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"ConceiveAbilities was the only part of our journey that was virtually stress-less. The professionalism was refreshing." -Katie & Barry
The educated and qualified experts of the ConceiveAbilities team remain true to the agency’s guiding principles. Many of our staff experts have gained a deeper appreciation for our clients’ challenges through their own family creation obstacles. These personal and professional insights help us gain an intimate understanding of our clients’ needs and allow us to deliver unparalleled service.
“I love breaking barriers for myself and others. I like to work with people who are willing and able to challenge the status quo for excellence.”
Founded as an egg donor service in her apartment nearly 25 years ago, Nazca has grown ConceiveAbilities into a multinational, full-service family creation agency by breaking down barrier after barrier. Driven by Nazca’s vision and instinct, the agency embodies her qualities of courageousness, vibrancy and tenacity. She has gathered the best clinical expertise, combined with the strength of the latest business strategy, to deliver a truly exceptional offering in contemporary family building. She is a sought out thought leader both domestically and internationally for her perspective on this growing industry. Nazca is an active member of The Entrepreneurs Organization, WPO and has twice been an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Midwest Semi-Finalist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Holistic Health from the University of Redlands, and in her spare time enjoys travel, biking and raising her two sons.
“I love my job because I get to build relationships that build families.”
At ConceiveAbilities, Meg leads the charge to create the “pregnancy on paper” and strategizes the best legal course for our clients. She is constantly refining our legal process and building relationships with lawyers in all states and countries so our clients receive the best advice. Considered a thought leader in fertility law, Meg has been recognized by her peers as one of the Law Bulletin Publishing Company’s 40 Under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch in 2013. She received her J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law and her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Spanish from Vanderbilt University. Meg’s many interests include time with her husband and son, international travel, Chicago sports, and brewing the perfect cup of coffee.
“What I do is so important. I work hard to make sure the details are taken care of so we find and support the best women to become our surrogates.”
As manager of the ConceiveAbilities acceptance team, Kristin ensures each client and applicant receives the most compassionate and competent level of service possible. Kristin’s professional background as a nurse and educator placed her as witness and guide with people during various stages of their life. Kristin came to ConceiveAbilities first as a surrogate and then as a full-time employee because she so believed in the mission of the company. Originally from Texas, Kristin earned her B.S. in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She enjoys any activity with the loves of her life – her husband, two sons and daughter.
“Our clients deserve honesty in the surrogacy process. My priority is to earn their trust everyday by being upfront with them about the big picture and the small details.”
Like many employees, Deb came to ConceiveAbilities first having experienced her own fertility story. With the help of two separate surrogates, Deb was able to build her family. As one of our seasoned Matching Matters specialists, her straightforward but kind style has been invaluable to fostering our culture of commitment, compassion and courageousness. She goes all in with our intended parents as well as our surrogates. Additionally, she manages support groups, workshops and retreats. She has become a recognized expert and advocate in the field of contemporary family creation. Deb is a member of several advisory boards including Path2Parenthood and has published and lectured on topics including egg donor screening, gestational surrogacy, coping with stress, marital stability during infertility, and helping children understand third-party reproduction. She received her master's degree from theUniversity of Colorado and loves spending time with her two children.
“People are amazing. You just have to listen to them, really listen, then they will feel honored and trust us. Our clients and our employees deserve nothing less.”
All surrogates and intended parents remember working with Alicia and are grateful for the time spent with her. Her grace and understanding have made her the unofficial den mother of the agency. She is respected and trusted by clients, staff and partners. In fact, some team members decided they first wanted to work for ConceiveAbilities solely because of her. Alicia holds a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, an MBA from Loyola University, and an M.S. in Counseling from National Louis University. She enjoys live Chicago theater, yoga, reading and volunteering at the local animal shelter.
“I admire our intended parents. They are really brave people. Every set is unique and deserves a solution that is as special as they are.”
From the first phone call to being matched with their surrogate, Stephanie is an advocate for our clients. She is honest, believes in providing education, and is committed to helping our intended parents feel understood and supported in their quest for a child.
After receiving her B.A. in International Relations, Stephanie began her career as a Pharmaceutical Sales Specialist, and has been a Sales and Marketing Consultant in a variety of healthcare-related fields. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys reading, running and spending time with her family,
"I am so proud to be a part this amazing process and to get to know our egg donors, who are special, smart and interesting women.”
Kristin came to ConceiveAbilities first as an egg donor, then as a Match Manager, and now works with intended parents to find the perfect egg donor match. She works to provide her clients with personalized care and attention as part of ConceiveAbilities’ overall multidisciplined and customized approach. Anyone working with Kristin has experienced her vibrant spirit and compassionate nature. She earned her B.A. from the University of Illinois, worked in Spain for two years, and loves to practice Spanish with her international intended parents. In her free time, she is a force with her fantasy football league and is on a quest to find the few remaining speakeasies in Chicago.
“It is incredibly fulfilling to be part of this mission. Supporting such passionate professionals is inspiring.”
Neil joined ConceiveAbilities at a period of high growth, and provides operational, administrative, HR and IT support (along with the occasional afternoon treat) to the ConceiveAbilities team. Originally from Canada, Neil graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick. His hobbies include keeping up with his kids and grandkids, gardening, reading, watching and playing hockey, and taking on new adventures.
“Helping others build their family brings me joy. My personal experience as a surrogate allows me to understand the emotional ups and downs of the process.”
As a former ConceiveAbilities surrogate, families going through Matching Matters find Kelli‘s personal experience and understanding invaluable. Passionate about helping others, Kelli is inspired as a Match Manager to guide individuals and couples during their family-building journeys. A graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Kelli worked for many years in early childhood and elementary education as an educator and administrator. In her free time, Kelli enjoys traveling, watching football and baseball, exercising, and spending time in the Colorado outdoors with her husband and three children.
“Our mission is to help anyone who wants to become a parent achieve their dream. I feel this makes my job so much more important than simply dollars-and-cents.”
Giovanna is the Accounting Manager at ConceiveAbilities. She is responsible for supporting the company's mission by managing its finances. She helps the agency create a solid foundation so it has the best employees and support system for intended parents, surrogates and egg donors throughout the entire process. She manages all the escrow accounts for the intended parents as well. Giovanna earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia, as well as an MBA and a master’s degree in Accounting from UIC. She also holds an Illinois certificate in Public Accounting. Previously she worked at GlobalView Software for 10 years in different accounting roles including controller. Outside of work, she loves watching movies and Broadway musicals, playing tennis, volleyball and table tennis, and spending time with her 5-year-old daughter.
“Our mission is to help anyone who wants to become a parent achieve their dream. I feel this makes my job so much more important than simply dollars-and-cents.”
Leah’s whole life has been has been guided by her genuine curiosity and compassion for people. She has been a Peace Corps volunteer, worked with international clients on a Finnish sled dog farm, and managed a major hospital’s robust volunteer program for the Patient Experience Department, before starting in third-party reproduction. She’s thrilled to be a part of the Match Management team. She brings her skills and experience in developing honest communication and trust with her clients and her team. Leah holds a double B.A. degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder and an M.S. degree from Regis University. In her free time, Leah can be found tackling her DIY house renovation, reading, thrifting, volunteering on a local nonprofit's board of directors, and enjoying the Colorado outdoors with her husband, son and canine family members.
"I believe in being there for my surrogates and my intended parents, 100 percent. I am unwavering in my commitment to everyone in the process."
As a Match Manager, Sara gives highly individualized attention, because she knows that both the surrogates and intended parents are going through an extremely emotional time and deserve support. Sara holds a B.A. with a double major in Spanish and Social Work, as well as an M.S. in Social Work, both from the University of Wisconsin. She has lived in both Spain and Mexico, and as such is fluent in Spanish and holds a deep appreciation for both cultures. Her compassion and ability to help others overcome adversity is a strength she brings to her job every day, with every match. She enjoys exploring the City of Chicago, Latin dance, live music, traveling and several hobbies. Sara is a staunch advocate for social justice.
"My nursing background gives me an invaluable perspective as a Match Manager. I bring my clinical eye and ConceiveAbilities’ pride to help form successful relationships between surrogates and intended parents."
Kimberly has spent more than 15 years working in women’s health and infertility. From counseling patients about fertility options, to creating protocols and managing cycles in her role as liaison between doctors and patients at renowned IVF clinics, she is passionate about helping women and families get the care they deserve. She uses her experience and expertise to guide intended parents, egg donors and surrogates through their journeys. Kimberly’s clinical and practical knowledge, paired with courageous compassion, make her an invaluable member of the ConceiveAbilities team. Kimberly earned her nursing degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, traveling and hiking.
“The most important job skill needed to do my job is empathy.”
Jennifer first came ConceiveAbilities in 2002 as an egg donor and was so taken with the experience, she joined the agency. Her goal as an employee is to provide the same care and expertise she received throughout her egg donation journey. As a Match Manager, Jennifer draws on her 15 years in social services to bring the care and compassion necessary to guide surrogates, donors and intended parents through the complexities of building a family through surrogacy. She is a sympathetic ear for anyone who may feel uncertain about sharing this very personal calling with family or friends. She has a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois. When she’s not working, Jennifer cherishes time with her husband and busy young son.
"The surrogacy process can be emotional and complicated. All three of my surrogacy experiences were rewarding and amazing, and I feel blessed to now be working in the surrogacy community.”
Like many of our employees, Paula was called to ConceiveAbilities first as a surrogate. She changed the lives of three families by giving the gift of surrogacy. These real-world experiences, combined with nine years of customer care, make her a natural at developing strong relationships with intended parents, surrogates and egg donors. Her favorite part of being a Match Manager is providing support and advice for surrogates. Her professionalism and compassion are an inspiration to co-workers and clients alike. Paula lives in Denver with her husband and two daughters, and loves staying active outdoors.
"The surrogacy process can be emotional and complicated. As a mental health professional, I do everything I can to be a calm source of support for both the surrogate and intended parents.”
Moved by her sister’s infertility, Tisha became a ConceiveAbilities surrogate twice and then joined the firm. She feels that working at ConceiveAbilities is part of her calling to help give the gift of parenthood to as many people as possible. Her responsibilities include psychological consultations for egg donors and surrogates, leading monthly support groups, and match meetings between intended parents and surrogates. Tisha is a licensed Professional Counselor and holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The University of Denver. She enjoys spending her free time with her family, outdoor activities, reading and traveling.
“Being a surrogate has been one of the best experiences of my life.”
Kristina was a labor and delivery nurse with over 11 years of experience before she found her calling, surrogacy. Since 2010, she has helped three couples complete their families as a ConceiveAbilities surrogate. Now, as an acceptance coordinator, she provides screenings and support for the one percent of applicants who qualify to be ConceiveAbilities surrogates. Outside of work, she spends time with her husband and two children. She enjoys staying active and is always on the go.
“Compassion is in the details. Helping our clients find the perfect egg donor can be both challenging and rewarding.”
Hillary graduated from Illinois State University with a Political Science degree and joined the ConceiveAbilities team in 2013. With her experience as an information specialist and an expertise in detailed analysis, Hillary helps attract and educate the best egg donors for our clients using a mix of intuition and skill. When she’s not screening applicants, Hillary enjoys reading, watching documentaries and Chicago improv. Hillary is a devoted parent to her lab-mix Olsen.
“Love means being courageous, even when you are afraid. And I find our clients and team to be some of the most courageous people I have ever met.”
As a licensed therapist, Julie's passion for working in third-party reproduction comes from her own personal experience. After facing infertility, Julie used assisted reproductive technology to build her family. Like many of our team, her personal experience gives extra insight and empathy to the process, making her a trusted guide for intended parents, surrogates and egg donors. Julie facilitates surrogate and egg donor evaluations and monthly surrogate support groups. She holds an M.S. in Counseling from California State University Fullerton. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and keeping busy with their twin boys on the BMX racing circuit.
“Watching my close friends struggle with infertility really connects me to the core of ConceiveAbilities’ mission.”
As a coordinator, Heather brings support to the Acceptance team. She makes sure that all surrogate paperwork moves efficiently through the process, so that the clients’ personal details are handled with care and precision. She also schedules phone calls for the coordinators, as well as sits on the calls to answer questions from applicants. Heather has a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Utah State University. Prior to working for ConceiveAbilities, she was a Document Controller for Hycomp, Inc. When not working, she trains for marathons, enjoys anime and spends time with her boyfriend.
“I believe in being committed and all in with whatever I am doing.”
Prior to joining ConceiveAbilities, Jesse worked as a Judicial Officer in Virginia. Her experience in the court system as well as her background in mediation and advocacy have shaped her values of fighting for what’s right and doing things thoroughly and with refinement. Inspired by the sacrifices of the surrogate community, her innovative ideas, passion for learning and enthusiasm make Jesse a spark that lights our company culture. Originally from Michigan, she earned a law degree from Wayne State Law School and holds a B.A. in Anthropology. Her many interests include digital design, mixed-media art, and spending time with her husband, young daughter and pharaoh hound.
“Witnessing the journeys of our intended parents, egg donors and surrogates is gratifying, humbling and ultimately inspiring.”
As an acceptance coordinator, Suzanne is a vital support for intended parents, egg donors and surrogates as they begin their parenting journey. She feels working for ConceiveAbilities brings together her professional experience with her personal mission to embolden people who wish to become parents. Suzanne has a background in health care management and minor in Arts and Humanities from the Metropolitan State University of Denver. She and her husband have two young daughters, as well as four very active canines that keep them busy.
"Having a baby under ‘normal’ circumstances is stressful. Doing it through surrogacy can add an extra level of uncertainty. My mission is to offer support that truly minimizes this anxiety so my clients can focus on the joy of becoming parents."
Lori came to ConceiveAbilities first as a surrogate and has turned her compassion for families and children into a calling, not just a career. As part of the Match Management team in Denver, she builds relationships, provides support, and delivers client care with grace and refinement. She is a licensed social worker and trained mediator who also holds a master’s degree in Psychology. For decades, she has been an advocate for children, families and couples. Lori also brings experience working with international populations as a camp director and au pair coordinator. Her clinical focus has been child maltreatment, atypical child development, divorce and the effects of trauma. In her free time, Lori enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, and spending time with her boyfriend and three daughters.
“I know my job is about managing the financial side of a very emotional process.”
Susan is on a mission. A mission to make sure all of our clients receive the best care and service management of their financial accounts while they build their families. Susan provides customer service, accounting and management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Three boys and a girl dog keep her very busy; but in her free time, she enjoys travel, music and the occasional night out dancing.
“I have watched many family members struggle with infertility and I think about them when I work with our clients. It is important what we do.”
As an Administrative Assistant, Kindall supports the ConceiveAbilities legal team with correspondence, filings and miscellaneous tasks. Prior to working for the agency, she was an administrative assistant at a law firm and worked for Groups Recover Together, an addiction aid network. She has a Bachelor of Science with a concentration on animal specialty from the University of Kentucky and is active in the UK alumni association. During college she also trained service dogs. She loves animals and in her personal time teaches her Newfoundland tricks, rides horses and cuddles with her pet rabbit.
“Believing in the work we do leads to ownership, and more importantly, empowerment. I believe in my role of being there for our clients throughout the process to make sure it is as smooth as possible.”
With several years of experience in the medical field as a licensed social worker, Amanda prides herself on building trusting relationships and helping others navigate various life experiences. Which makes her an invaluable resource to our clients. She graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. In her free time, Amanda can be found spending time with friends and family, traveling, and exploring new restaurants in Chicago.
“I feel so honored to be able to help strong, dedicated women embark on a surrogacy journey. Knowing the end result is that our intended parents experience the indescribable feeling of holding their child is what inspires me the most.”
As an Acceptance Coordinator, Anna offers screening and support to the less than 3 percent of applicants who qualify to be ConceiveAbilities surrogates. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Lakeview College of Nursing and has several years of experience supporting patients with various medical conditions. Anna spends her time outside of work trying new restaurants in Chicago, raising her mini-golden doodle named Charlie and spending time with her family.
“Every day I am given the opportunity to talk to women who are willing to make space in their lives in order to help another family. It is such a rewarding feeling to help them begin this incredibly selfless journey.”
As an Acceptance Coordinator, Claire is often the first point of contact for our surrogate candidates. She believes everyone deserves the opportunity to have a family and to do so in a way where they feel empowered, well informed and cared for. That mentality is exactly what makes her an incredible resource. Claire played collegiate volleyball at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Business. In her free time, she loves to exercise, spend time with her family and cook or try new recipes.
“Navigating the fertility process first-hand as a patient fuels me to be an empathetic resource for our clients. My goal will always be to make clients feel heard and be their advocate through every step of the process.”
Armed with a BA in Sociology from DePaul University, Elizabeth’s perfect blend of professionalism and compassion make her one of our most highly sought after Match Managers. Her own experiences with the fertility field inspired her to join our team and help those who wish to build their families through assisted reproduction technologies such as egg donation and surrogacy. When she’s not advocating on behalf of our clients, she loves to try new restaurants with her husband, practice yoga, watch documentaries and spend time with her stepkids and adorable dog, George Clooney.
“Working in marketing, there are many industries that just want to generate likes, clicks, or impressions. Working at ConceiveAbilities gives me a sense of purpose, and the rare opportunity to do some good for people.”
Working as our Marketing Campaign specialist, Matt works with the rest of the marketing department to automate and streamline marketing and sales efforts in order to enhance ConceiveAbilities’s digital experience for our clients, surrogates and egg donors. After getting his Bachelor’s Degree at Syracuse University and living in Brooklyn for a couple of years, Matt decided to move back home to Chicago. Outside of work, he likes to spend time outside with his friends, and stays active by participating in November Project and biking around the city.
“The work that ConceiveAbilities does is important to so many people. I’m grateful to play even a small role in helping people grow their families.”
Selena works tirelessly to make sure our Chicago office is running as efficiently as possible. She is the first person to greet our guests when they come in and is responsible for answering calls, sending gifts and other organizational tasks that help make all of our lives easier. Selena grew up in Michigan and earned her B.A. from Oakland University. Her background in customer experience is what shapes her all in attitude. In her free time, Selena likes going to concerts, listening to music and hanging out with friends and her tortoiseshell kitten.
“Being a previous donor at ConceiveAbilities has shown me how truly committed the team is to their mission. Now, being on the other side of the match, I am able to continue to help create families with the same passion and graciousness I was shown as a donor.”
Cara first found ConceiveAbilities as an egg donor. After having such a positive experience, she decided to make egg donation a full-time focus as a member of our donor team. One of her favorite parts of her job is sharing her experiences with other donors to help ease their mind and aid in their understanding of the process. Cara received her Bachelor of Science in Health Communications and is currently working towards her Master’s Degree in Health Administration. If she ever finds a spare moment, she enjoys video games and movie soundtracks.
