The Team

Kira Dineen, MS, CGC, CG(ASCP)CM has over a decade of online media experience in digital marketing and podcasting/radio.

She started “DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast” in 2012 which also became a radio show in 2014. The podcast has since produced over 250 episodes interviewing experts in the field with 60 sponsors and counting. “DNA Today” won the Best 2020, 2021, and 2022 Science and Medicine Podcast Awards.

In addition, Kira has hosted and/or produced seven other podcasts, many of which are genetic/rare disease related including PhenoTips Speaker Series, It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease & Medical Challenges Podcast, and Patient Empowerment Program: A Rare Disease Podcast. Kira also has hosted/produced to two other healthcare podcasts: Insight Says: A Mental Health Podcast and Advancing Dentistry: A Dental Podcast.

She was selected and served as a member of NSGC’s Digital Ambassador program for three years. Kira received her Diagnostic Genetic Bachelor’s of Science degree at the University of Connecticut and is a certified Cytogenetic Technologist. She received her Master’s of Science in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College in New York.

Kira was the writer of Sano Genetics’ “Explained By A Genetic Counsellor” blog series. She currently practices as a genetic counselor in a high risk prenatal private practice, Maternal Fetal Care, P.C. in Stamford, CT.

Check out Kira Dineen's Podcasting Resume and her Padverb profile.

Corinne Merlino, Communications Lead

Corinne Merlino is currently earning her Master’s of Science at The University of Pennsylvania as she begins her genetic counseling career. At Penn’s The Palliative and Advanced Illness Research Center she also serves as a Clinical Research Coordinator. in this role she improves the effectiveness and efficiency of specialty palliative care services for seriously ill patients.

She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Healthcare Ethics from Saint Joseph's University. During school, she spent her time doing research in molecular genetics and volunteering for multiple education and outreach projects in Philadelphia. In her free time, she enjoys reading on the beach, especially medical memoirs!

Amanda Andreoli, Video Lead

Amanda Andreoli attending Binghamton University, where earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Health and Wellness Studies. Throughout her education, she has taken part in campus organizations that teach elementary students about science through engaging experiments and lessons. In the future, she intends to receive her Master’s and join the field of genetic counseling.

Sanya Tinaikar, Outreach Intern

Sanya Tinaikar is currently earning her Bachelor’s degree at The University of Pennsylvania. Her career interests include health policy and the intersection between journalism and social epidemiology. She has participated in various research opportunities and been published in numerous magazines for her literary work. She previously served as the vice president of the NORD Rare Disease chapter at her high school. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in scientific communication and medicine.

Kajal Patel, Social Media Intern

Kajal Patel is a Clinical Research Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital where she conducts research on a novel diagnostic decision aid for ovarian and pancreatic cancer patient exploring genetic testing options, within an NIH funded randomized clinical trial.

She earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Cell Biology and Genetic from the University of Maryland. Throughout her college studies, Kajal volunteered for Be the Match, Crisis Text Line, and the American Red Cross. Kajal also helped co-author a sustainable climate bill, the FUTURE Act, for universities in Maryland. After graduation, she hopes to continue her studies for a Master’s degree and become a genetic counselor.