Dear Parents, Surrogates and Egg Donors,

I would like to introduce you to myself and to my program. I attended Yale University, Oxford University in England and the University of Virginia, from which I have my Bachelor's, Master's and J.D. (law) degrees. I practice law all over the world, and am admitted for all purposes in Massachusetts and California. I was the first to establish the right of couples to get insurance coverage for gestational surrogacy in Massachusetts, and I have repeatedly obtained pre-birth orders, step parent and second parent adoptions for gay and straight couples and singles having children through surrogacy throughout the country.

I have not only been involved in surrogacy as a career, but as a parent. I have two happy, healthy, handsome and intelligent sons (now 12 and 14 years old) from the same surrogate mom. As you can see in the picture, surrogacy is one of the most joyous and fulfilling experiences I have ever been a part of.

I take great pride in not only getting to know the parents, egg donors, surrogates and carriers I work with, but also in becoming a positive part of the surrogacy process. I understand the frustration of thinking I would never have a child of my own. I am passionate about the caring hearts of the surrogates and egg donors that are in my program. I believe miracles can be expected with surrogacy.

John Weltman, President
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Barbara DeLeo, Chief Operation Officer

I was honored to be Circle's first Chief Operation Officer and to be a part of this amazing agency. I bring over 28 years of work experience to the team as a legal and firm administrator. Since graduating from the University of Massachusetts I have been working for the law firm of Lawson & Weitzen, LLP and it is here that I became familiar with the wonderful work that Circle and Attorney John Weltman do in helping to create families. I am a supportive team leader effective in creating and managing a harmonious staff environment while staying focused on the goals and vision of the agency. I have watched Circle's growth over the years and I believe I can play a vital role in helping Circle to become one of the best full service agencies in the country.

If I can assist you in anyway during your journey with us please feel free to contact me at 617-439-9900.

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Rachel Berman, LCSW, Program Coordinator / Social Worker

I have my Master's of Social Work from Boston University. The past seven years I have counseled children and families in a variety of settings. For three years before coming to Circle I worked in the area of adoption. Specifically, I was responsible for screening, matching, and counseling/supporting families hoping to adopt a child, through all stages of the adoption process. I am very excited to be part of John's program and to have the opportunity to continue to help create and support families through their surrogacy journeys.

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Elliott Kronenfeld, LCSW, Director of Parent Relations

I love telling people that I built my family through surrogacy! The experience has provided me not only with a great relationship with my surrogate, but left me with a passion to work with growing families. I received my Master of Clinical Social Work from Simmons College after completing intensive internships in adoption, foster care and intensive inpatient pediatrics. Working with the team at Circle allows me to use my strong clinical foundation to help create and enhance families. Surrogacy is so exciting! Having been through the experience, I know how important being supported through the process by a caring team can beÉand I am thrilled to be part of a multidisciplinary team that supports parents, egg donors and surrogates on their journey.

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Katelyn Cashman, LCSW, Social Worker

In 2001, I received my Bachelor of Social Work degree from Westfield State College. I went on to pursue my graduate degree at the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. I completed my clinical internship at a residential home for pregnant and parenting adolescents in Jackson, MI. In 2003, I received my Master of Social Work degree and immediately returned back to the East Coast. I worked briefly providing intensive therapeutic treatment and counseling services to children with trauma and emotional disabilities in Providence, RI. The majority of my professional career I have worked in child protective services in three separate states, MI, MA, and NC, providing case management, assessment and in-home services to children and families. Although I will greatly miss my role as a social worker in the public sector, I am overjoyed to be a part of the team at Circle Surrogacy. I look forward to supporting Circle’s clients on their amazing journey to parenthood.

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Jenni Brennan, LCSW, Social Worker

I obtained a Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver in 2004, with a focus on children and family services. Since that time I have worked as a Social Worker in a variety of settings both in Massachusetts and Colorado including early intervention programs and community mental health services. My most enjoyable work, however, has been in the field of adoption where I have worked both with birthparents and with adoptive parents to build and support healthy families. I am excited to be joining the Circle Surrogacy team to provide support to intended parents throughout their surrogacy journey!

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Jasmin Hagen, LCSW, Social Worker

I earned my undergraduate degree in Human Services from University of Massachusetts Boston and immediately went on to Simmons College to pursue my Masters in Social Work. While in school I had the opportunity to study in the UK and Africa focusing on children and families. In addition I had two clinical internships in both public and private schools and worked at a non-profit agency committed to the development and well being of urban, at-risk children of the greater Boston area. Prior to joining Circle’s team, I worked for a non-profit outreach agency completing home based clinical assessments, crisis interventions and individual and family therapy within the Boston area. I am delighted to join Circle and am committed to the process of helping others grow their families through surrogacy. 

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Elinor Sidman, Case Manager

I bring with me a very diverse work history. I was John Weltman's Legal Assistant way back when Circle Surrogacy was in its' beginning stages. I have over 10 years of working experience in the legal field. I spent close to 7 years in the Central Florida area where I worked in sales. Upon returning home to the Boston area I rejoined John and Circle as a Case Manager and I am very excited about the work that I am doing here. I look forward to growing with and being a part of the Circle Surrogacy Team for many years to come.

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Georgia Smith, Case Manager

Having lived in Canada and the UK, as well as speaking fluent French, I bring an international perspective to the Circle Team. I have recently completed my Masters in International Relations, and have previously finished a BA (Hons) in Political Science and History. I have extensive experience in the field of customer service, through which I developed a strong work ethic and a desire to provide the highest level of satisfaction for my clients. I am so moved by the work of Circle Surrogacy and am excited to be working as part of the Circle Team!

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Scott Buckley, Associate Attorney

I received a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College and went onto receive my law degree from Boston College Law School as well. I work primarily in the civil litigation field accumulating experience in court, mediation and arbitration. I also assist individuals and families with estate planning. Although my work is primarily litigation, I have had the privilege of helping the Circle Surrogacy team by doing the initial drafts of contracts, forms for birth orders, step parent, and second parent adoptions. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and plan to remain for a while to come.

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Gina-Marie Mariano, Law Clerk

I received a Bachelor of Arts from Roger Williams University and am currently a law student at Suffolk University School of Law. As the law clerk, I draft Egg Donor and Carrier Agreements as well as work with the Intended Parents and counsel to negotiate the terms. Additionally, I draft documents for adoptions, as well as complete any other miscellaneous legal tasks which may arise. I enjoy being part of the Circle Team and working with the clients to help them add to their family.

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Rachael Roy, Case Manager

I have my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in gender studies from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. My specific areas of interest and study within psychology were relationships and transitions into parenthood.
In addition to taking many classes that pertain to Circle’s mission I also provided support and advocacy to victims of violent and nonviolent crimes in my volunteer work with the Women’s Rape Crisis Hotline and with The Parallel Justice Center in VT.
I am so touched by the work Circle Surrogacy does with building families and I am thrilled to be a part of the Circle team.

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Jennifer Skarinka, Legal Assistant

I received my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Anthropology/Sociology from Plymouth State College. While in college, I completed an internship at Family Strength Home Based Behavioral Solutions in Laconia New Hampshire. At Family Strength, I counseled adolescents and their families from behavioral problems with crisis intervention t o showing them positive reasons of why they should stay in school. I have always been one to reach out a hand to others, which is one reason why I'm excited to be part of Circle Surrogacy. I hope to utilize my degree in Psychology and my eight years of experience in the legal industry to offer strong administrative support to the Circle Surrogacy team.

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Nancy Weatherby, Client Development

I have been fortunate enough to have had two beautiful children through the surrogacy process. The joy that my children have brought me, coupled with the amazingly successful journeys I have had, instilled in me the desire to help other couples and surrogates achieve the same joy I have been blessed with. I LOVE the opportunity I have here at the agency to help other infertile couples looking to be matched with gestational carriers and/or egg donors and could not ask for a more rewarding position!

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Barbara McCollough, LICSW, Independent Social Worker

I received my Masters in Social Work from Smith College, completing clinical internships at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and Michael Reese Medical Center in Chicago, as well as post-graduate training at the Family Institute of Cambridge. My work experience relevant to surrogacy includes Boston's Children's Hospital Medical Center, (Neonatal Intensive Care, Infant and Toddler Medical, and Developmental Evaluation Clinic), consultant to the Infertility Program at the Mind Body Clinic of Deaconness Hospital and more than twenty years in private practice. I am beginning my ninth year of providing support services to Circle's surrogates throughout the country, which includes psycho-educational support groups, crisis intervention and individual consultation.

Terri Davidson, Marketing / PR Consultant

I have had the pleasure of working with Circle Surrogacy since 2004, primarily helping the agency find the wonderful women who eventually become egg donors and surrogates. I have worked in the fertility marketing field for nearly 12 years in a variety of capacities for several clinics in the Boston area and Northeast region. I also am vice president of RESOLVE of the Bay State, an education, support and advocacy organization for those facing fertility challenges. I have a bachelor's degree from Brandeis University and a master of public health degree from Boston University. I love babies and children and derive great satisfaction from knowing my work is part of a team effort that brings great joy to our clients.

Norma DeHarte, Surrogate Outreach

I am excited to be joining the Circle team. I'll be developing outreach programs and other ways to engage and receive feedback from our terrific family of surrogates. I am also a mother to six lovely children, a previous egg donor and surrogate. I recently completed my first surrogacy through Circle surrogacy. I helped a wonderful international couple achieve their dream of parenthood. Their son arrived on Dec 31st 2009 and we could not be more proud! In addition to caring for my own family, I am also pursuing a Masters of Business Administration degree at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, CO.