Our Medical Team
Dr. Ari Y. Baratz, B.Sc., MD, FRCSC (REI): Create Fertility Centre
Dr. Ari Baratz has been dedicated to women’s health and reproductive medicine for over 20 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.
Dr. Baratz attended McGill University for his Bachelor of Science in Anatomy & Cell Biology (BSc) and the University of Western Ontario for his Medical Degree (MD) where he was recognized with distinction and for outstanding performance in obstetrics & gynecology. 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. He is a leader in Ambulatory Gynecology and Surgical education and has mentored many students, residents, and fellows in reproductive medicine.
Through CReATe, Women’s College Hospital and the University of Toronto, Dr. Baratz continues his research in medical education and several aspects of clinical infertility and reproductive endocrinology. Focused on providing ‘patient-centred’ fertility care, Dr. Baratz’s clinical interests include providing all forms of assisted reproductive technologies, reproductive endoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery, and Reproductive Telemedicine (Ontario Telemedicine Network). A compassionate practitioner and dedicated researcher, Dr. Baratz has presented his research at several national and international forums. Dr. Baratz has a special interest in all forms of third party reproduction including anonymous and known egg / sperm donation and surrogacy. He has provided consultations on matters of reproductive medicine for intended parents throughout Ontario, across Canada and internationally.
Dr. Baratz is an active member of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario, the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, the Society of Obstetricians & Gynecologists of Canada, the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, the Canadian Fertility & Andrology Society, and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Baratz has been an Executive Board member for Women’s College Hospital, Medical Staff Association, the Women’s College Hospital Alternate Funding Plan, and Chair for the Ontario Medical Association Reproductive Biology Section.
Dr. Said Daneshmand, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.: San Diego Fertility Center
Dr. Said Daneshmand has expertise in complex IVF cases, and his research and publications have featured work on endometrial receptivity as a way to maximize the probability of success during IVF. He is internationally recognized for his expertise in egg donation and surrogacy, and is one of the main providers of third-party care in the United States, with patients traveling from more than 40 countries in 2018 alone. He is known for developing and implementing cutting-edge technologies, including NGS (next generation sequencing), the latest and most precise technique for assessing embryonic genetic health.
Dr. Daneshmand completed his fellowship and residency at UCLA. He is double board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as in Reproductive Endocrinology. Among his achievements, Dr. Daneshmand is the recipient of numerous awards including the Eileen Pike Medical School Valedictorian Award, the PCRS Fellowship and Practicing Physician Research Award, as well as the recipient of the prestigious ASRM STAR Award in 2017 and 2018. He has served as the President of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society (Iota Chapter) and is a member of the Decherney Society, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
Dr. Brooke Friedman, M.D.: San Diego Fertility Center
Dr. Brooke Friedman is committed to offering compassionate and cutting-edge treatment in order to maximize each patient’s chance of success. Through her work as a fertility specialist, she has been selected multiple times by her peers as a San Diego Magazine "Top Doctor" after voting by physicians in the community. She also has been recognized by her patients with several awards, including Vitals’ “Patients’ Choice Award,” the “Compassionate Doctor Recognition” award, and the “Top Ten Physicians” award. She is honoured to be able to care not only for patients in San Diego but also to intended parents around the world.
Dr. Brooke Friedman is double-board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She graduated from Princeton University, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa and earned her medical degree from the University of California San Francisco Medical School, graduating Alpha Omega Alpha at the top of her class. She completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center. At the conclusion of Dr. Friedman’s time at Stanford, she received multiple awards in teaching as well as an award for her laparoscopic surgical skills. Dr. Friedman is the author of several published book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented award-winning research at national meetings. Dr. Friedman also speaks Spanish and French.
Dr. Bruce Shapiro, M.D., Ph.D., FACOG, HCLD: The Fertility Center of Las Vegas
A well-known fertility research pioneer, board certified reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Shapiro founded The Fertility Center of Las Vegas (FCLV) in 1988. His commitment to developing new techniques to make IVF and third party reproduction safer and more effective has made FCLV a leading force for advancing the science and practice of reproductive medicine. Patients who visit him receive individualized treatment plans and compassionate care that enhance their chance of bringing home a healthy baby.
Dr. Shapiro completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale New Haven Hospital, finished his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Yale University and earned his Ph.D. at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. He is also the Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, where he teaches medical students and residents.
Dr. Carrie Bedient, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.: The Fertility Center of Las Vegas
As Nevada’s only dual female board certified reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Bedient feels privileged to help men and women reach their full family-building potential. A champion of reproductive freedom, Dr. Bedient is particularly interested in fertility preservation for patients undergoing toxic therapies for medical conditions such as cancer, as well as third party reproduction for same-sex couples and LGBT individuals. Known for her kindness and warm bedside manner, Dr. Bedient is a role model for empathy, compassion, respect, altruism and integrity in medicine.
After graduating from the University of Arizona College of Medicine, she completed her residency at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic Foundation Metrohealth Medical Center, followed by fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Emory University. Dr. Bedient also serves as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Nevada School of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Leah Kaye, M.D.: The Fertility Center of Las Vegas
Leah Kaye MD brings her experience and compassion to hopeful parents, surrogates and egg donors who visit The Fertility Center of Las Vegas (FCLV). She researches emerging issues in reproductive medicine and uses the latest fertility treatments to help patients from around the country and the world make their dreams of parenthood become a reality. Her goal is to make every patient feel more hopeful and encouraged about their family-building plans after a visit with her.
Dr. Kaye is specialty board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and sub-specialty board eligible in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Connecticut and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Kaye also earned a master’s degree in clinical and translational research from the University of Connecticut Graduate School.
megan bendinelli, msn, fnp-c, phn, pn1: fertility framework
Megan is no stranger to navigating the many challenges men and women face in building their families. With over a decade of clinical healthcare experience helping women and men grow their families all over the world, Megan knows everyone’s journey to parenthood is unique and should be respected.
Megan started her career with a Bachelors in Science Degree in Nursing as a Labor and Delivery Nurse. She worked along the side of some of the best medical teams in the nation. However, Megan learned quickly that although pregnancy is thought to be a very happy time for most, it can also be a very stressful and challenging time for others. She believes more support, advocacy, and emphasis on lifestyle and wellness to the fertility community is warranted.
Megan obtained her Master’s Degree in Nursing as a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner in 2011. She currently sees clients needing Reproductive Endocrinology services in a private practice setting part time. She came full circle from the hospital bedside delivering babies to helping those first plan their steps to conceive in collaboration with wonderful professionals in the field. She has brought hope, witnessed many families grow, and helped many men and women find completeness, acceptance, and optimal health.
Megan also is owner of Fertility Framework where she is a Fertility Awareness Advocate to many across the nation. Megan practices as a Fertility and Health & Wellness Consultant outside the office and hospital settings. She is level 1 certified from Precision Nutrition and currently in pursuit of obtaining board certification as a Lifestyle medicine practitioner. She focuses on interventions to address behaviours related to nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, social support, and environmental exposures. Megan routinely guest lectures at various Southern California Universities and mentors new practitioners in areas of: Women’s Health, Fertility, Leadership, and Advanced Practice Roles. She can be found enjoying the San Diego sunshine with her family and Weimaraner when not helping clients.
Janine Copeland, Psychologist, MEd, CCAC
Janine Copeland is a highly skilled and passionate clinician who has been working in the field of mental health for over fifteen years. She is dedicated to helping clients, families, communities, and organizations reach their full potential.
Janine brings a deep level of empathy to the work she does, and draws on her breadth of life experience, as well as her education and training, to connect with people wholeheartedly. She possesses a strong ability to individualize sessions and treatment plans in order to meet clients’ unique evolving needs, with the final goal being that of optimal health, wellness, and overall functioning.
Janine believes in evidence-based approaches to wellness. She has worked in international and cross-cultural settings, with a variety of age groups. Her particular specialties include addiction-related issues as well as dual diagnoses.
Janine has also completed her own journey as a surrogate. Prior to starting JA Surrogacy, our CEO, Jennifer Allen, walked Janine and many other women through the process. The two have a long-standing relationship, both personally and professionally, from Jennifer’s previous work in the mental health field.
Ensuring a surrogate’s mental health is in a positive place prior, during, and after their journey is always something our agency has felt incredibly strong about. As a Registered Psychologist, Janine is fully qualified to provide psych screenings and support for surrogates when needed.
JA Surrogacy is proud to refer and cover the counselling fees for our surrogates to meet with Janine when needed. We have even extended this offer to independent surrogates, or those working with other agencies, who have experienced an unfortunate trauma and are in desperate need of support. We believe everyone in the surrogacy community should look out for one another and we are grateful to have Janine available to support those in need.
TIFFANY HARRISON, MIDWIFE
For as long as I can remember, pregnancy and birth have fascinated me. When I began my own journey into motherhood, I remember being in pure awe of my bodies strength and wisdom to grow and birth new life. My passion for helping women revealed itself after being the recipient of amazing support during my own birth and postpartum periods.
Graduating from Mount Royal’s Midwifery program has prepared me to pursue my dream of supporting women during a pivotal point in their lives. It is my belief that every woman deserves a gentle, safe birth, one in which she is supported as she makes informed choices for herself and her baby and to me that is exactly what midwifery care encompasses.
I look forward to working with women and their families during their pregnancy and births, and participating in the care of their babies. I am humbled and carry a deep gratitude for all the women who have allowed me and who continue to allow me to be a part of their experiences and to my fellow midwives who gift me with their wisdom and support.
When not caring for moms and babies you will find me with my family. I am blessed that they love and support me and willingly share me with the profession I love so much.
Nicola Strydom, Midwife
Born and raised in Africa, I have travelled extensively. In 1995 I married the love of my life, Anton, and we immigrated to Canada in 1999. Together we share the joys and rewards of raising two sons. Darren was born in 1998 and Johnathan followed in 2003.
My passion for pregnancy and birth revealed itself to me early. Following the birth of my second son, I trained to be a doula. I certified with the Doulas of North America and began my doula practice in 2004. By 2005 I was also a Lamaze International Childbirth Educator. Prior to enrolling at Bastyr University’s Master of Science in Midwifery program, I also did volunteer birth companion work at the Peter Lougheed Hospital. All of these endeavours added to my certainty that midwifery was my heart’s role.
Just prior to my graduation from Bastyr University, I went overseas to the Philippines as a volunteer. This journey blessed me with a deeper appreciation for women, pregnancy and birth. My heart is forever touched by the strength of those women which will inform my midwifery career.
I currently practice out of Birth Partnership Midwifery Services in Calgary, under the team name Moonstone Green.
Surrogacy is near and dear to my heart, as I have a lovely second niece that would not be with us, if it was not for the gift of surrogacy. In 2019 I presented "Growing Generations: Supporting Surrogacy Journeys" at the Alberta Association of Midwives Conference.
I truly do believe that all birthing women deserve good care, and that all low risk birthing women deserve midwifery care. I look forward to walking your journey alongside you and am excited to be a part of the JA village.