OUR TEAM

Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is an extended family dedicated to helping our partners, supporters and anyone impacted by reproductive loss.

Dr. Michaelene Fredenburg, LHD h.c, President and CEO
Having experienced reproductive loss herself, Michaelene founded the Institute with the vision to facilitate healing around the world. Today that vision continues to be fulfilled in our international outreach. Michaelene’s passion is unwavering. She is continually inspired by the individuals who trust us with their stories and the professionals and leaders who are motivated to help them.
See full bio here.
Chenayle Hatfield, Chief Operating Officer
Chenayle guides the workflow strategy and organization of all essential business processes. She builds and analyzes the efficiency of business functions, leads planning changes and manages day-to-day operations. She collaborates with other executive staff to set and meet objectives, values and goals. She enjoys change management and implementing new ideas. She values the comfort and hope that the Institute provides to those impacted.
Alex Anaya, Chief Donor Officer
Alexandria is our fundraising guru and loves partnering with the Institute’s supporters in order to eliminate the silent suffering that far too many men and women endure after a reproductive loss. Alexandria began her career in the corporate world before enthusiastically jumping into the nonprofit world.
Sandra Yacura, Director of Communications
With 15 years of communications, branding and PR expertise, Sandra won the highly competitive “Nonprofit Communications Campaign of the Year” for the Institute. Her career began on Capitol Hill in D.C. and moved to tech, global, & financial communications before joining the Institute. She earned her master’s degree in international studies and resides in San Diego and Chicago.
Dale Gray, Director of Mission Advancement
As the Director of Mission Advancement, Dale furthers the Institutes outreach by collaborating with investors and businesses to keep advancing the Institute’s mission. Dale began his career in the business world before getting into the nonprofit world. He is continually inspired by the institutions educational programs that have help thousands of people through grief care.
Sara West, MSHS-PH, Director of Hospital Programs
With more than 20 years of expertise as a care provider, educator, doula, and speaker, Sara's professional and personal experiences advance the Institute's mission. Sara directs hospital and emergency department instruction to lead healthcare professionals in best practices in reproductive grief care and self-care.
Angelica Quezeda, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C, R-PLC, Director of Mental Health Program
Angelica is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in providing mental health education and evidence-based psychotherapy to individuals, groups, and families. As the Director of the Mental Health Program, she will continue to promote our mission in order to instill hope, change, understanding, and healing in individuals; by developing educational programs, establishing mental health resources, and aiding in data collection and research.
Dietrich Fredenburg, IT Specialist & Webmaster
When it comes to everything computers, Dietrich is our guy. He is our IT specialist extraordinaire. In addition, Dietrich maintains the online resources that hundreds of thousands have utilized to get the help and information they need. Dietrich is inspired that the Institute of Reproductive Grief Care takes a “unique approach to an issue that many don't even consider in the first place. We are innovators in language and training.”
Rebecca Capuano, MSW Quality Assurance Coordinator
As a social worker with experience in residential programs, day treatment, and pregnancy resource centers, Rebecca is passionate about bringing support to those who are hurting. She coordinates the Institute's quality assurance program, serves as course instructor, and provides support and guidance to ensure the Institute's education, research, and resources meet the highest standard of excellence.
Katie Geppert Gonzalez Certificate Programs Coordinator
Katie is the primary point of contact for organizations who partner with the Institute for training. Just recently, Katie not only helped facilitate our outreach to Ukraine, she helped to successfully train psychologists, social workers, clergy and representatives of NGOs from across the country. Katie is inspired by the Institute of Reproductive Grief Care's’ impact, not only on individuals but on entire organizations.
Andre Roberts, Event Manager
As the Event Manager, Andre furthers the Institute mission by managing every aspect of event planning including educational events, group activities, and fundraisers. Andre started his career in higher education teaching student leaders about diversity, inclusion, and social justice before transitioning into the nonprofit world.
Sharon St. Pierre, MSW, LCSW, Mental Health Coordinator
Sharon is a gifted teacher and professional who brings a wealth of knowledge about grief and loss, thus ensuring we offer cutting-edge continuing education courses to mental health professionals. She’s passionate about encouraging professionals to grow in their knowledge of disenfranchised grief. In addition to teaching LP’s CE courses, Sharon assists in certifying trainers. Sharon is inspired by working with a team that genuinely cares for those hurting from reproductive losses.
Carolina Mejia, Bookkeeper
As the Bookkeeper, Carolina oversees the Institute of Reproductive Grief Care's financial data and compliance by maintaining accurate books on accounts payable and receivable, and works closely with the treasurer to create and analyze financial reports. She also translates the Institute’s resources into Spanish. Carolina is inspired by hearing of individuals’ decisions to let go of their pain and knowing that she’s been able to contribute to their healing journeys.
Caroline Kelley, Digital and Social Media Specialist
As our Digital and Social Media Specialist, Caroline manages all of the Institute's social media accounts. She loves creating interactive and engaging content that builds awareness of LP healing resources and courses for healthcare professionals. Her passion is using social media to connect individuals with the right tools for their own healing journey.
Shandeigh “Nikki” Berry, PhD, RN, Accredited Provider Program Director
Dr. Shandeigh “Nikki” Berry is a professor of nursing at Saint Martin’s University and the lead faculty in End-of-Life and Trauma Informed Care. Her research in perinatal loss, grief, and bereavement focuses on decreasing the emotional trauma parents experience in the wake of a life-limiting fetal diagnosis. She is an active member in professional organizations with multiple refereed publications and the recipient of several awards for her contributions to perinatal loss research.
Elsa Arens, BSN, RN Healthcare Education Coordinator/Nurse Planner
As a nurse with bedside experience in gynecologic oncology, Elsa is passionate about whole-person care for patients and their families and believes healthcare professionals are in a unique position to be able to profoundly and positively impact individuals’ healing trajectory. She is excited to get to be a part of what the Institute is doing to make compassionate reproductive grief care the standard through education and research.
Darren Stigers, Business Development Specialist
As the Business Development Specialist, Darren furthers the Institute mission by providing education packages and custom training to hospitals, healthcare systems, clinics and private practices. Prior to the Institute, Darren worked in medical device, respiratory therapy, allergy and immunotherapy sales. He is proud to contribute to the Institute’s mission.
Karolina Foss, computer operations, user and desktop support
Karolina’s primary focus is in the area of computer operations, user and desktop support, and helpdesk. She performs a variety of technology support duties. This includes monitoring, operating, repairing and assisting others in the operation of computer hardware, software, and peripherals in order to keep our Institute running efficiently. She has recently received her CompTIA A+ certificate, which provides her with the broad diversity of knowledge required for our growing company.

Certified Instructors

Svetlana Jovanova, Certified Instructor
Svetlana has been the President of “Lydia – A Beating Heart” in Macedonia since she founded it in 2012. She has a University degree in French Language and Literature. Prior to starting this organization, she taught the Macedonian language to foreigners and worked as a translator. She has attended multiple trainings and conferences with Heartbeat International and is LAS certified.
Tanya Flores, Certified Instructor
As a Certified Instructor with the Institute of Reproductive Grief Care, Tanya is passionate for training and encouraging others on how to become a safe place for those grieving reproductive loss. Tanya is also the Director of Reproductive Grief Care and Education at her local pregnancy medical clinic where she sees first-hand how the grief education and healing language taught in our classes benefits the client and the advocates that serve them.
Melinda Ruiz, MSN, RN, CNS, Certified Instructor
As an advanced practice nurse and healthcare instructor Melinda would to increase the comfort of healthcare providers when caring for patients and families experiencing reproductive loss.
Jordan Ronalder, Certified Instructor
Jordan is a Licensed Professional Counselor on staff at Pregnancy Resources in Abilene, Texas. As the center’s Clinic Counselor and Grief Care Coordinator, she offers support and a safe place for clients to share their experiences and find healing after loss. As a certified instructor, she desires to equip the surrounding community with awareness and tools to also provide opportunities for healing to those who have experienced reproductive loss.
Pam Luschei, Certified Instructor
Based in San Diego in a private practice, Pam Luschei works compassionately with those who have suffered loss. As a LMFT for over 22 years, she walks along side her clients as a professional and a fellow sojourner on the grief journey. As a Certified Instructor, she offers hope and encouragement to those who have suffered reproductive loss.