Genetic Services Staff

 

 

Brenda Finucane, MS, CGC is a certified genetic counselor and the Executive Director of Elwyn Genetics.  She is widely published and has gained international recognition for her expertise in the behavioral and cognitive manifestations of genetic syndromes. Ms. Finucane serves on the scientific advisory committees of several genetics support organizations and is the 2012 president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. For over two decades at Elwyn, Ms. Finucane has worked to create practical services that address the educational, behavioral, and health needs of people with genetic conditions.

  

 

In addition to her work as a behavior specialist and teacher for school districts in the Allentown, PA area, Barbara Haas-Givler, MEd, BCBA serves as a behavior and education specialist for Elwyn Genetics. She has over 30 years' experience in special education, working in many different capacities over the course of her career, including classroom teacher, administrator, educational consultant, and behavior analyst. Barbara Haas-Givler has authored several publications on topics related to genetic syndromes and frequently presents at local and national conferences.

 

 

 
Elliott W Simon, PhD is a licensed psychologist and Elwyn's Executive Director of Research and Health Services. Dr. Simon works closely in an administrative and clinical capacity with Elwyn Genetics. His main areas of interest include developmental disabilities and psychiatric disorders, particularly behavioral and cognitive profiles of genetic syndromes. Dr. Simon has published on a wide variety of topics related to intellectual disabilities, including facial emotion recognition, memory, quality of life, and the practical applications of genetic diagnosis.