Together as our medical staff and as individuals, our people make the patient experience at Ember exceptional
Patients’ needs and comfort is at the heart of the way we have designed our medical and administrative services. In every step of a patient’s visit with Ember, we minimize delays and optimize streamlined delivery of care, from initial consult to each treatment appointment.
Our medical staff members are specialists in fertility medicine. Each one is focused on patient education and guidance so every patient feels confident and prepared in choosing the best path forward for them.
At Ember, everyone is a VIP – very important patient
And we have a thing for the small things: Each Ember patient gets a dedicated fertility coordinator, a patient’s personal care guide through every clinic detail, from the very first phone call to meeting your little miracle.
Our team approach to superb patient experiences – and success
At Ember Fertility Center, patients are not numbers to us, but future moms and dads. We get to know you and your concerns, preferences and goals. We know your story.
We understand that navigating fertility treatments can be overwhelming, which is why we provide concierge quality service. Each patient receives a patient coordinator who ensures that Ember always meets the concierge level of care. From the first phone call to the clinic, our patient coordinators serve as a personal guide.
Our fertility specialist, Dr. William Freije, oversees our patients’ care and the training of our medical staff. Lab Director Dr. Avisa Asemi manages all aspects of Ember’s important in-house in vitro fertilization (IVF) lab. Both are dedicated to excellent patient experiences, as are the medical staff members who follow.
Nurse Practitioner Vivian Wei Janio
MSN, RN, FNP-C
Vivian is passionate about women’s health and wellness and is working toward her nurse practitioner license to better serve and care for her patients. Motherhood increased her personal mission to help all her patients fulfill their goals of becoming parents.
Languages spoken: English (fluent), Chinese (fluent)
Andrologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Julie Ha
Julie is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) licensed andrologist and a senior embryologist. Julie arrived at Ember with 20 years of experience working at IVF labs in Los Angeles and another 13 years of experience in Seoul, South Korea.
As an andrologist at Ember, Julie performs semen analysis, cryopreserves sperm, and all andrology services. Julie also has extensive experience in more complex male infertility cases, such as MESA and TESE procures.
Julie has strong interests in sperm fertilization rates, conducting research and publishing a paper in the Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the journal Fertility and Sterility.
Languages spoken: English (fluent), Korean (fluent)
Lab Assistant Mariana Macedo, MBA
Mariana Luiza Macedo is originally from Brazil and holds a Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences. Her academic journey includes a Master of Human Assisted Reproduction from University of Valencia and IVI RMA in Spain and an MBA in health administration from Westcliff University in Irvine, California. Mariana’s academic career equipped her with a deep understanding of the complexities impacting the reproductive health sector.
Mariana brings a vibrant mix of expertise and dedication to her role as an embryology lab assistant at Ember Fertility Center. With two years of hands-on experience at an IVF center, focusing on andrology, Mariana has developed a knack for improving laboratory practices and enhancing patient care.
Mariana is trilingual, making her an effective communicator with a diverse range of patients and colleagues.
Languages spoken: English (fluent), Spanish (fluent), Portuguese (fluent)
Pharmacist Nikki Mashayekhi, PharmD
As a California licensed pharmacist, Nikki has provided services for Ob-Gyn, IVF, and infertility medication management and infertility therapy. Even before completing her doctorate in pharmacy (PharmD) in 2016, Nikki had a passion for women’s health. Prior to becoming a registered pharmacist (RPh), she worked as a certified midwife, providing prenatal and postnatal care as well as conducting and monitoring infusion therapy for parenteral medications.
Languages spoken: English (fluent), Farsi (fluent)
Surgical Technician Simone Contreras
Simone has several years of experience as a surgical technologist in both large hospitals and in the United States military. She helped start an orthopedic program at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton where she served as senior surgical tech on 5,000 cases. Simone has 24 years of medical training and work experience, giving her vast knowledge of the medical field. She takes pride in her care for patients as a team player and is dedicated to her profession.
Languages spoken: English (fluent)
Medical Assistant Genevieve Colette
Genevieve is an experienced phlebotomist with over 15 years’ experience. In addition to being a certified Phlebotomy Technician, Genevieve is also certified in basic life support. Patients appreciate Genevieve’s vast experience and an enthusiastic approach to patient care.
Languages spoken: English (fluent), Spanish (basic), French (basic)
Patient Coordinator Sherrie Bement, MBA, MS
Sherrie knows how important it is for patients to have a custom treatment plan, as her personal experience with infertility treatments gives her special insight into what Ember’s patients are facing. Sherrie has a very compassionate heart and is always willing to help others.
Languages spoken: English (fluent), Korean (fluent), Chinese (fluent), Japanese (basic), Spanish (basic)
Patient Coordinator Becky Yin
As someone who became a parent after going through IVF treatments, Becky uses her own experience to compassionately guide patients through their own fertility treatments. Whether the patient is doing IVF or needs an egg donor or surrogate, she is with that person every step of the way. Becky’s favorite part of working at Ember is being able to witness the magic moment when patients become parents.
Languages spoken: English (fluent), Chinese (fluent)
Patient Coordinator Savaaih Chang
As a patient coordinator at Ember Fertility Center, Savaaih enjoys guiding fertility patients throughout their quest to become parents. As a former English teacher, Savaaih is an exceptional communicator with a knack for ensuring patients understand their fertility options.
Languages spoken: English (fluent), Chinese (fluent)
Patient Coordinator Lynette Xiao
In her role as a patient coordinator at Ember Fertility Center, Lynette draws upon her seven years experience working with IVF patients. Her vast knowledge of third-party reproductive services and associated regulations makes her an integral part of the EFC team.
Languages spoken: English (fluent), Chinese (fluent)
Surrogate Case Manager Cindy Alcantar
Cindy joined Ember Fertility Center with over eight years’ experience working in a healthcare setting. For the past five years she has been working as a surrogate case manager. She has helped hundreds of individuals and couples grow their families. At Ember, Cindy enjoys being part of the journey and the amazing moment when a family’s dream comes true.
Languages spoken: English (fluent), Spanish (fluent)
Physician Liaison Sarah Wilson
Sara completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2013 at West Coast University. Sarah has over nine years’ experience working in supporting roles within a healthcare setting. She is passionate about building productive relationships with physicians, patients and the communities we serve.
Languages spoken: English (fluent)
Administrator Linda Zheng, MBA, MS
With her impressive educational background, Linda is right at home on Ember’s talented team. After completing her undergraduate studies at Xi’an International Studies University, she went on to complete her Master in Business Administration (MBA) at Chapman University and the Master of Science in information systems at Cal State Fullerton. Linda is thoughtful and kind. She always considers the needs of the patient first and provides the highest level of service.
Languages spoken: English (fluent), Chinese (fluent), Japanese (professional working)
Join the Ember team
Team members at Ember enjoy a rewarding career in fertility healthcare. It’s not just a job when you’re helping people have families who otherwise could not.
Check for open positions on our Fertility Healthcare Jobs page.
We have a thing for the small things
- Our world-class clinic offers a welcoming, small-practice atmosphere and is designed for the patient, down to the smallest details that are fine-tuned for success.
- We serve a smaller number of patients than other clinics so we can focus on quality time and care for each individual.
- Our fertility doctor pays close attention to the details, and sees the patient at every visit.
- Our IVF lab takes special care of embryos through the most advanced technology available.
- We celebrate each little miracle born with Ember’s help.
