Genetics Team

The physicians and staff that makeup Cook Children's Genetics Center help patients and their families understand the disorders and related recurrence risks.

Geneticists

Nurse Practitioners:

Rebecca Althaus, APRN, PH.D., FNP-BC, CGC

Rebecca (Becky) Althaus is a nurse practitioner and genetic counselor who joined Cook Children's Genetics Center in February 2016. She is one of only a handful of nurses nationwide who is board certified as a nurse practitioner and genetic counselor. She has over 40 years of experience working in the clinical genetics field including pediatric, prenatal and oncology genetics. In addition, Becky received much of her training from Cook Children's Genetics Center Medical Director, Mary K. Kukolich.

Becky has a bachelor's degree in nursing from Baylor University, a master's and doctorate in nursing from Texas Woman's University and a nurse practitioner post-master's certificate in family nursing from Baylor University.

The variety of disorders, the interaction with families, and the challenge of the changing field, are all what Becky loves most about the field of genetics. She appreciates the opportunity to describe complex genetics concepts to families in a way that they can understand and apply to their lives.

Soon after several cancer predisposition genes were available for clinical diagnosis, Becky had the opportunity to develop the earliest non-academic genetics oncology program in Texas. She worked in the field for 17 years before her move to Cook Children's and continues to see children and adults for testing and genetic counseling for cancer diagnoses.

When Becky isn't caring for patients, she spends time traveling, riding bicycles, sailing, and reading. She lives with her husband, John, as well as her dog and cat. She is blessed with frequent trips to Minnesota to be "Grammy" to her three awesome grandchildren (and of course, her daughter and son-in-law).

Lisa R. Guerra, APRN, MSN, CPNP-PC

Lisa Guerra is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner with the Cook Children's Genetics Center. Growing up in south Texas, Lisa began her training close to home and received her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Lisa practiced as a registered nurse in various pediatric settings for 15 years. Lisa completed her nurse practitioner degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, graduating with honors. Lisa holds professional memberships in the Sigma Theta Tau and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies.

Lisa is excited to be a part of the clinical genetics team because she loves educating patients and families and getting to walk alongside them on their journey.

Lisa lives in Fort Worth with her husband Steven and her daughter. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, traveling to and exploring new places, reading a good book and enjoying a good laugh. After all, "A day without laughter is a day wasted." - Charlie Chaplin

Lori Llera, APRN, DNP, CPNP, Nurse Practitioner

Lori is a board certified pediatric nurse practitioner who joined the Cook Children's Genetics Center in March of 2018. With more than 30 years in pediatric nursing and 16 years as a pediatric nurse practitioner, Lori brings a wealth of pediatric experience to the metabolic genetics clinic. Prior to joining the team, she practiced primary care pediatrics for 8 years and inpatient pediatric gastroenterology at Cook Children's Medical Center for more than 6 years.

Lori currently practices in the inpatient and outpatient settings. On the inpatient side, Lori consults on the various patient care units, including the intensive care units, at Cook Children's main campus. She works with the metabolic geneticists to provide medical management for ill children with metabolic disorders. On the outpatient side, Lori orders diagnostic labs and DNA testing to clarify a child's diagnosis, educates patients and families on the metabolic disorder, and provides routine management and care for these disorders.

Lori earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, her Master of Science Degree at Texas Woman's University and her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Texas Woman's University.

Lori lives with her husband Kenneth in Arlington and has two adult children attending Texas Tech University (Guns Up!). Her outside hobbies include marathon and ultramarathon running and reading. She has managed to combine the two activities by becoming an audio book addict. She has also authored two historical fiction novels.

Lori loves being part of the metabolic genetics team. She has a passion for education and enjoys sharing her knowledge with families to improve the lives of their children on a daily basis.

Clinical Genetics

Genetic tests are done by analyzing small samples of blood or body tissues. They determine whether you, your partner or your baby carry genes for certain inherited disorders.

Each human being is made up of a unique set of chemical blueprints that contain our DNA. DNA makes up our genetic code. There are some 25,000 to 35,000 genes in each human being. Genes determine all kinds of things like hair and eye color, height, curly or straight hair, skin tone and gender. Sometimes there is a change in a gene which can result in a birth defect or health issue. In some cases the genetic change becomes hereditary and can be passed on from parent to child. Knowing if a child's medical problems are genetic, or not, can help caregivers create a more accurate diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.

We offer a wide array of specialized genetic services, including:

Gathering relevant birth, medical and developmental history of the patient, including their detailed family history.
Clinical evaluation by a board certified geneticist.
Relevant diagnostic testing.
Detailed explanation of the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options.
Discussion of reproductive and recurrence risks.
Psychosocial support.
Referral to appropriate medical specialists and community resources.
Communication with the patient's primary care physician and related specialists.

Metabolic Genetics

Cook Children's metabolic genetics program offers evaluation and treatment of inherited metabolic conditions to help families understand and cope with their child's diagnosis.

Inherited, or genetic, metabolic disorders affect metabolism. Metabolism is how the body converts the fuel from food into the energy needed to do everything from moving to thinking to growing. Inherited metabolic disorders are caused by an error in a person's genes. Genetic testing for metabolic disorders results in a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan, and can help patients and families determine the best short- and long-term care.

From testing and diagnoses to treatment and support, we offer a wide array of services for patients and families, including:

Gathering of relevant birth, medical and developmental history of the patient, as well as a detailed family history.
Evaluation by a board-certified geneticist.
Ordering of relevant diagnostic tests.
Explanation of the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
Treatment after confirmation of abnormal newborn screening results.
Dietary management for metabolic disorders.
Explanation of recurrence risk in future children.
Psychosocial support.
Referral to appropriate community resources.
Communication with patient's primary care physician and other specialists.

We're here to help.

If your child has been diagnosed, you probably have lots of questions. We can help. If you would like to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak to our staff, please call our offices at 682-885-2170