Jodie M Vento

Jodie M Vento is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health. She serves as Director of the Genetic Counseling Program and as a faculty member in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders (LEND). Her clinical expertise spans pediatric genetics, neurogenetics, and rare diseases, with a focus on improving access to genetic counseling services.

• Education: BS in Biological Sciences and Psychology (University of Pittsburgh, 2005), MGC in Genetic Counseling (University of Maryland School of Medicine, 2008)

As Director of Faculty Development and Relations for LEND, she leads leadership courses and fosters interdisciplinary training across Pitt Public Health and campus programs. She also co-founded the Pennsylvania Rare Disease Advisory Council (PARDAC) and served as President of the Pennsylvania Association of Genetic Counselors (PAGC).

Her research and advocacy intersect with public health policy, rare disease awareness, and service delivery innovation. The 2024 PARDAC survey she co-led explores patient needs through advocacy frameworks and policy lenses.

• Affiliations: Council Member, PARDAC; Former Board Member, National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)

She teaches courses in genetic counseling principles, internships, professional development, and intervention skills, while spearheading initiatives to enhance clinical education and community engagement.