Meet the
team

Dr Tiki Osianlis

Dr Tiki Osianlis is our fearless leader. With a long and formidable pedigree in embryology and IVF, her reputation often precedes her. She has served some of Melbourne’s most well-known IVF providers for the last 18 years, most recently as the Group Scientific Director for Monash IVF. She is regularly invited to speak and consult internationally, particularly throughout Australasia.

Tiki’s career in embryology and IVF began after completing her PhD at Monash University. As an adjunct Senior Lecturer with the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Monash Health, she particularly enjoys supervising the research of Honours and PhD students, and maintains a special interest in projects exploring sperm and egg interaction, as well as optimal embryo selection.

As Scientific Director for Newlife IVF, Tiki oversees our state-of-the-art laboratory, driving our commitment to and implementation of best scientific practice: “Robust scientific strategies can help couples achieve a healthy family sooner rather than later. As science and technology evolves, so too should the way we care for eggs, sperm and embryo in the laboratory setting – advances in science can lead to significant advances in care but only if we truly invest in applying that research to day-to-day practice.”

Tiki humbly describes herself as ‘very boring’ and ‘hobby free’ but we know better. Her guiding mantra is ‘per angusta ad augusta’ (through trial to triumph) and this is apparent in everything she does, from taking part in fundraising challenges like Melbourne Coastrek to generously sharing her know-how with others in order to help them achieve their hopes and dreams.

Maria Diamente

Maria Diamente is a highly accomplished IVF manager and clinical embryologist with over 20 years’ experience in the field of ART. She has held many roles during her long career in IVF including IVF Laboratories Manager, Operations Manager, Satellite Manager, National Health and Safety Officer, and National Risk Manager. She has worked with local providers such as Monash IVF and Number 1 Fertility. She has also been a trainer and consultant for a range of other IVF clinics, both nationally and internationally.

Maria specialises in commissioning and establishing laboratories, with a focus on efficient and effective laboratory design and construction. She has extensive experience in training staff and managing clinic accreditation. As a trained auditor, Maria also has a wealth of expertise in implementing and overseeing quality management systems in the IVF clinic, successfully integrating her broad expertise into clinics both large and small.

With a Bachelor of Science with Honours from LaTrobe University, Maria is passionate about giving every patient the best possible chance of achieving their dream of having a baby: “The most rewarding aspect of my job is working as a team with people who genuinely care and who have come together to help others and make a small difference in someone’s life.”

Outside of work, Maria loves all things food-related – from creating to consuming – as well as travelling and enjoying time with loved ones. A firm believer in giving back, she also volunteers in house-building programs across Cambodia, helping to improve family life and enabling children to have access to clean water and education.

Dr Sarah Nowoweiski

Sarah Nowoweiski is Newlife IVF’s Counselling and Donor Services Manager. A clinical and health psychologist and fertility counsellor, Sarah has worked in the fertility setting for 18 years. She was formerly the Counselling Manager at Number 1 Fertility and has previously worked as a Senior Counsellor at Melbourne IVF, Monash IVF and The Austin Parent Infant Research Institute.

Sarah received her Doctor of Psychology from Deakin University, completing research in the areas of women’s reproductive issues, fertility and birth-related experiences. She is also a member of the Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association (ANZICA) and has helped to establish surrogacy and donor programs at several ART clinics.

Sarah is passionate about supporting the well-being of individuals and couples receiving fertility treatment: “Going through IVF and other treatments takes an emotional toll on every couple. Counselling plays a critical role in helping couples to process and manage what they are going through – both as individuals and as a couple.”

When she’s not at work, Sarah loves spending time with her husband and daughter. She also enjoys karate, travelling, reading and socialising.

Maria Savva

Embryologist, Maria, has always had an interest in fertility. After completing her Masters, she did a further year of research on oocyte (egg) maturation, followed by almost four years at Monash IVF as a Clinical Embryologist. Her passion for her field, and her love of travel, took Maria to central London to work at the largest IVF company in the world. After 18 months overseas and plenty of weekends spent discovering Europe, Maria returned home to Melbourne and joined the team at Newlife IVF.

Although Maria’s favourite part of her working day is delivering good news to patients, she also loves her coworkers. “It is not always easy to create a culture at work that is passionate, collaborative, genuine and caring, with a culture of learning, but that is what we’re blessed to have here at Newlife. We inspire one another to be the best every day, because we all truly believe in the work we do.”

When Maria isn’t working, she loves to get out and about: catching up with friends, visiting museums and galleries, and indulging in a bit of retail therapy. Otherwise, you can find her at the beach, whether that’s here in Melbourne, or on a sun lounger by the sea in Greece.

Winter O

Winter believes children are our future, and it is this conviction that led her to a career in Clinical Embryology. “I could not imagine a more amazing job than helping potential parents fulfil their goal of having kids. It is the most rewarding experience when one of our patients finally falls pregnant, and an honour to be a part of this important moment in their life.” Winter’s colleagues at Newlife IVF also contribute to her love of the job: “We all share the same goals and passions, and it creates a culture and atmosphere that makes me excited to come to work.”

In her downtime, Winter can be found relaxing in front of the TV with her husband and a glass of wine. We’re not sure how relaxing her husband finds this, though, as Winter’s favourite ‘hobby’ is ‘watching horror movies and seeing him freak out’. Travel is another of Winter’s preferred pastimes. She frequently visits family in Korea and fondly recalls catching up with her sister and cousins over a midnight snack.

Fatima Figueiredo

Fatima is a dedicated Clinic and Laboratories Program Manager with a wealth of experience in embryology and laboratory management.

While she doesn’t have any pets, Fatima is kept busy by her two children, who she says often double as a cat and dog! When she’s not spending time with her family, she enjoys streaming shows like The Witcher and watching musicals like Rent. Her favourite movie changes depending on her mood or the weather.

In terms of sports, Fatima follows the North Melbourne Football Club, which was chosen by the boys in her family. She loves working at Newlife IVF because of the people and their commitment to providing a positive patient experience. Collaborating with others is something she thrives on and enjoys.

Fatima likes to unwind by playing board games, which has become a new favourite pastime. Her idea of a perfect holiday is camping near Apollo Bay, where she can reset and fully disconnect.

Sandra S

With a remarkable 20+ years’ experience as an embryologist, Sandra has worked at IVF clinics in Melbourne and overseas. This includes an 18-year stint at Monash IVF, and two years at a large IVF clinic in the UK. When asked what gets her out of bed each day, she said: “Being a small part of someone’s journey to parenthood and getting to work with such a fun and dedicated team. That, and checking out how our tiny residents (embryos) have been developing overnight.”

When she’s not at work, Sandra loves pottering around the house and garden. Whether it’s cooking up a fragrant paella, sewing or crocheting up a storm, or taking care of her many animals (four chickens, two guinea pigs, one rabbit and a spiny leaf insect!), she likes to keep busy. When it’s time to kick back, she enjoys watching comedies, like Brooklyn 99, and her all-time favourite, Seinfeld.

Jessica G

With a staggering 25+ years of experience, Senior Embryologist, Jessica Galea, has worked for a range of IVF providers, including Melbourne IVF, Monash IVF, Sydney IVF and Fertility First. After all these years, she still can’t see herself doing anything else: “I get to do what I love every day with a group of people who are driven by the same passion as I am – helping couples achieve their dream. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.”

There’s nothing Jessica loves more than to spend time with her own family. Whether it’s serving a delicious, home-cooked Italian meal to husband, Jason, and their 10-year-old twin girls, or taking the twins to musical theatre and dance classes, she loves hanging out with the three most important people in her life.

Jessica and her family particularly enjoy exploring the world together. Hawaii rates a mention for its stunning sand and surf, while Singapore takes first prize for its food and huge range of kid-friendly activities. A trip to Vegas to renew her wedding vows was also a highlight!

Amanda C

A New Zealand native, Amanda Collins first began her career in reproductive medicine in 2005, becoming an embryologist three years later. Since joining the Newlife team, Amanda has made quite the impression with patients. This is no doubt due to her stories about eggs of another kind – those of her chickens! If you come along to see Amanda, be prepared to hear about her three Silkies (Snowflake, Custard and Pungu) and two Big Browns (Favourite and Honey). You might say that she’s very eggs-perienced (sorry, we just had to).

Away from work, you’ll find Amanda journeying through Melbourne’s East in search of great coffee. You can also find her at Moggs Creek (along the Great Ocean Road) taking a long walk on the beach or supporting her beloved All Blacks from afar.

More recently, she has taken on the task of introducing fellow team member and embryologist, Leah Lazzaro, to the best classic movies of all time after finding out that she hasn’t seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Breakfast Club, Fame, Footloose or Star Wars! Looks like it’s time to pull out the popcorn.

Ilona R

Ilona has almost 19 years of experience in the industry, from being a trainee, embryologist, lab manager and operations manager, to now a senior embryologist at Newlife IVF. She holds both a Graduate Diploma and a Masters in Reproductive Science.

When asked why she loves what she does, even after nearly two decades, she answers, “if we can make a small difference in helping people get closer to having a baby, it makes what we do worthwhile. I have previously worked with some of the doctors and staff at Newlife IVF, so I actively sought out a position here. Working with like-minded individuals makes coming to work easy every day.”

Her favourite way to start a day is with a morning HIIT class and whenever she can, she goes to the gym. After a full day at work, she looks forward to seeing her partner and daughter and hearing about how their day went.

On the weekends, Ilona loves spending time with her family, which usually involves multiple trips to the park and a coffee and bagel run at their local café. As beach lovers, they also regularly travel somewhere coastal when possible. Ilona loves catching up with friends over food and fancies going to the NGV: “These days, those hobbies have converted to cafes and exhibitions that are kid-friendly!”

Megan W

Megan is an embryologist who holds a Masters in Clinical Embryology and has six years of overseas experience (four in Perth and two in London within the NHS). She joined Newlife IVF last October 2020.

“The team we have at Newlife is honestly amazing. Everyone is truly passionate about what they do and we all share a common goal of wanting the best outcome for our patients,” Megan answered when asked about her motivation to come to work each day. She also shares a fun fact about her team: “The lunchtime conversation for the embryology team generally centres on what you’re eating or where you have plans to eat. The best way to an embryologist’s heart is through their stomach.”

Like her teammates, delivering good news to patients is always the best part of any day. Being able to share her passion for embryology with patients in a way that makes it less daunting or unknown for them is also something she looks forward to.

In addition, Megan is passionate about filling up her passport (Central America is hopefully next on the list) and her five-month-old Schnoodle puppy Percy (or Percival when he’s naughty, which is often according to Megan). During holidays, she likes exploring galleries and museums and sampling the local cuisine of her destination.

Nayoung K

Nayoung is a Bachelor of Biomedical Science graduate and holds a diploma in Reproductive Sciences, as well as a Masters in Clinical Embryology. She has previously worked in research and is now a great asset to the embryology team.  “I love that our work has such significance. It’s a real privilege to share such a personal experience and it is very rewarding knowing that I have played a part in helping patients through their fertility journey.”

Off duty, Nayoung likes to try out local cafés with her friends and for her, it is always great to find new hidden gems. She has a pet dog named Lucky – a Maltese who likes to seek out a beam of light to sunbathe in at any given opportunity. In addition, Nayoung sometimes goes to a ceramics studio to make a thing or two when she’s free. “Not necessarily something that I am good at, but definitely something that I enjoy,” she confesses.

Sophie A

Sophie is an embryologist who holds a graduate diploma in Reproductive Science and a Bachelor of Science from Monash University. She finished her Masters in Clinical Embryology in 2021 with fellow embryologist Charlotte Casey and has been friends with her since. Having a growth mindset, Sophie looks forward to learning new things and taking on challenges every day in her first-ever role. She takes pride in being part of a dedicated and caring team that puts patients first and works together towards a common goal.

Being an Italian, she loves cooking Italian food, especially lasagne and bolognese, which her mum has taught her. Sophie is a coffee snob – always out for brunch and finding the best café during weekends. She also enjoys going to the market, working out at the gym and playing winter soccer.

Charlotte C

Charlotte recently completed her Masters in Clinical Embryology (in 2021) with her teammate and now friend Sophie Atherden. As a Bachelor of Science (Reproductive Science) graduate and an embryologist, she gets a great sense of fulfilment at work, especially when she sees patients excitedly enter and exit the clinic. Having a close-knit family of colleagues is another one of the many things Charlotte loves about working at Newlife IVF.

While on holiday, you’ll probably find Charlotte relaxing and swimming in the ocean at Blairgowrie. She also loves to cook, bake desserts, solve puzzles, bond with friends and play with her two poodles Louis and Pippa during her free time. If you’re a huge Hawks supporter and Friends fan (she’s watched the series many times), you’ll surely get along with Charlotte.

May Y

After earning her degrees, May entered the infectious disease industry as a research assistant before jumping to the world of clinical embryology as a lab admin. She now joins Newlife IVF as an embryologist who loves to challenge science itself to try and achieve the best result for her patients.

May is a big foodie and, in her spare time, loves finding new places to try with her partner and dogs – two mini longhaired dachshunds named Gio, a.k.a. her expressive sassy miss, and Stitch the troublemaker. She also enjoys remaining fit and active and loves running, pilates or a gym session, and playing sports such as badminton and bouldering.

Her favourite musicals are The Lion King and Hamilton. While Malaysia and Singapore are her top holiday destinations, where she can see her family and indulge in more good food.

Marnie D

Marnie holds a Graduate Diploma in Reproductive Science and a Master of Clinical Embryology. Having previously worked for an IVF provider, Marnie has significant experience within the fertility industry and is passionate about using her skillset to help others achieve their dream of pregnancy.

She loves sharing positive news with her patients, particularly when it involves telling them that their eggs were successfully fertilised (forming an embryo) or that they are pregnant. Witnessing joy in the faces of those on their fertility journey is why Marnie does what she does.

Interestingly, before joining the team, Marnie studied with two Newlife IVF colleagues, Charlotte C and Sophie A. She describes them as being influential in her decision to work at Newlife IVF.

In her downtime, Marnie enjoys spending time with her beloved pets, a 13-year-old Boxer/Labrador retriever mix named Pepper and a 4-year-old cat named Binx. In fact, much of her free time is spent spoiling them with attention. Marnie also enjoys activities such as reading, yoga, going to the gym and spending time with her loved ones – especially if it includes delicious food. Marnie is quite a dessert enthusiast.

Melissa L

Armed with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Clinical Embryology from Monash University, Melissa is great addition to our embryology team.

Her favourite part of the day is the excitement of learning and performing different procedures in the lab – a sign of a growth mindset. She also loves that ‘everyone in the Newlife IVF team shares the same goal and is invested in the best outcomes for our patients, whether that be improving their cycle, physical health or mental wellbeing.’

Melissa’s interests and hobbies offer a glimpse into her vibrant off-duty life. Whether she’s immersing herself in gaming adventures or indulging in a Netflix binge, Melissa knows how to recharge. She’s currently captivated by the Netflix K-drama, Hospital Playlist. But when it comes to films, she has a soft spot for Marvel movies and The Lord of the Rings.

She also loves to bake during her free time, especially cookies, pound cakes, cheesecakes and macarons. ‘What I love most about baking is sharing the treats with everyone,’ she said.

During her holiday downtime, Melissa loves heading to Sydney with her family to connect with their relatives.

Taylah O

Having completed a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Human Pathology and Immunology, Taylah is Newlife IVF’s Laboratory Administrative Support. Her experience includes previous work at NATA Accredited Pathology and Microbiology Laboratories.

Taylah finds joy in continuous learning experiences and loves the impact that Newlife IVF has on people’s lives, particularly in creating opportunities for those who might not have had it otherwise.

She has a delightful furry companion – a chocolate and white Border Collie – and loves to unwind by delving into the pages of a good book or watching a series. She’s currently streaming Yellowstone. You might also find her out and about, exploring the great outdoors with friends, engaging in 4WD adventures or gliding on rollerblades on weekends.

Taylah’s regular holiday destination involves camping along the Murray River, a serene escape that perfectly complements her adventurous spirit. And when it comes to football, she proudly cheers on Essendon.

Alejandra (Alex) Castillo

With an incredible 12 years of experience in IVF, Nurse Unit Clinical Manager Alex has supported many patients on their path to becoming parents. After working at Monash IVF for most of her career, Alex decided to bring her considerable skills to Newlife IVF. She also has extensive expertise in women’s health nursing, having previously worked in the gynaecology/gynae-oncology wards at Monash Health.

While Alex loves seeing her brilliant, like-minded co-workers at Newlife IVF, her favourite part of her workday is interacting with patients: “I feel blessed to be a part of my patients’ journey to parenthood. I still get goosebumps when I get to deliver the wonderful news of a positive pregnancy result.”

Outside of work, Alex is a mad Melbourne Victory fan and tunes into soccer matches with her extended cheer squad made up of Luna the Golden Retriever, Lucy and Pearl the Conure parrots and Nick the fish. She also loves baking, whether it’s whipping up tasty Latin American sweets for her boys or her famous cakes that she loves to decorate. Her passion for decorating also extends to her house when the occasion arises – in fact, she puts up three Christmas trees come December!

Emily Montalto

Emily is Newlife IVF’s Nurse Unit Manager/Nurse Quality Manager who is also a professional member of The Fertility Society of Australia and Fertility Nurses of Australasia. In addition to her bachelor’s degree in nursing, Emily has completed the Comprehensive Reproductive and Sexual Health Nursing course and has extensive experience working in fertility and IVF clinics. She is very honoured to have helped many women and couples achieve their dream of having a baby: “Reproduction has fascinated me for as long as I can remember, so after finishing my nursing degree and completing my first two years working at a busy Melbourne tertiary hospital, I then went on to specialise in fertility nursing in 2014 and haven’t looked back since.”

Emily’s motivation for getting up and coming to work each day is providing support and making a difference in the lives of women and couples having a challenging time. She also loves how Newlife IVF is an incredibly experienced team: “Most of us have a long working history together and are like-minded in our values and priorities – to provide the highest quality of care to our patients.” Like many, delivering the wonderful news of a positive pregnancy result has always been and will always be Emily’s favourite part of the working day: “Hearing updates from patients once their precious baby has arrived is equally wonderful and special.”

Emily’s family is her passion and she loves spending time with her husband and young son during her free time. Together, they love to bond over a long walk along the Merri Creek Trail. She also enjoys baking sweet treats like cakes, desserts, muffins and biscuits, as well as keeping active and reading (mostly through Audible when she’s on the work commute).

Emily is a big Richmond fan, and her favourite movie is La La Land. Currently, she’s streaming Jane the Virgin, as recommended by Dr Nicole Hope.

Catherine K

With an amazing 15 years’ experience in women’s health nursing, Registered Nurse Catherine has helped many patients navigate their fertility treatment. She began her nursing career at one of Melbourne’s largest hospitals (St Vincent’s Hospital), followed by a stint at Monash IVF as well as a year abroad at a notable fertility clinic in London.

When asked what motivates her to work at Newlife IVF each day, Catherine responded: “One of the things I love most about being a fertility nurse is being able to help others through the very private and emotional journey to parenthood. Being able to tell a couple they are having a baby, and that their dream has become a reality, is so very rewarding.”

On the weekends, Catherine loves spending time with her husband and kids, and cheering on the mighty Geelong Cats. She also keeps herself busy going for runs and cooking up a storm. However, if Catherine does put her feet up, you can bet she’ll be watching her favourite tear-jerker, The Notebook.

Sally A

Sally Ascui has worked in fertility for the last decade with nursing roles at some of Melbourne’s most well-known IVF clinics, including Monash IVF and Number 1 Fertility.

With a Graduate Certificate of Nursing and Post-graduate Diploma in Midwifery, Sally has extensive experience in Women’s Health. She has also previously worked as a midwife, coordinating antenatal care and patient education.

Sally provides our patients with the highest level of education and care as she guides and supports them throughout their IVF journey: “Compassion and kindness can make a huge difference to individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatment. These are incredibly sensitive issues for people to have to deal with while still holding down jobs and managing other life commitments. As a Fertility Nurse, my aim is to be a trusted advisor – I love connecting with my patients, helping them to make sense of any complexity, and in doing so, making their journey as easy as possible.”

Outside of work, Sally enjoys keeping fit, running and spending time with my family and friends. Her guilty pleasure is watching reality TV such as Survivor and Master Chef.

Lauren F

Don’t let Registered Nurse, Lauren Frail’s last name fool you! With a background in Emergency Department nursing, Lauren is the strong and hardy type, and incredibly adept at providing care and compassion to our fertility patients.

Known for making a mean carrot cake, she spends her spare time whipping up delicious creations for her family, friends and cake-loving colleagues. Lauren balances her love of baking with keeping fit, cycling to and from work every day, and swimming and running whenever she gets the chance.

A footy fan, Lauren follows the Richmond Tigers and enjoys watching the footy while hanging out with her ‘house tiger’ Gibson (otherwise known as her pet cat!). She loves getting away with family at the Murray River, and having a laugh with fellow fertility nurse and fitness fanatic, Sharyn Lanham (‘planking’ competition, anyone?).

You can also find Lauren as one of our lovely nurses demonstrating how to administer fertility medications!

Megan V

Megan is a Fertility Nurse with two years’ experience in IVF and six years’ experience at Casey Hospital as a Surgical Nurse. Being part of the wonderful, supportive and positive team at Newlife IVF is something she’s proud of, and her favourite part of her working day is having the privilege of telling patients they are pregnant. “We all genuinely care for our patients and work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.”

At the weekend, she enjoys going out with friends to try new cafés and restaurants. She loves watching movies and TV series too, and claims Friends to be the best series ever! She has a Groodle (a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle) named Delilah and follows St. Kilda in the AFL.

Chloe D

Chloe started in the industry by working in Oncology and Haematology. She’s now part of Newlife IVF as a fertility nurse and credits Newlife as being a happy and positive place to work. Helping people create a family is what motivates her each day and she looks forward to giving patients their positive results the most.

During her downtime, she likes trying out new restaurants with her friends and family or going to the gym. She has a Blue Heeler named Luna and follows Richmond in the AFL. Her current Netflix show of choice is Stranger Things, and as someone who loves to relax by the beach, her favourite holiday destination is Inverloch. 

Taylor T

Taylor began her career as a cardiac nurse before becoming a fertility nurse. She loves the opportunity this unique role gives her to assist patients in creating their own families: “There is no better feeling in the world than being able to call a patient to let them know of a positive pregnancy test.” Her favourite part is heading home after a successful day.

In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym and relaxing with family and friends. She also loves travelling to Bali describing the holiday destination as her second home: “I love the hot weather and the amazing food. Never a dull moment when in Bali!”

A ‘fur mum’, Taylor has a cat and a dog. She also follows Essendon in the football. As for other favourite past-times, she loves the musical Moulin Rouge and the movie Dirty Dancing. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you can reach out to Taylor who’s currently streaming the show.

Tamara R

Prior to joining Newlife IVF, Tamara studied and trained in Melbourne, before relocating to Brisbane where she worked in bereavement services for four years. As a fertility nurse, she loves helping her patients to prepare for and manage the challenges of the fertility journey, and at the end of this experience, being able to celebrate a highly-anticipated positive result with them: “The joy of helping others during a very emotional and private journey to parenthood is truly rewarding.”

Outside of work, she loves to cook, spend time with her family, indulge in weekends away with her husband, discover new restaurants, or potter away at some craftwork. She’s also an Essendon fan like Taylor! “You will catch me at every game!” she exclaims.

She has a rescue Greyhound named Queenie and is a true Disney lover. Her idea of an epic holiday is one pent at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and being totally immersed in the magic of make-believe and animation. Her favourite musicals are Wicked and Mary Poppins, and her favourite movie is anything produced by Disney or Pixar.

And as for her fave Netflix pick? Tamara says she doesn’t really watch TV and would rather be outdoors.

Sarah L

Before joining Newlife IVF, Sarah had 18 years of experience as a clinical nurse specialist and educator in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), three years as a nurse and nurse educator with another IVF provider in Australia, and another three years working in NICU in London.

As a mother of two IVF children herself, she understands how incredibly challenging the fertility journey can be for the patient, partner and family. With this in mind, Sarah fervently works to give back to the fertility world and to try and make it just a little bit easier for each and every patient.

Why work at Newlife IVF? Sarah says it’s because it’s a clinic that is really centred on patient care. She particularly likes the team’s friendly energy and the encouragement they give to each other, as they all strive to make a difference in people’s lives.

Outside work, she loves to be creative – doing craft activities with her kids or experimenting with food in the kitchen. She enjoys cooking healthy paleo or LCHF (low-carb, high-fat) recipes. She’s also passionate about travel, culture, exercise (pilates and swimming) and people.

As a beach lover, her favourite holiday destination is Noosa (although her kids prefer the pool!). When it comes to the best TV shows, Friends tops her list. She also likes The Crown and Dopesick.

Sharyn L

With an incredible 25 years of experience in fertility nursing and follicle scanning, Registered Nurse, Sharyn Lanham, has seen it all. She’s also previously worked as a clinical nurse educator, nurse manager, paediatric emergency nurse and midwife, including stints at some of Melbourne’s biggest hospitals (The Royal Children’s Hospital, The Royal Women’s Hospital).

When asked why she loves working at Newlife IVF, Sharyn responded: “It’s a privilege to work with like-minded, passionate individuals who go above and beyond to make the patient experience a positive one, during what can be a very challenging time for women and couples. I really enjoy getting to know my patients – we have a good chat during their follicle scans. My favourite part of the day is when I get to tell patients that they’re pregnant.”

On weekends, Sharyn likes to relax with her Spoodles (Barney and Yogi), pretend it’s still the 80s by watching The Wedding Singer or indulge in repeats of cult Australian TV show Offspring (‘I wanted to be Nina’).

Sharyn has also obtained her Fitness Instructor Certificate 3 & 4 and loves completing the gruelling Coaching Zone fitness program at her local gym. This love of torturous exercise probably explains why she’s noticed that fellow colleague and fertility nurse, Lauren Frail, can ‘plank’ with the best of them.

Cassy F

Ultrasound Technician and Fertility Nurse Cassy believes family is everything. This may be why, after pursuing a rewarding career at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre as a theatre nurse, she moved to fertility care. Before joining the team at Newlife IVF, Cassy worked as a Scanning Technician and IVF Nurse at Monash IVF for 7 years.

Naturally kind-hearted, Cassy provides patients with the highest level of support throughout their IVF journey: “I am passionate about providing genuine, compassionate care to my patients. I love the time I spend with them during their ultrasounds, helping them understand their progress and results and, at times, easing their concerns.” Cassy also feels privileged to be part of a team that truly values its patients and staff.

Although known for her love of Disney films, Cassy is also a fan of an amazing dramatic performance – The Green Mile and Joker are among her favourite movies. She also enjoys watching repeats of the crime drama series The Sopranos. However, when Cassy does have a bit of time up her sleeve, you’re likely to find her practising her singing or brunching with her husband and kids. That is, when she’s not chasing after her energetic and boisterous three-year-old Beagle, Zahli.

Ruby FM

Ruby previously worked in Oncology and Haematology but has now joined Newlife IVF as a fertility nurse and loves how she is helping to make a real difference in people’s lives alongside her amazing colleagues.

An adventurous soul, Ruby has completed a lap of Australia, not once but TWICE! Her favourite spots are Cape York, The Simpson Desert and Broome. On weekends, you’ll find her outdoors, usually camping someplace far away with her friends.

Coming from Tiger land, she follows Richmond in the football. She also has a handsome Siberian Husky named Cooper.

You can also find Ruby as one of our lovely nurses demonstrating how to administer fertility medications!

Libby C

Libby’s professional journey has been filled with diverse and enriching experiences. She spent eight years at a women’s hospital in Melbourne, where she rotated through various departments – even working as an associate unit manager in the busy birth suite. For the past five years, she worked with an obstetrician and fertility specialist at a Melbourne-based hospital, providing dedicated care to fertility and maternity patients. In fact, she still works at the hospital’s birth suite on weekends.

Her favourite part of the workday involves performing follicle scans while educating patients about their cycles. One of the aspects Libby cherishes about working at Newlife IVF is the supportive and collaborative team. Regardless of their roles – whether a nurse, embryologist, fertility specialist, counsellor or administration – everyone works together to achieve a common goal of providing the best patient-centred care.

Outside work, Libby enjoys indulging in various interests and hobbies. Recently, she finished watching The Last of Us. When asked about her favourite movie, she answered Lady in the Water by M. Night Shyamalan, which showcases her appreciation for captivating and thought-provoking films.

Music also holds a special place in her heart, with Bon Iver and Taylor Swift ranking among her favourites. As a dedicated ‘Swiftie,’ she finds solace and inspiration in Taylor’s music. She enjoys visiting her favourite local coffee shop and savouring delicious treats, along with neighbourhood walks with her husband and two young daughters.

Among the holiday destinations Libby has explored, Singapore holds a special place in her heart because of its food. Specifically, Sentosa Island is good fun for her!

Mandy S

One of Newlife IVF’s fertility nurses, Mandy holds a Bachelor of Nursing and has a diverse background in various medical fields, including orthopaedics, cosmetic nursing, vaccinations, urology and gynaecology. She also has experience working in a fertility facility.

Outside work, Mandy is a proud parent to her fur baby, a two-year-old Italian greyhound named Tokyo. You can also find her in the kitchen, whipping up her famous vodka pasta. It might take an hour, but she swears it’s worth every minute.

Mandy is all about that active life – running, pilates and a bit of retail therapy. She’s a travel junkie too! New York is her spirit city, and she loves nothing more than wandering the streets and people-watching, particularly on the subway.

What does she love about Newlife IVF? The supportive culture and everyone working towards the same goal of ensuring that our patients experience the best outcomes. Helping people on their fertility journey and making it as stress-free as possible is what drives her and makes her excited to work every day.

Yazmin L

Yazmin is a Newlife IVF Fertility Nurse. She has diverse experience across various medical fields, including oncology, hematology and cardiology, as well as pediatrics at a children’s hospital. Adding to her repertoire, Yazmin has also served as a fertility nurse at another clinic, showcasing her commitment to helping individuals on their journey to parenthood.

Yazmin finds immense fulfilment in being part of the Newlife team, sharing that the unparalleled support and commitment to providing the best care for each patient is why she loves her work. The most fulfilling part of her job is offering support and comfort to patients during the vulnerable moments of their fertility journey.

At home, Yazmin embraces quality time with her young son and partner. Her love for sitcoms and reality TV is evident, with Below Deck and Friends among her favourite shows to watch during her leisure time. She also loves exploring Melbourne’s sandwich delis and heading home to Queensland to see family.

Roxanne M

Sound has always been central to Roxanne’s career. While studying music at university, she learned to channel sound into original compositions. Now, as a sonographer, she uses it in a different way: to help patients see their own ‘original compositions’ – their babies – via ultrasound.

Having worked in both general and gynaecological/obstetric ultrasound in a variety of private clinic and hospital settings, Roxanne has found her niche in fertility. “It’s a unique and beautiful field of practice within the healthcare industry. Most of medicine is concerned with disease, but we get to use medical intervention to help patients achieve a dream: to have a family. I love knowing that I am making a difference in our patients’ lives.”

In her spare time, Roxanne enjoys creative pursuits: composing music, playing the flute, singing and writing fantasy fiction, accompanied by many cups of tea. When she’s not flexing her creative muscles, she likes to unwind with a bit of online ‘window shopping’ or by watching suspenseful TV series like You and Into the Night. On holiday, you can find her at Palm Cove in Queensland, ‘a beautiful place to just relax and morph into a languid vegetable.’

Karen W

Karen is an experienced sonographer. She has a Diploma in Medical Ultrasonography and 20 years of experience in obstetrics and gynaecology. She loves working at Newlife IVF, particularly given the caring nature of her colleagues.

Karen is a morning person and has found this time to be her most productive. She has a passion for photography and digital art and finds time each week to get out and about to capture images while dedicating her evenings to creating photo art.

She is otherwise a bit of a homebody at heart and spends her time baking, building Lego with her grandsons (whom she sees every week), teaching them photography and Photoshop, or watching action and adventure movies – anything with Dwayne Johnson or Jason Statham tends to be a winner for her! Karen also has two dogs she loves to play with, including a sensitive border collie named Mac and a cuddly German Shepherd named Bella. Plus, there are a couple of cats that belong to her kids.

She likes streaming TV series in her free time, too. She just finished watching White Collar and plans to move on to the new Dexter series. Her favourite show to date is an oldie but a goodie. ‘It’s hard to choose, but I’m a bit of a Trekkie fan and was hooked on Star Trek: The Next Generation,’ she said. Come holidays, she’s an adventure seeker and enjoys activities like wildlife watching, trekking or diving.

Bernadette H

Bernadette Hyland is our Donor & Surrogacy Coordinator. She has been providing andrology, embryology and donor services to some of Melbourne’s most well-known IVF providers for nearly 20 years.

Having originally studied biomedical science, Bernadette maintains a keen interest in human biology and how newer technologies (like cryopreservation) can give our biology a helping hand. Organised, methodical and nerdy (her words, not ours!), Bernadette is well-suited to her role in co-ordinating the logistics and technical aspects of our donor and freezing services.

She says: “Like many women, I always saw myself as being a mother one day and all that comes with it. As a mum of two identical twin boys, I fully understand the desire and yearning to be a ‘mum’. But as a woman and scientist, I also appreciate the options and choices that donor and egg freezing services provide for women who want to delay, or have had to delay, motherhood.”

Outside of work, Bernadette enjoys holidaying with her family in Port Fairy, going to the beach and remembering to go to Pilates.

Susan C

Throughout her career, Susan has helped bring dreams to life for countless families in embryology, genetics and now in the donor program at Newlife IVF. She’s actually come full circle in the IVF industry, working alongside familiar faces from her training over two decades ago. According to her, this feels like reuniting with a long-lost family, which is why she loves working at Newlife IVF. The real highlight of Susan’s workday, however, is the heartwarming reception she receives from Bernadette (whom she loves dearly for her frankness and her stories).

After a long day, Susan enjoys indulging her furry friends with plenty of dog walks. She has two pets: Bailey, the golden retriever, and Saskia, the miniature dachshund. Streaming Drops of God is also one of Susan’s guilty pleasures, as she loves immersing herself in captivating stories and exploring new worlds. But when it comes to her true passion, Susan is very much into the art of crochet—showcasing her intricate creations at markets during weekends. She’s also an avid supporter of the Collingwood football team.

When it comes to cooking, she shares she likes to whip anything up with her trusty Thermomix. Weekends are a whirlwind for Susan, juggling basketball, football and netball activities, all while serving as the designated ‘mum’s taxi.’ 

Holidays, on the other hand, are a time for Susan to unwind and recharge. Whether it’s lounging on the beach with her family, revelling in the blissful stillness with closed eyes, or exploring new destinations like Japan, Uluru or the breathtaking Western Australian coast in a campervan with her three teenage girls, Susan embraces every adventure with open arms.

Katherine R

Although Katherine has experience in all areas of genetic counselling, it’s the joy of supporting patients through their journey to become parents that has led her to develop a special interest in reproductive genetic counselling. She joined Newlife IVF after spending most of her career (18 years!) working in the General Genetics Service at Monash Medical Centre. She has been the Senior Genetic Counsellor and Unit Manager there for the past 9 years and currently looks after patients at Newlife IVF. She is passionate about the unique role of genetic counselling in supporting patients to understand, adapt to, and make fully informed decisions surrounding their genetic risk.

In her spare time, Katherine is an avid photographer. “I constantly annoy my 3 daughters by begging to take their portraits. I think they are the most photographed children in the world!” She also enjoys watching ‘soppy’ shows and period dramas while folding the mountains of laundry that her family creates.

Cath V

Catherine is a counsellor with a background in psychology, community health and education. As a mum of two children, she feels privileged to be part of Newlife IVF and help others create their family. She loves pursuing her passion through her role and working with the kind, caring and compassionate staff at Newlife.

Outside the clinic, Catherine likes to spend time with her crazy Schnoodle named Oscar, go on walks with her family and have coffee with her friends. She also enjoys reading, watching Netflix and going to the movies during her spare time.

Rachel B

Rachel is Newlife IVF’s highly experienced counsellor with a background in community health. Specifically, she used to help clients with a range of difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma and adjustment issues.

Working at Newlife IVF, she loves the supportive team environment and enjoys getting to know each patient’s unique journey and being able to help them throughout their treatment. “The counselling team is very snack oriented and is always up for a coffee run!” she also shared.

She is happiest when she goes for beach walks (Queensland is her regular holiday destination), paddleboards, watches AFL games and catches up with friends and family. In football, she supports Richmond, while The Notebook is her all-time favourite film. Like her colleague Lauren E, she also loves Moulin Rouge, the musical.

Additionally, Rachel has a Jack Russell named Taya and has last watched The Patient on Disney+.

Amanda Giandinoto

Amanda Giandinoto is our Patient Finance Manager. She has worked in IVF for over a decade co-ordinating and managing HR and finance services.

Amanda graduated from LaTrobe University with a Bachelor of Business and has worked in the medical industry ever since. “I’m really passionate about using my skills in business and finance to help patients access the best possible medical treatments.

“I feel very privileged to be part of the Newlife IVF team and being able to help patients in a very practical way, as they pursue their dream of having a family. It’s my job to keep patients well-informed about treatment costs and what to expect. I’m very open and transparent with our patients because financing the treatment journey shouldn’t be a source of fear or confusion.”

When not helping people to manage their finances, Amanda enjoys reading, travelling, and catching up with friends and family.

Mary D

Mary is Newlife IVF’s Patient Finance Officer. With an interest in the industry and all things health-related, Mary’s career started in pharmacy, where she worked for seven years as a pharmacy assistant and then retail pharmacy manager. Afterwards, she became a practice manager at a private family-owned GP clinic before joining Newlife IVF.

“IVF is fascinating and it’s such a privilege to be a part of helping patients have their own families. This is the reason I wake up to come to work – to make a difference and assist as best I can with making the finance process as easy to understand, seamless and less daunting as possible.”

In addition to her work, Mary is passionate about food – she loves eating out and trying new restaurants with her partner. She also enjoys going on coffee dates, working out in the gym, taking long walks and catching up with friends.

Denise Castro

Denise is a Marketing Manager with a Masters in Marketing Communications from the University of Melbourne. Her career spans years in publishing and brand management/marketing within fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).

While she doesn’t have a medical background, she is passionate about working for a purpose. She loves how Newlife IVF helps empower women, couples and individuals by providing more options in their journey to conceive, whilst being empathetic and caring. She also appreciates working with a passionate and purpose-driven bunch of individuals who are all so lovely and caring: “I don’t see a job simply as a job – I am driven by the end goal. I thrive in environments where people get excited over ideas or goals and do not simply clock in the hours.”

Having a Type A personality, she enjoys getting things done and gets that jolt of satisfaction when she ticks things off her checklist – her favourite part of a workday. Outside of work, Denise maintains her productivity and active lifestyle, often practising pilates, running or experimenting in the kitchen. She also loves spending time with her pets – two rescue cats named Belize and Toulouse. They immediately stole her heart when she first saw them!

Aliza H

With eleven years’ of experience in medical administration, Aliza is a true expert in keeping all our systems and processes ship-shape. She has also worked as a beauty therapist and in statistics (!) but eventually discovered her love for the IVF industry. Before joining Newlife, she worked in a similar role with another IVF provider.

“IVF is an incredible process and I enjoy applying my skills to such a niche industry to help people create a family. I get up and come to work each day as I love being a part of such a positive team who are all driven by the same goal to help others,” she shares.

During holidays, she loves to visit the Sunshine Coast in Queensland – where she’s originally from – to spend time with her family. She also has a beautiful (but mischievous!) Golden Retriever named Walter.

Donna K

Administration / Patient Finance Officer, Donna, has always had a penchant for helping others. She began her career as a qualified phlebotomist and later honed her special interest in healthcare administration by completing a Cert III in Business/Office Administration and a Cert IV in Pathology Collection. Previously working as a medical receptionist, as well as the Area Manager for Melbourne Pathology, Donna has a wealth of experience assisting both patients and her colleagues.

Donna loves coming to work every morning and can’t get enough of the cheerful and driven energy of the Newlife team. When asked why she loves working at Newlife IVF, Donna responded: “I work with a group of caring professionals who help make a difference in people’s lives.”

When she’s not taking care of others, Donna likes to wind down over an episode of Schitt’s Creek. However, if you really want to see Donna laugh, pop on an old episode of Seinfeld for her to relive!

Elise S

Having worked in the medical industry for more than 15 years, with extensive experience in the surgical sector, Elise has a sound understanding and appreciation for patient care. She knows the importance of having good attention to detail and following things through.

What she loves about working at Newlife IVF, with its incredible teams, is that it allows her to contribute to their patient’s journey into parenthood – something she’s passionate about as a mum herself.

Outside work, she’s a qualified personal trainer and takes her health and fitness seriously. She cooks delicious nutritious foods, stays active and loves going on adventures with her family. Other fun facts about Elise? She’s a die-hard Michael Bublé fan and has lost count of how many times she’s watched Gilmore Girls or 90210!

Alyssa C

Alyssa is one of Newlife IVF’s enthusiastic administration officers. She is pursuing a bachelor degree in law and global studies with a focus on human rights but was drawn to the kind and caring work environment here at Newlife IVF. She loves that everyone here shares the common goal of helping others.

Alyssa finds immense satisfaction in interacting with patients, providing them with the information and support they need while positively impacting their journey – even if it’s simply through a friendly chat. Her favourite part of her working day is her early morning coffee run, which sets a positive tone for the rest of her day.

When not at work, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her two adorable but cheeky dogs a golden retriever and a miniature dachshund. She’s currently hooked on watching Grey’s Anatomy, while her favourite movies are High School Musical and The Notebook. She also loves to go on walks and spend time with her friends.

As for her ideal holiday destination, Alyssa doesn’t have a go-to place, instead preferring to explore new places and immerse herself in different cultures. Her favourite travel destinations to date include Japan and Fiji.

Want more fun facts? Newlife IVF’s Donor and  Surrogacy Coordinator, Susan, is Alyssa’s mum!