Member Spotlight: Ashley Svenson, MS, CGC
By Sara Mokhtary
Many Texas GCs continue to volunteer their time to help turn the Texas Genetic Counselor Licensure Bill into law. One of these volunteers is Ashley Svenson, who has been helping with this bill for several years! This year she provided witness testimony on behalf of the bill at a hearing of the Texas House Public Health Committee. The bill is currently in the House Calendars Committee, awaiting approval for House Floor consideration. TSGC is both grateful and proud of Ashley for her work on the bill - check out the Q&A below to learn more about Ashley and her volunteer experience.
Texas Transcript (TT): Tell us a little bit about yourself and your current job. What is your elevator pitch?
Ashley Svenson (AS): As a Medical Policy Director on Myriad’s Payer Markets Team, I focus on state Medicaid programs, working to improve access to genetic testing for underserved populations. Addressing health equity issues and learning how government health plans make decisions is fulfilling and fascinating.
TT: What initially drew you to help with the GC licensure efforts in Texas?
AS: I signed up as co-chair of Texas licensure subcommittee during the last Texas legislative session thinking my experience working with state governments would be valuable to TSGC. I was also inspired by talking to GCs who had passed licensure in their states, like Colleen Campbell in Iowa. Looking back, I was probably a little naïve to think that we could easily apply TSGC’s learnings from the previous session. Each session in Texas is so different!
TT: How did you prepare for your recent testimony to the Public Health Committee?
AS: First, I found testimony outlines that had been used with this committee in previous years. Second, I had a prep call with our amazing subcommittee chairs, Jamie Fong and Jacqueline Harkenrider and our tireless lobbyist, Heather Vasek, to discuss key talking points, possible questions, available resources, and logistics. Finally, I spent some time on my own reviewing the online bios of the committee members, reading cases of harm that have been collected by TSGC, and developing answers to potential questions.
TT: Whew, some of those questions were tough! Do you remember what you were thinking during the hearing?
AS: Let’s just say the day didn’t go as expected. This committee had not been challenging for us in the past, but every session is its own beast. We figured that the topic of abortion might come up, but not before I’d had a chance to give my prepared remarks! The line of questioning I struggled with most was around licensure versus certification, so that is definitely something I wish we had anticipated.
When I started to lose ground, I thought about how many of the committee members had brought up their own personal stories of cancer or genetic disease during the earlier topics of the day and started to wonder if it would be appropriate to incorporate that into my responses. In the end, I decided to stick to answering the questions, as advised. In that moment, I was focused on holding onto credibility, staying calm, and finding a way to keep the door open.
TT: What was the most rewarding aspect of this experience?
AS: Stepping outside my comfort zone and challenging myself to show up without knowing fully what to expect. It was intense but empowering.
TT: What is something you would like to share with TSGC members about GC licensure in Texas?
AS: We are only going be successful with the strong support of our patients, institutions, and other health professionals who understand the value of genetic counselors. We can advocate for ourselves all day long, but state lawmakers are only going to be swayed when they hear from those whose lives we touch every day. While it is important to speak up for ourselves, we also need to mobilize champions outside of our profession.
TT: Outside of your career, what brings you joy?
AS: Long hikes with a good podcast, road tripping with friends to see a concert, and winning a new hand at mahjong!
To learn more about Licensure, please visit the dedicated page on our website: https://www.tsgc.org/about-efforts-in-texas!
Thank you to all of the GCs, in addition to Ashley, who are volunteering their time to advocate for licensure: Legislative Affairs Chair Megan Morand, Licensure Co-Chair Jamie Fong, Licensure Co-Chair Jackie Harkenrider, Amanda Colton, Ashley Ray, Claire Singletary, Colin Bixler, Dan Riconda, Emily Magness, Erin Atkinson, Jennifer Rollins, Rebecca Okashah, Ryan German, and Shelly Zelnick.