• Jessica Hartley.
  • Instructor II;
    Program director, MSc Genetic Counselling

    Max Rady College of Medicine
    Biochemistry and Medical Genetics
    Room 310A – Basic Medical Sciences Building
    745 McDermot Avenue
    University of Manitoba
    Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2

    Phone: 204-789-3399
    jessica.hartley@umanitoba.ca

Research summary

Jessica Hartley is a leading researcher in the field of genetic counselling, with a specific focus on evolving approaches to service delivery and the optimization of genetic healthcare for diverse populations. Through her research, she aims to uncover the impact of changing service delivery models, the needs and changes in the clinical genetics workforce, and the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in providing genetic counselling services. Her research employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and provides valuable insights for other researchers, healthcare professionals, and policy makers. Hartley's work is helping to shape the future of genetic counselling by identifying new and innovative ways to improve access to these essential services for all patients.

  • Research theme

    Clinical genetics practice and provision

    Research interests

    Genetic counselling

    Clinical genetics workforce

    Alternative service delivery 

    Interdisciplinary teams

    Metabolics and newborn screening

    Rare disease

    Research affiliation

    Research scientist, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM)

  • Keywords

    Genetic counselling

    Clinical genetics

    Health workforce

    Alternative service delivery

    Rare disease

    Patient experience

    Interdisciplinary collaboration

    Metabolism

    Newborn screening

    Clinical genetics workforce needs

Biography

Jessica Hartley (she/her) is a trailblazer in the field of genetic counselling and an instructor of biochemistry and medical genetics at the Max Rady College of Medicine. As the program director for the Master of Science in Genetic Counselling Program, she is responsible for shaping the future of genetic counselling education in Manitoba.

With a master of science in genetic counselling from Northwestern University in 2008 and an American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification, Hartley brings a wealth of clinical experience to her role. She has worked in various fields including metabolism, newborn screening, cystic fibrosis, and neurogenetics, and has gained a reputation as an expert in her field.

In addition to her work in curriculum development, advocacy, and teaching, Hartley is a passionate researcher. Her research primarily focuses on evolving approaches to genetic counselling service delivery, with a focus on optimizing access to genetic healthcare for a diverse population. She explores the impact of changing service delivery models, investigates the clinical genetics workforce needs, and delves into interdisciplinary collaboration, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Beyond her work in the classroom and lab, Hartley is a leader in her field. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Martha Donovan Women Leadership Award from The Winnipeg Foundation, the Audrey Heimler Special Projects Award from the National Society of Genetic Counsellors, and the Professional Practice, Innovation and Advocacy Leadership Award from the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors. With her dedication to advancing the field of genetic counselling and her commitment to her students, Jessica Hartley is truly making a difference in the world of genetic healthcare.

Education

  • Master of Science in Genetic Counselling, Northwestern University (2008)
  • Bachelor of Science (honours) in Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Guelph

Awards

  • Martha Donovan Women Leadership Award, The Winnipeg Foundation (2021)
  • Audrey Heimler Special Projects Award, National Society of Genetic Counsellors (2019)
  • Professional Practice, Innovation and Advocacy Leadership Award, Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (2017)

Contact us

Biochemistry and Medical Genetics
Room 336 Basic Medical Sciences Building
745 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9 Canada

204-789-3458