As an adoptive dad, Brian Esser knows the options for building a family can seem overwhelming. Brian is a trusted advisor who helps clients step by step through the process. He listens to his clients’ concerns and works with them to find the best path for their family. He also helps safeguard families with proper planning for the future.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in History from Northwestern University, Brian earned a law degree from the American University Washington College of Law. He is licensed to practice law in New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Brian concentrates his practice on adoption, reproductive law, and estate planning.

Brian is a founding board member of Equality New York, a statewide LGBTQI advocacy organization. He served two terms as the President of the Board of Directors of the National LGBT Bar Association’s Foundation. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA), and a member of LeGaL – the LGBT Bar Association of Greater NY's Family and Matrimonial Law Committee.

Listen as Brian shares with Ellen and Jenn:

• Why U.S. intended parents should consult an attorney before beginning an international surrogacy journey.
• What an attorney can—and often cannot—change in an international agency agreement.
• How international “all-inclusive” programs may differ from U.S. surrogacy arrangements.
• The difference between being matched with and being “assigned” a surrogate.
• Why a foreign birth certificate may not be enough to establish parentage in the United States.
• Legal considerations for non-genetic parents, same-sex couples, and single intended parents.
• When a second-parent adoption or judgment of parentage may be appropriate.
• What New York families can expect from the adoption process.
• The purpose and limitations of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).
• Common legal assumptions that can create complications after a baby is born.
• Why families should seek advice from an attorney in their state of residence.

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.

Learn more about Brian’s legal practice: https://www.esserlawoffice.com/

Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/

Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/

Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch

Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Meryl B. Rosenberg, Esq. is an attorney who specializes in Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) law and who has helped intended parents build their families through surrogacy, gamete donation (egg, sperm and embryo donation), second-parent and stepparent adoption for over 30 years.

Among the many non-profit organizations she actively participates in, Ms. Rosenberg is the immediate Past President, and is a Fellow of, the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA), past member of its ART executive committee and chair of its ART membership committee; is past chair and member of the executive board of the Legal Professional Group of ASRM; is past co-chair of the Legal Advisory Committee of Path2Parenthood; is past CLE Liaison for the ABA Family Law Section and the Reproductive Technology Committee of the Family Law Section, is a current member of its executive and CLE committees of the ABA Family Law Section; is a member of Family Law Institute of the LGBTQ Bar; is a professional member of RESOLVE; is a past board member of the Jewish Fertility Foundation; and is on the Advisory Board of The Cade Foundation and a member of the grant’s committee for The Surrogacy Foundation. Meryl works collaboratively with others to spearhead positive change in legislation affecting those who build their families through ART and to legally protect all families, and was actively involved in the passage of the 2016 DC surrogacy law.

Meryl was instrumental in drafting the final ABA Model Act Governing Assisted Reproduction (2019) and the ABA Model Act ABA Model Act Governing Assisted Reproductive Technology Agencies (2016), and currently co-chairing the effort to update the same. Meryl has been a guest lecturer for the University of Maryland School of Law and the American University Washington College of Law, and is a frequent speaker for AAAA, the ABA Family Law Section, ASRM, Rainbow Families DC, and other organizations nationally and internationally on relevant topics surrounding ART and family building.

Meryl has authored articles in various publications, magazines and on-line on the topic of third -party reproduction legal issues, and on surrogacy and gamete donation in particular. Meryl is also active with and serves on boards for a number of philanthropic organizations.

On this episode of I Want to Put a Baby in You, hosts Jennifer White and Ellen Trachman talk hot topics in surrogacy law with Meryl Rosenberg.

Listen as Meryl shares with Ellen and Jenn:

• Why surrogacy legal work cannot—and should not—be completed in a few days.
• Why intended parents may need to hear important information more than once.
• What thorough surrogate screening should involve.
• Why “matched” can mean very different things among programs.
• The importance of psychological evaluations and group consultations.
• How professional silos can lead to missed information.
• Why independent legal representation matters for everyone.
• The risks of sharing private surrogacy documents with open AI tools.
• How attorneys, matching programs, clinics, and mental health professionals can collaborate more effectively.

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.

Learn more about Meryl’s legal practice: www.artparenting.com

Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/

Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/

Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch

Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Marla Neufeld is a partner in Greenspoon Marder LLP’s Surrogacy and Assisted Reproductive Technology practice group, which she founded, and represents parties working with a surrogate, egg, sperm or embryo donor. Ms. Neufeld experienced her own infertility journey for many years and ultimately worked with a gestational surrogate to build her own family. She co-authored a book published by the American Bar Association titled The “ABA Guide to Assisted Reproduction: Techniques, Legal Issues and Pathways to Success” and was the winner of the Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Awards for the article she co-authored titled “The A, B, Cs (along with CDCs and FDAs) of Regulatory Implications over Assisted Reproductive Technology“ published in the ABA Health Law Journal.

Drawing from her own personal journey with infertility and assistance of a gestational surrogate, Ms. Neufeld utilizes her transactional law background and combines it with her compassion and understanding of the surrogacy and adoption process. She focuses on helping others start a family using the available third-party reproductive technologies and adoption laws. Legal services offered include representation on behalf of intended parents, surrogates, egg, sperm, and embryo donation agreements, finalization of parental rights proceedings and adoption proceedings in Florida (same-sex adoptions, step-parent adoptions and second-parent adoptions).

Ms. Neufeld is honored to represent married couples, both heterosexual and same-sex couples and individuals seeking to utilize various reproductive technologies. She treats each client with her own experience in mind and is sensitive to the fact that reproductive technology and the adoption process can be intimidating and overwhelming, which she can help guide clients through.

On this episode of I Want to Put a Baby in You, hosts Jennifer White and Ellen Trachman explore recent development with surrogacy in Florida.

Listen as Marla shares with Ellen and Jenn:

• How Marla’s personal infertility and surrogacy journey shaped her career.
• The medical complications faced during a twin pregnancy.
• How Florida’s long-standing surrogacy laws have recently come under scrutiny.
• The importance of workable regulation that protects surrogates and intended parents.
• Two complicated Florida parentage cases and the questions they raise.
• The influence of media coverage on public understanding of surrogacy disputes.
• New concerns for international intended parents navigating immigration and citizenship issues.
• Why families may need legal guidance—and backup plans—throughout the entire journey.
• How the Florida Family Building Advocates are supporting legislative advocacy and ongoing litigation.

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.

Learn more about Marla Neufeld’s legal practice: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/marla-neufeld/

To learn about the advocacy work being done in Florida: https://floridafamilybuildingadvocates.org/

Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/

Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/

Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch

Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Nikki Munir builds products that solve problems that matter — and few are more personal to her than the one behind her current company, Embraya. After conceiving her daughter naturally, Nikki and her husband spent four years on an IVF journey to avoid passing on a genetic condition, including a period exploring surrogacy after multiple transfers ended in early miscarriage. That experience made her a passionate advocate for better fertility support outside the clinic. She's been building Embraya for over a year. Since launching in April 2026, it's surpassed 10,000 downloads.

On this episode of I Want to Put a Baby in You, hosts Jennifer White and Ellen Trachman explore Embraya’s support for those navigating IVF.

Listen as Nikki shares with Ellen and Jenn:

• Pursuing IVF to avoid passing on a genetic condition.
• Recurrent uterine scar tissue and Asherman syndrome.
• The emotional impact of unsuccessful transfers and early pregnancy loss.
• How Nikki and her husband approached the surrogacy agency search.
• Why surrogacy is a wonderful option—but not an “easy button.”
• The enormous mental and logistical load placed on fertility patients.
• How Embraya helps users manage medications, appointments, and medication inventory.
• Why fertility education should be timely, approachable, and medically reviewed.
• The importance of making fertility technology feel warm instead of clinical.
• The special privacy considerations involved in developing shared features for surrogacy journeys.

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.

Learn more about Embraya: https://embrayaapp.com/

Download the app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/embraya-ivf-tracker/id6753602848; https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.embraya.app&hl=en_US

Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/

Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/

Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch

Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Bonnie Hilton. Bonnie Hilton is a licensed clinical social worker, adoption professional, author, and mother of nine. She and her husband, Brett, have been married for 34 years and live in South Jordan, Utah. Bonnie is passionate about helping children thrive in forever families and currently serves as CEO of Hand In Hand International Adoptions. An Angels in Adoption award recipient and author of Gathering Israel’s Children, Bonnie especially loves supporting adoptive families. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, writing, playing the piano, and sports.

Donna Pope. Donna Pope stands as a cornerstone figure in the adoption community, bringing over 25 years of dedicated service as Executive Director of Heart To Heart Adoptions. Under her leadership, the agency has grown into one of the most respected domestic adoption organizations in the United States, built on a foundation of ethical practices and genuine care for all members of the adoption triad.

Her influence extends beyond her agency work through significant leadership roles, including serving as Chairman for the Committee for Ethical Practices in Utah Adoption Agencies and holding a position on the Utah Adoption Council's Governing Board. Her diverse professional background spans healthcare and education, allowing her to address the complex emotional and psychological aspects of adoption.

As a person of faith, Donna approaches adoption work through a spiritual lens, recognizing the sacred nature of family creation and the eternal bonds that connect families. This perspective informs her compassionate approach to supporting individuals and families throughout their adoption journey.

Donna shares her expertise and passion through four adoption-focused podcasts, creating accessible platforms for education and support within the adoption community. Her latest endeavor, Adoptions.com, represents her vision for creating a comprehensive resource hub that connects and supports all members of the adoption community.

Throughout her career, Donna has maintained her commitment to ethical practices while advocating for the needs of birth parents, adoptive families, and adoptees. Her work reflects a deep understanding that adoption is not just a legal process, but a life-changing journey that deserves thoughtful guidance and unwavering support.

Listen as Donna and Bonnie share with Ellen and Jenn:

• How Heart to Heart began, including Donna’s personal story adopting three sons.
• Bonnie’s powerful personal story, learning as a teenager that she was born without a uterus, navigating infertility through dating and early marriage, and then receiving an unexpected offer from a woman in her church.
• The realities of early IVF and surrogacy, including a high-risk quadruplet pregnancy, the difficult decisions around selective reduction, and the profound grief and love that followed when the babies were born extremely premature.
• Continued family growth through domestic and international adoption—including adopting children from Ukraine.
• The tender, life-changing experience of adopting a medically fragile newborn who only lived two weeks, but was deeply loved.
• Exploring bigger questions surrounding paths to parenthood, including why international adoption has dramatically declined, how regulation (even when well-intentioned) can create unintended barriers, and why access, cost, and legal uncertainty continue to shape the future of both adoption and surrogacy.
• Their upcoming nonprofit platform, Adoptions.com, designed to connect adoptive families, biological families, adoptees, and service providers—creating community, support groups, educational resources, and a matching-style “connection engine” to help people find the services they need.

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.

Listen to Voices of Adoption: voicesofadoption.podup.com

Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/

Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/

Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch

Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Jessica is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with advanced training in pelvic health. She is the co-founder of Surrogate Wellness Collective, owner of Vibrant Coast Physical Therapy and Wellness, and founder of the Vibrant Strength App. She works with surrogates throughout their journey to design evidenced-based customized strength, mobility and pelvic floor health programs to support both the surrogate and baby’s health, and help surrogates feel confident and empowered throughout their journey during pregnancy and postpartum.

On this episode of I Want to Put a Baby in You, hosts Jennifer White and Ellen Trachman dive into a topic that affects far more people than we talk about: pelvic floor therapy.

Listen as Jessica shares with Ellen and Jenn:

1. What pelvic floor therapy actually is (and what it’s not).
2. Why leaking when you laugh, sneeze, or exercise is common—but not normal.
3. How pelvic floor dysfunction connects to back pain, hip pain, sciatica, constipation, and more.
4. The role of pelvic floor therapy and exercise during pregnancy.
5. How prenatal exercise can reduce risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, C-sections, and even prenatal depression.
6. Why surrogates and intended parents should care about pelvic health before, during, and after pregnancy.

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.

Learn more about Dr. Jessica Chellsen: http://surrogatewellness.com/meet-Jessica/

Follow Jessica on Instagram: @surrogatewellness and @vibrantcoastpt

Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/

Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/

Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch

Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Cheri Margolis, M.D. graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a focus in Biochemistry and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Florida Honors program. Her commitment to excellence continued as she earned her medical degree (M.D.) at the University of Florida. During medical school, she fostered a love for the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility while on a research scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania, evaluating synthetic environmental estrogen mimics.

Following her medical education, Dr. Margolis embarked on a journey to the Northeast to complete her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the prestigious New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell in New York City. During her time at Cornell, she not only honed her clinical skills but was also given awards for her excellence in Obstetrics and excellence in medical education. Driven by her dedication to advancing the field of reproductive medicine, she chose to pursue a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Reproductive Medicine Associates in New Jersey, one of the largest and busiest in vitro fertilization programs in the world. This experience also provided her with invaluable training as an embryologist, enriching her understanding of the embryology laboratory.

Dr. Margolis’ commitment to advancing the field of reproductive medicine extends beyond her clinical practice. She has shared her research findings at various national meetings, including ASRM, PCRS, ESHRE, with a staggering 50+ oral and poster presentations to date. Her research interests encompass a diverse range of topics, including fertility preservation, in vitro fertilization outcomes, and preimplantation genetic testing.

Dr. Margolis is dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to her patients. She approaches each patient’s unique circumstances with compassion and aims to establish a trusting and respectful relationship. By fostering open communication and shared decision-making, Dr. Margolis empowers her patients to make informed choices throughout their fertility journey.

Leah Roberts, M.D. is a native of South Florida who has brought her passion for reproductive endocrinology and fertility care to Boca Raton. She graduated cum laude from the University of Florida Honors program where she completed her Bachelors of Science in Biology and a minor in English. She received her M.D. from Florida Atlantic University where she served as the Vice President of her class. She then completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency in Philadelphia at Temple University.

After graduation, Dr. Roberts continued at Temple as an Assistant Professor of OB-GYN, teaching both residents and medical students, until she left to pursue her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Reproductive Medicine Associates in New Jersey. While at RMANJ she additionally trained as an embryologist, which provided her with invaluable experience in the clinical laboratory.

Dr. Roberts has presented her research at several national meetings including ASRM, PCRS, CREOG/APGO, AUGS/IUGA, and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, on topics as varied as ovarian aging and patient engagement with care. She has also been an active participant in lobbying for your reproductive rights and infertility coverage on the state and national level with RESOLVE and ACOG. Dr. Roberts specializes in ovarian biology and aging, third party reproduction, and preimplantation genetics and diagnosis.

Dr. Roberts is a distinguished Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine. With a profound commitment to advancing women’s health, Dr. Roberts has garnered recognition as an expert in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and healthcare access for women. This expertise has led to numerous media appearances, including interviews on CBS 13 and ABC 10 (including live on This Week in South Florida) , where Dr. Roberts has shared valuable insights on complex medical issues affecting women. Additionally, Dr. Roberts has been quoted in the Los Angeles Times, Sun Sentinel, Orlando Sentinel, and even internationally in the Irish Star, highlighting the global impact of their work in the field of reproductive health and medicine.

Listen as the Boca Fertility doctors share with Ellen and Jenn:

1. How a random college dorm visit and a shared social circle led to a lifelong friendship and professional partnership committed to patient care.
2. Dr. Roberts’ experience with severe pregnancy complications and becoming a fertility patient herself.
3. Experiencing the full emotional and physical rollercoaster.
4. How their personal experiences have improved their care for their patients.

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.

Learn more about Boca Fertility: bocafertility.com

Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/

Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/

Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch

Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Families Out Loud is a national community, event platform, and advocacy organization that supports all people building families—across every family structure, identity, and path to parenthood. Whether LGBTQ+, straight, non-binary, single, partnered, or still exploring options, Families Out Loud exists to ensure that anyone navigating assisted reproduction feels informed, supported, and never alone.

Families Out Loud was founded by Mike Snaric and George Moore, husbands and dads to twin boys conceived through egg donation, surrogacy, and IVF. Their personal journey into parenthood revealed how emotionally complex, financially overwhelming, and ethically unclear the family-building process can be—especially without trusted guidance or community. Families Out Loud was created to change that experience for others.

The organization brings together intended parents, medical professionals, legal experts, surrogacy and egg donor agencies, and advocates through live events in major cities, educational panels, national partnerships, and media. Families Out Loud is known for creating inclusive, culture-forward spaces that balance expert education with real storytelling and joyful celebration, while also addressing the serious ethical, legal, and access issues shaping the future of family building.

At its core, Families Out Loud believes there is no single “right” way to build a family—and that everyone deserves respect, transparency, and protection along the way. The organization is actively expanding its national footprint through advocacy, nonprofit initiatives, and industry collaboration focused on ethical family building, education, and community-driven support.

Listen as Mike and George share with Ellen and Jenn:

1. Their personal winding journey with surrogacy.
2. How lack of information and support shaped their mission.
3. The importance of inclusive fertility education.
4. What makes Families Out Loud events special.
5. What the fertility world gets wrong—and what can be done.

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.

Learn more about Families Out Loud: www.familiesoutloudevents.com

Follow Families Out Loud on Instagram: @families_out_loud

Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/

Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/

Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch

Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Jen and Jaimee are experienced Registered Nurses and founders of Childbirth Allies, a concierge-style education and birth planning service dedicated to supporting intended parents through surrogacy. With backgrounds in maternal–newborn care and years of hands-on experience in complex birth settings, they are passionate about helping families feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Their approach blends clinical knowledge with compassion, ensuring their clients feel well-prepared for birth and newborn care.

Listen as Jen and Jaimee share with Ellen and Jenn:

1. How Childbirth Allies was born (pun intended).
2. Jen and Jaimee’s extensive labor & delivery experience and 3 am night shift trauma bond.
3. Seeing firsthand intended parents through surrogacy lacking birth resources and education that met their needs.
4. Why traditional classes are a poor fit.
5. Finding Childbirth Allies to support the specific needs of parents through surrogacy.
6. Offering flexible class options.
7. Teaching important skills like how intended parents can advocate for their baby while respecting the gestational carrier’s anatomy.
8. Finding your role in the delivery room.
9. Post-birth best practices.

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.

Learn more about Childbirth Allies: www.childbirthallies.com

Follow Childbirth Allies on Instagram: @childbirthallies

Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/

Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/

Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch

Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Junior Velazquez is the founder of A to Z Family, a fertility and family-building consulting company that supports intended parents through journeys in the U.S. and Mexico. He works closely with families, clinics, legal teams, and gestational carriers to help make complicated processes feel more human, clear, and supported.

Together with his husband, Romain Taillandier, Junior focuses on ethical, transparent, and well-coordinated family-building journeys, especially for LGBTQ+ parents and international families. He’s passionate about education, real conversations, and making sure people don’t feel alone while navigating such a life-changing experience.

In this episode, Junior Velazquez from A to Z Family joins the conversation to talk about family building journeys in Mexico and what families really need to know before getting started.

Junior shares practical insight from working directly with intended parents every day, from how cross-border journeys are structured to the emotional side of the process that often doesn’t get talked about enough. The conversation touches on ethics, coordination, common misconceptions, and why the right support makes all the difference.

Listen as Junior shares with Ellen and Jenn:

• His own path from healthcare to surrogacy advocacy.
• Why some intended parents turn abroad.
• The stark difference between reputable programs and the dangerous “all-in-house” models.
• Real-world red flags.
• How Mexico City’s legal framework and the Amparo process work.
• What ethical programs must include (independent counsel, verified compensation, open communication), and why parents should never shortcut birth certificates or legal steps—even if it means staying abroad longer.

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.

Learn more about A to Z Family: azfamily.us 

Follow A to Z Family on Instagram: @azfamily.us

Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ 

Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ 

Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch 

Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/