Willow GeneticsWillow Genetics helps start ups, diagnostic and biotechnology companies, patient advocacy organizations, and health systems build and scale precision medicine initiatives
We offer expert guidance and support for patient education and engagement strategies, digital health product development and implementation, and population genomics and biobanking research.
As a licensed, board-certified genetic counselor with over two decades of experience, I founded Willow Genetics Consulting, LLC to bridge the gap between cutting-edge genomic science and real-world clinical application. Throughout my career, I have driven successful, multidisciplinary collaborations to advance precision medicine, population genomics, and digital health initiatives.
My professional journey spans from delivering direct, patient-centered clinical care to leading strategic product development and securing and managing millions in federal research funding. I am deeply passionate about scalability in healthcare—specifically how technology can be leveraged to make genetic insights more accessible, understandable, and actionable for both patients and providers.
When I’m not working, you can find me in central Pennsylvania baking, scrapbooking, enjoying Pinterest-inspired arts and crafts, or spending time with my partner Alan, our daughter Ava, and our two Labrador Retrievers, Riley and Rocky.
Tara Schmidlen, MS CGC
The willow tree is a profound symbol of resilience, flexibility, and hope. Unlike other trees that crack or shatter under the pressure of fierce winds, the willow survives by bending, adapting, and deeply anchoring its roots. This imagery reflects my own journey surviving a grueling, nine-year battle against treatment-resistant lymphoma until it finally surrendered in May 2019. The willow reminds us that true strength doesn't come from being rigid; it comes from the capacity to endure the storm, adapt to the harshest environments, and thrive on the other side.
At Willow Genetics Consulting, this philosophy shapes everything I do. Building and scaling precision medicine services requires the same "willow-like" agility—the ability to pivot with rapidly evolving clinical data, adapt to technological breakthroughs, and remain deeply rooted in evidence-based care. My personal triumph over cancer fuels my unwavering commitment to helping healthcare organizations build flexible, resilient, and patient-centered genomic strategies.
AI tools can be great, but some work requires a more human touch.
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