Featured Adoption Experts

I started my career path as a retail manager in the Caribbean leading teams to sales records on every island on which he worked. Back stateside, I quickly fell in love with internet marketing and worked with several growing companies online including PoolTables.com, ZAGG.com and ShoppersChoice.com. I bring a diverse background with experience in PPC, SEO, email, social media, CSEs, marketplace partners, affiliates and video. I have appeared in articles including the Official YouTube Blog, the New York Times, and Search Engine Watch.

Sunray Fertility Law is a trusted fertility law firm providing legal guidance in surrogacy, sperm donation, egg donation, embryo donation, adoption, and reproductive rights. Founded by Rijon Charne, a compassionate and dedicated surrogacy lawyer and fertility lawyer, the firm serves clients nationwide, including key areas in CA, TX, WA, CT, NC, NY, and MA. International clients seeking cross-border fertility legal services from countries like Mexico, Canada, and Europe are also welcome. Sunray Fertility Law also works with women’s healthcare and femtech companies to support modern fertility solutions. With proven experience, personalized guidance, and a client-focused approach, the firm has earned Avvo Clients’ Choice Awards every year from 2021 to the present and was recognized by Marquis Who's Who in 2024. Discover a supportive and caring approach to your fertility journey with Sunray Fertility Law. Work with a trusted fertility attorney, adoption lawyer, and egg donor lawyer to guide you through every step of your family-building journey. Contact our law firm today for compassionate legal support.

Kenna Hamm is the Assistant Director of a private adoption agency, Texas Adoption Center. She supports expectant parents, who choose not to parent their child, create an adoption plan. Texas Adoption Center also conducts Home Studies and Post Placement Visits for Adoptive Families. Kenna was previously employed with Surrogacy Choices, LLC, as a Surrogacy Coordinator, working with Gestational Surrogates and Intended Parents to help make a family's dream come true through the gift of surrogacy. Kenna's past experience includes being a Perinatal Social Worker at Seton Medical Center in Austin working with patients and families in Labor & Delivery, Antepartum, Postpartum, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She was chair of the Network Perinatal Loss Committee, which addressed needs surrounding pregnancy loss and infant deaths throughout the Seton Healthcare Family. Kenna also has experience with the March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program. Mrs. Hamm is involved with the National Association of Perinatal Social Workers (NAPSW). She has served as a podium presenter at several conferences including the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrical, Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) and the American Nurse’s Credentialing Center (ANCC) National Magnet Conference. Mrs. Hamm previously served as Secretary of the multidisciplinary Texas Perinatal Association (TPA) Board and loves serving as an advocate for the psychosocial needs of mothers and infants in the State of Texas. Mrs. Hamm published an article in the American Journal of Maternal-Child Nursing.

Dr. David B. Smotrich is a board-certified fertility specialist and founder of La Jolla IVF, with nearly three decades of experience helping individuals and couples build families through advanced reproductive medicine. Widely recognized for his work in IVF, fertility preservation, and complex reproductive care, Dr. Smotrich has built a reputation grounded in innovation, patient trust, and personalized treatment. His practice serves patients across the United States and internationally, including individuals seeking specialized fertility options unavailable in their home countries. Throughout his career, Dr. Smotrich has been involved in landmark developments in reproductive medicine, including early same-sex family-building cases that contributed to California’s legal recognition of intended parents on birth certificates. His work has supported individuals, couples, military families, and patients navigating highly personal fertility journeys with compassion, discretion, and medical precision. Over the course of his career, Dr. Smotrich has been featured in major national and international media outlets, including CBS, ABC Nightline, BBC, Newsweek, Elle Magazine, Slate, Le Figaro, Der Spiegel, and Bild, for his work in fertility medicine, surrogacy, and reproductive innovation. His contributions to same-sex family building and international surrogacy have helped position him as a globally recognized authority in reproductive care. At the center of his work is a commitment to advancing fertility care through both education and innovation. Dr. Smotrich continues to explore emerging treatments, including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for ovarian rejuvenation, helping expand possibilities for patients facing diminished ovarian reserve and other fertility challenges. Today, Dr. Smotrich and La Jolla IVF have helped individuals and couples build families in 104 countries worldwide — reflecting the international reach and long-standing impact of his work in reproductive medicine.

Elizabeth Banks is a counsellor, speaker and advocate based in West Gippsland, Victoria. She is the founder and Director of The Village Health, a trauma-informed counselling and allied health practice. Elizabeth's clinical approach draws on ACT, EMDR and schema-informed therapy. She works across private, NDIS and agency-funded care, and coordinates closely with schools, GPs, paediatricians and specialist services to support families navigating complex trauma, family violence and mental health challenges. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her advocacy. As a survivor of childhood abuse and domestic violence, Elizabeth speaks openly about coercive control, the neurobiology of trauma, and why victims don’t ‘just leave’. Her insight has made her a trusted voice for journalists, podcast hosts and advocacy organisations covering domestic and family violence in Australia, including appearances such as Thriving After Trauma. Elizabeth is writing her first book, drawing on her personal story and clinical work to speak to the realities of coercive control, recovery and rebuilding a life after abuse. Through The Village Health, Elizabeth has built the kind of support she needed and could not find: a place where pain can be spoken aloud and met with compassion. She is available for interviews, features and speaking engagements on domestic violence, trauma recovery, coercive control, the experience of leaving, post separation abuse and healing.

Kelly Bezerra is a baby care expert with over 10 years of experience in infant and toddler care. She is the co-author of "How to Care for Children: From Birth to Age 2," published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Kelly specializes in newborn care, infant health, baby development, and postpartum support for families. She writes about baby care and child development at balance-and-life.com and vidaequilibrio.blog.br, reaching parents in the US and Brazil.

Carrying Dreams is an egg donor and surrogacy agency in the US committed to building families. Intended parents, those looking to become an egg donor, or those wanting to become a surrogate will find support and expert guidance every step of the way. As a leading surrogacy and egg donation agency, we offer fertility services, family planning services, and reproductive health services. Partner with our dedicated team to access top fertility clinics and international surrogacy services. Join us on this extraordinary journey and make your dream of parenthood a reality. Start your journey with us today!

Henna Khanijou is the co-founder of Blossom Fertility, where she guides intended parents, donors, and surrogates through their family-building journey with empathy, clarity, and unwavering support. She is passionate about making every experience feel personal, informed, and empowering. Holding a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Rutgers University and backed by eight years of experience in the fertility field, Henna has helped hundreds of families find their ideal egg donor or surrogate to complete their families. She has worked with intended parents worldwide, partnering on programs both within the United States and internationally. The fertility journey can often feel overwhelming and lonely, and Henna believes deeply that every journey becomes her own. Every intended parent’s success is another beautiful baby brought into the world, and to her, there is nothing more meaningful than that.

Dr. Frank D. Yelian, MD, PhD, is the Founder and Director of Life IVF Center, one of the West Coast's largest independent fertility practices. At Life IVF, he leads a highly specialized fertility program focused on delivering results in the most challenging cases. With dual training as a physician and scientist, Dr. Yelian combines rigorous clinical expertise with a deep understanding of reproductive biology to develop highly individualized treatment strategies. Dr. Yelian is widely recognized for his work with patients who have experienced prior IVF failure, particularly those with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), advanced maternal age, and other complex diagnoses. His clinical approach centers on Precision IVF® protocols, which emphasize careful calibration of medication dosing to align with each patient’s unique physiology. This method is designed to maximize treatment effectiveness while reducing unnecessary medication costs and limiting exposure to potentially harmful side effects. At Life IVF Center, Dr. Yelian has built a reputation for treating patients that many clinics decline. His program consistently achieves successful outcomes in cases considered low probability, supported by advanced diagnostics, refined stimulation strategies, and a high-performance embryology laboratory. In addition to his work with complex IVF cases, Dr. Yelian has extensive experience in travel IVF, egg donation, and gestational surrogacy, providing comprehensive solutions for both domestic and international patients. His ability to manage intricate clinical scenarios across these pathways has made Life IVF Center a destination for patients seeking expertise beyond standard fertility care. Dr. Yelian’s work is defined by a commitment to precision, innovation, and results, establishing Life IVF Center as a leader in advanced reproductive medicine for patients who require a more sophisticated and individualized approach.

Abbe founded InCircle Fertility after emerging on the other side of her all-consuming struggles with infertility and pregnancy loss. During her six-year path to becoming a mother, she and her husband created the podcast Maculate Conception (audible) to process their deep grief and isolation while going through treatment after treatment. Through that podcast, women from all over the world reached out to Abbe, and almost accidentally, she began to help them on their own journeys. Abbe meets women and couples wherever they are in their path to parenthood - and wherever they are in the world - to provide the support and guidance needed to find a resolution. More than explaining what’s going on in the process of Assisted Reproductive Technology, she holds hands and hearts through the often grueling experience. She is a recurring contributor to the blogs What’s Up Moms and Fertility, Rescripted. You can find her on social media at @abbefeder (Instagram) and @InCircleFertility (Instagram). Abbe grew up on the mean streets of New York’s Upper East Side and holds a degree in Behavioral Science. She is an avid mahjong and card player, an escape room enthusiast, and has been called by many friends a true "balabusta." Abbe is married to filmmaker Isaac Feder (they are a true Hollywood cliche), and they live in Los Angeles with their toddler twins.

Kaily Lee is the founder and editor of askloveadvisor.com, a publication covering relationship advice, emotional health, and communication in modern partnerships. The site publishes in-depth guides on topics including love languages, attachment patterns, recognizing manipulation in relationships, rebuilding trust after betrayal, and Gottman-based communication methods. Available for expert quotes and interviews on relationship dynamics, dating, marriage, conflict resolution, and emotional well-being.

Family law attorney with 20+ years of business leadership experience, focused on divorce and child custody advocacy.

Meet Jim Lee and Ann Cummings – Trusted Coastal Real Estate Experts with RE/MAX Shoreline Jim and Ann are an experienced, highly regarded real estate team specializing in the vibrant markets along the New Hampshire Seacoast and Southern Maine. As seasoned professionals with RE/MAX Shoreline, they bring a dynamic blend of market intelligence, thoughtful strategy, and personalized service to every client relationship. With decades of combined experience, Jim and Ann have successfully guided clients through a wide range of real estate journeys—from first-time homebuyers and seasoned investors to families navigating relocation, downsizing, or life transitions like divorce. Their deep understanding of local market trends, zoning, coastal regulations, and community nuances enables them to offer expert guidance in even the most complex transactions. Jim is known for his strategic mindset, calm professionalism, and sharp negotiation skills. Ann brings a creative edge, a detail-oriented approach, and a warm, empathetic style that puts clients at ease. Together, they form a balanced partnership built on trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional results. Their marketing approach is rooted in compelling storytelling, refined coastal branding, and data-driven insights that keep clients informed and empowered. They leverage the strength of the RE/MAX Shoreline network to provide broad exposure for sellers and unmatched access to off-market opportunities for buyers. Consistently recognized as top performers in the region, Jim and Ann are also active members of their coastal communities, often supporting local causes and promoting the lifestyle that makes this area so special. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, Jim and Ann are the trusted local experts you want by your side—professional, approachable, and always focused on your goals. For interviews, expert commentary, or media features about coastal living and real estate trends in New Hampshire and Southern Maine, Jim and Ann are available to share insights that reflect both the lifestyle and the market dynamics of this exceptional region.

Co-Founder of Evidexi, a free platform offering educational resources and organizational tools for family court documentation. Focused on making the court preparation process less overwhelming for self-represented parents. Evidexi provides state-specific custody guides, interactive tools like documentation checklists and tone checkers, and downloadable playbooks covering topics from staying organized to hearing preparation. Personal experience navigating the family court system drives the work.

Angela B. Ryan, Esq. is an attorney, advocate, and educator working at the intersection of child welfare law, maternal and reproductive justice, and healthcare equity. A former public defender and law professor at Villanova University, she has represented parents and hundreds of children in child abuse and neglect proceedings, taught future lawyers, and contributed to policy efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable children, parents, and families. After experiencing severe medical mismanagement during childbirth, Angela began writing and speaking on patient rights, informed consent, and the systemic failures facing women in healthcare. Her work bridges law, policy, and lived experience to help journalists, lawyers, and policymakers understand how institutional breakdowns harm real families—and how accountability can be rebuilt. What systems write off, she writes back in. She is the author of Dispatches From the Middle, a widely read series on motherhood, maternal health, patient rights, and the lived experience of chronic illness.

Amanda Brink Hull grew up just outside of Fenton, Iowa on a small acreage where she was raised with her three younger sisters. Their upbringing was rooted in hands-on experiences; working in their father’s two huge gardens, caring for the family’s chickens, and learning the art of deer hunting. These experiences instilled in Amanda a deep respect for nature, an understanding of the importance of nutritious food, and a strong work ethic; principles that serve as the foundation of her values today. Amanda and her husband, Josh, now live full-time in Florida but remain connected to their Iowa roots. They have two grown children—a daughter working in real estate in Iowa and a son who attends FGCU. Both enjoy cooking and leading active lifestyles. Amanda holds certifications in nutrition, personal training, health coaching, and as a transformation specialist from ISSA along with a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She has served on various boards from Iowa to Washington, DC, and has spoken at national conferences alongside Dr. Mehmet Oz. Because of her passion and dedication for overall health, Amanda was nominated to serve as a Hearst Wellness Champion from 2018 to 2021, in addition to her role as General Sales Manager at the Hearst CBS affiliate in Des Moines, IA. Currently, she volunteers as a wellness advocate, serving on the WellWorks! Committee at Strategic America. Amanda founded Hull Health in 2020, initially sharing wellness tips, workout ideas, and healthy recipes through social media. Since then, the mission has evolved to address the vital healthcare needs of individuals, organizations, and communities. Her latest book, Rooted: The Down-to-Earth Basics of Wellness, has received nothing but five-star reviews. Visit the Books page at Hull-Health.com to order your copy today. It can also be found on Amazon.

Specialties: Board Certified Family Law Specialist