Peggy Riehl

Peggy joined CSC as a Medical Receptionist in 2024. As the Clinic’s Medical Receptionist, Peggy is responsible for providing administrative support for staff, patients, and visitors. She also provides a warm and welcoming environment to patient families and visitors of the Clinic.

Prior to working at CSC, she worked in customer service in healthcare for over 10 years.

Peggy has been a diehard Rick Springfield fan since she was 10 years old! In her free time, she enjoys camping, Nascar races, baking, cooking, and attending concerts.

Why are you passionate about the Clinic?

The Clinic makes me excited about my job! I enjoy working with children, and I’m excited that I can make a difference, even if it’s small, in the lives of patients who visit the Clinic for care.

 

Peggy’s Credentials

Professional Experience

  • Customer Service Specialist, LG Health Physicians Family Medicine Strasburg
  • Customer Service Specialist, LG Health Women & Babies Hospital

Julia A. Goroff, DO

Dr. Julia A. Goroff, a Pediatrician, joined the Clinic for Special Children in July 2024. During her residency, she spent time at the Clinic and shared the Clinic’s values in the advancement of health care for children and research.

As a Pediatrician, Dr. Goroff works as a member of our clinical team to evaluate, diagnose, and treat children who visit the Clinic for care. She works closely with our laboratory team, genetic counselors, and nursing team to provide compassionate, accessible, and affordable care to families.

Dr. Goroff and her husband moved to Lancaster from the Philadelphia area and are looking forward to learning more about their new home! They have a young daughter and are expecting a son in September 2024.

Why are you passionate about the Clinic?

I had the fortune to spend time at the Clinic during my Pediatric residency. During that time I witnessed the dedication to providing excellent care and the pursuit of research for the advancement of that care. Yet, what struck me most, and what makes me so excited to join the clinic, was the trust and mutual commitment the families and providers have to manage their child’s care and the health of their community and future generations. I am honored to be joining the clinic and community in this partnership!

Dr. Goroff’s Credentials

Education and Certifications

  • Board certified in Pediatrics by American Board of Pediatrics
  • 2024  Thomas Jefferson University/Nemours Children’s Hospital Delaware, Pediatric Resident
  • 2021  Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
  • 2014  Skidmore College, Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Science
Professional Associations
  • Member of American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Member of the American Medical Association
  • Member of the American Medical Women’s Association
  • Member of the Endocrine Society

Awards

  • 2021 – 2024 Sidney Kimmel Medical College Clinical Educators Honor Roll
  • 2018, 2019 Martha and Michael J. Avallone Endowed Medical Scholarship

Published Papers

To view Dr. Goroff’s peer reviewed published papers, please visit our Published Papers page HERE.

Susan Walther, MS, CGC

Susan joined the Clinic for Special Children in 2022 as a Genetic Counselor. In this role, she will assist in new patient triage and intake, provide genetic counseling services, and manage logistics of the molecular diagnostics service. As a member of the clinical team, Susan will also assist physicians with genetic testing decisions and the evaluation of patients.

She brings a wealth of experience in genetic counseling, research, patient advocacy, and sales, and has collaborated on a number of peer-reviewed publications. In her free time, Susan enjoys traveling and trying out new recipes.

Why are you passionate about the Clinic?

I have been interested in both the clinical and laboratory work offered at the clinic since I was a genetic counseling graduate student. It is a rare opportunity to be able to serve the Plain communities as a healthcare provider and to collaborate on cutting-edge research that not only benefits the patients seen at the clinic but also provides knowledge and insight to other medical specialities.

Susan’s Credentials

Education and Certifications

  • Arcadia University, Master’s of Science in Genetic Counseling
  • Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
  • University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School, Marketing Certificate
  • Board Certified Genetic Counselor by the American Board of Genetic Counseling

Professional Associations

  • Member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors
  • Member of the PA Association of Genetic Counselors

Professional Experience

  • Director of Patient Engagement, Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)
  • National Sales Trainer and Genetic Testing Sales, GeneDx/Bio-Reference Laboratories/Opko Health
  • Clinical Genetic Counselor, University of Pennsylvania Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Clinical Genetic Counselor, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Division of Medical Genetics
  • Clinical Genetic Counselor, Columbia University Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Clinical Genetic Counselor, Drexel Center for Genetics, Fetal and Maternal Medicine
  • Scientific Technician, Fox Chase Cancer Center
  • Research Associate, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute
  • Research Technician, Rutgers University, Dept. of Biological Sciences

Amy Albright, MS, CGC

Amy joined the Clinic for Special Children in 2021 as a Genetic Counselor. In this role, she will assist in new patient triage and intake, provide genetic counseling services, and manage logistics of the molecular diagnostics service.

Before joining the Clinic staff full-time, Amy interned at the Clinic in her second year of graduate school. Her graduate thesis project was on Plain community perceptions of the Plain Insight Panel™. Joining the Clinic was like coming home for Amy, as she grew up in Lancaster County. In her free time, Amy enjoys discovering new hiking spots in Lancaster and crafting.

Why are you passionate about the Clinic?
It is a privilege to serve the Plain community alongside such a devoted team. The staff at the Clinic centers their practice and research around the families they serve, using the most cutting-edge technology to make genetic discoveries that will meaningfully impact the lives of patients. I am honored to be able to use my skills to help this unique and wonderful community.

Amy’s Credentials

Education and Certifications

  • 2021  Thomas Jefferson University, Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling
  • 2019  West Chester University, Bachelor of Science in Biology; minor in Psychology
  • Board Certified Genetic Counselor by the American Board of Genetic Counseling
  • CounCITI Training Certification

Professional Experience

  • Pediatric Genetic Counseling Intern, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
  • Cancer Genetic Counseling Intern – Telemedicine Internship, Penn State Cancer Institute
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology Genetic Counseling Intern, Wills Eye Hospital
  • Cancer Genetic Counseling Intern – Telemedicine Internship, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  • Prenatal Genetic Counseling Intern, Geisinger Hospital

Professional Associations

  • Member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors
  • Member of the PA Association of Genetic Counselors

Jennifer Giacoio, CMAA

Jennifer joined the Clinic in 2020 as a Medical Receptionist and was promoted to the Clinic’s first Patient Navigator in 2025.

As the Clinic’s Patient Navigator, Jennifer provides administrative support for the Clinic’s staff, patients, and visitors. She assists in complex appointment scheduling, provides resources for social, financial, and legal support, and actively looks for ways to help the families who visit the Clinic.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys painting, spending time with her family, and baking.

Why are you passionate about the Clinic?
I am passionate about my work at the clinic due to childhood medical issues and always being in doctor’s offices. I hope to make the environment stress-free and very welcoming to families just like I would have wanted when I visited the doctors! Everybody deserves a welcoming and supportive community.

Jennifer’s Credentials

Education and Certifications

  • 2024  National Healthcareer Association, Medical Administrative Assistant certificate
  • 2018  The Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
  • 2014  Chester County Technical College, Health Occupations coursework

Professional Experience

  • Intensive Case Manager, Holcomb Behavioral Health System
  • Customer Service Supervisor, Starbucks
  • Social Work Intern, Kennett Consolidated School District
  • Intern, Chester County Family Medicine & Geriatrics
  • Intern, Jennersville Hospital – Family Medicine

Grace L. Meier, MD

Dr. Grace Meier, a Family Medicine Physician, joined the Clinic for Special Children in August 2020. Her training in Family Practice allows her to see patients of any age; making her an ideal addition to our staff.  Dr. Meier will lead efforts in formalizing an adult services program at the Clinic.

Dr. Meier earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Bryn Mawr College in 2012 and a medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in 2017. She completed her family practice residency at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health (LGH) in 2020.

For two years, Dr. Meier visited and saw patients periodically at the Clinic as part of a special program between the Clinic and LGH called the Clinical Genomics area of concentration. When the Clinic partnered with the Family Medicine Residency Program at LGH to create this genetic medicine training program, Dr. Meier was one of the first to sign up.

In her free time, Dr. Meier enjoys spending time with her family and her two cats (Miles and Millicent), visiting the beach, working on home improvement projects, biking, and running with her dog (Remi).

 

Why are you passionate about the Clinic?

The clinic is patient care, research, and science at its finest. I am ecstatic to be here working with, learning from, and being inspired by my patients, their families, and my colleagues. But actually, it’s not work because I love what I get to do.

Dawn Sheets, GCA, CMAA

Dawn joined the Clinic in 2020 as a Medical Receptionist and was promoted to the Clinic’s first Genetic Counseling Assistant in 2025. In 2024, Dawn became a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant and also obtained her Genetic Counseling Assistant certificate from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

As the Clinic’s Genetic Counseling Assistant, Dawn supports the clinical team in patient case preparation, patient communication, data entry, genetic testing and resulting, and administrative tasks.

Dawn was born and raised in Lancaster County. She’s a mother and grandmother who enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing board games, and reading and listening to Christian-based books and music.

Why are you passionate about the Clinic?

I am very honored to be part of a team of individuals who are truly devoted to their patients’ health and well-being. Knowing that I play an active role in the day-to-day operations of assisting in fulfilling the mission of the clinic is very rewarding. I am overjoyed to learn and share knowledge to help improve the health of children who suffer from genetic and metabolic disorders.

 

Dawn’s Credentials

Education and Certifications

  • 2024  Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Genetic Counseling Assistant certificate
  • 2024  National Healthcareer Association, Medical Administrative Assistant certificate
  • 1997  Consolidated School of Business, Medical Office Specalist

Professional Experience

  • Owner/Manager, After Hours Commercial Cleaning
  • Administrative Assistant, Scenic Ridge Company
  • Administrative Assistant, Lancaster Neuroscience & Spine Associates
  • Medical Transcription, Internal Medicine of Lancaster

Laura Poskitt, DO

Dr. Laura Poskitt, a board-certified Pediatrician, joined the Clinic for Special Children in July 2019. She was promoted as the Clinic’s Medical Director in 2024. Her training as a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) makes her passionate about healing the whole person, focusing on specific medical needs, but also exploring the social, mental, and emotional aspects of health.

As the Clinic’s Medical Director, Dr. Poskitt manages the clinical operations of the Clinic, oversees our physician team, and develops and implements strategic goals and objects to fulfill the clinical mission of the Clinic. She is also a member of the Clinic’s leadership team.

She is a native of Lancaster County and graduated from Hempfield High School. Dr. Poskitt and her husband, Will, have a young son Oliver, and a daughter, Violet. In her free time, she enjoys reading historical fiction, traveling to new places, and visiting art museums.

Why are you passionate about the Clinic?

I feel privileged to work at CSC!  It is an opportunity to practice medicine in an ideal environment. At CSC, the staff functions like a family and is able to work with some of the most wonderful patients and families. At the same time, CSC provides care using cutting-edge technology and novel genetic research. This combination allows CSC to be a place for compassionate care while working towards a brighter future. I am excited about the work CSC is doing, and even more excited about what is to come.

Dr. Poskitt’s Credentials

Education and Certifications

  • Board certified in Pediatrics by American Board of Pediatrics
  • 2019  Thomas Jefferson University/Nemours Children’s Hospital Delaware, Chief Pediatric Resident
  • 2018  Thomas Jefferson University/Nemours Children’s Hospital Delaware, Pediatric Resident
  • 2015  Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
  • 2011  Grove City College, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, pre-medicine concentration
Professional Associations
  • Member of Pennsylvania Medical Society
  • Member of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapies
  • Member of the American Association of Family Practitioners

Awards

  • 2017 – 2018 The Rosenblum Award for Excellence, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware
    • Outstanding Senior Resident in Pediatrics
  • 2017 – 2018 Critical Care Award, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware
    • Outstanding Resident Performance in the Area of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Published Papers

To view Dr. Poskitt’s peer reviewed published papers, please visit our Published Papers page HERE.

Candace Kendig, RMA

Candace joined CSC as a Medical Receptionist in 2017 and was promoted to Office Manager in 2020.  She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Management at Central Penn College in 2021 and also earned her Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification in 2021.

She also earned her Associates Degree in Specialized Technology, majoring in Medical Assisting in 2006. Prior to working at CSC, she had 10 years experience working as an Administrative Medical Assistant for a Specialty office located in Lancaster.

Why are you passionate about the Clinic?
It’s rewarding to work at the Clinic knowing that every day we positively impact children and families living with rare genetic disorders. I enjoy supporting our patient families that visit the Clinic and providing a welcoming environment for them.

Vincent J. Carson, MD

Dr. Vincent Carson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Penn State University in 2004 and a Medical Degree from Drexel University in 2011. He completed his pediatric and child neurology training at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He has affiliations with the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society.

 

Dr. Carson grew up in Lancaster County and followed the work of the Clinic for many years before joining the staff in 2016. He has a special interest in the genetics of brain disease. As a neurologist, he specializes in disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. His responsibilities at the Clinic include providing care for patients, serving on the organization’s on-call rotation, reading EEGs, and participating in research protocols. Dr. Carson is a co-investigator on clinical trials for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and has great interest in the research of genetics and neurogenetic syndromes. In 2021, Dr. Carson delivered a TEDx Lancaster talk about “The Power of a Genetic Diagnosis“.

 

Why are you passionate about the Clinic?

To me, the Clinic represents how medicine should be practiced. It is focused on finding pragmatic answers for people who have difficult problems. It is focused on being precise, both in diagnosis but then also in treatment. It shows how you can provide a high level of quality care without the exorbitant cost of modern healthcare.