Meet Our Genetic Counselors
Tifany Lewis, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor, Manager
Tifany Lewis is a genetic counselor with over 17 years of experience in cancer genetics. Tifany obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, before completing her master's degree in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, New York. She is board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Tifany currently leads the Genetic Counseling/Hereditary Cancer program at Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA). She is an expert in cancer genetics and genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. The work she performs is instrumental in navigating patients through treatment by providing knowledge and understanding of patients' complex family histories and their risk for cancer.
Tifany is passionate about patient care, health equity, and accessible genetic counseling and testing. She ensures providers at VOA are up to date on cancer genetic testing guidelines. In her role, Tifany educates and trains other healthcare professionals to identify patients at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes, while serving as a site supervisor and mentor for future genetic counselors.
Under Tifany’s leadership, the Genetic Counseling/Hereditary Cancer program has expanded to include two physician champions, two full-time board-certified genetic counselors, and three Advanced Practice Providers. In 2022, >1500 patients were seen for genetic counseling and testing at VOA. Through her vision, a partnering preceptorship program has been established with Virginia Commonwealth University.
In addition to heading the Genetic Counseling/Hereditary Cancer Program, Tifany serves as the Administrative Lead for VOA’s Inclusion Council. The council is comprised of 15 employees (staff and physicians) dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment in the workplace. The council has facilitated mandatory training for all staff and physician members and continues to provide ongoing education for employees. Tifany's passion for inclusivity has led to a poster presentation of the Inclusion Council's work at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference, and speaking engagements at national practice leadership meetings. Through this work, Tifany has become a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ambassador.
Tifany's professional interests include hereditary cancer syndromes, health equity, and student education/training. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Virginia Association of Genetic Counselors.
Tifany currently resides in Virginia Beach with her husband and three children.
Audrey Gregory, CGC
Genetic Counselor
Audrey Gregory is a genetic counselor with over seven years of experience in oncology. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biologic Sciences from Virginia Tech in 2012, and then spent two years teaching high school biology before going on to earn her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016. She is board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling, and is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Virginia Association of Genetic Counselors.
Audrey joined the team at Virginia Oncology Associates in 2023. She is a native of Hampton Roads and is honored to work with patients and other healthcare providers in her community. Her favorite part of her job is helping families understand their risks for hereditary cancer and be proactive about cancer screening and prevention.
Outside of work, Audrey enjoys running, listening to NPR, and spending time with family. She resides in Suffolk with her husband, their young son, and a crazy dog, Comet.
Letisha Cortez, CGC
Genetic Counselor
Letisha Cortez is a board-certified genetic counselor with over two years of experience, and she is excited to continue her career at Virginia Oncology Associates. She holds a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Boise State University, earned in 2022, and began her career as a pediatric and general genetic counselor in upstate New York.
Bringing over a decade of experience working in a variety of healthcare settings ranging from direct-patient care to laboratory roles, Letisha is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of patients and their families. She is passionate about increasing access to genetic counseling services and promoting equitable and holistic care. Her favorite part about being a genetic counselor is being able to offer support and guidance to patients and empower patients with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health. Her work is driven by a desire to provide transformative insights and compassionate care, ensuring her patients feel supported throughout their healthcare journey.
Outside of her professional life, Letisha enjoys hiking, listening to audiobooks, and immersing herself in nature. She also cherishes time spent with her family in Suffolk, where she resides with her husband and two pups, Bella and Coal.
Listen to our podcast episode about the role of genetic counselors in genetic testing.
On this episode of Cancer Care Connections, Tifany Lewis discusses the valuable role genetic counselors play in the genetic testing process. Learn how genetic testing in the oncology setting provides personalized testing based on medical and family history vs the one-size-fits-all approach you get with the direct-to-consumer tests ordered online.