New England Fertility Society

Ballot for 2017 Elective Officers

New England Fertility Society
c/o Michelle Picher, Executive Administrator
110 Patricia Drive, Tewksbury, MA 01876
Phone/Fax (978)- 640-9176

EMAIL: michellepicher@nefs.org

MEMBERS ONLY! You must be a paid active member at the time of the election period. If you need to renew your membership, please click here before you submit this form >>RENEW MEMBERSHIP

The VOTING Period Begins:  Friday, November 11, 2016
The VOTING Period Ends:  Friday, November 18, 2016 by 11:59pm

Bios of Candidates on the Ballot

PRESIDENT-ELECT CANDIDATE

DENNY SAKKAS, PhD
Scientific Director, Boston IVF

It is an honor to be nominated to serve the NEFS in an area of the world that has given so much to Reproductive Biology and IVF. I currently serve as Scientific Director for Boston IVF but have extensive history in IVF. I received my undergraduate training at the University of Melbourne, Australia and received my Doctorate of Philosophy at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. My Ph. D. was performed at one of the leading Reproductive Research Units in the world; which was responsible for many of the innovations used in routine IVF today including, hormonal stimulation, embryo freezing and micromanipulation. I have also been Laboratory and Research Director of IVF units in Switzerland, England and the USA. I hope to use my international recognition to attract dynamic speakers to our quarterly and annual meetings, strengthen and improve infertility initiatives in New England and of course bring NEFS greater recognition.  I would appreciate your vote to help the NEFS grow and thrive.

CONNECTICUT MEMBER AT LARGE CANDIDATES

EVELYN NEUBER, PhD, HCLD
Clinical Research Coordinator, Center for Advanced Reproductive Services/Instructor-UCONN Health

I have very much enjoyed serving as the current NEFS Member-at-Large from CT, and would be honored to serve another two year term.   I feel strongly that Connecticut should be included and represented as part of NEFS. To that end, I have contributed to implementing the advocacy section of the website to include new developments from each state. Also, I am involved with both the REI Ferring grant, as well as the newly offered eIVF grant open to all members. Both these grants are a great way for our society to facilitate research by our members. Thank you for the opportunity to continue to be a part of the NEFS.

FRANCI SHEEHAN, APRN 
Senior Clinician/Nurse Manager - New England Fertility, Stamford, CT

Franci Sheehan has a Masters in maternal and child health nursing from Boston College and is a Women's health care nurse practitioner. She began her career in infertility in 1989 working with Selwyn Oskowitz MD at Boston IVF and was a member of the Boston Fertility Society. After moving to Connecticut in 1995. Franci has worked at Connecticut Fertility, Park Avenue Fertility and was on the faculty at Yale University. Since 2008 she has worked as senior clinician and nurse manager at New England Fertility in Stamford , Ct.  Franci has been a member of ASRM for more than 20 years She served On the NEFS executive committee as Nursing member-at-large in 2016 As a member–at- large for the NEFS board I would like to work towards recruiting more NEFS members from Connecticut.  I have already begun to speak to the nurses at Yale Fertility about attending the annual meeting in 2017.

NEW HAMPSHIRE MEMBER AT LARGE CANDIDATES

DAVID B SEIFER, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

David B. Seifer, MD is a Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and serves as the Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Dr. Seifer is a consultant for the Food and Drug Administration and has published over 140 medical studies in peer-reviewed journals. He has served as a member of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections. His translational research has focused upon the biology of ovarian function, particularly the aging ovary. This research has resulted in a better understanding of normal and abnormal follicular development during ART and in identifying novel human ovarian growth factors (ie. neurotrophins, inhibin B and AMH) which inform the clinical practice of reproductive medicine. His clinical research has focused upon health care disparities among women with infertility and the role of vitamin D in female reproductive health. As a Member-at- Large I would make an effort to raise the national profile of the society. As a co-editor- in- chief of Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology I would encourage members of and presenters at NEFS to submit their work for peer review publication in the journal. As president-elect of SART, I would welcome NEFS members involvement in SART committees and outreach efforts.

KRISTIN WRIGHT, MD
IVF New England, Bedford, NH

I am grateful to be nominated to continue to serve NEFS. I have been a dedicated member since 2005 and have served as the Vermont member at large and the NH member at large.  I am a reproductive endocrinologist practicing at IVF New England since 2011.  I completed residency at women and infants hospital of Rhode Island and fellowship at the University of Vermont.  I would be pleased to continue to serve the Board and help support our initiative in the ever changing scope and environment of NEFS pursuits and endeavors.

RHODE ISLAND MEMBER AT LARGE CANDIDATE

KERRI LUZZO, MD
IVF New England of RI

Kerri Luzzo joined IVF New England in July 2011, and has been in practice as an REI physician in the Rhode Island office since that time. Her primary office is in Providence, but since joining IVF NE she has promoted the expansion of the IVF NE group to serve patients in South Eastern MA. She earned her medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston. Her sub-specialist fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility was earned at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. She has been an active member of NEFS since 2005, and has been representing the RI community as the RI-member-at large for NEFS since 2013. She is also an active member in ASRM, SREI and ACOG, and she currently acts as an ad hoc reviewer for articles submitted to ‘Fertility and sterility.’  More recently she was awarded the “40 Under Forty Award” by the Providence Business News in recognition of her medical contributions to this region.

VICTORIA SNEGOVSKIKH, MD
Assistant Professor (Clinical), Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI

Dr.Snegovskikh graduated from I.P. Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg Summa cum Laude and did her first residency there. After residency Victoria worked for a couple of years in a busy private practice in St. Petersburg, Russia and had her office right in the heart of the beautiful historic city center. Her second residency, now in United States, was at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, CT.

Victoria joined the REI division of Brown University in July of 2012 as a clinical fellow and stayed on as a faculty to continue her carrier at Brown. She is currently investigating stem cells nische in the fallopian tubes of mice as well as changes in cervical mucus rheology during different fertility treatments at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. Her clinical research interests include tubal factor infertility, predictors of success and long term safety outcomes in women using assisted reproduction technologies. As a part of her international research and global health collaboration projects, Victoria and her husband have organized several conferences and workshops while travelling to Siberia, Russia.

During residency and fellowship she received multiple awards for her laparoscopic surgical skills as well as a student and residents teaching awards. She enjoys clinical teaching and mentoring students, residents and fellows and is very dedicated to her teaching mission.

Dr.Snegovskikh is an enthusiastic member of several societies, including ASRM and NEFS and she would love to share her international experience with NEFS as well as happily serve on committees to represent the state of Rhode Island.

CAROL WHEELER, MD
Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Clinical), Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI

It is a true honor to be given the opportunity to be the Rhode Island member at large for the NEFS.  I have been a member of the society since coming to New England in 1990.  I previously served as member at large in 1996 and 2005 and found it to be an enriching and rewarding experience.  I have worked in both private practice and academic environments since coming to Rhode Island.  I think I have a unique perspective on our field based on these experiences.  We face many challenges coming from many different pressures as we continue to care for our patients, train our future colleagues and participate in research.   I think NEFS needs to continue the work with advocacy groups and provide an opportunity for continued growth of our field. We need to continue to develop the high quality programs to attract new members working in our field.  I will be an active participant in the executive committee if elected.  I am dedicated to working with NEFS and look forward to the challenges the society faces.

INDUSTRY CANDIDATES

STACEY BRODY
Northeast National Accounts Manager, Rocket Medical

I am honored to be considered for the New England Fertility Society’s Industry Member at Large position for 2017.  I am a the Northeast National Accounts Manager for Rocket Medical and have been involved in the Fertility Industry for 24 years.  It has been a pleasure over the years providing support to the registration desk at the quarterly and annual NEFS meetings.  I also enjoyed being the Industry Member-at-Large in 2012.  Now, I would very much like to become the Industry Member-at –Large for 2017 and further support the NEFS and the industry overall. In addition to my day to day servicing my customers at Rocket, I assist in marketing, training and managing special projects.  Outside of work, I Volunteer and help fundraise for various charities. If given this opportunity, I will work hard to help NEFS further its mission. 

KATIE LOWE 
Senior Regional Sales Manager, Good Start Genetics

I am honored to be nominated for the Member-at-Large position of the NEFS.  I have had the pleasure of covering the entire Northeast over my ten years in the industry at Freedom Fertility Pharmacy and Good Start Genetics.  When I began working in this field having children wasn't even on my radar, yet as I have grown (and my own family has grown by 2) I have closely seen the impact infertility has had on a sibling, extended family and close friends.  Witnessing their wide range of emotions, isolation, frustration, hopelessness at times coupled with the unwavering support and compassion from their physicians and nursing teams truly awakened my passion for promoting awareness.  I look forward to this opportunity to serve on the board to help drive more awareness and support for our community. Thank you.

HANNAH LIND, RN 
Nurse Educator, Village Fertility Pharmacy

Thank you, I’m honored to be nominated again for the Industry Member-at-Large position. I have worked as a nurse in our REI field for over 20 years now. At Boston IVF, I worked as an IVF Coordinator for over 10 years; and since 2004, as a Nurse Educator for Village Fertility Pharmacy. My current role includes providing education to patients, organizing nurse educational opportunities and working with and supporting our sales team. Having both the medical/clinical experience and industry experience, gives me clear perspective and great respect of these ever-changing roles. I look forward to contributing to the valuable work and resources that NEFS provides.

TERU JELLERETTE-NOLAN, PhD, MS, TS(ABB)
Medical Science Liaison, Ferring Pharmaceuticals

I am honored to have been nominated by my peers for the member-at-large for Industry. I am currently the Medical Science Liaison in the Northeast for Ferring Pharmaceutical. I am a New England native and have been an active member of NEFS for many years. Prior to my position at Ferring I enjoyed a long career as a Reproductive Physiologist and Senior Embryologist with greater than 10 years of experience in clinical research and Embryology. As Assistant Professor, my research sought to understand several molecular causes of infertility. As an Embryologist, I had the honor of helping numerous patients achieve parenthood. I have enjoyed my transition to Ferring where I am able to continue to support my colleagues; the dedicated physicians, nurses, embryologists, scientists, mental health and support staff in the field of ART. I believe my background provides a unique perspective that will help to support the mission of the New England Fertility Society. 

RUTH E. SAREMI
Thought Leader Liaison, EMD Serono

I am honored to be nominated to represent industry for NEFS. It is always such a pleasure to contribute to this team. I have been working for EMD Serono for over 14 years now.  Most of my time with EMD Serono has been in sales as both a Key Account Manager and a Strategic Account Manager. I was promoted to a Thought Leader Liaison in 2012.  This is a field based position and there are only 6 positions like this in our division.  I manage the North East and also travel the country if need be.  Besides managing key accounts in my area, I work on special initiatives including a focus on the Onco-fertility and social preservation patient.  I also developed the strategy for the LGBTQ patient focus within our company and was able to launch our first LGBTQ advisory board last year with some of our very own NEFS members as part of this board. I also worked with other Key Opinion Leaders to develop the LGBTQ special interest group which will become an official group next year. I have been a member of NEFS for 14 years and have served as the Member at Large for Industry in the past. Since Fertility trends are constantly changing and I work closely with our marketing team, I feel that I would be a great fit for this position and can bring my skills and knowledge to the team.Thank you for your consideration. 

NURSING MEMBER AT LARGE CANDIDATE

TRACI GENTILE, RN
IVF Nurse Coordinator, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

"First I would like to thank the Academy."  I have been working in the field since 1989 and have probably crossed paths with most of you.  I am a former VP for the Society and the Current Co-Chair for the New England Nurses for Reproductive Medicine.  Most of you know me as part of the Social Committee for the past several annual meetings.  I would love to become your Nursing member at large so that I continue to represent Nursing within the Society and to continue my Social Shenanigans at the Annual Meetings.

SUSAN MILONE, RN 
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

A graduate of Northeastern University, Susan started in fertility 20 years ago.  She assumed the role of Nurse Leader for Harvard Vanguard in 2006. She enjoys golf & spending time with her family. She works currently with an exceptional group of doctors and nurses at HVMA.  Susan would be honored to represent nurses as Nursing- member- at-large for NEFS.

LEGAL MEMBER AT LARGE CANDIDATE

LEE RUBIN COLLINS, JD
RESOLVE

I am grateful to be nominated to serve NEFS, where I've been a member for 12 years and on the board for the past two years.  In the infertility field, I'm a patient advocate.  Formerly a litigation partner with Ropes & Gray in Boston, my personal experience of secondary infertility led to my interest in the cause of infertility awareness and advocacy.  I volunteer my time with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.  In 2015 and 2016, I chaired RESOLVE's Advocacy Day, where we advocated for the V.A. to be allowed to provide IVF to wounded veterans.  As you probably know, we had a victory a few months ago!  I also fight legislative initiatives such as "embryo personhood" bills and I co-wrote the bill to expand the Massachusetts infertility insurance mandate, which became law in 2010.  I served on the RESOLVE Board of Directors from 2002-2012 and was re-elected in 2014.  I write and give presentations regularly (including an upcoming TEDx talk on infertility) and have won awards for patient advocacy, including RESOLVE's Founder's Award in 2014.  I served on the Board of RESOLVE of the Bay State, 2001-2009, and the Howard and Georgeanna Jones Foundation for Reproductive Medicine from 2004 to 2014.  I am currently a member of the Ethics Committee of ASRM.  I believe strongly in giving back to a field that has meant so much to me, and to contributing to NEFS’s influence in the spheres of legislative action and public policy.

BEHAVIORAL MENTAL HEALTH MEMBER AT LARGE CANDIDATES

LAURA E. LUBETSKY, LICSW
Social Worker, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery (CIRS)

I am flattered to be asked to be a candidate to serve as a Member-At-Large on the New England Fertility Society board of directors. For the past 13 years I have had the privilege of working in reproductive health as part of the Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery team at the Brigham. It has meant a lot to me to work with a team of physicians who recognize the many emotional and behavior health issues associated with infertility and the medical interventions employed to help patients become pregnant. In addition to conducting the required behavior health screening of patients being treated at the Center, I have prepared pamphlets and other resources for our patients to help them cope with the emotional experience of going through infertility. I was also one of the authors of a research study published in Fertility and Sterility on the effect of emotional support in decreasing stress for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Over the years I have also reached out to other mental health practitioners in the reproductive health field and have been an active participate on the ASRM mental health listserv. It would be a privilege to share my experience and perspectives as a member of the NEFS board.

ELISABETH B. MORRAY, PhD
Psychologist, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

I am a licensed psychologist in at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, where I serve as the Consulting Psychologist for the Center for Fertility and Reproductive Health. I also maintain a private practice where many of the patients with whom I work are struggling with issues related to fertility and pregnancy loss. For the past six years I have been a Health Expert for the Kotex brand, contributing content to their brand website and consulting in the context of women's health concerns.

I completed my doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin, where my dissertation focused on the impact of fertility treatment on individual and relational distress, and particularly how these mental health consequences are influenced by gender role conformity. Trained in both individual and group therapy, I have co-led Mind/Body groups for fertility patients at Harvard Vanguard, worked with individuals and couples, and led trainings for medical staff on the emotional sequellae of fertility treatment. I am also interested in the application of energy psychology techniques, including EFT, to treat trauma related to pregnancy loss.

As a committee member, it would be my goal to be a voice for the emotional needs of fertility patients, as well as for the medical staff who strive to meet these needs in an effective and empathic manner. I have been impressed by the genuine commitment and care that my colleagues in the fertility field bring to this aspect of their work, and would like to play a role in supporting and nurturing these ongoing efforts.