Join Our Donor Conception Research Study
Learn about the study
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In this study, investigators will explore how a
workshop series impacts parent openness,
knowledge, comfort, and confidence in
discussing their child's conception story with
their child
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Parents will participate in 2 live, virtual
workshops for learning and community building
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Parents will be asked to fill out surveys to gather information at 3 time points
To Qualify:
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Was your child conceived by donor materials
(sperm, egg and/or embryo)?
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Is your child 0-8 years old?
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Do you live in Metro Atlanta?
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Do you speak and write English?
Click the screener below to answer a few questions. You will contacted by a member of the research team with next steps.
Our Team
Dr. Ciara Byrne, Ph.D. is a workshop facilitator and expert in reproductive health, having
worked with women around the world during their fertility journey, including workshops in
Ireland for parents who conceived using donor material and surrogates. Ciara completed her
graduate studies at Columbia University and the University of Vermont, having studied as an
undergraduate at University College Dublin. She has trained extensively in using Mindfulness
based therapies, including the Mind/Body program for women experiencing infertility at the
Domar Center, Boston IVF. She has also completed the two-year Mindfulness Meditation
Teacher Training program, through the Awareness Training Institute with Tara Brach and Jack
Kornfield. Ciara has conducted research and published papers on the impact of mindfulness
practices on reducing anxiety, depression, and increasing overall well-being. Like so many
women, Ciara took the long and arduous road to making a family, including IVF, with her first
successful pregnancy ending in a late-term loss. Following further IVF and much emotional
hardship, Ciara and her husband are now parents to three children.
Dr. Laura McKee, Ph.D. is a workshop facilitator and expert in creating and testing intervention
programs that increase well-being in families. Laura earned her Ph.D in Clinical Psychology
after completing an M.A. at Columbia University and her B.A. at Duke University. Over the
last two decades Laura’s training included working clinically at trauma centers, hospitals,
and community and private clinics, and she has served on the faculties of Clark University
and The University of Georgia. She is currently Associate Professor and member of the
faculty in the Psychology Department at Georgia State University, where she mentors,
teaches, and conducts research on mindfulness, gratitude, and depression.
She has published over 50 articles and book chapters about parenting, families, and
intervention programs. Laura’s road to fertility was long, and included exploring
workshops, nutrition, yoga, acupuncture, groups focused on skills, support and education, IVF
and donor material. Laura and her husband are now the luckiest parents to an amazing
little person.
Emily Tan is a second year Ph.D. student studying Clinical and Community Psychology at Georgia State University. Broadly, she is interested in evidence-based interventions that foster positive parent-child interactions, communication, and relationships. She is also interested in studying how to best support parents throughout their family-building journey. Emily is so excited to be involved in the Sharing Your Family Story project and working with parents who have used donor material to grow their families!
Alexandra Gellin, LPC is currently a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Georgia and research assistant working on the Sharing Your Family Story project. Alexandra's clinical interests and training lie in perinatal mental health, infant mental health, and embodiment in psychological well-being. She is thrilled to be starting her Ph.D. in the Clinical and Community Psychology at Georgia State University in 2024 under Dr. McKee and to have the opportunity to continue sharing this meaningful work with the Greater Atlanta community and beyond. Alexandra has experienced challenges on her fertility journey, and is today the joyful mama of a spirited little girl and expecting her rainbow baby in summer 2023.