Karlla W. Brigatti, MS, CGC

Research Director

Karlla W. Brigatti, MS, CGC, joined the Clinic for Special Children as its first genetic counselor in 2014, bringing extensive experience in clinical genetics and research from across the lifespan. In 2018, she was promoted to Research Operations Director and in 2024 she was promoted to Research Director.

As the Research Director, Karlla is responsible for managing and coordinating research projects at the Clinic and interfacing with collaborators. She works with the Clinic team to generate research protocols, ensures proper collection of data and samples, and coordinates with Institutional Research Boards (IRB) to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. She is also a member of the Clinic’s leadership team.

Karlla has authored over 50 lay and scientific publications, mentored undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, given over 25 lectures, and served on the Human Genetics Faculty at Sarah Lawrence College and the Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling program at Jefferson College of Biomedical Sciences. Her research interests include gene discovery, implementation of personalized medicine, and rare disease advocacy.

Why are you passionate about the Clinic?

I feel this experience has enriched and prepared me for my work at the Clinic for Special Children. I promote the partnership between clinical care and innovative research to improve the lives of those with genetic conditions. That trust and mutual investment with the community is a key element to the Clinic’s longtime success in advancing Genomic Medicine, and I’m proud to be a part of the Clinic team.

 

Karlla’s Credentials

Education/Certifications

  • Fluent in Portuguese and English; Proficient in Italian and Spanish
  • Rare Disease Scholars program, National Center for Advancing Translational Science/NIH
  • ABGC Certified/Licensed genetic counselor, Pennsylvania
  • 1998  Sarah Lawrence College, Master of Science in Human Genetics
  • 1994  University of Pittsburgh, Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology

Professional Experience

  • Graduate Adjunct Professor, Jefferson College of Biomedical Sciences, Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling Program
  • Senior Genetic Counselor in Clinical Genetics, Pediatric Oncology, and Neurology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
  • Clinical Research Associate, Friedreich Ataxia Program, at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
  • Clinical Care Coordinator, Research Associate, and Genetic Counselor, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center
  • Faculty Instructor, Issues in Genetic Counselor IV, Sarah Lawrence College in Human Genetics Program
  • Genetic Counselor, Prenatal and Pediatric Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center

Professional Associations

  • Pennsylvania Newborn Screening Technical Advisory Task Force
  • Scientific Advisory Board, DDX3X Foundation
  • Board of Directors, CROWN Foundation
  • National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship Advisory Board

Awards

  • 2020  Rare Impact Award, National Organization for Rare Disorders
  • 2016  CodeTalker nominee for Outstanding Genetic Counselor, Genome Magazine
  • 1998  Founding member, Joan H. Marks Award in Genetic Counseling

Published Papers

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