Our Staff
San Diego Fertility Center Medical Team
Meet the Doctors | Contact Us | Watch an introduction video
The San Diego Fertility Center's team of medical and administrative professionals ensure that you receive the individualized care you deserve. Many of our infertility specialists received their training at some of the nation's top universities.
PATIENT LIAISON SPECIALISTS
Our New Patient Coordinator, Frankie Ruszczyk (r.) and Erin Zepeda (l.) welcome you with a smile when you come to our center. They are both fabulous people persons and are going above and beyond to take care of your patient needs at check-in and check-out.
CERTIFIED NURSE PRACTITIONERS & ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES
Chris O'Kane and Caroline Connor, our certified nurse practitioners, and Tammi Massaglia, our clinical nurse specialist, have completed advanced training in the treatment of patients with infertility and other reproductive disorders. As essential members of the San Diego Fertility Center team of specialists, they work closely with the physicians and the ART lab to provide continuity of care and a highly personalized approach to your treatment.
Watch an introduction video with Chris O’Kane. (Windows Media Player required)
EMBRYOLOGY LABORATORY TEAM
William Venier (c.), Shannon Lee (r.), and Catherine Mi (l.) are lab technologists with extensive experience with severe male factor patients.
Bill has 20 years experience in embryology, andrology, and state-of-the-art IVF lab techniques. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Human Reproductive Biology from Imperial College, University of London and is certified by the American Board of Bioanalysis as an Embryology Laboratory Director, ELD (ABB). Bill has had specialized training in advanced IVF techniques through Monash University in Australia and Cornell University.
Shannon Lee earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, San Diego in General Biology with an emphasis in Human Reproduction. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters Degree in Embryology and Andrology from Eastern Virginia Medical School. Shannon joined SDFC in 2002 after working in a research lab.
Catherine Mi brings her knowledge and abilities from her training at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and is currently working towards her MBA at the University of California, San Diego. Catherine has gained her experience through working as a research associate as well as prior experience as a clinical embryologist in an IVF laboratory.
Watch an introduction video about the embryology laboratory (Windows Media Player required) | Read more about our IVF Laboratory
MEDICAL ASSISTANTS
Our medical assistants Annette Gilliland, Kelly Dei, Carrie Cheshier, Cecy Jones, and Sam Peckerar are friendly, compassionate and respectful to make your visits as pleasant as possible. You can trust their experience to get answers for medical questions and receive the support you need to overcome infertility.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Our executive team Lisa Souza (CEO), David Pyatt (COO), and Constanze Scherer (Director of Marketing) are working "behind the scene" to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients. All three have exceptional credentials and experience in their field to play a key role at San Diego Fertility Center.
FINANCIAL EXPERTS
Our financial experts Phyllis Wurth (r.), Kimberly Carnevale (c.), and Myrna Helmi (l.) are committed to assisting you in all insurance and financial questions. The financial team offers its extensive expertise to our patients and explores insurance options and coverage so that patients gain access to advanced fertility care.
Last updated:
September 28, 2005
Editor: Constanze Scherer