Our Team
At Cryobank America, our team comprises experienced medical, genetic, mental health, and laboratory professionals who collaborate to ensure the highest standards of care, safety, and integrity. Each member of our team plays a critical role in donor qualification, screening, testing, and client support, giving you the assurance you need when choosing a donor.
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Mental Health Professional
Valerie Gelb, LMFT
Valerie Gelb is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. She brings over 20 years of experience in assisted reproduction and specializes in psychological evaluations for sperm donors, egg donors, and gestational carrier candidates.
As part of our team, Valerie also provides educational consultations for recipients using donor eggs, sperm, or embryos. Her work ensures that donors are emotionally prepared and that recipients are well-informed and supported throughout the process.
View Donor QualificationAs part of our team, Valerie also provides educational consultations for recipients using donor eggs, sperm, or embryos. Her work ensures that donors are emotionally prepared and that recipients are well-informed and supported throughout the process.
Genetic Counselor
Jennifer Thompson, MS, CGC
Jennifer Thompson is a licensed, board-certified genetic counselor with more than 10 years of experience in genetic counseling and testing. She earned her master’s degree in genetic counseling from Northwestern University and is an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Illinois Society of Genetic Professionals.
Within our team, Jennifer supports donor screening by reviewing genetic testing results, interpreting carrier screening data, and helping recipients understand genetic risks in a clear, accessible way.
Genetic Counseling ServicesWithin our team, Jennifer supports donor screening by reviewing genetic testing results, interpreting carrier screening data, and helping recipients understand genetic risks in a clear, accessible way.
Medical Director
Dr. Huan Nguyen, DO
Dr. Huan Nguyen, DO, serves as Cryobank America’s Medical Director and provides medical oversight across all clinical operations. He oversees the sperm donor screening process, including comprehensive physical examinations that evaluate each donor’s health, medical history, and physical condition.
As Medical Director, Dr. Nguyen reviews and approves donor eligibility determinations, evaluates adverse reaction reports, and consults with physicians using donor tissue when needed. His leadership ensures that all medical decisions align with regulatory and ethical standards.
Laboratory / Tissue Bank Director
Scott E. Smith, PhD, HCLD
With over 25 years of experience in embryology and andrology laboratories, Dr. Scott E. Smith serves as the responsible head of the clinical laboratory. He is accountable for the overall operation and administration of the clinical laboratory, including the employment of personnel who are competent to perform the procedures and tasks assigned to them.
Dr. Smith ensures the prompt, accurate, and proficient performance, recording, and reporting of all test results. He is also responsible for assuring full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing clinical laboratory and tissue bank operations.
Dr. Smith ensures the prompt, accurate, and proficient performance, recording, and reporting of all test results. He is also responsible for assuring full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing clinical laboratory and tissue bank operations.
Clinical Coordination & Client Liaison Operations Manager
Leah Hill, MSHGG
With a Master of Science in Human Genetics & Genomics, the Operations Manager plays a central role within our team, serving as the primary link between multiple healthcare providers, including the Laboratory Director, Medical Director, genetic counselors, and fertility specialists.
In this role, the Operations Manager is often the main point of contact for clients, helping them understand testing results, next steps, and timelines in a clear and supportive manner. They ensure communication across departments remains efficient, accurate, and aligned with clinical protocols.
Additionally, the Operations Manager oversees day-to-day workflow and manages both front-end and back-end operations. This includes coordinating clinical processes, monitoring operational efficiency, and ensuring that client experience, compliance requirements, and internal systems function smoothly and cohesively.
In this role, the Operations Manager is often the main point of contact for clients, helping them understand testing results, next steps, and timelines in a clear and supportive manner. They ensure communication across departments remains efficient, accurate, and aligned with clinical protocols.
Additionally, the Operations Manager oversees day-to-day workflow and manages both front-end and back-end operations. This includes coordinating clinical processes, monitoring operational efficiency, and ensuring that client experience, compliance requirements, and internal systems function smoothly and cohesively.
Semen Analysis, Processing & Cryopreservation
Laboratory Staff
Our laboratory team consists of highly trained professionals with at least a Bachelor of Science degree, most of whom hold a Master’s in Science. Each laboratory staff member completes a rigorous six-month training program and undergoes annual competency testing.
As part of our team, laboratory staff are responsible for specimen processing, quality control, cryopreservation, and ongoing monitoring to ensure consistency, safety, and reliability at every stage.
Learn About CryopreservationAs part of our team, laboratory staff are responsible for specimen processing, quality control, cryopreservation, and ongoing monitoring to ensure consistency, safety, and reliability at every stage.
Guidance, Support & Coordination
Client Services Team
Our client services team includes knowledgeable professionals with experience in medicine, tissue banking, and laboratory operations. With over a decade of combined industry experience, this team supports clients with donor selection, process navigation, and personalized assistance.
They work closely with the rest of our team to ensure clear communication, timely coordination, and a supportive experience from initial inquiry through treatment.
Contact Client ServicesThey work closely with the rest of our team to ensure clear communication, timely coordination, and a supportive experience from initial inquiry through treatment.
