A brief bio on Denise Oliva Steele
In 2007 Denise learned that she would never be able to have her own biological children. The primary reason for her infertility was due to egg quality issues but she was also diagnosed with Asherman's Syndrome and Thrombophilia. Her poor egg quality was uncovered when she and her former husband began an IVF cycle; while 4 eggs were retrieved and 3 fertilized, it was determined that all 3 embryos had massive chromosomal abnormalities. Her endocrinologist advised her to consider adoption, an egg donor cycle and/or surrogacy to start her family.
Before undergoing fertility treatments and pursuing alternative ways to build her family, she suffered 2 losses. It was determined that her first child was Triploidy and did not survive. The reason for her subsequent miscarriage was undetermined.
In 2008, Denise and her former husband adopted a newborn son via private domestic adoption. Four days before his first birthday, their identical twin sons were born thanks to an unknown egg donor cycle. The irony is that Denise is an identical twin herself. Her family is now full and her oldest son doesn't remember life without his brothers.
Professionally, Denise developed new markets for early-stage technology companies for over 20 years. In 2012 she transitioned to the fertility industry. She currently holds a leadership role with Art Risk Solutions, an insurance brokerage firm that specializes in third-party fertility coverage for surrogacy and egg donor journeys. Prior to her that, she helped run organizations in the same industry including SeedTrust Escrow, Orchid Solutions, and Vesta.
While she is on the other side of waiting and wondering whether she'll become parent, she hasn't forgotten the desperation and hopelessness that she endured throughout her struggle. Her intention in writing her blog is to provide encouragement to those struggling. She is deeply passionate about connecting intended parents to fully vetted providers that follow guidelines and protocols while also adhering to ethics. There is not a one-size-fits-all model; everyone deserves a customized plan that honors their life choices and is authentic to their specific family-formation journey.
