Genetics
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:
- Genetics, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Audiology
- 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 - retired 8/2026
Edith Chernoff, MD - Pediatrics
Jillene Kogan, MD - Adult and Pediatrics
Genetic counselors:
Samantha Alemida, MS CGC- Pediatrics - specializes in Autism & Developmental Delays
Rachel Baker, MS, CGC - (F) - Pediatrics & Adult - specializes in Cardiology
Kelly Bontempo, MS, CGC - (F) - Pediatrics
Zeljana Djukic MS, CGC - (F) - Pediatrics
Eden Faye, MS, CGC - (F) - Pediatrics
Chantalle Raimondi, MS, CGC - (F) - Pediatrics & Adult
Emily Roberson MS, CGC - (F) - Pediatrics & Adult
Ancillary Team:
Liz O’Leary, Lead Medical Assistant
Monica Feliciano, Genetic Counselor Assistant
Need to make an appointment? Call us at 847-723-7705.
Please have your provider fax records to 847-723-8675.
Advocate Children’s Hospital – Oak Lawn
Doctors:
Edith Chernoff, MD- Pediatrics
Genetic Counselor:
Lindsey Lang, MS, CGC
Alex Hurlexy, MS, CGC
Katie Cobian, MS, CGC
Ancillary Team:
Robyn Moore-Ball RMA, Lead Medical Assistant
Esha Mehta, Genetic Counselor Assistant
Need to make an appointment? Call us at 708-684-2529.
Please have your provider fax records to 708-684-2529.
Pediatric Inpatient Genetics
Genetic Counselor:
Divya Ramachandra, MS, CGC
