Ashley Nicolas
- Title:
- Genetic Counsellor, Genetics & Genome Biology
- Designations:
- M.Sc., CCGC
- Email:
- ashley.nicolas@sickkids.ca
Biography
Ashley is a Canadian Board of Genetic Counsellors (CBGC) certified genetic counsellor with the Cardiac Genome Clinic through the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research. She joined SickKids in 2026 and brings previous experience as a clinical cardiac genetic counsellor. In her role, Ashley reviews whole genome sequencing (WGS) research results with patients and families affected by or at risk of heart failure where there is no known genetic cause. She supports patients of all ages and their families throughout research participation, including consent, family history discussions, receiving results and potential reanalysis of results. Ashley is also a member of Genomic Research Genetic Counsellors at SickKids.
Research
The Cardiac Genome Clinic offers research genome analysis to patients and families seeking a genetic explanation for a heart condition. The study includes people of all ages through partnerships with the University Health Network (UHN), Mount Sinai Hospital and other institutions across Ontario. The research is funded by the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, with additional funding from Genome Canada through the PCHSeq initiative.
Education and experience
- 2024–2026: Cardiac Genetic Counsellor, Clinical Genetics, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
- 2021–2023: Master of Science in Genetic Counselling, University of Siena, Siena, SI, Italy
- 2015–2019: Bachelor of Science in Honours Science, Minor in Biology, Minor in Psychology, Option in Aging Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Achievements
- 2023: Student Representative, Board of Directors, Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors, Canada
Publications
- Comparing Cardiac Genetic Testing Pathways: Impacts on Access, Informed Choice, and Decisional Satisfaction
- Christian S, Belcher TC, Benoit M, Chan A, Dzwiniel T, Ilhan E, Jain Ghai S, Katchmer K, Kiamanesh O, Lilley M, Marcadier J, Moreau S, Muranyi A, Nicolas AJ, Sharma P, Zhao X, Huculak C. Comparing Cardiac Genetic Testing Pathways: Impacts on Access, Informed Choice, and Decisional Satisfaction. Circ Genom Precis Med. 2026 Sep 24:e005829. doi: 10.1161/CIRCGEN.126.005829. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42779531.
