The GUARD Collaborative’s RareNET forum presents Associate Professor Ali Archibald, Genetic Counsellor and Co-Founder of GenoCare in conversation with Monica Ferrie, CEO, Genetic Support Network Victoria.
This forum will explore GenoCare’s integrated model of genetic testing, counselling, and embedded mental health support designed around the real experiences of individuals and families navigating uncertainty, diagnosis, and life beyond it.
For many in the rare disease community, the road to answers is long, complex, and emotionally exhausting.
This is an opportunity to better understand the range of service models available, how referrals work in practice, and why supporting mental wellbeing alongside genomic care matters so deeply.
The GUARD Collaborative invites patients, families, carers, advocates, and clinicians to join us as they ask:
A/Prof Alison Archibald is a Certified Genetic Counsellor with over 20 years’ experience supporting individuals and families through reproductive genetic testing. As Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer at GenoCare, she is dedicated to providing compassionate, clear, and expert guidance to help patients understand their options and make informed decisions.
Monica Ferrie is the Genetic Support Network Victoria Chief Executive in a part time capacity which allows her to also be the Director of Bold and Brave Consulting and Toilet Training Educators, Treasurer of the Balibo House Trust, Honorary Fellow of Melbourne University and member of the Central Queensland University Regional Engagement Committee.
Experience in senior leadership roles in Government, Education, the private sector, international projects, education including a Masters of Business Administration and a commitment to community provide a foundation for making a difference across a range of sectors.
RareNET forums are designed to create space for open discussion, knowledge‑sharing, and practical conversation across conditions and disciplines. Each forum focuses on a theme relevant to people living with rare diseases, their families, advocates, clinicians, researchers, and support organisations.
The GUARD Collaborative is made up of advocacy organisations, Genetic Alliance Australia (GAA), the Genetic Support Network of Victoria (GSNV) and Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN). Together, the GUARD Collaborative provides patient and support groups a monthly forum, RareNET to discuss and explore sector updates and hear from industry experts to elevate the advocacy efforts of the genetic, undiagnosed and rare (GUARD) disease community.