Considering the delicate nature and the importance of the procedures involved in fertility treatment such as IVF, the skill and experience of our embryologists are critical factors to success.
Our team offers you extensive experience in In Vitro Fertilization and all of the related technologies and procedures.
The experts who work in our IVF lab offer over 150 years of collective experience, including two PhDs on site. At every level, our dedicated IVF lab team offers the expertise, personalized care and emotional support needed to help you achieve your dream.
Years with the Center: 9
Years of embryology: 22
Degrees/Training
BA Science, 1999, UMass Amherst
MS, 2005, Jones Institute/Eastern VA Medical School
PhD, 2019, Jones Institute/Eastern VA Medical School
Embryology Licensure/Certifications
Embryology Technical Supervisor, ABB, 2003
Academic Appointments
Faculty Instructor, UConn School of Medicine
Alison started her embryology career at Brigham and Women’s Hospital under the guidance of Catherine Racowsky, PhD. She later moved to FSC of NE where she was mentored by embryo grading pioneer Lynette Scott, PhD. Alison served on the executive council for the society of assisted reproductive technology (SART) and has presented nationally on laboratory quality control, embryo morphology, and cryopreservation.
“Despite my career achievements, my proudest accomplishments are my three children. They provide me with the motivation for making the Center’s lab one of the best in the world so our patients can achieve their own success in their journey to parenthood.”
Years with the Center: 24
Years of embryology: 31
Degrees/Training
BSc Honors, 1989, University of Bristol/England
Embryology Licensure/Certifications
Embryology Technical Supervisor, ABB, 2001
Jane began her training in 1990 at the Hallam Medical Centre, London and Bourne Hall, Cambridge (home of Steptoe and Edwards and world’s first IVF baby Louise Brown). In 1993 she attended the first ICSI course in Brussels by Andre Van Steirteghem and was involved in writing a paper published in the Lancet describing fertilization with TESE sperm. Since moving to the US in 1993 she has worked in Newport Beach, CA, Hartford, CT and then the Center since 1999 training in every aspect of embryology, andrology and endocrinology as new techniques have evolved.
“I have always loved my job and still do after 30 years. Each day is never the same and brings a different challenge. I feel a great sense of fulfillment helping others experience the joys of parenthood as I do with my three children.”
Years with the Center: 18
Years of embryology: 18
Degrees/Training
BS/Med Technology, 1987, International College, MA
Embryology Licensure/Certifications
Embryology Technical Supervisor, ABB, 2010
Cynthia is fully trained in all advanced embryology procedures such as ICSI, embryo biopsy, embryo and oocyte vitrification.
“I’m happy to say that my career as a laboratory professional has been quite a rewarding experience. It’s great to know that I’m able to have a huge impact on someone’s life through the gift of life that we’re able to provide here at the Center.”
Years with the Center: 16
Years of embryology: 32
Degrees/Training
BS, 1987, Muhlenberg College
MS, 1990, Boston College
PhD, 1999, Boston College
Post-doctoral Fellowship, 1999-2002, Dr. Jerry Schatten, PhD
Embryology Licensure/Certifications
Embryology Technical Supervisor, ABB, 2003
Embryology Lab Director, ABB, 2004
High Complexity Lab Director, ABB, 2005
Academic Appointments
Faculty Instructor, UConn School of Medicine
Evelyn has worked in many of the country’s top IVF programs including Boston IVF and Yale University where she worked closely with embryology pioneer Denny Sakkas, PhD. Evelyn is past President of the New England Fertility Society, and is currently the Member-at-Large for CT.
“When I interviewed for the PhD program at Boston College my two choices were to study alfalfa nodules or embryology. Embryology won out and I have very much enjoyed the last 30+ years working as an embryologist both in the IVF lab as well as being involved in multiple ground breaking research studies.”
Years with the Center: 5
Years of embryology: 15
Degrees/Training
BS, 2006, West Conn
Embryology Licensure/Certifications
Currently working Master’s Degree in Reproductive Clinical Science from Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Sarah is fully trained in all advanced embryology procedures such as ICSI, embryo biopsy, embryo and oocyte vitrification.
“Embryology takes patience and skills that I pride myself in attributing to each patient so that they receive the best possible outcome of a successful pregnancy.”
Years with the Center: 6
Year of embryology: 18
Degrees/Training
BS, 2000, Framingham State
Embryology Licensure/Certifications
Embryology Technical Supervisor, ABB, 2012
Darlene has incorporated her studies in nutrition with her research, looking at BMI and IVF Success rates. She has presented at numerous scientific meetings nationally and internationally including: Alpha, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, New England Fertility Society, All Paths Family Building, and Foundation for Reproductive Medicine. She has published articles in Alpha Scientists/Reproductive Medicine, and ObGyn News.
“I have a real passion for embryology and in my spare time write for blogs related to IVF and attend as many scientific meetings as I can. I am always looking for ways to improve success in embryology and work toward streamlining workflow in the IVF lab.”
Years with the Center: 3
Years of embryology: 11
Degrees/Training
BS/Biology, 2009, Ball State University
MS/Zoology, 2012, University of Hawai`i at Manoa
MS/Clinical Embryology and Andrology, Eastern Virginia Medical School
Embryology Licensure/Certifications:
Andrology Technical Supervisor, ABB, 2021
Shannon has worked in both clinical and research capacities in labs all over the country, including Hawai’i, Washington and Florida.
“I came to work in the fertility field unexpectedly, and it has forever changed my life. I was drawn to the IVF lab by the incredible technology and exciting opportunities a decade ago, and I have stayed in the field because of the talented colleagues and wonderful patients I have met along the way. My own child is the result of a caring, dedicated embryology team, and my greatest wish is to help everyone experience that same joy.”
Years with the Center: 5
Year of embryology: 2
Degrees/Training
BS, 2017, Siena College
Embryologist Training, 2021-present/Center for Advanced Reproductive Services
Demis started at the Center in the Andrology and Endocrine laboratories and has transitioned into the IVF laboratory where she is now progressing through her training to become a fully trained embryologist.
“Walking into the IVF lab every morning makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. I am privileged to work in a place with a very talented group of coworkers, where miracles happen and dreams are realized. It is truly rewarding to be able to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them achieve their goal of becoming a parent.”
Years with the Center: 8
Year of embryology: 3
Degrees/Training
BS, 1999, Marist College
Embryologist Training, 2019-present/Center for Advanced Reproductive Services
Ursula began her career at the Center working in the Andrology and Endocrine labs as a lead technologist. One of her goals has been to train as an embryologist. She did not hesitate to capitalize on the opportunity to move into the IVF lab when it was presented to her. She is trained in numerous IVF procedures and is currently working towards becoming proficient at ICSI. Her goal is to be fully trained in all advanced embryology procedures.
“Being an embryologist is truly a rewarding career. The specialized skills and knowledge needed on top of the incredible technology is truly amazing. But it’s more than just science!! Every day I come to work knowing that I have a small part in making peoples dreams come true. I am a mom of four and it just makes my heart happy that I am able to help others in this journey.”
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