Lynn Marie Westphal, M.D., FACOG, graduated summa cum laude from Lawrence University, earned her M.D. degree at Stanford University, and did her residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA and Stanford University. She did a fellowship in molecular biology at Stanford University and completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at UCSF and is double board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology/Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Westphal joined the full-time faculty at Stanford University in 1998 and was a Professor in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Director of the Fertility Preservation Program, Director of the Third-Party Reproduction Program, and Director of the REI Fellowship. Her interest in fertility preservation for cancer survivors led her to set up one of the first oocyte cryopreservation programs in the country. She has held numerous national leadership positions and was the President of the Fertility Preservation Special Interest Group of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine from 2008-2009. She was the Director of Women’s Health at Stanford from 2005-2012. In 2012, she co-founded the Stanford Center for Health Research on Women and Sex Differences in Medicine (WSDM) and served as co-director of the program for two years.

Dr. Bendikson did her residency training in OB/GYN at Harvard and completed her reproductive endocrine and infertility fellowship training at Cornell. She is a California native, having graduated from UCLA with honors. After first leaving Los Angeles for NYU Medical School, she finally returned after training to become an assistant professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine.

Dr. Bendikson was a leader at USC Fertility for over a decade. Dr. Bendikson founded the Center for Pregnancy Loss for patients who have suffered from pregnancy loss and miscarriage. Dr. Bendikson also founded the Fertility Diagnostics Program at USC, to provide a way for young adults to better understand their reproductive potential to help them make educated choices for their future.

She is a nationally recognized leader in the fertility field. She has been the Chair of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) Patient Education Committee since 2016 and serves as a member of the ASRM Practice Committee. She is on the board of the ASRM Early Pregnancy Loss Special Interest group and served as President in 2020. She has been recognized for many years as one of LA’s Top Doctors by Los Angeles Magazine.

Dr. Bendikson has presented her award-winning research at both national and international conferences. She has authored numerous publications on a wide variety of topics including the effects of Vitamin D on implantation, IVF for women of advanced maternal age, egg freezing, IVF outcomes in women of different ethnicities, and sex selection of embryos.

It is her goal to provide the highest quality care for her patients and to help them fulfill their desire of having a healthy baby, whether that be now or in the future. In addition, she strives to guide her patients through what can be a trying and difficult journey by providing them with the support and personal attention they need and deserve.

Dr. Amber R. Cooper, MD, MS is Chief Medical Officer-Genomics and Laboratory Sciences, and Medical and IVF Practice Director, St. Louis. Prior to joining Kindbody, Dr. Cooper was a founding physician and the Chief Medical Officer for the St. Louis region of Vios Fertility Institute. She understands the challenges of infertility both personally and professionally. Board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, she completed both her residency and fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. During her years of practice, Dr. Cooper has received numerous awards and has authored articles for several medical journals and textbooks.

She is a globally recognized expert on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to increase access to fertility treatments. In 2022, Dr. Cooper presented at the first world conference on AI and fertility in Croatia, and more recently spoke on the topic at The Middle East Fertility Conference in Dubai.

Additionally, she has led clinical studies, had her research covered in the local and national press, and spoken both nationally and internationally on various topics related to fertility. While she is passionate for all facets of fertility health, she has a special interest in improving IVF success and outcomes, fertility preservation, ovarian dysfunction, ovarian reserve and aging, hysteroscopic surgery, genetics, and the environmental impact on ovarian aging and function.

Dr. Cooper serves patients from our St. Louis, MO, Chicago, IL, and our Rogers, AR clinics.

Roohi Jeelani, MD, FACOG, is a double board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist (REI). A graduate of Ross University School of Medicine, she completed both her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Wayne State University – Detroit Medical Center. During her medical training, Dr. Jeelani received numerous awards in the areas of fetal medicine and reproductive medicine. In addition, she has authored a variety of publications and book chapters in well known journals highlighting cutting-edge REI advancement and has presented at national/international conferences and symposiums focused on advancements in women’s health. Dr. Jeelani is an active member of many medical associations. A highly-skilled reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist focusing on all areas of reproductive health, Dr. Jeelani has a special interest in oncofertility, toxins’ impact on reproductive function, chemotherapy, and oocyte cryopreservation.

Dr. Juan Alvarez is a double board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist (REI). He received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago and completed his fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UCLA Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. Prior to his fellowship, he  completed his Ob/Gyn residency at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA.

He is passionate about all aspects of infertility treatment but has a particular interest in third-party reproduction, fertility preservation, diminished ovarian reserve and how obesity impacts fertility, a topic which he researched extensively during his fellowship. As both a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a fertility specialist, he has a special interest in LGBTQ+ fertility care and education.

He is an ardent believer in the power of patient education and the importance of the patient-physician relationship. He is also an avid proponent of the mind-body connection and his goal is to integrate positive thinking into a holistic approach to reproductive health and patient care. He is thrilled to be welcoming patients at Kindbody Chicago.

Dr. Armstrong is a distinguished Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) specialist. An Orange County native, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California and earned her medical degree with honors from The George Washington University School of Medicine, in Washington, D.C.

She completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA, elected as administrative chief resident in her final year. She further honed her expertise through a dedicated fellowship in Reproductive Endocrine and Infertility at UCLA.

Dr. Armstrong welcomes all patients at Kindbody – she empowers women to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive options. She delivers a spectrum of fertility services including assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and fertility preservation (egg/sperm freezing).

Her patient-centered practice is designed to combine positivity and enthusiasm with a passion for precision and evidence-based medicine. She aspires to build a personalized partnership over shared dreams and challenges in helping patients achieve their ultimate goal: the birth of a healthy child.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Armstrong actively drives fertility research forward with her numerous peer-reviewed publications. Her specific research areas include preimplantation genetic testing, embryo mosaicism, and the impact of marijuana use on fertility. She contributes to the scientific community as an active member of various professional organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Kelsey Anderson, MD, FACOG appreciates the individual journeys of her patients and is excited to practice in the Midwest. Born and raised in St. Louis, she moved to Nashville for her undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt University then returned to STL for medical school at St. Louis University School of Medicine. She then completed Ob/Gyn residency and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine.

Her research interests primarily include evaluating social, anatomical, and pathologic factors which impact women’s fertility. While in fellowship, Dr. Anderson had numerous peer-reviewed publications and grant funding for her work with uterine peristalsis. She prioritizes personal and evidence-based care, patient satisfaction, and mental health well-being.

She has a special interest in uterine abnormalities, endometriosis, and improving access to family building services. Dr. Anderson values how deeply personal the women’s health field is and wants to help her patients every step of the way.

Originally from New York, Dr. Balmir is a graduate of Columbia University. She earned her medical degree at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Her residency was at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York where she trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology and was also inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her training with fellowship at Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Balmir was Director of Medical Education and Outreach at an academic practice in Pittsburgh, PA. Her dedication to excellent patient experience is driven by the connections she forms with patients over the course of their care. She is passionate about empowering patients with knowledge of all their reproductive options. In her free time, Dr. Balmir enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 children, and 2 dogs. She is fluent in French.

Dr. Kristen Cain is a board-certified Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Endocrinologist who has worked in infertility since completing her fellowship at UCLA in 1995. She was an Assistant Professor at SUNY Stony Brook, before moving on to help start a private practice in Long Island, which grew to the largest infertility practice on Long Island, and the third largest in New York state. She also developed the donor egg and fertility preservation programs while there, opening the first egg bank on Long Island. Dr. Cain moved back to her home state of Minnesota in 2012 to be closer to her family, and was one of three REI doctors serving the entire region of North Dakota, northern Minnesota and eastern Montana. While there, she became a women’s health advocate at the state and national level, working toward improving access to care for infertility patients. Dr. Cain graduated from Jamestown College in North Dakota, and completed medical school at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She completed an internship in Internal Medicine at UVA in Charlottesville, VA before returning to Johns Hopkins for her residency in Ob/Gyn.

Rachael Cohen, DO is a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. Highly skilled in all areas of reproductive health, Dr. Cohen prides herself on providing individualized treatment for every patient. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with an undergraduate degree in Pre-medicine and Psychology and went on to medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her Ob/Gyn residency at Mercy Suburban Hospital in Norristown, Pennsylvania where she also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Cohen completed her REI fellowship at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has been in private practice for more than 10 years and was recently recognized as a Top Reproductive Endocrinologist in New Jersey. Her personal experience with IVF to build her family has heavily influenced her approach to patient care. She prioritizes an individual approach and strives to ensure each patient feels heard.

Dr. Cohen serves patients from our Princeton, NJ and our Philadelphia, PA clinics.

Dr. Geraldine Ekpo is a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Specialist with years of experience providing compassionate fertility care in the San Francisco Bay Area. After graduating summa cum laude from Georgia Tech with a B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, she went on to obtain her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. She then completed her Ob/Gyn residency at Northwestern University in Chicago, and a REI fellowship at UCSF. She is an inducted member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society and is double board certified in Ob/Gyn and REI.

Dr. Ekpo is passionate about increasing access to reproductive care and education/outreach. She previously interned at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland and volunteered her time to train UCSF Ob/gyn residents at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in fertility care.

She feels very privileged to be able to assist patients in their family building endeavors, and her clinical areas of expertise include infertility, in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, egg freezing, PCOS, fibroids, recurrent pregnancy loss and 3rd party parenting.

Dr. Ellen Hayes is devoted to assisting patients facing fertility challenges and has helped individuals and couples in Wisconsin build their families for over 15 years. Board-certified in both Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and OBGYN, Dr. Hayes graduated from Loyola University Chicago – Stritch School of Medicine with honors. She completed her residency in OBGYN at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she was recognized by her department for her outstanding surgical skills. She then completed fellowship training at Emory University, where her thesis project received the prestigious John D. Thompson research award. A member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and a fellow of the American College of OBGYN, she has authored numerous articles in scientific journals and has participated in research studies in her field which have been presented nationally. Dr. Hayes believes in providing honest and accurate information, incorporating healthy lifestyle recommendations, and taking a collaborative approach to care with each patient. She loves finding answers for her patients as well as providing the best possible experience for patients during the treatment process. 

Dr. Kathiresan is board certified in both Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Obstetrics & Gynecology. She is a native of Marietta, Georgia. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University and medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). While at MCG, she was active in health disparities advocacy, which earned her a national leadership award from the American Medical Association. She went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Hospital and fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Kathiresan has extensively published in many peer-reviewed scientific journals. After completing her training, she moved to Texas and developed a busy clinical practice committed to compassionate, individualized patient-centered care. She is devoted to helping couples achieve their dreams of building a family. She is also passionate about promoting fertility education awareness through various social media platforms (@anukathiresanmd on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Youtube). She was awarded “Rising Star Super Doc,” “Texas Top Doc,” and “Top Doctor” by Houstonia Magazine for several consecutive years. She has many years of experience in all areas of infertility including IVF, IUI, recurrent pregnancy loss, fertility preservation and oocyte cryopreservation.

Find Dr. Kathiresan on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok.

Dr. Xiaohong Liu, MD, is a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Board-eligible Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University. A native of Maryland, she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2016 and completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the University of Louisville. She completed her Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at the EVMS Jones Institute.

Dr. Liu is dedicated to excellence, practicing evidence-based medicine, and staying at the forefront of research. She actively engages in research projects and has made notable contributions to the field of reproductive medicine. Her research findings have been presented at conferences, showcasing her commitment to staying at the forefront of her field. She has received recognition for her work, including the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society Scholarship Award.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Liu is an active member of professional organizations, such as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the American Medical Association. Her multifaceted expertise, research contributions, and compassionate patient care make her a valuable member of the Kindbody DC and Bethesda clinics.

Dr. Liu is known for her commitment to advancing reproductive medicine and delivering individualized and empathetic patient care, ensuring that they receive the highest standard of reproductive health services. She focuses on a team-based approach to help patients regain control of their reproductive health and to achieve their reproductive goals.

Dr. Xiaohong Liu serves patients from our Washington, DC and our Bethesda, MD clinics.

Dr. Mehta is the Medical Director for Kindbody Dallas. She is double board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. After graduating with honors from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, she went on to complete her Ob/Gyn residency there as well. She then went on to complete her Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at the prestigious UC San Diego where she focused her fellowship research on the study of PCOS. She has been in private practice helping build families since 2006. Providing compassionate, personalized, evidence based and patient centered care is very important to her. She has been voted by her peers as one of the best doctors in Collin County and Dallas for several years in a row. Her areas of expertise include general infertility, in vitro fertilization, fertility preservation, oocyte cryopreservation, diminished ovarian reserve, hysteroscopic surgery and PCOS. She is also passionate about nutrition, lifestyle, and a holistic approach to fertility.

Dr. Toral Parikh is a board-certified Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) specialist. She completed her REI training at the world-renowned National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, as well as receiving training from specialists at Shady Grove Fertility Center.

She accomplished her baccalaureate education at Emory University graduating Magna Cum Laude, obtained her M.D. at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and mastered her residency training in Ob/Gyn at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. Dr. Parikh is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute scholar whose research interests have been notable throughout her medical career. She has published relevant cutting-edge studies within peer-reviewed journals important to advancing the field of women’s reproductive health. She has presented her work at several national and international conferences and received the Society for Reproductive Investigation award for her most recent work on the medical management of uterine fibroids.

She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and an active member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and Society for Reproductive Investigators (SRI). Her clinical expertise also includes assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and fertility preservation (egg/sperm freezing). Her expertise with infertility has provided her with the ability to counsel with compassion and offer informed diagnoses and equitable guidance to individuals and couples alike. Dr. Parikh is excited to welcome patients at Kindbody.

Mackenzie Purdy, MD, FACOG is thrilled to be caring for patients in a city she loves. After receiving her medical degree at the University of Missouri, Dr. Purdy completed her Ob/Gyn residency at the University of Kentucky. She then obtained a Masters in Biomedical Sciences and completed her Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. Double board-certified in both Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Endocrinology, Dr. Purdy is also well-recognized for her numerous peer-reviewed publications and abstracts. With specialty expertise in pre-implantation genetic testing, carrier screening, and recurrent pregnancy loss, Dr. Purdy has tremendous compassion for patients in the women’s health field, which she gained largely through experiencing IVF treatment first-hand. Dr. Purdy is also a member of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the American College of Ob/Gyn.

Dr. Purdy serves patients from our St. Louis, MO, Chicago, IL and our Rogers, AR clinics.

Julie S. Rhee, MD is double board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). She completed her fellowship in REI at Washington University in St. Louis. At Wash U, she was selected as a recipient of the prestigious National Institute of Health T32 research award, under which she studied the effects of diet-induced obesity on the endometrium and implantation. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School. She has won multiple awards, authored numerous publications, and has presented at national meetings on topics related to women’s health and infertility. Her particular areas of interest include general infertility, IVF, fertility preservation, recurrent pregnancy loss, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and minimally invasive surgery.

Dr. Rehee serves patients from our St. Louis, MO, Chicago, IL and our Rogers, AR clinics.

Dr. Ramya Sethuram, MD, is a dedicated Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist who brings her expertise to the Kindbody team. Dr. Sethuram earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University in India. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.

With a strong commitment to women’s reproductive health, Dr. Sethuram pursued a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at Wayne State University in Detroit. Dr. Sethuram’s extensive overseas training includes clinical fellowships in Gynecological Oncology at Birmingham University, UK, and research fellowships at Birmingham University and Cardiff University, UK. She is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Dr. Sethuram’s dedication to advancing the field of reproductive medicine is reflected in her impressive list of honors and awards, including the ASRM In-Training Award for the best abstract presentation. She is an active member of professional organizations, including the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Medical Association.

Her research interests encompass various aspects of reproductive health, and she has contributed to peer-reviewed publications in the field. Dr. Sethuram’s commitment to evidence-based care, patient satisfaction, and mental health well-being aligns perfectly with Kindbody’s mission to provide personalized and accessible fertility care to individuals and couples.

Dr. Aimee Seungdamrong graduated cum laude with a degree in Chemistry from Cornell University. She earned her medical degree at The University of Texas Southwestern and did her residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital. She completed her training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey, where she continues to teach as an Assistant Professor at Rutgers Medical School. Dr. Seungdamrong has been practicing medicine for over 12 years. She loves providing excellent care to each and every one of her patients, as well as spending time with her family, her dog Luna, and doing dance aerobics.

Lauren W. Sundheimer, MD, MS, FACOG is a double board-certified physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology and in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She is passionate about applying science to help patients achieve their dream of building a family. Dr. Sundheimer is an Orange County native and developed a dedication to women’s health while in medical school at University of California, Irvine. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA Medical Center and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UCLA as well. She holds a BS in Biochemistry and a BA in Political Science from University of California, San Diego, where she also completed a highly competitive joint Bachelor’s and Master’s degree program in Biology. During her medical career, Dr. Sundheimer has performed considerable research in the area of reproductive health, but her heart and focus is on providing outstanding clinical care.

Manuel Viotti is the Vice President of PGT and Clinical Laboratory Director at Kindlabs, Kindbody. He also holds an appointment as a Senior Scientist at the Zouves Foundation for Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Viotti earned a PhD in molecular and cell biology from the Weill Graduate School of Cornell University, specializing in mammalian embryology. He serves as the director of the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis International Society (PGDIS), a board member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) PGT-SIG, and is the founder and officer of the International Registry of Mosaic Embryo Transfers (IRMET). Dr. Viotti’s current research focuses on improving outcomes in the IVF clinic, with a special focus on the molecular and cell biology of the embryo and the uterine environment. He is the lead author of numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications in the field of embryology and genetics and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics (JARG).

The following five publications represent selected highlights from  extensive portfolio of groundbreaking research and advancements:

• Using outcome data from one thousand mosaic embryo transfers to formulate an embryo ranking system for clinical use.
  Viotti M, Victor AR, Barnes FL, Zouves CG, Besser AG, Grifo JA, Cheng EH, Lee MS, Horcajadas JA, Corti L, Fiorentino F, Spinella F, Minasi MG, Greco E, Munné S.
  Fertil Steril. 2021 May;115(5):1212-1224. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.11.041. Epub 2021 Mar 6.
  PMID: 33685629
• Let the data do the talking: the need to consider mosaicism during embryo selection.
  Viotti M, McCoy RC, Griffin DK, Spinella F, Greco E, Madjunkov M, Madjunkova S, Librach CL, Victor AR, Barnes FL, Zouves CG.
  Fertil Steril. 2021 Nov;116(5):1212-1219. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.09.008. Epub 2021 Oct 7.
  PMID: 34627598
• Assessment of aneuploidy concordance between clinical trophectoderm biopsy and blastocyst.
  Victor AR, Griffin DK, Brake AJ, Tyndall JC, Murphy AE, Lepkowsky LT, Lal A, Zouves CG, Barnes FL, McCoy RC, Viotti M.
  Hum Reprod. 2019 Jan 1;34(1):181-192. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dey327.
  PMID: 30418565
• One hundred mosaic embryos transferred prospectively in a single clinic: exploring when and why they result in healthy pregnancies.
  Victor AR, Tyndall JC, Brake AJ, Lepkowsky LT, Murphy AE, Griffin DK, McCoy RC, Barnes FL, Zouves CG, Viotti M.
  Fertil Steril. 2019 Feb;111(2):280-293. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.10.019.
  PMID: 30691630
• Accurate quantitation of mitochondrial DNA reveals uniform levels in human blastocysts irrespective of ploidy, age, or implantation potential.
  Victor AR, Brake AJ, Tyndall JC, Griffin DK, Zouves CG, Barnes FL, Viotti M.
  Fertil Steril. 2017 Jan;107(1):34-42.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.09.028. Epub 2016 Oct 25.
  PMID: 27793366

Carli Chapman is a highly accomplished Regional Laboratory Director at Kindbody with over 35 years of experience in the field of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). With an exceptional background in laboratory management, protocol and procedure implementation, and ongoing quality control and improvement, Carli is dedicated to mentoring and leading embryology, andrology, and endocrinology laboratory teams. She is also skilled in building and maintaining functional relationships within the industry. Carli holds a BSc from Louisiana State University.

She has held several prestigious positions, such as Past President of the Society for Reproductive Biologists & Technologists and the College of Reproductive Biology. Her involvement in the field extends to being a past member of the Board of American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Coding Committee ASRM, and Post-Graduate Program Chair ASRM. Carli is currently a member of ASRM, the Society of Assisted Reproduction (SART) Audit Committee, the ASRM Technology Committee, and the American Board of Bioanalysis.

Carli has an extensive list of publications and presentations to her credit, including the seminal article “Impact of the ‘physician factor’ on pregnancy rates in a large assisted reproductive technology program: do too many cooks spoil the broth?” Her research interests revolve around AI use in assisted reproductive technology and the application of technology to improve laboratory workflow.

She is a sought-after speaker, Carli has delivered numerous regional, national, and international invited lectures on various topics related to IVF lab management, quality control, and quality assurance and has been an ASRM Postgraduate Course lecturer in the laboratory and management space in four different years. She is an advocate for access to care and women’s health initiatives. In addition to her expertise in all aspects of In Vitro Fertilization, management, quality control and quality assurance implementation, and technology integration to improve workflow and outcomes, Carli also brings her passion for helping people achieve their family goals.

Dr. Sasan is a board certified and practicing Ob/Gyn who completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Dr. Sasan is also a member of the Business Group on Health’s Evidence Based Benefit Design Committee. As a practicing clinician for more than 17 years she is dedicated to helping employers deliver comprehensive care with a focus on risk reduction and providing an exceptional, personalized experience. Kindbody’s employer clients have direct access to Dr. Sasan from thought leadership and strategy to the smallest detail to ensure Kindbody exceeds their expectations.

Dr. Sasan and her team provide fertility services, gynecology, low-risk and high-risk prenatal care, and wellness support, offering patients a single door for all of their fertility healthcare needs. Dr. Sasan is a recognized and widely-quoted expert on fertility healthcare and education in the media including NBC News, CBS News, and TODAY.

Dr. Lana Lipkin is a board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) with over 13 years of experience providing compassionate reproductive care to patients in the New York City metro area. She grew up in Brooklyn and after completing her residency in NorthShore University Hospital (now Northwell) she returned to New York City to practice Ob/Gyn: first, at Maimonides Medical Center and thereafter, at Columbia University. After seven years at Columbia University, her interest in female infertility and reproductive health lead her to make the transition to New Hope Fertility Center. After four years at New Hope Fertility, Dr. Lipkin is grateful for the opportunity to join the Kindbody team at such an exciting time.

Dr. Jasmine Pedroso, MD MPH, FACOG, grew up in San Diego, California as the daughter of Filipino immigrants. After receiving degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and the Harvard School of Public Health, she returned to California to attend medical school at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. She then received more specialized surgical training through the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery in Las Vegas.

During her seven years in Las Vegas, Jasmine served as Associate Program Director of the Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Las Vegas Minimally Invasive Surgery, Clinical Director of the Women’s Pelvic Health Center, Clinical Professor for both the HCA-Sunrise Health and University of Nevada, Las Vegas Residency Programs in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Touro University Nevada School of Medicine, and has received multiple awards for surgical prowess, teaching, publications, and contributions to women’s health. She currently practices in San Francisco where she serves as National Gynecology Lead for Kindbody.

Dr. Sara Rizk is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist with over a decade of experience. She is passionate about patient education and the importance of shared decision making between a patient and their care provider. Dr. Rizk moved to the United States at 17 to pursue her medical education and graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 2009. She completed her residency in her self-proclaimed home town of Detroit at Wayne State University before completing a one year pelvic surgery fellowship at Emory University.

Recognizing the need for full scope women’s healthcare providers in the south, Dr. Rizk joined the Ob/Gyn faculty at Emory University where she spent 9 years of her career. During that time she was heavily involved in resident education and was assistant program director for 3 years. As part of her dedication to health education she completed the Woodruff Health Educator Academy Fellowship and was a proud recipient of multiple teaching awards.

When life brought Dr. Rizk to Chicago she joined the Advocate Illinois Masonic Ob/Gyn department where she was able to provide compassionate and empathetic care to an incredibly ethnically, socioeconomically and sexually diverse patient population. In her short time there Dr. Rizk was voted by her peers as one of Chicagos Top Docs as listed in the January 2024 issue of Chicago Magazine. Her time in Atlanta and Albany Park only further cemented Dr. Rizk’s commitment to improving health disparities and inequities.

Kindbody’s commitment to bridging the gap in women’s healthcare and especially in female infertility and reproductive care drew Dr. Rizk to enter the world of fertility. She joined the Kindbody team in October 2023 and has had the privilege of helping women conceive via IVF or preserve their fertility through egg freezing as they work on achieving a variety of life goals before starting a family of their own.

She is honored and proud of the privilege to serve and care for her patients and their families as they look to create the family of their dreams.

Hi! I’m Emily. I am a midwife and lactation consultant with 10 years of experience working with birthing and growing families. I have a background in out-of-hospital birth, clinical lactation services and years of personal breastfeeding experience. I feel honored to have worked with hundreds of families to find real solutions to their baby feeding challenges, I am passionate about meeting parents where they are, connecting them to resources, and helping to create a sustainable support plan beyond one-on-one care.

I love adventuring in the forests of Washington with my 2 little boys, horseback riding, cooking, and drinking really good black coffee.

Alissa Alissa (she/her) is a Women’s Health Expert & Motherhood Advocate, author of Unstuck: From Understudy To The Study Of Your Undercarriage, and host of the podcast Myth of Motherhood who is all about cracking open the taboo topics of pregnancy and motherhood. A former Broadway performer and certified Pilates instructor specializing in pelvic health, she uses movement, mindfulness, and good ol’ education to help you stop suffering in silence so that your journey to and through motherhood can be healing and empowering stages of life. By sharing women’s stories, she believes we can initiate change toward better reproductive care. Alissa is a very excited mom and loves practicing cartwheels and handstands with her son.

Dr. Lindsey Buckman is a licensed psychologist in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Buckman has an inclusive
and collaborative style, which allows patients to feel affirmed and empowered as they work
through their treatment goals. Dr. Buckman has specialties in the areas of anxiety, chronic
medical conditions, depression, fertility, LGBTQIA+ issues and weight management. In addition
to her practice, she is a faculty member in Counseling and Counseling Psychology at Arizona
State University and she is active in the American Psychological Association. She is an avid
traveler and endurance athlete.

Dr. Buckman is licensed to see patients in the following locations:

 AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, GA, IL, KY, MD, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NC, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV

Bonnie is a holistic functional nutritionist who specializes in women’s health. She addresses the root cause of troubling symptoms through diet and lifestyle modifications. Her private clients and program participants describe finding new awareness and tools to optimally fuel full-body wellness. Bonnie lives in Berkeley, CA where she serves an international client base through a 100% virtual consultancy.

Karen is a mental health professional, licensed as a Marital and Family Therapist with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education, and a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy. Combining her education and clinical experience with her passion for medical science Karen focused the last 25 years in Third-Party Reproduction ~ helping build families requiring gamete donation and/or gestational surrogacy.

The role and services of a mental health provider is subject to the unique needs of each client. People using ART/Assisted Reproductive Technology come with different histories, challenges, questions, and concerns. Talking through important emotional considerations helps provide both a solid foundation for medical efforts and a clear path forward in the midst of a complex journey.

Karen psychoeducational consultations for intended parents of gametes from an anonymous donor. In addition to meeting with clients Karen interacts with physicians, family law attorneys, donor/surrogate agencies, and clinical staff to offer each client the best “team” approach.

Building families is both a professional and personal endeavor. Karen with her husband Dennis share the joys and challenges of parenting their twin teens (a result of IVF and egg donation). The family resides in Orange County, California and together they enjoy traveling, sports, being in nature, and spending time with friends.

ADJUNCTIVE EXPERIENCE & MEMBERSHIPS:
ACADEMIC AFFILIATION:
Azusa Pacific University, Adjunct professor. Teaching several graduate courses for the Department of Professional Psychology, including Introduction to Clinical Practice and Legal, Ethical, and Moral Issues for Marital and Family Therapists.

MEMBERSHIPS:
AAMFT / American Association of Marital and Family Therapists
ASRM / American Society Reproductive Medicine/Mental Health Professionals
SEEDS / Society for Ethics, Egg Donation & Surrogacy

Maya Grobel is a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and psychotherapist in private practice in West Los Angeles and for Kindbody fertility clinics in California, where she specializes in supporting individuals and couples struggling to conceive or building their family in alternative ways. Maya and her TV producer husband Noah made a feature length film documenting their tumultuous journey to parenthood, which ended with the birth of their daughter via embryo donation in 2015. The film, called One More Shot, debuted on Netflix in January 2018 and is now available on Vimeo on Demand. Maya recently received a grant through U.S. Health and Human Services Department to support an organization she co-founded called EM•POWER donation, an educational company focused on empowering choice in embryo donation.

VIE HEALING was created by Mona Dan: Acupuncturist, herbalist, holistic lifestyle leader, and passionate health educator. VIE HEALING brings evidence based eastern wellness treatments, products, and practitioners together to comprise a holistic approach for the mind, body and spirit. 

Our curation gives our community a haven of relaxation to live happier, healthier, fuller lives — with pop-up and visiting partners constantly refreshing our perspective and keeping us current.

VIE HEALING represents a holistic lifestyle that goes far beyond health fads, juicing and quick fixes. It’s a healing medicine, merged together with the wisdom of the east and the knowledge of the west, offered for those seeking out wellness, healing and longevity.

People come to us to find the root of issues, gain a new perspective on health + wellness, and high-powered natural remedies.

After more than a decade as a yoga teacher and studio owner and almost as long as a structural yoga therapist – Nicole’s own journey of trying to become pregnant, pregnancy, loss, rainbow pregnancy, home birth and getting back into her body after baby showed her just how little we support our women through fertility and made her decide to devote herself to pre and postnatal care and empowerment.

She profoundly shares the philosophy that pregnancy, birth and labor are spiritual and strength based actions and if we prepare for the marathon of motherhood we get to be present to it and enjoy it so much more!

Currently Nicole works with a small group of private clients working through all different aspects of the fertility and motherhood journey. When working with clients Nicole works to create customized whole life strength based practices tailored to the yogi/yogini she is working with. Nicole is also leading mom’s groups for Union Square Play, is their in-house expert on all things mama wellness and is in the process of planning the first Informed and Empowered Birth conference coming in the spring of 2022.

Natasha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with families and individuals (adults and children). Her areas of clinical interest include working with adoption (fostering, kinship, and international), attachment, anxiety, and women’s health. Natasha is trained in Prepare/Enrich for premarital counseling and psychological first aid. When working with Natasha you can expect a provider who is compassionate, genuine, and nurturing. Natasha’s therapeutic style is focused on holistic, solutions-oriented care that allows you to address what feels more important to you.

Natasha has worked in a variety of settings, such as domestic violence shelters, schools, community-based, in-home, group home, and outpatient care since 2012. Her approach is influenced by attachment theory, experiential therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and systems theory.

Judith Kottick is a licensed therapist. She draws on her postgraduate training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, HeartMath biofeedback training, Complicated Grief and in behavioral medicine from the Mind/Body Institute at Harvard Medical School to provide a personalized approach to helping people cope with life’s challenges. Although she has a specialty in grief, loss and infertility, she sees individuals, couples and young adults with a wide range of issues, from depression and loss to parenting difficulties, anger management and relationship stress. She guides patients through stress reduction, job and career transition, postpartum depression and other life changes.

Tonya Wood is a licensed psychologist who has over 20 years of clinical and teaching experience. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Virginia and currently serves as the Director of Clinical Training in the Psy.D. program at Pepperdine University. She has a private practice in the greater Los Angeles area, with an emphasis on relationships, women’s health and infertility.

Throughout her career Dr. Wood has worked in a variety of academic and community settings with a particular focus on providing quality services to marginalized populations. She has extensive supervision and teaching experience and has provided numerous public presentations on various subjects such as cultural diversity, clinical supervision, community violence; adaptations of evidence based practices for community mental health, self-care and professional development. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and was 2020 President of the California Psychological Association.

Kriszta Tiwari is a certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant, through Bauman College, Berkeley. She specializes in fertility nutrition and women’s health with a focus on preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. Her entire career is centered around her passion and love towards food, well-being, and the eagerness to share everything she learned about ways of nourishing oneself.  Prior to her career in nutrition, Kriszta was a chef and entrepreneur. She owned a catering business as well as a food truck. Her philosophy has always been that nutritious food should be delicious. Her love for food, nature, herbs, and cooking comes from her roots in rural Transylvania (bring on the Dracula jokes!). She was raised by many generations of strong and wonderful women. She cherishes all the knowledge and passion she inherited from them, especially her grandmother who taught her to work from her heart, and with compassion.