Dr. Khalied Kaskar - Lab Director
Dr. Khalied Kaskar earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Physiology from the University of the Western Cape in South Africa. During this time, he worked at the University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Hospital as a Senior Research Assistant. He then worked as a Chief IVF technician in Saudi Arabia to help set up an IVF laboratory in the National Guard Hospital before moving to the United States, where he has worked as an embryologist in Kentucky and Texas. He served as the IVF laboratory manager and later the IVF laboratory director for the Family Fertility Center at Texas Children’s Hospital, while being an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. During this time, he completed his PhD in Medical Bioscience from the University of the Western Cape.
He joined Ovation Fertility in 2022 as the Laboratory Director for Austin and San Antonio and is board certified as a High-Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD). He has published several research papers, is an active member of numerous professional societies, and a reviewer for scientific journals. During his spare time, Khalied enjoys movies, live music, grilling and hiking.
Kristin Sieren - IVF/Andrology Laboratory Manager
After completing a Bachelor of Science in animal science and a Master of Science in reproductive physiology from Iowa State University in 2001, Kristin began her embryology career at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. After two years in Dallas, she became the IVF Laboratory Supervisor at The Center for Reproductive Medicine in Wichita, Kansas. Kristin joined Ovation Fertility Austin in 2011 with more than nine years of embryology experience. She is the laboratory manager for Ovation Austin’s IVF and Andrology laboratories. She is certified by the American Board of Bioanalysts as a Technical Supervisor in Embryology and Andrology. Kristin enjoys spending time outside with her doodles, Hogan and Daisy.
Vonda Brabner- IVF/Andrology Laboratory Supervisor
After graduating from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science in biology Vonda began her career as an embryologist in the first IVF clinic in the U.S. The Jones Institute in Norfolk, VA. After seven great years and an overseas military move to Japan, she joined the IVF lab at Women and Infants’ Hospital in Rhode Island. After many years as a traveling clinical consultant she joined the Austin Lab team in 2014 and served as the San Antonio IVF/Andrology Laboratory Manager for three years before transitioning to the Austin IVF/Andrology Laboratory Supervisor role . Vonda is certified by the American Board of Bioanalysts as a Technical Supervisor in Embryology and Andrology and also holds and Embryologist certification from the American College of Embryology.
Allison Williams - Embryologist
After graduating from Armstrong State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology, Allison will graduate with her Master of Science in reproductive clinical science in May 2022. Her career began as an andrologist in Beaumont, Texas. As her passion for embryology grew, she made the move to Austin to be a part of the Ovation Fertility team as an embryologist. She enjoys live music and good food as well as spending time with her two dogs.
Breaona Ard - Andrologist
After graduating from Texas A&M Corpus Christi with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical science and a minor in chemistry, Breaona moved to Austin Texas to begin her career. She joined the Ovation team in March of 2021 as the andrologist at our satellite lab in Round Rock. In her spare time, she loves to go to the movies and hang out with her two Chihuahuas.
Brogan Huneke - Embryologist
Brogan graduated from Ottawa University in 2020 with her Bachelor of Science in biology. Her first job out of college was for a small fertility clinic in Kansas City as an andrologist. She later went on to work for The University of Kansas Health System. While working for KU, she decided to pursue her master's degree through Eastern Virginia Medical School and will graduate in 2024 with a degree in reproductive clinical science. She wanted to continue her growth in the IVF field and moved to Austin to join the Ovation team as an embryologist. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the gym, picking on her two older brothers, and spending time at home with her husband and her two cats.
Bryanna Edwards - Cryo Coordinator
After graduating from Texas Tech University in December 2020, Bryanna moved back to Austin where she joined the Ovation team in January 2021. She is responsible for the coordination of transporting frozen reproductive materials for patients in or out of the laboratory. Outside of the lab, she enjoys listening to podcasts while working on her latest craft project.
Elizabeth Klein - Laboratory Assistant
Elizabeth joined the Ovation Fertility team in 2021. As a member of the Ovation team, she is responsible for assisting in the coordination of transportation and shipping of patient materials, along with helping in the laboratory with andrology tasks. Elizabeth has a passion for all aspects of andrology and embryology and is dedicated to making sure all the daily operations run smoothly. Before joining the Ovation team, Elizabeth earned a degree in animal science from Texas A&M University, a minor in biology and an equine certificate. In her free time, she likes to ride horses and compete in ranch horse show versatility competitions.
Kyle Bellamy - Embryologist
During college, Kyle Bellamy worked part-time at Texas Fertility Center as an office assistant. While there, she became interested in reproductive technology after seeing how the advancements benefit people who want to become parents. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biology from St. Edward's University, Kyle joined Ovation Fertility Austin in July 2014 as an andrologist. Later, she began training in embryology and now works as a full-time embryologist.
Haley Teets - Embryologist
Haley attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in equine science. She always thought she would have a career with horses, but after being introduced to embryology and reproductive technology in school, she was hooked. She joined the Ovation team in June 2021 and is excited to see how much she will grow with the company. In her spare time, you can find her at the gym or riding her horse, Spice.
Gillian Waite - Embryologist
Gillian attended the University of Georgia in Athens, GA where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. While working in the animal science industry, she was introduced to the field of embryology. This led her to move to Austin, TX to join the Ovation Fertility team in June of 2021. In her free time, Gillian enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, Maverick.
Kimberly Buyert - Embryologist
Kim graduated from Morningside College in Sioux City, IA where she double majored in Biology and History. After earning her bachelor's degree, she entered the IVF field as a bovine embryologist. She soon moved into human IVF as an embryologist for a reproductive specialist clinic in Nebraska. She loves helping aspiring parents achieve their dreams. Kim joined Ovation in January 2022. If she has free time, you will find her riding motorcycles with her soon-to-be husband or playing with her dog, Mila.
Garrett Schroeder - Embryologist
Garrett graduated from Texas A&M University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in animal science. After pursuing an internship with Agrimark Genetics in Kingsbury, TX, he was interested in learning more about IVF and the ART field. He sought this knowledge at Colorado State University, where he graduated with a Master of Science in biomedical sciences - assisted reproductive technologies specialization. When not at the lab, Garrett enjoys spending time with his wife Karly, hiking with his dogs Ruby and Scarlett, and playing board games with his brother Grayson.
Margaret Wozniak - Embryologist
Maggie’s interest in the field of Reproductive Technology accelerated during her studies as a double major in Health and Disease, and Human Biology at The University of Toronto. Maggie has been passionately involved in her career as an Embryologist, offering numerous years of experience in the field from across the globe. Maggie has a special interest in the application of artificial intelligence in the laboratory setting and is enthusiastic about contributing to the advancement of IVF. In her spare time you can find her exploring the great outdoors, practicing yoga, or reading a good sci-fi book.
Matthew Fencl - Andrologist
Matthew joined Ovation Fertility Austin in 2021 after graduating with honors from St. Edward’s University. While attending St. Edward’s, he studied parasites under Dr. Daniel Gold, with the hopes of establishing a new model organism for further research into Cryptosporidium parasites. As an andrologist, he is responsible for the analysis and cryopreservation of sperm, as well as preparing sperm for use in intrauterine insemination. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys running and is an avid fan of Formula 1 racing.
Mae Wismar - Andrologist
Mae attended Rice University studying for biological research positions. In 2021, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in evolutionary biology with minors in biochemistry and anthropology. After gaining more laboratory experience as a contract technician, she joined the Ovation team in October 2022 as the Andrologist at the Round Rock satellite lab. She is responsible for analyzing samples and preparing them for IUIs. Mae is also a math tutor, an amateur painter, and a (mediocre) player of several musical instruments. You can find her at her local dog park with Lua, her chocolate lab, on the weekends.
Dr. Matthew "Tex" VerMilyea - Vice President of Scientific Advancement
Dr. Matthew “Tex” VerMilyea graduated with honors from Cornell University before earning a Ph.D. in genetics from The University of Birmingham, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Research, Birmingham, U.K. He was a Research Fellow at the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, University of Birmingham. He also accepted academic posts at the University of Pennsylvania, Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) and Auckland University (New Zealand). Dr. VerMilyea is a board-certified as a Clinical Consultant, Medical Laboratory Scientific Director of Embryology and High Complexity Clinical Laboratory Director (HCLD). He served as Scientific Director for Fertility Associates (New Zealand) and is now the Vice President of Scientific Advancement for Ovation Fertility. Tex is also a proud father of a daughter and a son.
