Our Medical Team
Dr. Ari Baratz, MD, FRCSC, REI Dedicated to Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine for Over 20 Years- Create Fertility Center
Dr. Ari Baratz is a respected leader in reproductive medicine with more than two decades of experience in women’s health, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. He is among a select group of physicians in Canada with the specialized training and accreditation required to care for individuals and couples navigating complex fertility challenges.
Dr. Baratz earned his Bachelor of Science in Anatomy & Cell Biology from McGill University, followed by his Medical Degree (MD) from the University of Western Ontario, where he received recognition for academic distinction and outstanding performance in Obstetrics & Gynecology. He completed his residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Toronto and went on to complete a Royal College fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at the same institution.
As a faculty member in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Toronto, Dr. Baratz has made significant contributions to education and clinical practice. He has played a key role in the Department of Gynecology at the New Women’s College Hospital, where he is recognized for his leadership in ambulatory gynecology and surgical education. He has mentored numerous medical students, residents, and fellows in reproductive medicine.
Through his work with CReATe Fertility Centre, Women’s College Hospital, and the University of Toronto, Dr. Baratz is actively involved in clinical research and medical education. His areas of focus include assisted reproductive technologies, minimally invasive (reproductive endoscopic) surgery, and telemedicine through the Ontario Telemedicine Network. His clinical practice is built around a patient-centered approach to fertility care.
Dr. Baratz has a particular interest in third-party reproduction, including anonymous and known egg and sperm donation, as well as surrogacy. He has consulted with intended parents from across Ontario, throughout Canada, and internationally.
An accomplished researcher and compassionate clinician, Dr. Baratz has presented his work at national and international conferences. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including:
College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario
Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada
Society of Obstetricians & Gynecologists of Canada
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
Canadian Fertility & Andrology Society
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Dr. Baratz has also served in various leadership roles, including as an Executive Board Member for Women’s College Hospital’s Medical Staff Association, the Alternate Funding Plan at Women’s College Hospital, and as Chair of the Ontario Medical Association’s Reproductive Biology Section.
Dr. Said Daneshmand, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. International Leader in IVF, Egg Donation, and Surrogacy – San Diego Fertility Center
Dr. Said Daneshmand is a globally recognized expert in reproductive medicine, known for his work in complex IVF cases, egg donation, and surrogacy. With patients traveling from over 40 countries in 2018 alone, Dr. Daneshmand has established himself as one of the leading providers of third-party reproductive care in the United States.
A pioneer in the field, Dr. Daneshmand has contributed extensively to research on endometrial receptivity and its role in enhancing IVF success. He is widely respected for introducing and implementing cutting-edge reproductive technologies, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), one of the most advanced methods for assessing the genetic health of embryos.
Dr. Daneshmand completed his residency and fellowship at UCLA and is double board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. His dedication to excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including:
The Eileen Pike Medical School Valedictorian Award
The Pacific Coast Reproductive Society (PCRS) Fellowship and Practicing Physician Research Award
The ASRM STAR Award in both 2017 and 2018
In addition to his clinical and research achievements, Dr. Daneshmand has held several prestigious leadership roles. He served as President of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society (Iota Chapter) and is an active member of several professional organizations, including:
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)
The Decherney Society
Dr. Daneshmand’s compassionate care, commitment to innovation, and deep expertise make him a trusted resource for patients from around the world seeking personalized fertility solutions.
Dr. Brooke Friedman, M.D Reproductive Endocrinologist, San Diego Fertility Center
Dr. Bruce Shapiro, M.D., Ph.D., FACOG, HCL Founder & Medical Director , The Fertility Center of Las Vegas
Director, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Nevada School of Medici
Dr. Brooke Friedman is a double board-certified fertility specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Renowned for her compassionate and innovative care, Dr. Friedman is dedicated to helping patients achieve their dreams of parenthood through personalized, evidence-based treatment.
A graduate of Princeton University (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa), Dr. Friedman earned her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, where she graduated Alpha Omega Alpha at the top of her class. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Stanford University Medical Center, where she was recognized for both her excellence in teaching and her laparoscopic surgical skills.
Dr. Friedman has authored multiple book chapters and peer-reviewed articles and has presented award-winning research at national fertility conferences. She is fluent in Spanish and French, allowing her to provide inclusive care to a diverse patient population.
She has been repeatedly recognized as a "Top Doctor" by San Diego Magazine, a distinction awarded by her physician peers. Patients have also honored her with several accolades, including the Vitals “Patients’ Choice Award,” the “Compassionate Doctor Recognition” award, and the “Top Ten Physicians” award.
Dr. Friedman is proud to serve patients both locally in San Diego and internationally, offering advanced fertility care with empathy and clinical excellence.
Dr. Bruce Shapiro is a renowned fertility specialist and pioneering researcher in the field of reproductive medicine. Board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Dr. Shapiro founded The Fertility Center of Las Vegas (FCLV) in 1988, establishing it as a leader in advanced fertility treatment and research.
Dr. Shapiro is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in developing safer and more effective in vitro fertilization (IVF) and third-party reproduction techniques. His innovations have helped shape modern fertility care, improving success rates and patient outcomes across the globe.
He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale New Haven Hospital and a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Yale University. Dr. Shapiro also holds a Ph.D. from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, where he conducted extensive research in reproductive science.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Shapiro serves as Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. In this role, he is dedicated to training the next generation of physicians while continuing to contribute to cutting-edge research and education in the field.
Patients who seek care with Dr. Shapiro benefit not only from his scientific expertise but also from his commitment to personalized, compassionate care designed to maximize their chances of building a healthy family.
Dr. Carrie Bedient, M.D., F.A.C.O.G Reproductive Endocrinologist, The Fertility Center of Las Vegas
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Nevada School of Medicine
Dr. Carrie Bedient is Nevada’s only dual female board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, proudly helping individuals and couples achieve their family-building goals with compassion, skill, and integrity. Known for her warm bedside manner and patient-centered care, Dr. Bedient is a passionate advocate for reproductive freedom and personalized fertility solutions.
Her clinical interests include fertility preservation for patients undergoing potentially toxic medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, as well as third-party reproduction for same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals. She is a recognized leader in inclusive fertility care and a role model in the field for her empathy, altruism, and dedication to ethical medical practice.
Dr. Bedient earned her medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation MetroHealth Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Emory University.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Bedient serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, where she contributes to the education of future physicians and the advancement of reproductive medicine.
Dr. Leah Kaye, M.D Reproductive Endocrinologist, The Fertility Center of Las Vegas
Dr. Leah Kaye brings clinical expertise and genuine compassion to every patient she serves—whether hopeful parents, surrogates, or egg donors. At The Fertility Center of Las Vegas (FCLV), she provides state-of-the-art fertility treatments and evidence-based care to individuals and couples from across the U.S. and around the world.
Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and sub-specialty board eligible in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Dr. Kaye offers a personalized approach to each patient journey. Her goal is to ensure that every visit leaves patients feeling hopeful, supported, and empowered.
Dr. Kaye completed both her residency and fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Connecticut. She also earned a master’s degree in Clinical and Translational Research from the University of Connecticut Graduate School, underscoring her commitment to advancing the field through impactful research.
With a focus on emerging developments in reproductive medicine, Dr. Kaye is dedicated to delivering the most current and compassionate care—helping patients turn their dreams of parenthood into reality.
Megan Bendinelli, MSN, FNP-C, PHN, PN1 Founder, Fertility Framework | Family Nurse Practitioner | Fertility & Wellness Consultant
Megan Bendinelli is a nationally recognized fertility and wellness expert with over a decade of clinical experience supporting individuals and couples on their unique paths to parenthood. As a Family Nurse Practitioner and founder of Fertility Framework, Megan is a passionate advocate for reproductive health, lifestyle medicine, and compassionate fertility care.
Megan began her healthcare journey as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, where she witnessed both the joy and emotional complexity of pregnancy and birth. This early experience fueled her belief that fertility care must go beyond clinical treatment to include advocacy, support, and whole-person wellness.
In 2011, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing and became a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Since then, Megan has worked alongside top reproductive endocrinologists, providing care in private practice while also consulting with individuals nationwide as a Fertility and Health & Wellness Consultant. She specializes in supporting patients through evidence-based lifestyle interventions, including nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, and environmental health.
Through Fertility Framework, Megan offers education and individualized coaching to help clients feel empowered, informed, and hopeful on their fertility journeys. She holds a Level 1 certification from Precision Nutrition and is currently pursuing board certification in Lifestyle Medicine.
A sought-after speaker and mentor, Megan regularly guest lectures at Southern California universities and supports emerging professionals in Women’s Health, Advanced Practice Nursing, and leadership roles.
When she's not guiding clients toward optimal health, Megan enjoys life in sunny San Diego with her family and beloved Weimaraner.
Janine Copeland, MEd, CCAC Registered Psychologist | Mental Health Specialist | Surrogacy Support Clinician
Janine Copeland is a compassionate and experienced Registered Psychologist with over 15 years of dedicated work in the mental health field. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice and a deep commitment to individualized care, Janine has helped countless clients, families, and organizations improve their well-being and reach their fullest potential.
Known for her empathy, warmth, and ability to connect authentically, Janine draws on both her professional training and personal life experience to create a safe and supportive environment for healing. Her clinical expertise spans a wide range of mental health concerns, with particular specialization in addiction, dual diagnoses, and cross-cultural mental health care. She tailors each session to meet the evolving needs of her clients, always prioritizing optimal wellness and functional health.
Janine also brings unique insight to her work with the surrogacy community, having completed her own surrogacy journey. Her lived experience, combined with her clinical credentials, makes her exceptionally qualified to support surrogates at every stage of their journey—from initial screening to post-partum care.
Janine partners closely with CSSC, where she provides psychological assessments and emotional support to surrogates. The agency proudly covers counseling services for their surrogates to meet with Janine, and in the spirit of community care, extends these services to independent surrogates and those from other agencies in times of trauma or crisis.
Janine’s mission is to ensure that everyone she works with feels heard, supported, and equipped to move forward with resilience and confidence. She is a trusted resource in both the mental health and surrogacy fields, making a lasting impact through her dedication, integrity, and care.