People

Lenika De Simone, MS, CGC, is a genetic counselor at Lurie Children’s Hospital with a background in Human Biology from Stanford University and an MS in Genetic Counseling from Northwestern University. Her clinical work spans newborn screening, neuromuscular genetics, and pediatric rare disease, with a focus on Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy care. She has played a key role in implementing gene therapy access by interpreting genetic eligibility and coordinating care for affected families. Lenika also leads efforts to improve access to genetic counseling through telemedicine and collaborates with NIH specialists to support families with undiagnosed rare disorders. She is now pursuing research training to transition into a research-driven role, with a focus on gene therapy in neuromuscular disorders.