Jay S. Nemiro, M.D.

Medical Director

Curriculum Vitae

An infertility practice is more than statistics, procedures, or the latest technological advancement; it is about helping women become pregnant when they want to become pregnant- plain and simple. With the explosion of fertility awareness over the past decades in the medical community and the media, the emphasis has been on what is the best way, the newest technology, the "surefire" solution (or who’s the "best doctor"), for getting patients pregnant; which, I feel is missing the point entirely. I tell my patients, getting you pregnant is the easy part. The hard part is "keeping you in the game". That’s because the heart and soul of an infertility practice is the service- not the technology. The emotional component of the fertility process is more complex and demanding than any procedure- and that’s the part that’s getting overlooked. While a procedure-centered, rather than a patient-centered, approach could be described as a characteristic flaw of western medicine in general, and certainly not limited to infertility practice, infertility specialists have a unique opportunity to empower women in ways that other physicians do not. It doesn’t matter whether you have a 19 year old who’s never tried to have a baby or a 43 year old who’s spent year after heartbreaking year trying. The despair that comes with not being able to get pregnant is not definable by any one age or situation, which is why I feel as though my job is not, just to help these women get pregnant, but to treat them like I would my sister, my daughter, my best friend. To respect them, but most importantly, to listen, not just to what they are saying, but to what they’re not saying, the silence. It is only by listening and hearing, that you are able to be effective and offer treatment options that are best suited for each individual couple. It is not until you fully understand all the pros and cons of each treatment option, that you can choose the best option. Treatment options are a couple’s choice, not the clinic’s choice. I look forward to meeting and working with you and your partner to achieve a successful outcome.

Robert W. McGaughey, Ph.D.

ART Laboratory Director

Curriculum Vitae

I met Dr. Jay Nemiro twenty-six years ago, when we got together to discuss the potential startup of a program for assisted reproduction. After a few short meetings, we organized and set up the program within a relatively short period, beginning the ongoing odyssey. We shared very similar philosophies on how assisted reproduction should work and that our number one goal was to treat our patients with utmost respect, with understanding of the difficulties relating to infertility and with the highest standards of medical/laboratory care. Those philosophies have been applied unwaveringly throughout the many years we have worked together. The greatest joy in our works has come with the knowledge that so many families have been established over the years, families that we helped through the laboratory, surgical and endocrinological methods we have applied to achieve successful pregnancies. I have lost count now of the numbers but know there are thousands of babies who were born through our assistance and through the continued persistence and commitment of our patients. My pleasure in working with our patients, with the people at the Arizona Center for Fertility Studies and especially with Dr. Nemiro has been immense. The patients have always come first in our program. Modern science and medicine have developed to nearly unbelievable levels in recent years. We have continuously upgraded, updated and improved our procedures as the field has undergone tremendous growth and sophistication during the past quarter century.

Gina M. Caiazza, R.N., R.N.F.A.

Program Coordinator

As program coordinator and RN First Assistant at the Arizona Center for Fertility Studies, my days are very busy. Although I enjoy spending time with all of my coworkers, my favorite part about working at the ACFS, are the people I meet and have the opportunity to care for and help in their journey to becoming parents. Since 1996, there have been a countless number of patients who have touched my life with their strength, courage, and determination in pursuing their dreams. We have shared laughter, joy, and tears while riding a sometimes “emotional roller coaster.” Their joys have been my joys. Their sorrows are my sorrows. A successful outcome makes the sacrifice and hard work by all definitely worth it. Personally for me, there is no greater thanks than that which is expressed by the “look” I see when we are able to view your baby for the first time on the ultrasound screen. It still takes my breath away each and every time. I have learned from working with thousands of patients that each conception is “truly a miracle” and it is certainly not taken for granted. I hope that in this journey, my expertise, compassion and commitment to all of you will somehow make this process a little bit easier. Whether you are attending one of my classes, undergoing a surgery, or participating in a procedure, I look forward to the opportunity to participate in your care. Good luck and God bless. Gina

Vince Williams, M.T.

Hi. My name is Vince. In college, I was a chemistry major at Florida State University, than decided to serve my country. I joined the U.S. Armed Forces Medical Service Corp and than attended the United States Armed Services Academy of Health Sciences. I graduated with a degree in medical laboratory services and medical technology and am certified by the American Medical Technologists as an AMT; as well as being certified as a reproductive cryopreservation specialist by the American Association of Tissue Banking (AATB).

My time in the service taught me discipline and commitment, and during my 20+ years as a clinical embryologist, I have been directly involved with the introduction, set-up and implementation of innovative, state-of-the-art techniques for many IVF programs in this country and throughout the world. In Chandigarh, India, I designed, trained and implemented a brand new IVF center; and in the U.S. designed 10+ ART-IVF laboratories for various centers around the country. I have had the privilege of training some of the next generation of clinical embryologists in all facets of IVF laboratory techniques, including standard in-vitro fertilization, blastocyst culture, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), assisted hatching (AH), embryo biopsy and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), egg and embryo cryopreservation using vitrification and strict laboratory quality control and record keeping.

Throughout my career, I have attended numerous conferences and seminars on cutting edge and state-of-the-art technologies in embryology and IVF laboratory sciences and obtained advanced training in basic and complex reproductive medicine at the NIH.

My passion for the field of reproductive medicine can be summed up in one statement. "My purpose in life is to help every couple to attain their goal of a baby". I look forward to meeting and getting to know you and your partner and to having a successful outcome.

Jennifer Innocenti, B.S.

Andrology Supervisor

I graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelors degree in Biology in 2005. I have always been interested in working in the science or health care field. I truly found my calling in 2006 when I applied for the position as an andrologist. I soon found that I was able to incorporate my science background with my love of healthcare. I am so lucky to have a career that I love, and the opportunity to help others at the same time. I feel blessed to be able to work in such an innovative field as reproductive endocrinology. Nothing gives me greater joy or satisfaction knowing that I have helped a couple with their dreams of a family. A year ago I was given the opportunity to work with Dr. Nemiro. I am so thankful that I accepted his position for an andrologist. I enjoy working with him and being a member of such a dedicated staff. We all have the same vision; to help our patients start or add to their families. Every time we have a patient bring in their new baby, we are all reminded of the small miracles that we are all performing everyday. It is so wonderful to be able to give people the greatest gift of all- life. I look forward to meeting you. Jen.

Agatha Videla, R.N.

Patient Care Coordinator

After over 12 years of nursing experience working for leading fertility clinics in New York and Arizona, I am proud and excited to join the Arizona Center for Fertility Studies. I have always treasured the opportunity my work gives me to help couples build families, and being part of a team that puts so much care and genuine concern into each patient is a dream come true.

Being a mother myself, I genuinely appreciate the feel-good family atmosphere at Arizona Center for Fertility Studies, and am constantly thankful to be part of such an important field of medicine. It's a field that is constantly growing, and as new techniques develop, I enjoy the opportunity to learn and grow as a professional. Whether I am counseling a new couple through the early stages of their treatments or monitoring an expecting mother’s early pregnancy, it is gratifying to know that everyone at ACFS is working together in a positive, supportive, and totally committed way. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you make your own little miracle.

Suzanne Snurpus, B.S., C.M.A., C.R.M.A.

Patient Care Education

Hi. My name is Suzanne. I have spent over 25 years in the medical field and in addition to my own personal infertility battle; I am passionate about infertility treatment. I have a broad base of knowledge about all aspects of IVF care and am a strong patient advocate and put you, the patient, first in achieving your most coveted goals in service and care.

I hold degrees from Florida College of Medical and Dental Careers with a Clinical and Administrative degree, an Associate in Applied Science in Business Management from Mesa Community College, and Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia. I will be pursuing my Master's Degree.

As a Florida native, I grew up in Amelia Island, FL and I am thrilled to be returning to Scottsdale and joining the ACFS team; bringing a wealth of knowledge, personal commitment, and energy to the IVF team and patients at Arizona Center for Fertility Studies.

I look forward to meeting and working with you.

Michelle Christie

Practice Manager

For the past 11 + years at ACFS, I have had the pleasure of working with an amazing doctor that I believe in as well as a wonderful healthcare team that I consider my family. I continue to admire how each team member acknowledges and encourages the skills and contributions of one another, as together we strive to treat each patient with individuality, commitment, encouragement, honesty, and compassion. Additionally, working with a team that understands the emotional and financial sacrifices patients endure is a key component, as the quality of our staff represents the quality of ACFS as a whole. I am both honored and humbled to be a part of each patient’s journey to fulfill their dreams of becoming a parent. I feel I am privileged to have experienced many rewarding moments, sharing in the happiness and excitement with our patients and their successful outcomes. The gift of a child is precious and being a part of a team that can help provide such a special gift is priceless.

Misty A. McElroy

Hi, my name is Misty. As one of the newest members to the practice, I'm extremely excited and proud to work with such a fine medical and support staff. I've long aspired to work in this type of environment.

As a woman who has sought out this type of expertise in my own personal life, it's an honor to be able to help provide the very best service to our patients. Another friendly face and caring attitude is here for your support.

Prior to coming to ACFS, I was a level III operations processor with Wells Fargo Auto Insurance. Prior to that I worked as an executive administrative assistant for Shurgard Self-Storage and Southern Directory Company coordinating all office functions for a multi-state area, as well as be responsible for all the accounting services.

I continue to be blown away by the unparallel service and commitment that I witness each day. So, stop by and say hi whether you have a billing question or any other general concerns. I will be more than willing to assist.

Shelly Reyes

Hi, my name is Shelly and I work in the front office. I mainly do the insurance billing for the office but also get to talk to many patients on the phone. As a result , I get to know so many couples which allows me to interact on a more personal Ievel. Whether you are a new patient or an already established one, I really enjoy getting to know you and helping you through what can sometimes be an overwhelming and confusing process. I am an outgoing person, and whether I am helping you find a fun place to eat lunch after your appointment or wading through a complex insurance problem, I look forward to working with you. Most of the time it means enjoying small talk or laughing about something going on in one of our lives; and occasionally is sharing a hug during a more difficult moment. I am blessed to work in an office where everyone is so committed to excellence and making a difference; but as a staff we are able to enjoy each other and make sure to take the time to laugh and unwind.