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 excited to spotlight Allie, one of our incredible Member Advocates! Before joining Cofertility, Allie spent several years at a fertility clinic, where she supported intended parents, egg donors, and surrogates throughout their treatment cycles. With a BS in Molecular Biology from UC Berkeley, where she focused on reproductive health and early human development, Allie brings both scientific expertise and heartfelt compassion to her work. At Cofertility, she’s passionate about guiding members through their family-building journeys, making sure they feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way.
Let’s get to know Allie better:
Q: What drew you to working at Cofertility?
I was drawn to working at Cofertility after going through my own egg freezing journey. The process felt incredibly empowering, both because it gave me a new level of appreciation for my body and also because I was investing in myself in a way I never had. At the time, I was working at a fertility clinic and fortunate enough to have access to the benefit for free, otherwise it would have been financially out of reach. Knowing that most people do not have that same privilege, Cofertility’s mission to make egg freezing accessible at no cost really resonated with me. The idea of helping more women experience the same sense of empowerment I did is what ultimately inspired me to join the team.
Q: Can you walk us through what a typical day looks like for you?
Most of my days start with a jog or bike ride in the wee hours of the morning when it’s most peaceful and quiet outside. After that, I sit down with a cup of coffee (or three) and start my workday by checking in with any Split members who are actively in cycle or preparing for upcoming appointments. The rest of my day is a mix of meetings, emails, and coordinating cycle logistics. By late-afternoon, I usually get a case of the wiggles, so I’ll step outside for a short walk. I always circle back in the evening to make sure members’ nightly injections went smoothly, then I log off and enjoy some quiet downtime.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of supporting members through their family-building process?
The most rewarding part of supporting members through their journey is watching them gain a new sense of appreciation for their body. Whether it’s conquering the injections that they were initially scared of, how fascinated they are by their growing follicles, or the feeling of accomplishment once they complete their retrieval, it’s amazing to see members feel so proud of themselves. Being part of the moment when someone’s perspective switches from worrying about their biological clock to appreciating how strong and capable their body is feels incredibly rewarding.
Q: Is there a particular member story that has stuck with you?
One member story that stands out is a Split member who came into the process feeling really unsure of herself. She was nervous about the injections, the retrieval, and whether she was even making the right decision. I spent a lot of time talking through each step, making sure she felt supported, informed and never pressured. After her retrieval, she reached out to tell me how proud she was, not just of the outcome, but of herself for getting through something that had felt so intimidating at the start. Connecting with and supporting members in a very real, vulnerable way always reminds me why I love working in this space.
Q: How do you approach supporting members who might be feeling anxious or uncertain?
It’s natural to feel anxious or uncertain about the egg freezing and donation process for many reasons. For those who are nervous about the idea of donating, I provide resources to help them make an informed decision, while also making myself available for any questions or concerns. For those anxious about injectable medications or the retrieval itself, I’ve often found that sharing my own personal experience can be comforting. Having gone through the process myself, I can validate their fears while also reassuring them that they are capable of doing it, and will be so glad they did.
Q: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about egg donation?
I wish more people knew that egg donation can be mutually beneficial and equally life-changing for both the donor and the recipient, and that’s okay. A common misconception is that donors are only motivated by what they gain, whether that’s financial compensation or the opportunity to freeze their own eggs. In reality, donors are genuinely excited to help someone else build a family, and the fact that it also allows them to invest in themselves doesn’t take away from that. Egg donation doesn’t have to be transactional; it can be a meaningful, empowering experience for everyone involved.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their family-building process, what would it be?
My advice would be to find a clinic, a doctor, and, if you’re using donor eggs, an agency or egg bank you truly trust. The family-building process, especially when using an egg donor, can be a bumpy road, and having someone to advocate for you every step of the way is crucial. So much of this process is outside of your control, but being able to accept that while knowing your care team is doing everything possible to support you provides immense peace of mind.
Q: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of work, you’ll typically find me outdoors and in the company of my friends. During the week, I’m often jogging through one of San Francisco’s many parks or open water swimming in the SF Bay. On the weekends, you’ll either find me mountain biking or camping in the summer and snowboarding in Tahoe in the winter. After I’ve thoroughly exhausted myself with a day full of activity, I enjoy cooking a nice meal and having a quiet evening of reading, watching tv or playing board games. Most importantly, I never end the day without a sweet treat.
Q: How do you practice self-care while supporting members through emotional moments?
When supporting members through emotional moments, I remind myself how much they are navigating and that I need to extend grace not only to them, but also to myself. I care deeply for our members, which sometimes means I carry the weight of their emotions on my back, especially when things don’t go as planned. In those moments, I remind myself that many parts of this process are beyond my control, but that I can still show up, support them, and keep doing the best job I can, even if I can’t change the outcome.
Q: What’s one of your proudest moments as a Member Advocate?
One of my proudest moments as a Member Advocate was when I received very kind feedback from a Split member who, unfortunately, couldn’t move forward with our program. Because egg freezing is so financially inaccessible to many, not being able to participate in our program can feel like the end of the road for many of our Split members. This member specifically was equally disappointed that she wouldn’t be able to donate to a family, which she was really excited about. I talked with her about her options, both within and outside of Cofertility, and offered my ongoing support regardless of which path she chose. The Split member expressed a lot of gratitude for how supported she felt, just on a basic human level, and not just as a member of our program.
