Meet the Team

"We fulfill lifelong dreams at WSS. Creating families is our number one goal, and it’s very rewarding to be a part of this special journey."

Jen is the first touch point for Intended Parents, providing a wealth of information about the surrogacy journey. She walks them through the matching process, the screening process, insurance matters, and any and all other specific details regarding the surrogacy journey. As Director of Intended Parent Services, Jen provides ongoing support and case management to Intended Parents while supervising the other case managers who assist our Intended Parents. 

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Jen started working with Worldwide as a part-time social worker in 2010, providing support for couples with fertility issues and helping them navigate alternative reproductive options. In addition to her current roles and responsibilities as Director of Intended Parent services, Jen continues conducting social work assessments and interviews with potential surrogates and assists Intended Parents with the coordination of services. 

Jen has over 30 years of experience in social work. She holds a master’s in social work from Rutgers University, and previously served as a residential caseworker for at-risk teenagers at The Vitam Center and Director of the Women and Families Shelter. Jen also worked as Development Director of the Connecticut Association for Children with Learning Disabilities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to children with learning disabilities. She also served as a coordinator and instructor for a variety of parenting groups through the private sector. 

“To see all of the families created over the years, seeing how happy they are, and seeing that we aren’t just creating parents — we’re creating aunts, uncles, cousins, best friends — makes me very proud of being a part of the agency’s inception.”

Serena works with Worldwide’s gestational carriers every step of the way. As a two-time surrogate herself, Serena is uniquely qualified to provide reliable support and exceptional guidance for our surrogates and our Intended Parents.

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Serena has been a part of the Worldwide team since its inception in 2006. Her personal experience and extensive knowledge give her the unique ability to support our surrogates and Intended Parents throughout their journeys. From the matching process to the delivery, Serena helps our surrogates and Intended Parents navigate their individual surrogacy journeys.

Serena has over 20 years of experience as both a gestational carrier and director of surrogate services. She previously served as a paralegal at the Law Office of Michael Farrell, and as an administrative manager at both The Benefactory and The Salvation Army.

“After completing three journeys as a surrogate with Worldwide, I feel truly grateful to be surrounded by such an inspiring team of women where I get to keep doing what I love- help others create the families they’ve dreamed of.”

With over a decade of personal experience as a surrogate, and professional experience as an intake and journey coordinator, Julie brings a deep understanding, compassion, and expertise to her role as Director of Surrogate Screening and Recruitment. She is passionate about supporting women through every step of the surrogacy journey and is dedicated to ensuring each candidate feels informed, valued, and empowered. Her commitment to creating meaningful connections helps build strong foundations between surrogates and intended parents alike.

“There are several things I’m proud of in my life, but nothing beats being a mom and being a surrogate. Because motherhood is so fulfilling, I became a surrogate. Because surrogacy is so fulfilling, I’m now happily working in a field where I can support others’ parenthood dreams.”

Cara is an experienced Gestational Carrier. She delivered a singleton boy in 2009, and delivered twin boys in 2016. She also navigated through the second trimester loss of a singleton boy with her IPs on a sibling journey, in 2021. She has invested over fourteen years in the surrogacy community, providing support and education online through blogs and support groups. 

Here at WSS, Cara is the main point of contact between surrogates and Intended Parents, from the initial match to beyond delivery.
 
Before joining our team, Cara was working as a Postpartum & Bereavement Doula and Infant Care Specialist, assisting new parents in the overnight care of their newborns. Her calm, easy going, compassionate nature set new parents at ease, while she affirmed their parenting choices. She remains active in the doula community. Cara homeschools her two teenagers in North Carolina. 

“What could be more rewarding than helping to make a family? The contact we have with the Intended Parents, the carriers, and definitely seeing the new babies is so fulfilling.”

Jackie combines compassion and competence in her work supporting our carriers throughout the surrogacy journey—and beyond.

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Jackie provides one-on-one assistance to surrogates during the contract phase, as well as throughout the monitoring, testing, transfer, and pregnancy process. She also works directly with the finance department and escrow agency, reconciling and releasing payments to surrogates and managing payment to monitoring clinics.

Prior to her work at Worldwide Surrogacy, Jackie worked in corporate finance and public relations for over 40 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting & Business Management from Sacred Heart University. She joined the Worldwide Surrogacy team in 2013.

“One of the most amazing feelings is watching an Intended Parent see their baby for the first time. Being a gestational carrier allowed me to be a part of something so special. Now working with Worldwide Surrogacy, I get to be a part of something special daily and be a part of a team that helps families grow."

‍A three-time gestational surrogate herself, Andrea brings a personal, compassionate perspective to the surrogate screening process. She is responsible for supporting the surrogate screening team by procuring, reviewing, and coordinating all required documentation from new surrogate applicants. 

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Andrea completed her first journey in 2016, delivering a healthy baby girl. In 2018, she completed her second journey, bringing a set of boy/girl twins into the world. She completed her third journey in 2020, delivering another healthy baby girl.

Andrea knew after completing her first surrogacy journey that she eventually wanted to pursue her interest in a surrogacy or fertility setting. With 12 years of experience as a nurse in a variety of medical settings and three successful surrogacy journeys completed, she brings a natural understanding of the surrogate screening process to the Worldwide Surrogacy team. Andrea and her husband, Brandon, have two daughters, Gracelyn and Stella.

“I’m incredibly proud to be working with such a wonderful group of smart, caring women at Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists.”

As an exemplary and skilled professional with over a decade of experience in the insurance and accounting industries, Maureen brings sharp attention to detail to every aspect of the financial process for both Intended Parents and surrogates.

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As Escrow Manager, Maureen works closely with our Intended Parents to manage their escrow funds, ensuring accurate deposits and payments are made in a timely manner from the time a match is made, throughout the entire surrogacy journey until all payments have been made and the escrow account is closed.

Maureen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and a Master’s Degree in Accounting from Pace University. In addition to her work at Worldwide Surrogacy, she manages a wide range of community services throughout Fairfield. She joined the Worldwide Surrogacy team in 2015.

Nick Loris, our newest team member, brings a unique blend of talent and perspective to our family. Nick graduated from Mitchell College in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services, demonstrating a deep commitment to understanding and helping others. As a valuable addition to Worldwide's in-house marketing team, Nick's passion for compassionate support shines through in everything he does.

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His skills encompass industry research, blog writing, and copywriting, making him a driving force behind our message and vision. Nick's creative touch extends to graphic design, adding a bit of artistry to our endeavors.

Nick knows about teamwork! He played both college lacrosse and college golf at Mitchell. In his Freshman year, he was named the NEC Rookie of the Week during his lacrosse season. Beyond his personal and professional accomplishments, Nick's personal journey has deeply shaped his understanding of the surrogacy process. Growing up with two mothers, he intimately knows the joys, challenges, and emotions that come with this incredible journey. His unique perspective not only enriches our team but also allows us to better serve our clients.

Nick calls Fairfield, Connecticut, his home, and we are thrilled to have him as part of our Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists family. With his passion, dedication, and personal connection to the surrogacy process, Nick is set to make a profound impact on our mission to make dreams come true.

“This organization works with the highest ethical standards, the best practices, and exceptional personal care for each gestational surrogate and intended parent to ensure a meaningful and successful journey toward creating a family.”

A hands-on and meticulous therapist, Michelle ensures that each gestational carrier is carefully evaluated before approval. She conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations of potential gestational carriers to ensure they’re fully qualified and committed to become surrogates.

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Michelle has been a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice for two decades, bringing extensive experience in the assessment of surrogacy-related cases and evaluation of potential surrogates to the Worldwide team.

Michelle currently serves as Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Sacred Heart University. In addition to her role as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, she is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

“I’m proud to work with an agency that does such high-quality work, and the passion the staff shows for helping both carriers and Intended Parents.”

Sean’s extensive history of conducting a wide range of psychological evaluations—including surrogacy and oocyte donation evaluations—allows him to ensure that the most appropriate, effective recommendations are made

Sean is responsible for evaluating the psychological suitability of prospective carriers and assessing Intended Parents’ understanding of the process and the responsibilities of parenting. He works directly with Intended Parents regarding any concerns they may, using comprehensive, data-based reposts to provide in-depth understandings of all parties involved to ensure happy, healthy journeys.

Sean holds a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree from Fielding Graduate University. In addition to his work with Worldwide Surrogacy, he conducts surrogacy and oocyte donation evaluations for a number of other agencies. Sean also works at Bridgewater State Hospital in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

"Being a part of the surrogacy journey and assisting intended parents in realizing their dreams of starting or expanding their families is a profound privilege. It's not just about bringing new life into the world; it's about creating families, building lasting bonds, and witnessing the joy that surrogacy brings to countless lives."

Melinda serves as a Social Worker at Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists, bringing over a decade of diverse experience to her role. Graduating with a Master of Social Work from Fordham University in 2014, she has worked extensively on her therapeutic practice with individuals facing a wide range of challenges for over 10 years. In recent years, Melinda has dedicated her expertise and passion to supporting the fertility and surrogacy population, further enhancing her ability to provide invaluable guidance and support.

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Over the last three years, she has completed two surrogate journeys, allowing her to provide empathetic and insightful guidance to families looking to grow through surrogacy. Melinda is not only a professional but also a mother of three children, a rescue pup owner, and a wife to an amazing husband of 17 years. Outside of her work, she enjoys running, traveling, and cherishing moments with her family and friends.

“The opportunity to work with such a great team makes me proud to be a part of Worldwide Surrogacy. Vicki’s vision and leadership are inspiring.”

Deb represents our commitment to meticulous record-keeping and exceptional client services. With a keen eye for detail and remarkable time management skills, she manages all of Worldwide Surrogacy’s financial records with steadfast precision.

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Deb upholds complete discretion and confidentiality for all of our clients. She’s responsible for all aspects of bookkeeping, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and payroll.

Deb brings over 20 years of experience supporting law firms and their companies to the Worldwide Surrogacy team. She holds an Associate’s Degree with a concentration in Finance from Sacred Heart University, and is a member of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.