About Us

Your Fertility Team

Compassionate Assistance for Growing Families

At our clinic, our caring staff is genuinely dedicated to helping couples achieve their goals of becoming parents. Our commitment to our patients and their families shows in almost everything we do. Our staff takes the time to understand your situation, and we create fertility plans based on what is best for you.

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Clinical Care

Physician Assistants

Dedicated providers who bring compassion and expertise to every patient interaction.

Michelle Bigelman, PA-C, MMS

Physician Assistant

Michelle Bigelman brings over 20 years of experience as a Physician Assistant specializing in Women's Health, Fertility, Obstetrics, and Gynecology. She is passionate about optimizing patient's lifestyles to help their fertility. She enjoys integrating elements of mind-body connection, nutrition, and stress management into her practice and always focusing on the individual patient and their health and wellbeing goals. Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition at University of Georgia, and her Master of Medical Science and Physician Assistant degrees from Midwestern University in Chicago with highest distinction. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

In addition to practicing medicine, Michelle is a certified yoga instructor. Outside of work, Michelle loves spending time with her three children and husband, wearing out her energetic dog with long walks, practicing yoga, and sipping that first cup of hot coffee in the morning.

Erika Mars Berezdivin, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Erika is a Florida based physician assistant, who was born and raised in Miami. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Language, Science, and Arts from the University of Michigan before heading over to New York to earn her Master's in Physician Assistant Studies at Mercy College. She rotated at some of the country's top hospitals, such as Lenox Hill Hospital and Montefiore Hospital. She has a zest for life, spending her free time eating at new restaurants, traveling to exciting multicultural cities, and listening to both local and popular bands. She is driven by the desire to help others and help individuals achieve their dream of parenthood. She is excited to have the platform to educate and guide patients through their fertility journey. She is also proficient in Spanish and appreciates the opportunity to serve Miami's diverse community.

Leadership

Leadership Team

The experienced leaders guiding operations, patient care, and practice excellence.

Kristine Gruber, RN, BSN

Clinical Director

Kristine is a highly skilled and compassionate registered nurse with a deep expertise in reproductive health and fertility care. A native New Yorker, Kristine graduated with honors from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, in 2015, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). She was inducted into the prestigious Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, recognizing her academic excellence, and was honored with the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Excellence Award for her outstanding achievements in nursing.

Kristine began her nursing career in the fast-paced and demanding field of cardiac critical care, where she provided intensive care to critically ill patients. In 2019, she transitioned to women's health, discovering a passion for fertility care. Kristine gained extensive experience working in multiple IVF centers in New York City, where she served as both an IVF Coordinator and Doctor's Assistant. This invaluable experience equipped her with a wealth of knowledge about the intricacies of IVF and the emotional journey that many patients face when pursuing fertility treatments.

In 2022, Kristine relocated to Florida and joined the Palm Beach Fertility Center, where she now serves as the Clinical Director overseeing the IVF program.

As Clinical Director, Kristine ensures the smooth operation of the center's clinical team while maintaining a patient-centered approach that emphasizes attention to detail, compassionate care, and seamless patient experiences. Her expertise in managing complex third-party reproductive cases has positioned her as a trusted leader in the field, particularly for patients navigating these more intricate fertility journeys.

Kristine's strong leadership and commitment to her patients and her team have earned her a reputation as a reliable, supportive figure who helps guide patients through one of the most vulnerable and stressful periods of their lives.

Kristine's dedication to patient care extends beyond clinical expertise. She is deeply invested in ensuring that every patient receives the guidance and education they need to make informed decisions throughout their IVF journey. Kristine understands the emotional and financial toll IVF can take, which is why she is committed to providing full transparency and clear communication to ensure that each patient feels supported and empowered every step of the way. She believes in making the IVF process as stress-free as possible for patients.

Outside of her professional life, Kristine enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and relaxing at the beach. Her personal life reflects her dedication to balance, bringing a sense of calm and enjoyment into her personal and professional worlds.

Eliza Roberts

Practice Director

Eliza Roberts serves as the Practice Director at Palm Beach Fertility Center and has been a dedicated member of the practice since reminding 2007. With a strong foundation in fertility practice operations and patient advocacy, Eliza is deeply committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality, and patient-centered care.

She is an active member of both ARM and ASRM and is passionate about continuous learning and staying at the forefront of reproductive medicine. Eliza is devoted to bringing the newest advancements and treatment options to Palm Beach Fertility Center to ensure patients have access to the most innovative and effective care available. She previously served as Administrative Liaison on the Florida Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (FSREI) Board of Directors, reflecting her leadership and involvement within the reproductive medicine community.

In her role as Practice Director, Eliza oversees daily operations, patient services, and program development, working closely with physicians, nurses, embryologists, and administrative teams to maintain excellence across all aspects of care. She works closely with Dr. Mark Denker to ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of care and a truly personalized experience.

Eliza understands the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of fertility treatment and strives to create an environment where patients feel supported, informed, and genuinely cared for from their first consultation through every step of their journey.

Outside of the office, Eliza enjoys spending quality time with her family and her three dogs and has a love for traveling and exploring new places.

Jessica Villano

Practice Manager

Jessica Villano is a compassionate and dedicated professional who has been an integral part of Palm Beach Fertility Center since 2016. With over five years of collaboration alongside Dr. Mark Denker, she has played a vital role in ensuring a seamless and supportive experience for every patient who walks through the doors. Her passion for women's health and her deep understanding of the emotional and financial aspects of fertility treatments make her a trusted advocate for couples embarking on their journey to parenthood.

As both the Practice Manager and HR Director, Jessica oversees the daily operations of the center while fostering a warm and nurturing environment for patients and staff alike. She takes immense pride in creating a space where patients feel heard, supported, and guided throughout their fertility journey. Recognizing that financial concerns can be a significant hurdle, Jessica also serves as a Financial Consultant, working closely with couples to help them navigate the financial aspects of treatment. Her expertise in financial counseling allows her to assist patients in exploring options, understanding costs, and alleviating stress so they can focus on what truly matters—their dream of starting a family.

Jessica's commitment to excellence extends beyond the clinic. She actively enhances her knowledge by attending industry-leading conferences, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, bringing back valuable insights to further improve patient care and support the growth of her team. She believes that staying at the forefront of reproductive medicine enables her to provide patients with the best resources and opportunities available.

What sets Jessica apart is the personal touch she brings to her work. She takes the time to connect with each patient, offering not just professional guidance but also heartfelt encouragement. She understands the challenges, the hopes, and the emotions that come with fertility treatments, and she strives to make every patient feel like family.

Outside of her professional role, Jessica embraces a fulfilling personal life. She finds joy in cooking, dancing salsa, and playing basketball with her husband on weekends—activities that reflect her energetic and passionate spirit. Balancing her career and personal life, she remains dedicated to bringing warmth, care, and unwavering support to the patients and families she serves.

Laboratory

Laboratory Leadership

World-class laboratory directors ensuring the highest standards in embryology and andrology.

Michael Matilsky, PhD, HCLD (ABB)

IVF Laboratory Director

With nearly 30 years of experience in reproductive medicine, Dr. Michael Matilsky is a highly respected IVF Laboratory Director known for his innovative contributions to the field. For over 20 years, he successfully led one of the nation's top-ranked IVF laboratories, where he oversaw more than 350 IVF cycles annually, achieving exceptional success rates in live births.

Dr. Matilsky has been at the forefront of advancements in Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), adapting and refining biopsy procedures since their inception in 1992. His expertise encompasses both PGT for single gene defects (PGT-M) and aneuploidy screening (PGT-A). He has meticulously developed techniques for microsurgically extracting trophectoderm cells from day 5 and day 6 blastocysts, facilitating comprehensive genetic analysis while maintaining high embryo viability.

Throughout his career, Dr. Matilsky has conducted numerous preimplantation genetic biopsies for a range of genetic conditions, including cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy, as well as personal choices such as family balancing. His rigorous evaluation of the efficacy of these procedures has raised important questions about their impact on take-home baby rates, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based practice.

A passionate educator, Dr. Matilsky has shared his extensive knowledge in andrology and embryology with students at Florida Atlantic University for over 15 years. He is actively exploring collaborative research opportunities, particularly with Drs. Ashgar and Adenmosun, focusing on innovative sperm selection techniques to prevent genetic disorders, potentially streamlining IVF processes and enhancing patient outcomes.

Dr. Matilsky's dedication to advancing reproductive technologies, coupled with his wealth of experience and collaborative spirit, positions him as a leader in the field of IVF and reproductive genetics.

Estrella Rosemberg, MSc, ELD, TS (ABB)

Laboratory Supervisor, Embryologist

Estrella joined Palm Beach Fertility Center Embryologist team in 2015. She received her Master's Degree in Physiology of Reproduction at Cornell University, New York City in 1984. She also did a fellowship in the Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI). Since that time, Estrella has been working as an Embryologist, Lab Director, IVF lab Consultant in all basic and advanced IVF techniques including micromanipulation, embryo grading and vitrification of oocytes, ovarian tissue, and embryos. She has extensive experience with andrology lab work, sperm preparation for IUI, sperm DNA fragmentation, and sperm bank management.

She is an expert in embryology staff training, laboratory management, and quality control. She has also participated in numerous international IVF conferences as a panelist and presenter.

She wrote 2 chapters in the book Embryo and Oocyte Cryopreservation. Estrella serves as the Supervisor Representative to The American Association of Bioanalysis Southern Regional Board of Governors. Estrella is licensed in Florida as Laboratory Supervisor in Embryology and Andrology. Licensed Embryology Laboratory Director (ELD) and Technical Supervisor of Andrology and Embryology (TS) by the American Board of Bioanalysis, and a Member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. (ASRM)

Laboratory

Embryology Team

Skilled embryologists and andrologists dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Hailey Pollmann, MSc

Junior Embryologist

Hailey is a junior embryologist at Palm Beach Fertility Center. She received a Master's degree in Health Informatics and Data Analytics from Florida International University in 2024. This program reflects her interest in combining health informatics and reproductive medicine. Hailey received a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Nova Southeastern University in 2021, which provided a strong foundation for her work in reproductive health.

With three years of experience in the IVF field, she has gained practical skills in andrology and embryology and has contributed to various successful procedures. She is competent in procedures such as oocyte retrieval, ICSI, embryo biopsy and embryo freezing.

Hailey is driven by a deep commitment to improving reproductive outcomes and helping individuals achieve their family-building goals. She aspires to further her career as an embryologist and plans to pursue a PhD in Embryology in the future. Her goal is to use her expertise in data analytics and IVF to support research and advancements in the field.

Lauren Kennedy

Junior Embryologist & Andrologist

Lauren brings a heartfelt dedication and years of hands-on laboratory expertise to her role as a Junior Embryologist and Andrologist at Palm Beach Fertility Center. With a Bachelor's degree in Biology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and nearly a decade of experience in DNA and fertility laboratories, Lauren has committed her career to turning hope into reality for aspiring parents.

Since 2016 Lauren has worked in advanced biological DNA labs, and in 2021, she relocated to South Florida to fully dedicate herself to the field of IVF. With over four years of specialized experience in both Embryology and Andrology, Lauren is highly skilled in essential fertility procedures including sperm processing, oocyte retrievals, ICSI, embryo biopsy, and embryo transfers.

Lauren's approach combines scientific precision with deep compassion. Her passion for helping individuals and couples build families shines through in every aspect of her work. She finds immense joy in being directly involved in the miraculous journey of creating life and supporting patients through fertility treatment.

What truly inspires Lauren is working at Palm Beach Fertility Center, a clinic known for its personalized, patient-centered care. The center stands out for its ability to tailor each treatment plan to the unique history and needs of every individual — making it a truly special place to pursue parenthood. Lauren is honored to be part of a team that not only changes lives but helps create them.

Patient Care

Clinical Support Team

Compassionate professionals supporting patients throughout every step of treatment.

Kathleen Meireles

IVF Coordinator

Kathleen Meireles serves as IVF Coordinator at Palm Beach Fertility Center, guiding patients through every step of their fertility treatment journey. She provides compassionate support, coordinates care between patients and the clinical team, and ensures clear communication throughout the IVF process.

As IVF Coordinator, Kathleen helps patients navigate scheduling, treatment protocols, and the many details that come with fertility care. She is dedicated to making each patient feel informed, supported, and confident as they move through their treatment plan.

Sonja Garretson, RDMS

Lead Ultrasonographer

Sonja Garretson, RDMS is a seasoned sonographer with more than 20 years of experience in infertility care. She began her healthcare career as a medical assistant before specializing in diagnostic ultrasound and is registered with the ARDMS in both OB/GYN and abdominal ultrasound. Sonja actively integrates her broad clinical background to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and patient-centered care.

Having personally navigated infertility, Sonja brings a rare combination of technical expertise and genuine empathy to her work. She also plays an integral role in the donor department, guiding patients through the process of identifying and selecting egg donors. Her career reflects a deep commitment to holistic care and a nuanced understanding of the emotional complexities that often accompany infertility.

Outside of her professional role, Sonja enjoys spending time in nature, traveling to experience new cultures and perspectives, cherishing time with her family and friends, and expressing her creativity through making sourdough bread.

Wellness

Integrative Care

Complementary therapies that support your body and mind throughout fertility treatment.

Dr. Lisa K. Perdue

Acupuncturist

Dr. Lisa K. Perdue is a Japanese American Acupuncturist. She holds board certifications from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Kiiko Matsumoto Style Japanese Acupuncture Practitioner, Certified Laser Provider, and Medical Qigong Practitioner. Since 2000, Dr. Lisa has treated a wide range of medical and health concerns with advanced training in fertility, autoimmune disease, PTSD, pain management, sports-specific injuries, women's health, and laser therapy. She is one of the few practitioners integrating laser technology for fertility, along with reproductive medicine.