Our Genetic Counselors
Shannon Jeddi, MS, LCGC
My Background
Growing up, my family and I moved to various cities across the United States; however, we always returned to Southern California where I’m happy to say that I have found my home.
Education & Experience
During high school and college, I always had an interest in genetics and medicine. When I attended UCLA as an undergraduate, I entered into the perfect major for me: microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics (MIMG). As an MIMG major, I had the opportunity to work in a molecular genetics laboratory while also learning about the chemistry of the human body. However, it was not until I attended a medical genetics course that the field of genetic counseling became known to me. During one class, a genetic counselor presented a lecture on the work that she did and the people and families that she had come to know and help over the years. It was at that time that I knew that I also wanted to help people and families better understand genetics – not in an abstract way, but in a direct way that was applicable to themselves and to their families.
After completing my bachelor’s of science degree at UCLA, I continued my studies and obtained my Master of Science degree in genetic counseling from California State University Northridge. After graduation, I worked as a genetic counselor for a high risk Ob/Gyn office in Fresno before coming to work for Kaiser Permanente in 2010.
About My Practice
I currently work at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center and the West Los Angeles Medical Center where I specialize in prenatal, cancer, pediatric and preconception genetic counseling. Due to my Hispanic heritage, I am able to speak Spanish and feel fortunate when I am able to connect with our Spanish-speaking members.
I love my job as a genetic counselor – it not only allows me to connect with people and help them better care for themselves and their families, but it is a challenging field. As more genetic testing becomes available and we learn more about our own genetic makeup, I look forward to continuing to serve as a beneficial resource for our members and continuing to help them better understand the relevance of their genetic test results to their clinical care.
I enjoy working for Kaiser Permanente because it is an organization that recognizes the importance of preventive care for its members (of which genetic counseling is an important part) and provides its members with integrated and specialized healthcare.
How I Thrive
I enjoy traveling and spending time with my husband, our dog and our cat. I’ve also been known to make a pretty fantastic fruit pie.