Meet Our Staff

Stuart Miller joined Growing Generations as an owner and CEO in September of 2001. Under his leadership, the agency has more than tripled in size, serving clients from 28 countries, and is now the largest surrogacy firm in the United States. He also expanded the company’s services into egg donation and sperm donation. Prior to joining the agency, Stuart spent over a decade in executive level positions in both profit and not-for-profit companies. As a writer with a strong emphasis on gay rights issues, his work has appeared in numerous publications over the past 20 years. Miller is the author of "Prayer Warriors," a memoir published in 1999 by Alyson publications. In February, 2008, Stuart and his husband welcomed their son into the world who was conceived through surrogacy and egg donation. He is active as a donor and volunteer with local and national organizations including currently serving as Co-Chair of the American Fertility Association. A native of Tennessee, Miller holds a degree in Communications from Middle Tennessee State University, and has lived in Los Angeles since 1992.

Kim Bergman Ph.D. is the founder of Fertility Counseling Services, Inc., providing all aspects of psychological services to individuals and agencies in the field of fertility and assisted reproduction. Dr. Bergman also is a co-owner of Growing Generations LLC.

Dr. Bergman is the current co-chair of Family Equality, the only national non- profit organization solely dedicated to equality for LGBTQ parents and their families, through advocacy, education and support. Dr. Bergman's professional affiliations include the American Psychological Association, Los Angeles County Psychological Association, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Dr. Bergman and her partner of 25 years have two daughters, ages 12 and 10. Born in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Bergman completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology at UCLA. She then went on to obtain both her Master's and her Doctoral degrees in psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology Los Angeles. Dr. Bergman has been a licensed psychologist since 1992

Teo Martinez, Chief Operating Officer, Growing Generations

A UCLA graduate, Teo Martinez has been involved with client trust account administration since he started with the companies in 1999, and is an authority in the field of surrogacy and egg donation cost analysis. Martinez currently oversees the Case Management, Trust Finance, General Finance and Operations departments of Growing Generations. In addition, he is accountable for the training and development of the staff and is the executive officer in charge of customer care and satisfaction.

Erica oversees the Admissions and Marketing Departments and is a graduate from Central Washington University. She joined Growing Generations and Fertility Cryobank in 2004. Prior to joining the companies, Erica completed an internship with Growing Generations in the summer of 2003, and was an egg donor in our program. In February, 2009, Erica and her wife Monica welcomed their son Gavin into their lives who was conceived using donor sperm. Erica is passionate about helping people to realize their dreams of becoming parents . She resides in Los Angeles and enjoys hiking, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Jeanne Marie has worked professionally in the surrogacy industry since 1991, working in a variety of capacities assisting surrogates, clients, and egg donors through the process. In addition, she has twice been a surrogate, delivering a singleton for a straight couple in 1992 and girl/boy twins for a gay couple in 1995. Jeanne Marie relishes seeing the relationships unfold and families being created through surrogacy. She grew up in Tuscon, AZ where she attended the University of Arizona. After living in southern California for 20 years, Jeanne Marie relocated to work in our Ohio Valley office. She has a daughter and two tiny dogs. Jeanne Marie enjoys sewing, reading, cycling and cooking.

Andrew Compaine, M.D. has been in private practice as a psychiatrist in Wellesley, MA. for over 15 years. He specializes in individual and couples� psychotherapy and works with gay and straight clients, often providing support to clients who are in the process of starting families with the help of assisted reproductive technologies. He received his A.B. with honors at Harvard University; his M.D. at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; and his psychiatric training at Harvard�s McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA. Andrew and his partner John have one daughter through the help of egg donation and gestational surrogacy. Danya was born in 2002 with the help of a Growing Generations surrogate.

Mark joined Growing Generations as Finance and Administration Manager before being promoted to Case Manager. Mark is responsible for guiding intended parents, surrogates and egg donors through the surrogacy process. Mark comes from a diverse work background that includes non-profit, Internet and hospitality experience. A Los Angeles native, he enjoys utilizing his skills and abilities in service to the agency and its clients.

Vanessa is the Client Development Manager, having begun her career as an Administrative Coordinator and working as a Case Management and Intended Parents Admissions Coordinator. Originally from Palm Beach Gardens, FL, she attended college in Boston. She received her bachelor's degree in 2004 from Emerson College. Vanessa enjoys talking with surrogates, egg donors, and clients about this amazing journey. This Los Angeles transplant can be found exploring Southern California in her free time.

Sherri joined Growing Generations in 2006 where she started as the Case Management Assistant and then moved on to the Marketing/Admissions Departments. Sherri worked for nine years in the medical field, three of those years caring for Oncology patients. She found her work with these patients particularly rewarding and challenging. Sherri earned a Bachelors Degree from West Liberty State College in Graphic Design. She enjoys Art, Photography, Broadway Musicals and spending time with family and friends. Sherri is very enthusiastic about being a part of Growing Generations.

Michelle joined Growing Generations after completing her journey through two surrogacies. She delivered a single little girl for a gay couple in 2008, and twin ladies for a straight couple last year. She delighted to be the person who guides surrogates through their first steps towards fulfilling their dreams of helping to grow families.

“Though all aspects of surrogacy amaze me, I have a soft spot for my surrogates. I have been there. I know their questions, concerns, hopes, and dedication. Their excitement and courage to help loving parents is something very familiar and close to my heart.”

Michelle is part of the Ohio Valley office. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in interior design with a master’s degree in architecture to follow. She has a five year old son, a mutt named Buddy, 3 cats, and a ball python by the name of Prada.

Heidi Gast, Client Services Manager

Heidi joined the Growing Generations family as a Client Services Coordinator in the Ohio Valley office and was promoted to Client Services Manager. Heidi attended Kent State University where she majored in Child Psychology. Heidi has spent the past 15 years working in the social service field. She spent several years at a Residential Treatment Facility working with "at risk" youth, and more recently she provided Early Intervention Services for families in need of Child Development Education and Social Service Support. Heidi has been married for 10 years and has an 8 year old daughter. Heidi enjoys time with her family, lounging by the pool, reading, and watching reruns of 'Friends".

Stephan joined the Growing Generations team with an extensive employment history in hospitality and customer service. It was serendipity for he had recently moved back to the Ohio Valley to spend more time with his family. He has superbly enjoyed the discovery of the exciting prospects offered by helping support Growing Generations family development.

His history of education includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from William Paterson University in New Jersey. He also has dual citizenship with Ireland, and lived in London for over four years. Passions include cycling, and Stephan has completed over 3,000 miles of charity rides. Others have offered kudos that he bikes to work, but actually he “works to bike”.

Erica joins Growing Generations as a Client Services Coordinator for the Client Services Department. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communication and minor in Theatre from Ithaca College in 2008. She has a wide range of previous experience from hospitality service to assisting on grant proposals to provide broadband internet to rural regions in West Virginia. Erica enjoys musical theatre, antiquing, spending time with family and friends, singing in her car, and quoting the TV show FRIENDS.

Jamie has worked in finance support roles in the banking, customer service and the medical sectors. She loves spending time with her husband, family, friends, dog and three cats. Her favorite past times are shopping, watching movies, listening to music, and dancing. She is so excited to become a part of a company that creates lives and gives hope to Intended Parents and families. She hopes that one day she will have the opportunity to become a parent herself.

Craig is a graduate from Marshall University in West Virginia, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. Prior to joining Growing Generations Craig spent the last five years working as a Sales Manager in a retail environment; and before that as a Senior Securities Specialist in a bank’s Trust Accounting department. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time and traveling with his wife, watching and attending sporting events, golfing, snow skiing, cooking and relaxing with friends and family.

Byron brings more than 2 decades of professional experience in the public and private sectors, primarily working with the gay and lesbian community. In his position with the agency, he is responsible for the company's human resources and coordinating operations at the Los Angeles headquarters. Byron is a graduate of San Jose State University and is excited to combine his professional skills and community experience in his position for Growing Generations. In his spare time he enjoys swimming, coffee houses, classes at UCLA and his two cats, Tankie and Buster.