Michael Thomas
Business Manager
Combining a degree in Microbiology with 25 years of experience leading manufacturing and service businesses, Mike brings to CHIRP those combined perspectives to this field of Assisted Reproduction, which is itself a marriage of medicine and enterprise. Additionally, he has an intimate and first hand knowledge of the road traveled by those in their quest for a family. His unique background gives him a distinctive advantage in applying traditional business concepts to a new and developing field.
© 2007 The Chirp, All Rights Reserved
Sylvia Marnella, Ph.D.
Director
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Marnella holds degrees in both Social Ecology from the University of California Irvine (with a specialization in human behavior) and Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. She is a member of the American, California and Orange County Psychological Associations as well as holding membership in the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. She is a member of the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society and founding member of the Society of Assisted Reproductive Professionals. She is author of the “Marnella Parent Donor Comparison Scale” (MPDCS) used in comparing the cognitive and personality traits of ovum donors and prospective parents. Dr. Marnella is a licensed, practicing Clinical Psychologist. She has many years of experience in the fields of child and family counseling and assessment. She regularly mentors peers and interns on issues of evaluation, testing and assessment. Her interest in the field of Assisted Reproduction is the deeply held result of both personal and extensive professional experience. She actively provides her services to a many well known agencies, physicians and infertility clinics.
Mark Risner, Esq.
Attorney at Law
Mr. Risner brings to CHIRP over ten years of experience in Contract Law prior to venturing into the field of Assisted Reproduction Law. Mr. Risner has constructed, reviewed and updated both personal and business contracts, advised upon and litigated issues surrounding the contracts, and represented both plaintiffs and defendants in negotiation, mediation and litigation. He has also served as an arbitrator in contract disputes. In addition, Mr. Risner holds the position of adjunct professor for the School of Business at the University of Redlands. Mr. Risner is a graduate of USC and the University of Tulsa. He is also a current “Intended Parent”. He and his wife have undergone numerous infertility procedures and have experienced many facets of the infertility journey. His personal experiences coupled with his expert knowledge of the law result in a unique perspective from which he will advise you on your path from infertility to family.
Jennifer Ramsey
Operations Coordinator
With over fifteen years of administration experience, Jennifer coordinates the operation of CHIRP with skill and attention to detail. Her distinguished academic background includes undergraduate studies at Wellesley College and an M.B.A. from the University of California at Irvine. In addition to her management experience, Jennifer has been an egg donor and she and her husband are currently undergoing IVF. Like you, she is in the process of creating a family. She understands what you are experiencing. Whatever your need, Jennifer will graciously attend to it with empathy and all the personal attention it deserves.
