Cofertility for Clinic Partners

At Cofertility, our team makes all the difference in how we support our members. Each month, we introduce you to one of the dedicated people working behind the scenes to make your experience better.

This month, we're sitting down with Erin Graham, one of our Member Advocates. Erin brings a rare combination of personal and professional experience to her role. As a three-time gestational carrier, she understands firsthand the emotional and practical aspects of fertility care. Her background includes working at an online fertility marketplace where she matched patients with providers, and at a surrogacy and egg donation agency where she coordinated family-building journeys. With a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and certification as a lactation counselor through the ALPP, Erin combines professional training with lived experience to support our members.

Let's get to know Erin better through some questions about her role, her unique perspective, and what drives her work:

Q: What drew you to working at Cofertility? 

The first thing that really drew me to Cofertilty is the human-centered approach to building a family with third party reproduction. The journey to parenthood can be full of unexpected twists and turns which can really take its toll emotionally.  I believe it’s deeply important to meet each individual where they’re at and from my first conversation with the team, I felt a strong sense of alignment on that.

Q: How did your experience as a gestational carrier shape your approach to supporting members? 

The commitment it takes to complete three journeys as a gestational carrier (surrogate) is not for the faint of heart. It is a long road and requires time, dedication, a strong support system, diligent follow-through, and the proper mindset. 

I felt so passionately about helping people build the families they dreamed of, and that was the fuel for all three journeys, which now extends to every member I support. That is what fuels the work I do every day. Additionally, my experience with the surrogacy process helps guide conversations for those intended parents who will need the help of a gestational carrier to bring their baby (or babies!) home.

Q: Can you walk us through what a typical day looks like for you? 

Each day as a Member Advocate is different. I don’t always know exactly what will unfold. But one consistent thing is that it all starts with coffee! That’s my first stop of the day, and I allow it to work its magic while I organize my priorities for the day ahead and create my to-do list. I’m on the East Coast, so the mornings are a little quieter which allows me the time to set myself up for success and start each day organized and refreshed. From there, it’s about balancing meetings, high-priority match-related tasks, and consistently monitoring my messages in case anything urgent comes up. I try to step away for some short breaks to take my dog for a walk which really helps me stay focused and calm even when those unexpected twists and turns come up. I enjoy the flexibility of remote work and don’t feel a need to have a hard stop time, but I do prioritize time with my family in the evenings and on weekends. That said, I don’t have a hard stop to my day and sometimes the work necessitates jumping online on a weekend to help a Split Member with her cycle. I’ve learned how to balance that with time away to keep myself in the right mindset to stay at my best.

Q: What's the most rewarding part of supporting members through their family-building process? 

There is so much about this work that is rewarding. I love receiving updates from intended parents (especially when they share baby photos)! I love when a Split Member feels empowered by the egg freezing process and excited for their future. I love facilitating match meetings and watching the bond and commitment to one another strengthen throughout a match. The way they root for one another and the gratitude they feel toward each other is beautiful. 

Q: Is there a particular member story that has stuck with you? 

Each match leaves a unique fingerprint on my heart. General themes that have stood out to me are the moments that showcase perseverance, resilience and gratitude. Creative ways we’ve collaborated to overcome an unexpected challenge, moments where members express how much our support has meant to them and how it shaped their experience.   

Q: How do you approach supporting members who might be feeling anxious or uncertain? 

This goes back to the first question, where I mentioned the importance of meeting people where they’re at. Anxiety and uncertainty are perfectly normal feelings to have and my role is to provide clarity, information and resources in a compassionate way. I may not have every answer, but what I will do is be straightforward and help them navigate any ambiguity, fears, doubts and questions so that they come away feeling more confident and informed.

Q: What's one thing you wish more people knew about egg donation? 

The time and commitment required to see it through. There is a rigorous screening process to be cleared to donate. Some testing can take weeks to get results, some testing has to be completed on a specific cycle day, and there may be unexpected follow-up testing. The legal phase also requires careful consideration. I also wish there was a greater understanding that it’s not a perfect science. There are biomarkers and studies that can give us an idea of what to expect, but each individual cycle is different, and sometimes results fall outside of what is expected. I think it’s important to be emotionally prepared for the possibility that things may not go as expected. I guess that’s two things! I could fill a book with what I wish people knew and I’m learning more every day. 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their family-building process, what would it be? 

Prioritize self-care - whether that means setting boundaries, taking time to focus on a hobby, going to a spa, hiking  - anything that brings balance and helps you focus on your overall well-being. Consider joining a support group (online or in person) to avoid feeling isolated. While every journey is unique, sharing experiences can help manage your expectations. Trust your path, be patient with yourself, and know that you’re not alone in this process.

Q: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing? 

I love cooking and trying new foods, a good binge-worthy show snuggled up with my dog, and quality time with my family. One of my favorite things we do is each picking out a Lego set and sitting around the table assembling them together.

Q: How do you practice self-care while supporting members through emotional moments? 

This probably sounds simplistic, but quiet time to step away and process. I make time for myself every day to go for a walk with my dog. I find it really helpful to have those quiet moments to evaluate my state of mind and examine anything that feels off so I can re-frame it. The act of walking and the fresh air and natural light seem to help that process for me.

Q: What's one of your proudest moments as a Member Advocate? 

Moments where members have expressed that I’ve made them feel heard, validated, and supported. There is so much that is out of our control which can create worry, stress, and frustration. Any time I’m able to ease or prevent that feels like a win. Sometimes it’s navigating a really tricky timeline, lending an ear when life necessitates a last-minute change in plans, or facilitating a change in care team to ensure the member feels comfortable with their care team and treatment plan. Whatever the challenge or scenario, everyone deserves to feel heard and have their concerns taken seriously.

At Cofertility, our team makes all the difference in how we support our members. Each month, we'll introduce you to one of the dedicated people working behind the scenes to make your experience better.

This month, we're sitting down with Coco Searcy, our Clinical Operations Manager. With over nine years of experience in fertility care, Coco brings valuable insights from her time at leading New York City fertility clinics. Her work coordinating treatment cycles and helping patients understand their reproductive health options has given her a unique perspective on supporting members through their fertility experiences.

Let's get to know Coco better:

Q: What drew you to working at Cofertility?

I had previously donated my eggs before joining Cofertility, and it was such a special experience. I loved being an egg donor, and it showed me that I wanted to shift gears in my career to help others learn about egg donation and understand what the experience could be like.

I first heard about Cofertility from the amazing and lovely Member Advocate, Rachel, and I felt a strong connection to the Split Program. I loved that it allows our members to freeze their own eggs while helping others grow their families.

I’ve worked with both intended parents who struggled to conceive and young people who wanted to freeze their eggs for their own future fertility. These experiences gave me a firsthand look at the unique challenges each person faces. I also heard many stories of egg donors feeling like just a number rather than a patient at a clinic, which really stuck with me.

I wanted to change that narrative. I wanted to use my knowledge to empower our Split members, helping them navigate the donation and freezing process with confidence and agency over their fertility journey.

Q: Can you walk us through what a typical day looks like for you?

A typical day starts with me snoozing my alarm for no less than 2 times. I’m not the biggest morning person but there are a limited number of things that can get me up early like my Pilates classes and my morning matcha. I’m in my Pilates Princess era so I go 2-3 times a week and it helps me get out of the house in the winter time. Twice a week, I work West Coast hours so I have a little more free time to run errands in the morning and in the Spring, I’ll usually walk through Central Park. Once I’m back home, I’ll hop online to  check my emails and Slack messages to prioritize any immediate follow-ups with Split members or our clinic partners. From there, I’m hopping in and out of meetings, taking calls from Split members who are setting up their cycle or currently in cycle, scheduling outside monitoring appointments, completing Split Program consent calls with new members, and answering any questions from the team about all things IVF and egg freezing.

Every day is different, but the one constant is that I’m always connecting with and supporting our members on their fertility journey.

Q: What's the most rewarding part of supporting members through their family-building process?

The most rewarding part is when a Split member talks to me after their cycle and shares that they learned something new about their body or felt comfortable coming to me with any questions or concerns—even if it’s about a hardship they faced during the process. Just like my teammate Pomi always says—“feedback is a gift.” When a member trusts me enough to share their experiences, whether positive or challenging, it means they feel truly supported and understood.

Building that level of trust and connection allows me to not only help them address any concerns but also empower them to better advocate for themselves throughout their journey. It’s an incredible feeling to know I’ve made a positive impact in their experience.

Q: Is there a particular member story that has stuck with you?

Honestly, so many of our members’ stories stick with me. Everyone’s journey is so personal, and they all have different reasons for wanting to preserve their fertility. What really stands out to me, though, is just how generous and kind our Split members are. Their willingness to help others grow their families while planning for their own future is honestly inspiring. It’s a beautiful reminder of how selfless people can be. I feel lucky to be a small part of their journey, and they inspire me every day.

Q: How do you approach supporting members who might be feeling anxious or uncertain?

I think a lot of anxiety or uncertainty around egg freezing, donation, or anything medical is due to a lack of information. I try to remember that much of the knowledge I have about the egg freezing and fertility process comes from years of working in this field, and many of the members I work with don’t have that background. 

I often ask what their most pressing questions are. If I don't know the answer, I make sure to find the right information or connect them with someone who does. This could mean searching through our learn article database to share relevant resources, encouraging them to join our online community, or reaching out to our medical advisors for expert guidance. By building that foundation of trust and showing them that they can lean on me for support, we can start to ease their anxieties and empower them through the process.

Q: What's one thing you wish more people knew about egg donation?

I wish people knew that they have control over how much or how little they share with the intended parents they match with. Disclosure is truly a spectrum, and there is a right match out there for both Split members and intended parents.

Personally, I’ve loved having a disclosed match because it allowed me to build a meaningful connection with the intended parents. We share a common goal of ensuring their future child has the support and information they need, but we also maintain mutual respect for each other’s boundaries.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their family-building process, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions—no question is too big or too small. You deserve to feel empowered and informed every step of the way. And if you’re someone who feels hesitant to speak up, lean on a trusted friend or family member who can advocate for you.

Q: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?

Outside of work, you can find me diving into a new fantasy series, building Legos (shout out to Erin & Emily @Co for our Lego-building Slack channel!), exploring new omakase spots, or spending time with friends.

Q: How do you practice self-care while supporting members through emotional moments?

Supporting members through their emotional journeys can be challenging, so I prioritize my mental well-being to show up as my best self for them. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take a quick walk to clear my head or reach out to one of my fellow member advocates for a fresh perspective.

I remind myself that I can’t pour from an empty cup, so taking those moments to recharge helps me continue to provide compassionate support to our members.

Q: What's one of your proudest moments as a Member Advocate?

I had a member recently who was dealing with a lot of personal hardships while trying to schedule her cycle. It was clear that everything was becoming too much for her, so I had an honest conversation where I encouraged her to pause and take a break.

We often focus on moving things along as quickly and smoothly as possible, but in her case, rushing might have caused more harm than good. I encouraged her to consider what she could immediately handle and what was most important for her at that moment, which was being there for herself and her family.

Once we established that, we made a plan to check in a month later to see if the timing would be better suited for her cycle once she had a little breathing room. During our check-in call, she became emotional and told me that my approach made her feel seen. She said that beyond being her Member Advocate, she considered me a friend, which is the highest compliment I could receive from any member.

What made this connection even more special was that we bonded over our shared love of books. We exchanged recommendations and connected on a personal level beyond her cycle planning. It was a reminder that sometimes the best support isn’t just about solving a problem—it’s about showing up as a whole person and meeting someone where they are.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with members not just as an advocate but as a human being who genuinely cares about their well-being. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we're highlighting eight remarkable women who spent their lifetimes breaking through the “glass ceiling” to revolutionize reproductive medicine and fertility care. From pioneering physicians who broke racial barriers and brought crucial healthcare to underserved communities, to brilliant scientists who developed groundbreaking IVF techniques, to advocates who changed public perception of fertility treatment - these women have transformed countless lives through their dedication and innovation.

Each of these trailblazers faced unique challenges. Some overcame discrimination as women of color in medicine during the civil rights era. Others fought for recognition of their scientific contributions in male-dominated fields. Together, their work spans nearly a century of progress in reproductive medicine, from the development of early screening tools for women's health to the birth of the first IVF baby in America.

Today, millions of families exist because of the foundations these women built. Their legacy lives on not only in the medical techniques they pioneered, but in their dedication to making fertility care more accessible, equitable, and accepted. Here are eight women whose contributions to reproductive medicine deserve to be celebrated and remembered:

Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens (1909-2001) 

A pioneering Black physician who broke numerous racial barriers in medicine. She was the first Black woman to receive board certification in obstetrics and gynecology and became director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Douglass Hospital in Philadelphia. She was instrumental in popularizing Pap smear screenings among Black women, driving an American Cancer Society van to provide free screenings at local churches. She established innovative teen pregnancy and sexual health education programs, worked extensively on cervical cancer prevention in underserved communities, and as associate dean for minority affairs at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, significantly increased minority student enrollment.

Dr. Georgeanna Seegar Jones (1912-2005) 

A groundbreaking reproductive endocrinologist who made multiple fundamental discoveries in fertility medicine. As a medical student in 1936, she was the first to prove that pregnancy hormone (hCG) originated from the placenta rather than the pituitary. She became the first full-time reproductive endocrinologist at a medical school and, with her husband Howard Jones, established the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at Johns Hopkins in 1939. Her research led to crucial discoveries including the "luteal phase defect" in infertility (1949) and "ovarian resistance syndrome" (1969). In 1978, she and Howard established one of the first IVF clinics in the U.S. at Eastern Virginia Medical School, achieving the nation's first IVF birth in 1981. As director of the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, her work laid crucial foundations for modern fertility treatment.

Lillian Lincoln Howell (1920-2014) 

Lillian Lincoln Howell was a philanthropist who made IVF possible through her early funding. After experiencing fertility challenges herself, she anonymously donated money to fund Dr. Robert Edwards, Patrick Steptoe, and Jean Purdy's groundbreaking IVF research when they were denied traditional funding. Her support led directly to the birth of Louise Brown, the world's first IVF baby in 1978. While maintaining anonymity during her lifetime, she built a successful media empire founding KTSF, a groundbreaking TV station serving Chinese and Japanese American communities in San Francisco.

Dr. Anne McLaren (1927-2007)

A developmental biologist whose research in the 1950s led to a landmark paper in the journal Nature, laying important groundwork for human IVF. She had successfully grown mouse embryos in the lab that were then transferred into the wombs of female mice, where they grew into healthy mice. Her lab proved it was possible to mix sperm and eggs outside of the body to create a healthy embryo which could then be transferred to the womb. After IVF became more common, she played a major role in shaping fertility policy and frequently spoke out in the media on issues of ethics in IVF.

Dr. Jean Purdy (1945-1985) 

A brilliant embryologist and pioneering researcher who was instrumental in the world's first successful IVF birth, yet was often overlooked in historical accounts. As the world's first IVF nurse and embryologist, she worked alongside Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe to develop the techniques that made IVF possible. She meticulously developed the culture media used to grow embryos outside the body, and was the first to observe cell division in the embryo that would become Louise Brown. She co-founded the world's first IVF clinic, Bourn Hall, and co-authored 26 papers on IVF development between 1970-1985. Despite being an equal partner in developing IVF technology and making numerous crucial scientific contributions, her role was frequently minimized or omitted from historical records, leading Edwards to later state that "her contribution was equal to that of himself and Steptoe."

Dr. PonJola Coney (born 1951) 

A pioneering reproductive endocrinologist who broke multiple barriers in medicine and IVF treatment. As one of the only Black American IVF pioneers in the early 1980s, she completed her fellowship at Pennsylvania Hospital during its first successful IVF births. She went on to establish the first IVF program in Oklahoma and created groundbreaking infertility programs at multiple universities including the University of Nebraska and University of Arizona, leading to over 500 births. In 1994, she became the first African American woman to serve as a medical school dean in the U.S. at Southern Illinois University. Her work has focused on addressing health disparities and advancing women's health, leading to her election to the National Academy of Medicine.

“Patient 38”

Only known as “Patient 38,” this woman underwent ten attempts at IVF between 1969-1978 when it was still experimental. At a time when infertility was heavily stigmatized and IVF was experimental, she and other early patients showed remarkable courage in pursuing treatment. Despite not achieving a successful pregnancy herself, her persistence and willingness to undergo multiple procedures helped pave the way for the development of IVF technology that would eventually help millions of families.

Elizabeth Carr (born 1981)  

The first IVF baby born in the United States, she has become a powerful advocate for fertility treatment accessibility and reproductive medicine. As a journalist and public speaker, she helps educate the public about IVF and has been instrumental in reducing stigma around fertility treatments. Her healthy birth and subsequent natural pregnancy of her own child helped demonstrate the safety and success of IVF technology.