By Nikki Peters, Donor Team Coordinator
Nikki has worked with ORM for six years. Nikki’s role on the ORM Donor Team is to work with our egg donors from application to activation.
Being an ORM Egg Donor is a big commitment and can be a truly rewarding experience. After working so closely together, many of our egg donors feel as though the Donor Team has become an extension of their family. Our team feels so connected to our donors, it can be hard for us to part ways once they have completed their donation(s). For those who are interested in becoming an ORM Egg Donor or who are newer to our program, we want to take a moment to introduce the people you will meet!
Shannon Gwartney
Nurse Practitioner
How long have you worked at ORM?
I have been at ORM for 15 years. I started at ORM when the company was very small. Now I cannot imagine ever doing anything else! I do most of the egg donor ultrasound appointments and FDA physicals.
What is your background?
I have a BA in Psychology from U of O and an MS in Nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. In the past, I worked as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Planned Parenthood.
What excites you about being a part of the ORM Egg Donor program?
I love working with the donors and getting to know them, especially when donors come back and do additional donation cycles and we can get to know them better.
What is your favorite book, game, food or activity?
Book: Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky. Game: Baseball. Food: Pizza. Activity: DIY home improvement.
Tonya Carey
Recruitment Specialist
How long have you worked at ORM?
I have been with ORM for three years. Previously, I was a Medic for eight years in the US Air Force. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business and have worked in the fertility industry for seven years.
What advice would you give to someone considering egg donation?
Egg donation has come a long way over the years and the internet may not accurately represent how it is now. Research the clinics you are considering by contacting them to ask questions!
What excites you about being a part of the ORM Egg Donor program?
I love when recipients find their perfect donor and when they go on to achieve their dream of parenthood.
Do you speak any other languages?
Does Southern count?
What would you say is your most exceptional quality?
I have a “welcoming smile” that encourages people to talk to me.
Nikki Peters
Donor Intake Specialist
How long have you worked at ORM?
For six years. I work with all egg donors from application to activation and follow them through their first cycle to make sure they feel completely supported.
What advice would you give to someone considering egg donation?
Whatever you may think is going to be “the hardest part” will most likely not be that hard. Talk with someone who has gone through our process and I guarantee you that you will feel excited to begin.
What excites you about being a part of the ORM Donors program?
I love being the first point of contact for our donors. My goal through this process is to ease any fears they have about making this awesome decision. Most often donors will say how much easier it was than expected.
What is your favorite hobby?
I recently remodeled a 130-year-old farmhouse in Banks Oregon where I live with my husband, two sons, four cats, seven chickens and two ducks. I enjoy the simple life.
Corby Barnes
Match Specialist
How long have you worked at ORM?
I have been with the company for 10 years.
What is your background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Art History and Italian.
Favorite book, game, food or activity?
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen.
What advice would you give to someone considering egg donation?
We are here to answer any questions you have about the process. We want to make sure you feel confident and educated when entering into the program. Transparency is key when it comes to learning about egg donation and all that it entails. We hope that you are as comfortable as possible both mentally and physically while a post of our donor program. We view this as a team and our donors are the star players!
Heather A’Lurede
Donor Coordinator
How long have you worked at ORM?
Eight years and most of those with the Egg Donor Program.
What is your background?
Emergency medicine and Labor and Delivery.
What inspires you?
Motherhood. To be better, set good examples, live in the moment.
Favorite book, game, food or activity?
I love tacos.
What excites you about being a part of the ORM Egg Donor program?
I love working with the egg donors. It is a lot of fun to build relationships with them and help them through multiple cycles. Also, the experience of being a part of the interactions between IP/Donors is very rewarding.
Cassie Reviea
Donor Coordinator
How long have you worked at ORM?
Four years. I started as a Medical Assistant and have been with the Egg Donor Program for three years now.
What is your favorite place to travel?
Anywhere with a warm sunny beach. I would love to travel to Spain and Greece.
What would you do with a winning lottery ticket?
Pay off all of my parents’ debt and then my own. Help with the homeless families and save what is left for my family.
Amelia Ramirez
Donor Coordinator
How long have you worked at ORM?
I am the newest team member and have been here for five months! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Gender Studies and have worked in the medical field for 11 years.
Favorite book, game, food or activity?
My favorite book currently is East of Eden by Steinbeck. I also really love bowling, bike riding, cross stitching, and camping around Oregon.
What excites you about being a part of the ORM Egg Donor program?
I find it really fulfilling to work with our egg donors because I get to watch these young women help make other families whole. ORM Egg Donors often benefit both emotionally and financially from this contribution.
What would you do with a winning lottery ticket?
Retire, travel, and buy houses for each of my family members.
Andi Hockman
Third Party Reproduction Manager
How long have you worked at ORM?
Nine years. The wonderful staff in my departments help egg donors and surrogates, as well as intended parents from Portland and all over the world. I am so grateful we have a highly motivated and genuinely caring team.
What is your background?
I have a Master’s in Reproductive Health Research from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and 16 years of experience in healthcare.
Favorite book, game, food or activity?
I love Harry Potter, piano, drawing, hiking, and time with my family.
What advice would you give to someone considering egg donation?
First: When filling out the donor application, be your authentic self. Recipients are looking for all kinds of people. Show what is interesting about you, what you love, and the match will come. Second: Meet your recipients if possible! This can add so much depth and fulfillment to your experience.
Learn more about becoming an Egg Donor here!
