Jen is our Senior Associate Attorney and Director of Legal Services & Gestational Surrogacy. She is a Fellow through the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and a Member of the American Bar Association, and is on the Assisted Reproductive Technologies Committee.
Before working at Creative Family Connections, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I worked at a golf pro shop before I even knew how to golf! But, I was pretty good at selling expensive golf balls.
How did you first learn about Creative Family Connections?
I discovered Creative Family Connections when responding to a sweet advertisement regarding an egg donation opportunity about 12-13 years ago.
What is your role at Creative Family Connections?
I am the Director of Legal Services and Gestational Surrogacy. I am also an associate attorney with Creative Family Connections.
How do you balance your career at Creative Family Connections and family?
Good question! With surrogacy pregnancies and due dates, we have busy weeks! But, I do try to really invest my time with friends and family on the weekends.
If you could pick one theme for Creative Family Connections to turn into a book about the company, what would it be?
The magical journey that resulted in YOU! (future baby).
If you could switch your job with anyone else within Creative Family Connections, whose job would you want?
Fortunately, I’ve been with Creative Family Connections for a long time (almost 8 years!) and I’ve played each role at the company. But, if I was a bit more savvy at social media, I think I’d like to play around with different possibilities there! Plus, working in advertising sounds really fun as well.
What advice do you have for prospective Creative Family Connections surrogate candidates?
Give it a try! Becoming a gestational carrier will probably be one of the most amazing opportunities to profoundly change an individual or a couple’s life. Explore the surrogacy opportunity, do your research, make sure you are working with a credible surrogacy agency (like us!) to take care of you and help match you to those intended parents you were dreaming of.
What are 3 words to describe Creative Family Connections?
Leading; Innovative; and Committed.
What do you find the most challenging about working with surrogacy agency Creative Family Connections?
It is very hard to not get emotionally invested in each case. The medical and science behind Assisted Reproductive Technology is never guaranteed and a pregnancy is never 100% promised, but we are so invested and concerned in the outcomes for our gestational carriers and intended parents.
What do you like most about Creative Family Connections?
I love when I first call parents to touch back after the birth of their child. We check in to make sure the hospital is treating everyone well, and to share in a little of the excitement of the birth. You can just feel them oozing with tenderness and love!
What drew you to Creative Family Connections originally? And how has Creative Family Connections changed since?
I was initially connected to Creative Family Connections when I decided to become an egg donor. The overall experience was so powerful that I knew I wanted a career in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Creative Family Connections has definitely grown into the magnificent team that it is now. When I started, there were three of us! Now, we’ve grown to 10 super heros (and then there is me) eager to help in someone’s surrogacy journey.
What is on your wish list for the next 10 years with Creative Family Connections?
Improve, improve, improve! I always hope to collect feedback to help me as an individual grow and Creative Family Connections to be a stronger, more efficient, and more supportive company for intended parents and gestational surrogates alike!
What is the favorite part about working for Creative Family Connections?
Being part of such a profound process of helping someone achieve their dream of parenthood! Wow, what a proud feeling it brings.
What is your proudest moment at Creative Family Connections?
I am very proud of helping intended parents become parents and I am equally as proud of supporting gestational surrogates achieve their dreams of helping someone become a parent. I suppose I am lucky in that I get to feel equally proud every time a baby is born!
Tell us a little bit about your life outside of Creative Family Connections.
I am newly married to my husband, John, as of September 2018. We bought the sweetest brick house last year in Arlington, Virginia, that overlooks a beautiful park/forest. I am a MAJOR dog enthusiast (if I could have a 100 dogs I would!) and I am a caregiver to a parent as well. Thankfully, my job allows me the opportunity to do it all!