantalle Raimondi, MS, CGC
Natalie Tri, MS, CGC

Ancillary Team:
Liz O’Leary, Lead Medical Assistant
Olivia Bales, Genetic Counselor Assistant
Genevieve Dallmeyer, Genetic Counselor Assistant
Tara Gilman, Patient Service Rep
Jeanette Burakowski, Patient Service Rep
Sandy Murry, Patient service Rep

Need to make an appointment? Call us at 847-723-7705.

Please have your provider fax records to 847-723-8675.