DDC Clinic Ohio Staff

Eli Miller
Executive Director

Eli became our clinic’s executive director in 2021, after actively serving on our board of directors for 16 years.

As an Amish member of our community, Eli brings an important perspective to our leadership team and says he’s pleased and privileged to serve our clinic. With two daughters affected by genetic disorders, he has a personal connection to DDC Clinic and a strong belief in our mission.

“I’m very grateful to our clinic’s founders and our community for their amazing support,” says Eli. “Our clinic is not about treating one certain disorder. It is so much more. It’s a place where our community can gather to love, share and care about one another; a place of compassion, faith and hope.”

Eli grew up in Geauga County, milking cows by hand on his family’s small farm. As a young man, he started his own woodworking business. Currently, he enjoys family time and woodworking as a hobby.

Heng Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
Medical Director

A board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP), Dr. Wang has served as our clinic’s Medical Director since our founding in 2002.

Born and raised in China, he became one of that country’s youngest physicians when he graduated from medical school at age 20. He later went on to earn a Master of Science in nutrition and a Ph.D. in biochemistry.

An internationally recognized expert on rare genetic disorders, Dr. Wang has a passion for clinical research. As a physician-scientist, he has been pivotal to all of our clinic’s scientific discoveries, from description of new diseases and associated genes to development of diagnostic and treatment protocols for many genetic conditions.

“It has been such a humbling but privileged experience to serve thousands of children and families affected by rare genetic diseases, locally, nationally and internationally,” says Dr. Wang. “It brings me joy to know that through patient care, research and education, our clinic has enhanced the quality of life for so many.”

Dr. Wang and his wife Jian live in Auburn. They have two daughters; both have chosen medicine as their career, mostly inspired by Dr. Wang’s work at DDC Clinic. When he has time off from his busy schedule, he enjoys practicing Tai Chi, as well as gardening for the last few years. Read more about Dr. Wang.

Baozhong (Bao) Xin, Ph.D.
Research and Technical Director

Dr. Xin joined our clinic as a Research Scientist in 2005, was promoted to Senior Research Scientist in 2009, and was appointed Research and Technical Director of our CLIA-certified Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory in 2013.

His work involves oversight of research and laboratory operations; implementation of molecular techniques for routine diagnosis; development of molecular strategies for high throughput and cost-effective carrier testing and newborn screening; and conducting collaborative research for identification of novel disease genes by genetic mapping and whole exome/genome sequencing.

“While I’m fascinated by research, I also enjoy working closely with our community and our patients to translate research into real-world answers and solutions,” says Dr. Xin.

In his leisure time, he enjoys family life with his wife, Li, and his two daughters, as well as music, traveling and sports.

Vincent Cruz, M.D., M.S., BSEE
Clinical Geneticist and Internal Medicine

Dr. Cruz is a physician-scientist specializing in internal medicine and genetics. Joining DDC Clinic in 2021, he provides personalized care to adolescent and adult patients while researching their underlying genetic conditions. Driven by a passion for making a difference, Dr. Cruz is dedicated to improving patient outcomes and advancing medical knowledge.

“What attracted me to DDC Clinic is the direct impact the clinic has on individuals and the community,” says Dr. Cruz.

Dr. Cruz and his wife have three children. A lover of the outdoors, Dr. Cruz enjoys biking, fly fishing, bird-watching, and astronomy in his spare time. Read more about Dr. Cruz.

John Tumbush, DO
Staff Physician

Dr. Tumbush joined DDC Clinic in May of 2024 after practicing Family Medicine in Middlefield for 32 years. He is board certified in Family Medicine, a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Medicine and is a licensed Pharmacist. He retired from his Family Medicine practice in February of 2024. Dr. Tumbush has been a member of the DDC Board of Directors since its beginning and was involved in the hiring of Dr. Wang.

He will be practicing in the newly created Family Heart Center at DDC Clinic and hopes to help people with genetic heart disorders. He was involved with the original research into MYBPC3 cardiomyopathy and says he is “excited to treat patients in the Heart Center.”

In his leisure time Dr. Tumbush enjoys spending time with his 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Additionally, he enjoys gardening, fishing, hunting, boating, and participating in a variety of sports such as running, biking, swimming, and pickleball.

Garrett Edinger, MS, CGC
Genetic Counselor

Garrett is a board certified and licensed genetic counselor and recent graduate of the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Genetic Counseling Training Program.  Garrett joined DDC shortly after finishing graduate school in 2024.

Garrett joined DDC Clinic because he was excited to work in a unique clinical setting: “DDC Clinic provides a great opportunity to serve patients and their families with rare genetic conditions. I’m excited about the opportunity to help our patients and families understand genetics.”

Before graduate school, Garrett worked for the Indiana Department of Health doing contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Garrett grew up in Pennsylvania. He enjoys baking, gaming, and spending time with friends.

Patti Gallagher
Operations Director

Patti began working at DDC Clinic in March 2006 as Office Manager, and in 2020 she was named Operations Director. She is responsible for the daily processes and administrative functions of the clinic.

Working for DDC Clinic is very meaningful and personal for Patti. “I have a special needs brother so I think this work is in my blood,” she says. “I care about our families and patients. I want to help make their lives easier and better.”

Before Patti came to our clinic, she worked in the banking industry in administrative and banker roles. Happy that she changed her career path, she finds her current working environment to be very rewarding. Patti lives with her husband Jack in Burton, Ohio and enjoys anything to do with her seven grandchildren.

Valerie Sency
Clinical Charge Nurse

Valerie came to our clinic in 2013 as a registered nurse, working with patients and assisting in our research projects. Promoted to Clinical Charge Nurse in 2022, she is currently responsible for nursing staff training and supervision, nursing staff scheduling and coordination among other areas.

“I love working at the clinic because it is such a unique opportunity to really get to know your patients and their families,” says Valerie. “It doesn’t feel like a job but an extension of your life. It’s always fulfilling to find answers for families who haven’t had one sometimes for years. Everyday is a learning experience for me.”

Valerie previously worked as an E.R. nurse, in long term care and urgent care, and was also a school nurse. When not at DDC Clinic, she enjoys spending her spare time with her husband, three children and two grandchildren. She also enjoys her yearly garden and visiting New York City.

Bea Torres-Fults
Clinical Nurse

Bea came to our clinic in May 2022. Prior to joining our team, she was a nurse in the Neonatal ICU at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, where she worked with newborn infants and developed her love for caring for the pediatric population. As a staff nurse at DDC Clinic, Bea puts her skills to use caring for patients from infancy to adulthood.

“I’m very excited to share my knowledge and passion for nursing with our families here at the clinic and well as being a resource to those in need,” says Bea.

Outside of work, she enjoys all types of outdoor activities, especially hiking and kayaking, as well as spending time with her friends and family.

Theresa Miller
Medical Assistant

Theresa has been a medical assistant for over 25 years having worked mainly in Family Medicine, from newborns to geriatrics. She most recently worked at UH Evans Middlefield Medical Center.

Theresa and her husband have four adult children and one dachshund who they enjoy spending time with. In her spare time, she likes to cook, bake, read, and travel.

Theresa says, “Recognizing and respecting differences in others and treating everyone like you want them to treat you will help make our world a better place. I have a special place in my heart for people with exceptionalities of all ages.”

Rebecca (Becca) Terrill, MPH
Research Associate

Becca first came to DDC as an intern in the summer of 2023. As an intern, she worked closely with Dr. Wang and Dr. Xin to update and merge our lab and clinic websites into one. As our research associate, Becca helps write and send clinical testing reports. She also runs our social media accounts, educating our followers on the various genetic conditions we see as well as keeping them informed about current events at the Clinic.

Becca received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology from The Ohio State University in 2022. In April 2024, she earned her Master of Public Health in Public Health Genetics from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. She also received certificates in Health Equity and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) from the University of Pittsburgh. Upon graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Becca was inducted into the Omicron chapter of Delta Omega, the public health honorary society.

Becca says, “I am excited for the opportunity to work in a place where such a big impact is made as we help families find answers.”

In her free time, Becca enjoys reading, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and visiting the zoo with her family and her mom’s service dog, Caesar.

Julia Szekely
Senior Laboratory Technologist

Julia joined DDC Clinic in June of 2014 as a Laboratory Technician after earning her Associate Degree in Biotechnology and was promoted to Senior Laboratory Technologist in 2022. Responsible for performing Next Generation sequencing and Microarray testing, she is involved in all aspects of the lab’s bench work, leads lab technician training and helps to maintain documentation for clinical testing.

“I immediately fell in love with our clinic’s mission, and I look forward to growing my career at a place that makes a positive impact on the community that I reside in,” says Julia.

In her spare time, Julia enjoys cooking, kayaking with friends, getting brunch with her parents and watching mystery shows on TV.

Oliver McCourt
Laboratory Technologist

Oliver officially joined our team in November of 2020 as a Laboratory Technician after completing a two-month internship with our clinic. In 2023, he was promoted to Laboratory Technologist. In his current capacity, he is responsible for targeted mutation testing using Sanger Sequencing and DNA extraction from whole blood.

He previously worked as a direct support professional, empowering adults with developmental disabilities to live their most independent lives.

“I was drawn to DDC Clinic because it gave me the opportunity to combine my passions and skills to continue to help those with special needs,” says Oliver.

A 2020 graduate of Lakeland Community College, he has an Associate of Applied Science degree in biotechnology. In his leisure time, Oliver enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, rafting and hiking.

Virginia Bell
Administrative Assistant

Virginia joined DDC Clinic in May 2020 as Administrative Assistant. She has more than 40 years of experience in sales and customer service, and has spent the last 10 years working in the medical field in the areas of appointment scheduling, and patient and insurance billing.

Virginia says, “I’m always happy to help our patients and their families with anything they may need, and I’m very honored to be part of a team that is devoted to enhancing the quality of life for special needs children.”

Virginia and her husband have six children, two grandchildren and two grand dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time on the beaches of Lake Erie collecting beach glass.

Erma Troyer
Receptionist

Prior to joining the staff at DDC Clinic, Erma was a stay-at-home mom until 2018. Following the loss of her husband, she taught at an Amish school for five years.

Erma enjoys spending time with her six children and grandchildren, family, and friends. Her hobbies include reading, card making, and traveling. Erma says, “I am excited about getting to know and working with the patients and families that visit DDC Clinic!”

DDC Clinic PA Staff

Nicole Stevens, FNP, CRNP, DNP
Family Nurse Practitioner

Dr. Stevens is our main healthcare provider at our Titusville, PA clinic. She has experience in internal and family medicine, emergency medicine, dermatology, and long-term care. Dr. Stevens received her Doctor in Nursing Practice Degree from Johns Hopkins University where she researched newborn genetic screening practices in Northwestern Amish populations.

She previously worked at Titusville Area Hospital and Jay Stevens Internal Medicine. Before joining DDC Clinic, she owned and operated a private practice which provided affordable health care to uninsured families. During that time, she worked closely with Amish families, and began her relationship with our clinic working to diagnose and coordinate treatment for families with genetic disorders.

“I’m honored to be a part of the DDC Clinic team, and be the local resource for specialized care for Plain populations who are affected by genetic disease,” says Dr. Stevens.

Nicole will soon receive her doctorate degree from John Hopkins University.

Vanessa Duke
EMT, CCMA, CPT

Vanessa has 10 years of experience in the medical field as an emergency medical technician, certified medical assistant and phlebotomy technician. She has been instrumental in coordinating affordable and quality healthcare services in private practice and rural healthcare settings.

Vanessa says, “I’m excited to continue my journey as a member of DDC Clinic in Pennsylvania.”