Wilma Eusman

Wilma studied at the Free University in Amsterdam and graduated in Civil Law and in International Law in 1980. She became a Clerk at the District Court in Amsterdam in the Family Division and in the Division of the Court’s President. She was sworn in as a lawyer in 1987 and is partner at Advocatenkantoor De Binnenstad in Amsterdam since then. Her areas of expertise were immigration and asylum law as well as family law. In the last decade she became specialized in legal aspects concerning children born in non-traditional families, i.e. children of lesbian and gay couples and children born via ART. She also speaks at conferences and meetings regarding this topic. In 2014 she was nominated as a member of the Government Advisory Commission to Reconsider Legal Parenthood. The mandate of this Commission is to advice the Dutch Government on new regulations regarding multiple parenthood and custody and surrogacy. In May 2015 she will be one of the speakers on the ABA Spring Conference.

Marcin Smietana

Marcin Smietana is a postdoctoral fellow within the Marie Curie programme of the European Union at the University of California, Berkeley (Department of Gender & Women’s Studies) and the University of Cambridge, UK (Reproductive Sociology Research Group). In his current research (see: www.surrogarts.eu) he is looking at surrogacy experiences of intended parents – notably European gay fathers – as well as surrogates, egg donors, and practitioners in the US. Marcin has done research with Spanish gay fathers through transnational surrogacy as a member of the AFIN (Adoptions-Families-Infancies) group at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, as well as with gay father adoptive and surrogacy families and their children’s schools during his PhD at the University of Barcelona. He received his MA in sociology at the Jagiellonian University in his native Cracow (Poland). His recent publication is: Smietana, M., Jennings, S., Herbrand, C., & Golombok, S. (2014). Family relationships in gay father families. In: T. Freeman, F. Ebtehaj, S. Graham, & M. Richards M. (eds.) Relatedness in Assisted Reproduction: Families, Origins and Identities. Cambridge University Press.

Prof. Dr. Frederik Swennen

Frederik Swennen is professor of family law & kinship studies at the University of Antwerp and was visiting professor at the Fondation pour le Droit Continental (France, Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas) and the University of Utrecht (Netherlands).
He is an of counsel attorney -at-law at Greenille by Laga, the private client department of Laga, serving high-net-worth individuals and families (www.greenille.eu). His fields of interest are national and international family law, including family proceedings and private international law, in which he has an outstanding track record. He is the author of more than 200 publications in his fields of expertise and promoter of various research projects. He contributes to various international networks, such as the Leverhulme Research Network on New Families, New Governance and the International Society of Family Law. Frederik Swennen is a member of the transdisciplinary LGBT Forum at the University of Antwerp. Both in research and in practice, his fields of expertise comprise gay marriage and partnerships.

Laurence Roques

Laurence has been a lawyer since 1993, registered in the Bar of Val de Marne. As a holder of a postgraduate degree in international law, she specializes in international private law, citizenship law, and the civil status domain. Currently she is the general secretary of the Union of Lawyers of France. She is interested in gestational surrogacy, after having been the first legal adviser for Mr and Mrs Mennesson, which led to the condemnation of France by the European Court of Human Rights on June 26, 2014. Laurence has been counseling and defending parents of children born through surrogacy for many years now.

Clélia Richard

Clélia was sworn in as a lawyer in Paris in January 2004. She created her own legal office in October 2006, working mainly in family law. She has been involved in the fight for gay and lesbian parenting since 2008. With Serge Portelli, a magistrate in Paris, she co-authored the book "Families’ Wishes" ("Désirs de familles") on gay and lesbian parenting, published in April 2012. The legislators are invited there not only to open marriage to non-heterosexual people, but also to think differently and in a global manner about filiation law. Working with many professional couples who are eager to start a family with the help of a gestational carrier, Clélia has developed expertise is numerous legal and social problems posed by the current French legislation, and she has been advocating an intellectually radical change in the way surrogacy is considered.

Sanne Buursink-de Graaf

Mrs Sanne Buursink-de Graaf is one of the founders of A New Way, a Dutch adoption organization set up by experienced adoptive parents that have adopted from the USA. The USA is one of the only countries that allows same sex couples to adopt. Sanne and her husband adopted two children from Tampa Florida USA. She has a degree in social studies and she prior worked as a (business) consultant, was responsible for the department of Economical Development and international affairs at the Chamber of Commerce in The Netherlands and owned her own business during the time she and her husband became an adoptive family. One of her motivations to found ANW was that she firmly believes that same sex couples should have the opportunity to provide forever families for children in need. In het spare time she has always been actively involved in charity work.

Anthony M. Brown, Esq., MHB board chairman

Anthony currently works for the law firm of Albert W. Chianese & Associates heading their Nontraditional Family and Estates Law division serving married and unmarried individuals, couples and families. Anthony is the Chairman of the Men Having Babies’s board and also serves as the Executive Director of The Wedding Party. Anthony is the founder of TimeForFamilies.com, a web environment dedicated to assisting gay and lesbian couples create their own families. Anthony has worked as a law guardian at The Children’s Law Center, representing the legal needs of children in Brooklyn Family Court. Anthony also worked as a legal intern forLambda Legal in the summer of 2002. Anthony was appointed as a board member and Secretary of the board of Men Having Babies upon its incorporation in July 2012.

Ron Poole-Dayan, MHB board member / executive director

Ron is the executive director and founding board member of Men Having Babies. He has over 20 years of experience in marketing and business strategy development both in the USA and internationally. Ron earned his Masters degree in political economy and comparative politics from Columbia University, and his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Ron is married to Greg Poole-Dayan, the Administrator of the Jewish Home Lifecare Nursing Home in the Bronx. The couple met in 1994, and are among of the first same-sex couples in the nation to father children through gestational surrogacy. The twins, born in 2001, were conceived with the use of eggs donated by Greg's sister, and carried by a gestational carrier. Ron has been the MHB program coordinator since 2005, and was appointed as the Executive Director of Men Having Babies upon its in corporation in July 2012.

Georges Sylvestre, M.D., MHB board member

Georges Sylvestre is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist specialized in High-Risk Pregnancies, currently Division Director and Vice-Chairman at Jamaica Hospital in Queens. Georges and his husband David Margolis live in Manhattan, and are the proud fathers of Tristan and Noah, born in 2010 and 2013 via gestational surrogacy. Having grown up in France, Canada and Switzerland, the Sylvestre-Margolis boys speak French and English at home, and has traveled extensively across the world, making a point of meeting other LGBT gay couples raising children. Georges' profession and personal experience give him a unique advantage in understanding the medical, psychological, ethical and financial challenges of the IP/couple –egg donor – Gestational surrogate triad.

Diane Hinson, Esq.

Diane Hinson, a cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School, founded Creative Family Connections on the principle that “everyone can build a family,” after starting her own family as a single mother. She has obtained landmark rulings for same-sex clients in Maryland, helped opened the doors of IVF clinics in the metropolitan DC area to gay dads, and prepared the first draft of gay-friendly surrogacy legislation in Maryland. She is now working with HRC and Family Equality to change DC’s surrogacy law. She serves as HRC’s pro-bono counsel for surrogacy issues, has taught surrogacy classes as part of the DC Rainbow Families “Maybe Baby” series for 8 years, and gives a workshop on surrogacy at biannual LGBT DC Rainbow Family Conference. More than half of CFC’s clients are LGBT families.
Diane is well known as the legal expert who answers questions from both intended parents and surrogates on the Surromomsonline legal forum, and skillfully guides clients from around the world as they build families through collaborative reproduction.

Michael Doyle, M.D.

Dr. Doyle is the founder and medical director of CT Fertility, which he started in 1991 after completing his advanced fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at Yale University. Prior to that he received his undergraduate degree from Brown University; his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco; and his residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Over 5,000 babies have been born to parents who have been successfully treated by Dr. Doyle, including over 500 for LGBT families who consistently praise him as a highly skilled expert who balances great technical expertise with a highly caring, hands-on and flexible approach. Dr. Doyle has authored numerous articles, research papers and book chapters, he is a frequent speaker at medical meetings and conferences, and acts as the resident expert on prominent community and professional portals including Fertility Authority, Family Equality Council, Proud Parenting, Surromoms Online, and the Center Families. In 2009 the outstanding results of his Frozen Donor Egg Bank were featured to an international audience at the ESHRE conference in Amsterdam.

Steven H. Snyder, Esq.

Steven Snyder is the founding and principal partner of Steven H. Snyder & Associates, Attorneys At Law and the International Assisted Reproduction Center (IARC) in Minnesota. Mr. Snyder attended law school at the University of Minnesota, graduating cum laude in 1982. Mr. Snyder successfully litigated the first and only contested Minnesota surrogacy case to date in 2006 in which he won sole custody of the child for a single gay father. He is a member of the American Bar Association (ABA), Chair of the Reproductive & Genetic Technology Committee of the Family Law Section of the ABA, ABA liaison to the National Coalition for the oversight of Assisted Reproductive Technology, Chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association Family Law Section, and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Mr. Snyder also serves on the national legal advisory committee of RESOLVE: The National Fertility Association, is chair of the legal advisory group for the American Fertility Association (for education, support, and advocacy on behalf of infertile persons), and is a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (national organization of fertility physicians).

Brandon J. Bankowski, M.D.

Dr. Bankowski has devoted his professional life to providing the best reproductive care possible. He trained in Reproductive Medicine for 7 years at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, ranked #1 in the United States for over 20 years. He's a partner of Oregon Reproductive Medicine (ORM), and cofounder of ORM Global and ORM Genetics.
ORM's mission is to do all we can to care for the fertility needs of our patients. With our Embryo Clean Room, we have achieved the highest clinical success including donor egg/surrogacy fresh live birth rates of over 85%. Our team's approach is thoughtfully designed to create a strong, open connection with patients - guiding them through their decisions, visits to Portland, and their pregnancy ultrasounds. For almost a decade, he has helped patients from over thirty countries successfully create their families. Dr. B is friendly, accessible, and reassuring.

David Smotrich, M.D.

Dr. Smotrich earned his M.D. degree from the Sackler School of Medicine, University of Tel Aviv. He completed his Residency and Fellowship training in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Albany Medical Center Hospital in Albany, N.Y. Dr. Smotrich specializes in third party reproduction and has done approximately 6,000 cycles involving a third party. He was presented with Physician of the Year 2010 by Surrogate Alternatives, INC. In 2007 the American Fertility Association presented Dr. Smotrich with its “Visionary Award” to honor him for his work in infertility, third party reproduction and stem cell research. Dr Smotrich successfully treated his first male/male couple in 1997. This couple challenged the law in California which led to the first pre-birth paternity judgement eliminating the need for a second parent adoption. Dr Smotrich has done approximately 600+ male/male couples in the past 10 years.

Cristin C. Slater, M.D.

Dr. Slater is a board certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. She received her bachelor’s degree in 3 years from the University of Utah, majoring in health sciences while minoring in both chemistry and philosophy. She received her medical degree from the University of Utah in 1993. She completed her specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Subsequently, she completed her sub-specialty fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Southern California. Dr. Slater is well trained in surgical techniques as well as with advanced reproductive technologies and hormone management. She has written chapters in medical textbooks and published many articles in prestigious medical journals. She is active in various regional and national medical societies where she has presented her research. Locally, Dr. Slater continues to teach medical students and residents, as well as continuing to lecture for local physicians on topics in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

Victoria T. Ferrara, Esq.

Victoria T. Ferrara, Esq., Legal Director of Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists and managing partner of the multi-lawyer Law Firm of Victoria T. Ferrara, PC, has been practicing law in the area of assisted reproductive technology for over 20 years. Vicki's clients come from around the world as she has represented intended parents from South America, Asia and Europe as well as many clients in the U.S.A. Through her handling of the landmark case of Raftopol v. Ramey, Vicki was instrumental in changing the law in the State of Connecticut to create a new way to become legal parents through surrogacy. Vicki is a fellow of the American Academy of Assisted Reproduction Technology Attorneys and she has written and presented at U.S. and international conferences on surrogacy law. Her agency, Worldwide Surrogacy, is a successful surrogacy matching agency with offices in Connecticut and New York.

Candace Simpson

Candace has a rich history of taking part in the third-party reproduction journey. She is considered by her peers as an advocate for both egg donation and surrogacy. With much pride, Candace has personally experienced being an egg donor on six separate occasions. Two of these experiences were an open donation in where a close bond still exists between herself and a gay male couple and a heterosexual couple. Candace has been involved in the field of fertility for a total of six years. Her focus began as a practice administrator for an IVF clinic, and last year, she shifted gears toward the agency pathway. She thoroughly enjoys working with clients and being part of a magnificent agency that offers assistance for a memorable family building experience. Candace earned her Bachelor’s degree in human development, followed by a postgraduate degree in healthcare administration, with an emphasis in business management. Candace’s beliefs are aligned with the mission and vision of Extraordinary Conceptions: Everyone deserves the love of a child.

John Chally, J.D.

John Chally, J.D. is one of the Directors and Founders of Northwest Surrogacy Center, LLC. He has 20 years of experience as a surrogacy attorney, with a focus on securing the legal relationships between intended parents and their children. He also has nearly 40 years of experience practicing in the areas of adoption and adoption litigation. He has a Martindale-Hubbell rating of AV Preeminent, indicating the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards, and is ranked as a Super Lawyer. He is a member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and the American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys.
One of the early promoters of open adoption, John is a former member of the State of Oregon Task Force on Adoption Services and the Oregon Law Foundation Adoption Committee. In 1985 he co-founded Open Adoption & Family Services, Inc., one of the largest adoption agencies in the Pacific Northwest. He has published numerous articles and book chapters on adoption and frequently speaks at adoption seminars.

Lilly Frost

Lilly Frost is the Program Director of Surrogacy Beyond Borders. She also founded My Donor Cycle in 2008 and has been managing and growing My Donor Cycle which is an egg donation and surrogacy agency serving Intended Parents in the United States and abroad. She has a great deal of experience in developing and running a successful agency and felt it was time to expand to international cycles. This was as a result of working with many Intended Parents who desired to expand their family but found the US market to be cost prohibitive. Lilly is also the co-founder of Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy (www.seedsethics.org). Lilly enjoys speaking with families considering egg donation and surrogacy or just general IVF. She appreciates being part of the process from the beginning and is always willing to create time to discuss the process from the start to the end even if you haven’t made the choice to proceed with this path as of yet.

Leia Swanberg

Leia’s passion for alternative family building began at age sixteen, when she was a birth mother to a daughter placed in an open adoption. Since then, she has had three children of her own – ages 19,11, and a new baby. She has been a gestational surrogate twice and an egg donor several times. Leia’s approach to surrogacy is simple – taking a holistic approach to ensure that all parties are supported, encouraged and protected. She has made great industry connections and working partnerships with professionals worldwide to ensure that she can help to develop the fertility plan that best suits your needs. Having owned Canadian Fertility Consulting since 2007, she has had the opportunity to help hundreds of couples become parents. Leia’s previous experience as a small business owner and background in management and small business development has helped her grow CFC into Canada’s foremost surrogacy consulting service. Leia and CFC have been featured many times in Canadian media, including Canada AM and The National Post, helping to depict third-party reproduction as a tangible and approachable subject in the country.

Denise Zuvic, M.S.

Denise Zuvic is the co-founder of S.E.E.D.S. – Surrogacy, Embryo and Egg Donation Services, being personally involved in all aspects of the agency since April 1999. Denise has been a successful Gestational Surrogate 2 times, with a single child and twins. She was at the forefront of Surrogacy by being a Surrogate and Egg Donor in 1999 and 2002 when the concept was just beginning. S.E.E.D.S is a small organization that prides itself on giving each family the individual attention they need for the intricate and complex process of Surrogacy, being available 24/7 for our parents and surrogates. Denise has also taken a personal interest in making sure the Agency is open to many types of families because of her personal connection as the parent of a foster child who is homosexual. Denise has her Master’s in Education and continued her studies for a Master’s in Counseling. Being multilingual Denise easily bridges the culture and language gaps involved in International Surrogacy when working with European parents.

Ari Y. Baratz, M.D.

Dr. Ari Baratz has been a provider of reproductive medicine for over 15 years. He is one of a select few physicians in Canada with the accreditation and the advanced level of training required for the care of people dealing with infertility and recurrent miscarriages. After completing his Obstetrics & Gynecology residency at the University of Toronto (FRCSC), Dr. Baratz was designated by the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada with a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) at the University of Toronto. Upon joining CReATe, Dr. Baratz assumed a faculty position in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto. Dr. Baratz has played an integral role in the Department of Gynecology at the New Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto. Focused on providing ‘patient-centred’ fertility care, Dr. Baratz’s clinical interests include providing all forms of assisted reproductive technologies, and reproductive endoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery. A compassionate practitioner, medical educator and dedicated researcher, Dr. Baratz has presented his research at several national and international forums. He has provided consultations on matters of infertility and reproductive medicine for patients throughout Ontario, across Canada and internationally.

Brett Griffin-Young

Brett has seven years of experience in the surrogacy world and has a child of his own, born through surrogacy in the United States. He has a wealth of experience in all things surrogacy related and works with Circle Surrogacy in Boston, MA - www.circlesurrogacy.com - helping Intended Parents around the world realize their dream of parenthood. Brett also has a daughter through adoption in the United Kingdom.