Our Fertility Care & Wellness Team

Christina Dias, RN, BSN

Director of Nursing

Christina is the Director of Nursing at Illume Fertility. She joined Illume Fertility in 2004.

Christina graduated from Sacred Heart University with her BSN and has five years of experience in the ER setting in addition to her 20+ years in the fertility field at Illume Fertility.

She is also an accredited fertility nurse with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Christina loves being part of her patients journey and getting to know them as a person, not just a patient.

You can meet Christina in our Norwalk office!

Jocelyn Crespo, RN

Associate Director of Nursing

Jocelyn has been with Illume Fertility for 16+ years. She was the Danbury Office Manager for many years before moving into her current role as the Associate Director of Nursing.

Jocelyn graduated from St. Vincent’s College in 2001. She previously worked in an emergency department prior to coming to Illume in 2007. She is also an accredited fertility nurse with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Jocelyn loves helping patients on their journey and loves working, laughing and having a good time with the staff here at Illume!

You can meet Jocelyn in our Norwalk office.

Nora Bolger, RN, BSN

Director of Third Party Programs

Nora is the Director of Illume's Third Party Programs and also helps LGBTQ+ patients within Gay Parents To Be build their families. She began her specialty in reproductive endocrinology at Illume Fertility in 2004.

Her hospital experience was obtained at NYU Medical Center and Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn where she worked in labor and delivery and the newborn nursery, as well as provided postpartum care and lactation education.

Nora’s areas of clinical interest are women’s health, and integrative and Chinese medicine. She received her BA and a master’s degree in health advocacy from Sarah Lawrence College. She received her BSN from the College of New Rochelle, where she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the nursing honor society.

You can meet Nora in our Norwalk office!

Rachel Leto, RN

Third Party Nurse Manager

Rachel started with Illume Fertility in 2008 as a Patient Navigator. During this time she earned her Nursing degree from St. Vincent's College. 

She is now Illume's Third Party Nurse Manager, working closely alongside Nora Bolger and the rest of our Third Party Reproduction team to provide exceptional care to any patients requiring donor sperm, donor egg, donor embryo or a gestational carrier. 

You can meet Rachel in the Norwalk office!

Kathy Ferreira, RN

Danbury Office Manager

Kathy is the Danbury Office Manager and has been with Illume Fertility for 10+ years.

She has been the primary nurse educator for our Danbury, CT patients and has been the lead preceptor in training new nurses. She has played a key role in the expansion of the Danbury office and has consistently supported both patients and staff with her knowledge and leadership skills. 

Kathy has been a registered nurse for 16 years, since graduating from St. Vincent’s College. She previously worked in Labor & Delivery. She is also an accredited fertility nurse with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Kathy loves being able to form a relationship with her patients and help take away some of the stress that often comes from this process by making it as smooth as possible. 

You can meet Kathy in our Danbury office!

Linda Connolly, RN

Trumbull Office Manager

Linda is the Office Manager at Illume's Trumbull location. She graduated from Syracuse University  with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

She has been working with Illume Fertility since 2002 and loves helping her patients achieve their dream of having children.

Previously, Linda worked as a nurse in the ICU and surgery/recovery. 

You can meet Linda in our Trumbull office!

Carmen Florio, RN, BSN

Stamford Office Manager

Carmen joined Illume Fertility in 2019. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. 

Prior to joining the Illume Team, Carmen worked as a NICU nurse for six years.

She loves forming relationships with her patients, helping them achieve their dreams of growing their families, and being someone they can rely on and trust throughout their journey.

You can meet Carmen in the Stamford office! 

Sarina Garcia, RN, BSN

Manager of Surgical Services

Sarina (Nina) has been with Illume Fertility since 2019 and is our current Manager of Surgical Services.

She graduated from the University of Connecticut with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and started as a Med Surg Unit Nurse at Bridgeport Hospital before coming to Illume Fertility.

Nina says: "My favorite part of my job is being supported by such a passionate team. Having friendships inside and outside of work is the unique part of Illume that motivates me each morning. The positive energy is then felt by our patients. A part of my job that I like the most is making what is perceived as a very scary process turn into a positive one. Changing a patient's mindset to appreciate that their body has gotten them to the point of retrieval makes all the difference. Our patients express many emotions in the OR, but our goal is to take a step back and help them appreciate their journey and hard work up until this point". 

Nina is one of the friendly faces you will meet in our Surgical Suite in Norwalk!

Amy Kuleszka, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Amy has been with Illume Fertility since 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Connecticut. 

Prior to coming to Illume, Amy worked in the Labor & Delivery Unit at Bridgeport Hospital. Before that she was at St. Francis, also on the Labor & Delivery Unit.

You can meet Amy in our Trumbull office!

Alexis Ephie, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Alexis started at Illume Fertility in 2021 in our Surgical Suite as a PACU RN after transitioning away from working in critical care in the ICU. 

Alexis received her bachelor’s at SCSU in Biological Anthropology before being admitted into an accelerated BSN program at Thomas Jefferson University, where she graduated magna cum laude.

She finds the most rewarding part of her work is helping patients be successful in their ultimate goals, but also being an advocate for them on their journey. Alexis says, "So many patients discuss with me that there is so much about their own menstrual cycles and fertility that they were never aware of, or they hadn’t learned in high school health class. It’s very rewarding being the person they can look to for answers and no judgement."

You can meet Alexis in our Norwalk and Trumbull offices!

Ashley Matos, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Ashley joined Illume Fertility in 2021. She attended the University of Scranton where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

In her 13 years as a nurse, Ashley has always worked in Women's Health - Mother/Baby, Labor & Delivery, and the NICU. Ashley also holds a certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring.

She says calling patients with positive pregnancy results is the most rewarding part of her work. Especially after seeing patients through the struggles and most difficult days, watching them find success makes her job even more worthwhile.

Ashley also feels grateful for her coworkers, who make coming to work so enjoyable!

You can meet Ashley in our Danbury office.

Brigitte Alicea, RN

Registered Nurse

Brigitte has been with Illume Fertility for 14+ years!

She graduated with her nursing degree from St. Vincent's College and worked as an ICU nurse at Norwalk Hospital before coming to Illume Fertility.

She is also an accredited fertility nurse with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

She loves helping patients achieve their dreams of having a family and developing relationships with her patients along their journey. 

Caroline Saunders, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Caroline has been with Illume Fertility since 2021. She attended Saint Anselm College where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

Prior to joining Illume, Caroline worked in the operating room (OR) for 13 years. She is also a Certified Perioperative Nurse.

Caroline says, "It was exciting to become part of Illume after seeing so many success stories with friends and family from this practice."

You can meet Caroline in our Danbury office!

Catherine Gray, RN, NP

Registered Nurse

Catherine (Cathie) started with Illume Fertility in 2004. She was the Stamford Nurse Manager for many years and now works per diem. 

Prior to joining Illume, Cathie worked on the high-risk Labor & Delivery floor at Jacobi Hospital in New York City and at White Plains Hospital. She also worked as a Nurse Practitioner at a private practice. 

Cathie enjoys developing relationships with patients and staff alike. "We are a very close-knit family," she says.

You can meet Cathie in our Norwalk, Stamford and Harrison offices!

Elizabeth Mynarski, RN

Registered Nurse

Elizabeth (Liz) has been with Illume Fertility since 2021.

Prior to joining Illume Fertility, Liz worked at Westchester County Medical Center, and has a background in Women's Health and high-risk obstetrics care. 

Jamie Dobos, RN

Registered Nurse

Jamie joined our Nursing Team in 2021, where she started in our Surgical Suite.

Her favorite part about her work is being able to use her combined personal and professional experience with fertility treatment to guide other patients through the most important milestones on their journey.

Jamie was a patient here at Illume herself! Read her IVF story here.

You can meet Jamie in our Norwalk office!

Jennifer Ayotte, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Jennifer (Jen) joined the Illume Fertility Nursing Team in 2023. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regis College. 

Prior to coming to Illume, she was a pediatric RN at Franciscan Children's Hospital in Massachusetts.

Jen is one of the many friendly faces you will see in our Surgical Suite at the Norwalk office.

Jody Inzitari, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Jody joined us at Illume Fertility in 2016. She graduated from UCONN School of Nursing and has been a fertility nurse since 2006.

Prior to joining the Illume team, she was a Labor & Delivery nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital, as well as an OB/GYN office nurse. 

Jody loves helping her patients achieve their dream of having a family.

You can meet Jody in our Trumbull office!

Karlie Stone, RN, MSN

Registered Nurse

Karlie has been with Illume Fertility since 2022.

She attended Bryant University in Rhode Island for her undergrad and received her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of San Francisco. 

Karlie loves building relationships with her patients and being a support to them throughout their journey. In addition, she enjoys the continuous challenge of working in the medical field: "There is always something new to learn," she says.  

When she's not working, Karlie loves to spend time with her two dogs, Finn and Scout.

You can meet Karlie in our Stamford office!

Katrina Lorys, RN

Registered Nurse

Katrina joined Illume Fertility in 2021.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Quinnipiac University. 

She says, "My favorite part of my work is being a source of support for my patients as they go through their fertility journey. I want to help make their journey as easy as possible, and support them through the challenging moments - as well as the exciting ones. I have wanted to work in IVF since I started nursing school - this is my first position as an RN. I love my job and I'm so happy to be here on this amazing team!"

You can meet Katrina in our Stamford and Harrison offices!

Kirsten Hennigan, NP

Third Party Nurse Practitioner

Kirsten has been with Illume Fertility since 2014, but has has been a nurse since 2002. 

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Cornell University and went on to earn both her Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania in 2002. She is also an accredited fertility nurse with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Her entire nursing career has been centered in women’s health - first as a nurse practitioner in general gynecology in Philadelphia. She moved to London in 2006 and worked as a fertility nurse on Harley Street. After a move to Tokyo and a short stint as a nurse practitioner in Manhattan, she landed at Illume Fertility in 2014. 

Kirsten’s favorite part of working at Illume Fertility is helping third party patients as they navigate the process of using donor gametes and gestational surrogates. She feels privileged to empower patients and be a part of their journey. 

Maira Santos, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Maira joined the team at Illume Fertility in 2021. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rochester. 

Prior to coming to Illume, Maira was a Pediatric Emergency Room nurse, a Neonatal ICU (NICU) nurse, and an IVF nurse at Cornell Medical Center.  She has also served as a Cardiovascular Specialty Representative for Pfizer.

Maira enjoys supporting her patients both emotionally and medically throughout their journey as they work to achieve their dreams. She also loves working alongside her dedicated coworkers, sharing in laughs while also navigating daily challenges.

You can meet Maira in our Norwalk office!

Maureen Pothier, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Maureen joined Illume Fertility in 2020. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Vincent's College. 

Maureen worked for Yale University for three years as a REI nurse and also has 15 years of experience in Otolaryngology with UCSF.

She previously worked in facial plastic surgery as well as a med spa in Greenwich, where she was selected as one of the Top 100 injectors in the Country, aside many physicians!

Her favorite part of her job is educating and empowering patients.

You can meet Maureen in our Norwalk office!

Megan Mahoney, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Megan has been with Illume Fertility since 2022. She graduated from UCONN School of Nursing with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

Prior to joining Illume Fertility, she was a cardiac/telemetry nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Megan says, "I have made some really good friends working at Illume, and I love working in such a positive environment. Giving good news to patients when they wake up from an egg retrieval is especially rewarding."

Megan is one of the many friendly faces you will see in our Surgical Suite at the Norwalk office.

Monica Moore, NP

Nurse Practitioner

As a nurse practitioner, Monica received advanced nursing education in addition to being a registered nurse, and is certified by the National Certification Corporation.

She is also a health coach, working with women who are trying to optimize their health prior to conception or struggling with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Monica’s nursing work experience spans over two decades in the field of reproductive endocrinology and she has worked at Illume for over 20 years. Her passion lies in providing comprehensive care for every patient - including physical and mental health and nutrition. 

Have a question for Monica? View her video series here where she answers real questions from fertility patients! 

Niha Begum, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Niha joined the Nursing Team at Illume Fertility in 2021. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairfield University. 

She is one of the many friendly faces you will see in our Surgical Suite at the Norwalk office.

Rachel Frogameni, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Rachel joined us at Illume Fertility in 2021.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Elms College. Rachel is a part of our Fertility Preservation Team at Illume Fertility, helping patients who have been recently diagnosed with cancer freeze their eggs prior to starting cancer treatment. 

Prior to joining Illume, Rachel worked as a System Resource Nurse, which has allowed her to become cross-trained in a variety of specialties.

You can meet Rachel in our Stamford Office!

Rhoda Shea, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Rhoda started with Illume Fertility in 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Connecticut University. 

Prior to joining Illume Fertility, Rhoda worked as an oncology nurse. She is passionate about oncology care, leading her to join Illume's Fertility Preservation Team at Illume. She helps patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer freeze their eggs prior to starting treatment.

Rhoda loves building relationships with her patients and being a source of comfort and support on their journey. She says, "My favorite part of my job is calling a patient with a positive pregnancy test - it is so rewarding to share that exciting news with them after all the hard work they have put in!"

You can meet Rhoda in our Norwalk and Stamford offices!

Sarah Waters, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Sarah has been with Illume Fertility for 17+ years and has worked in the field of reproductive medicine for over 23 years.

Sarah has her Bachelor of Science in Nursing & Master of Science in Nursing (BSN/MSN). She is also a Licensed Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (RNC).

You can meet Sarah in our Norwalk office!

Stephanie Hernandez, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Stephanie started with Illume Fertility in 2021. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pennsylvania State University.

She has always worked within Women's Health (gynecology, oncology and the NICU). 

Stephanie loves helping her patients grow their families and says she is grateful to be a source of support for them throughout their journey.

You can meet Stephanie in our Stamford and Harrison offices!

Vanessa Sheftz, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse

Vanessa joined Illume Fertility in 2017.

She graduated from the Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing in 2002 and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Sacred Heart University in 2014. 

Vanessa brings extensive knowledge to the team, as she has been a nurse for 20+ years. 

She worked in the fertility field from 2002-2004, then spent 13 years working in the medical ICU. She is also an accredited fertility nurse with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

She is passionate about helping our patients succeed on their family-building journey.

You can meet Vanessa in our Danbury office!