Today we’d like to introduce you to Rio Stenner.
Hi Rio, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been a genetic counselor for 15 years. It is a field I am very passionate about. I have worked in various hospital systems providing genetic counseling services. I have also worked for companies that provide genetics benefits development for health insurance companies. More recently, I opened a private genetic counseling practice, focusing on hereditary cancer syndromes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are not many private genetic counseling practices out there. Uniquely, South Carolina law allows for Licensed Genetic Counselors to order genetic testing. In other states, a physician order is often required, which limits the ability of genetic counselors to have such practices. Therefore, I have had to figure out everything on my own along the way. From opening an LLC, to finding an EMR that would fit my needs, to office space, to referral sources. It has been a slow process, but I enjoy solving problems and meeting a need in my community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lake Wylie Genetics?
I founded my private practice to make genetic counseling more personal, accessible, and patient-centered. Genetics can feel intimidating, but my goal is to create a welcoming environment where people feel heard, supported, and informed. Whether someone is navigating a new diagnosis, planning a family, or trying to understand their own health risks, I believe they deserve clear answers and compassionate guidance—not just a report full of medical terminology.
I provide personalized genetic counseling for individuals and families seeking to better understand inherited health conditions and genetic testing. My practice focuses on helping patients make informed decisions by translating complex genetic information into practical, understandable guidance. I’m known for taking the time to educate my patients, answer their questions, and ensure they leave appointments feeling more confident than when they arrived.
As a solo private practice genetic counselor, I offer a level of personalized care that can be difficult to find in larger healthcare systems. Patients work directly with me throughout their experience, allowing me to build lasting relationships and tailor recommendations to each individual’s goals, values, and circumstances. I also prioritize accessibility and collaboration, partnering with referring providers while serving as a trusted resource for patients in my community.
I’m most proud of creating a practice that people describe as approachable, trustworthy, and compassionate. Genetics is about people, not just DNA, and I am intentionally building a brand that reflects that philosophy. I want every patient to feel respected, informed, and supported, regardless of where they are in their healthcare journey.
What I most want people to know is that many people don’t realize that genetic counseling isn’t only for rare conditions or after receiving difficult news. It can provide valuable insight for family planning, hereditary cancer risk, cardiovascular conditions, prenatal care, pediatric concerns, and many other situations. My practice offers personalized counseling, guidance on appropriate genetic testing, interpretation of results, and ongoing support before and after testing. My mission is to make genetics understandable and accessible so people can make informed decisions with confidence.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
When people think about risk, they often think about acting without certainty. As a genetic counselor, I see risk differently. Every day, I help people understand probabilities, navigate uncertainty, and make informed decisions that align with their values. I’ve learned that risk isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to understand.
The biggest professional risk I’ve taken was starting my own solo private practice. I had to trust that there was a need for more accessible, personalized genetic counseling in my community and that I could build something meaningful from the ground up.
That experience reinforced an important lesson: not all risks are created equal. The most worthwhile risks are thoughtful, intentional, and grounded in purpose. I didn’t have guarantees, but I had a clear vision of the kind of care I wanted to provide and the impact I hope to make.
Today, I still approach decisions the same way I encourage my patients to approach theirs. Gather the best information you can, understand the potential outcomes, consider what matters most to you, and then move forward with confidence. There will always be uncertainty, but uncertainty doesn’t have to prevent you from taking the next step.
Building my practice has been full of risks—and one of the most rewarding decisions—of my career.
Pricing:
- Genetic Counseling Appointment is $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lakewyliegenetics.com
