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

Diana Carrasco, MD

Genetics

4.4 out of 5

45 Ratings

Accepting new patients

682-885-2170

Mary Kukolich, MD

Genetics

4.5 out of 5

42 Ratings

Accepting new patients

682-885-2170

Heather Crawford, MD

Genetics

Accepting new patients

682-885-2170

Tina Barbaro Dieber, MD

Genetics

Accepting new patients

682-885-2170

Candace Gamble, MD

Genetics

4.9 out of 5

58 Ratings

Accepting new patients

682-885-2170

Alexandra Garza Flores, MD

Genetics

Accepting new patients

682-885-2170

Joanne Nguyen, MD

Genetics

Accepting new patients

682-885-2170

Ryan Gates, MD

Genetics

4.9 out of 5

48 Ratings

Accepting new patients

682-885-2170

Catherine Ziats, MD

Genetics

4.8 out of 5

46 Ratings

Accepting new patients

682-885-2170

Alicia Hernandez is a Certified Genetic Counselor with the Cook Children’s Genetics Department. She started off her career as a public health genetic counselor in North Caroline and started her work with the genetics department in 2016. She is a part of the differences in sexual development team and the nephrology genetics team.

Alicia pursued a career in genetic counseling to use her interest in genetics to help others. She earned her bachelors in biology from Lubbock Christian University, and her masters in genetic counseling from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She uses that education to help families along their journey in the genetics clinic from testing to living with a genetic diagnosis. She is passionate about helping families and patients understand the diagnosis, and find the support resources they need to thrive.

Away from work she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and music. She is a proud aunt.

Amy Thomas is a Board Certified Genetic Counselor who is passionate about helping families understand complex genetic information. She rejoined Cook Children’s Genetics in 2021, returning to the department where she began her career.

Amy provides care for individuals and families in both the general genetics outpatient clinic and the genetic oncology clinic. She specializes in assisting patients at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes. Amy enjoys working in the pediatric setting and helping families navigate the complexities of genetic information and how it relates to their situation.

Amy holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Harvey Mudd College and a Master's degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of California, Irvine. She lives in Fort Worth with her husband, Cory, and their two children. Her daughter is currently attending Purdue University, while their son is currently exploring college options.

In her free time, Amy enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, playing games, cooking, and listening to audiobooks. She is also committed to giving back to her community and volunteers with several organizations that help individuals experiencing homelessness in Fort Worth.

Lanie Coffey has been a member of the Cook Children’s Genetics Team since June of 2012. Prior to joining the Genetics Team she served the community as a dietitian in the field of early intervention and also has experience as a clinical dietitian in the fields of hematology/oncology and critical care.

Lanie grew up in south Louisiana where she received her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and completed her Dietetic Internship and Master’s of Clinical Nutrition at the University or Memphis.

Lanie enjoys collaborating with patients and families by empowering them to implement nutrition therapy into their daily lives. She is passionate about the field of metabolism and utilizes creative strategies along with research based evidence when providing nutrition recommendations.

Lanie lives in Fort Worth with her husband, two boys, and numerous pets including dogs, fish, and an axolotl. She finds joy in preparing meals for her family, crafting, spending time outdoors, and going on new adventures. One of her families bucket list items is to visit every state park in Texas.

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

sBinnicker

Sperry graduated with honors from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. While at Texas Tech, she was active in the Texas Nurses Students' Association as the Senior Programs and Projects Director.

Sperry joined Cook Children's in 2009 in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). In that role, she earned the Daisy Award, an award given to a nurse that is nominated and selected by the parents of patients for excellence in patient care. She continued her education while working full time and received her master's degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in May of 2015.

She is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

Sperry lives in Aledo with her husband, Sandy, a police officer with Haltom City, and has both a son and daughter.

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

Genetics Team

Geneticists

Alicia Hernandez, MS, CGC

Amy Thomas, MS, CGC

Lanie Coffey, MS, RDN

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

Sperry Binnicker, RN, MSN, CPNP

Clinical genetics

Metabolic genetics

We're here to help.