FERTILITY INSTITUTE OF NEW JERSEY & NEW YORK - Key Persons
Alyson Butler brings a broad range of knowledge and nearly 17 years of experience to her patients at the Fertility Institute of NJ & NY. Board Certified with a specialization in Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, she is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Ms. Butler joined the Fertility Institute of NJ & NY team in 2002 after completing the Masters-level Physician Assistant program at Touro College. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Biology from Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University.
She obtained the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification in March 2002 and was re-certified in 2014, demonstrating her dedication to Assisted Reproductive Technology.
A former fertility patient, Ms. Butler brings with her first-hand knowledge of Assisted Reproductive Technology, affording a unique in-depth and compassionate perspective to her patients.
This combination of medical knowledge and personal experience has proven especially useful for patients who are nervous about beginning or continuing with treatments. Alyson takes the time to let every patient at the Fertility Institute of NJ & NY know they are not alone.
Ms. Butler independently conducts new patient consultations including full medical examinations and evaluation of medical history, offering the same high-quality care as the physicians.
Alyson also coordinates all third-party reproductive procedures, including gestational carriers, egg donation, sperm donation, and partner-to-partner egg donation. As Egg Donor Coordinator, Ms. Butler works directly with patients to facilitate a seamless egg donation and recipient process.
Alyson is bilingual in English and Hebrew and she is proud of the work she does at the Fertility Institute of NJ & NY, where we feel that all patients should be treated like family. Ms. Butler truly embodies this philosophy and treats people with empathy, sensitivity, and warmth, which has been noted by so many of our current and former patients.
Angela joined the FINJNY family as our Clinical Insurance Specialist, which was a newly created position to better serve our patients' needs regarding medication and insurance authorizations. With 4 years of experience in the healthcare setting, Angela is continuing her career development through Essex Community College, where her ultimate career goal is to earn an RN and become a fertility nurse. In the past she's taken courses in patient care technician studies, phlebotomy, dialysis technician studies, electrocardiogram studies (EKG), and she's completed a certified nursing assistant (CNA) course. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Angela also served honorably for 3 years in the New Jersey Army National Guard.
Ashley is a seasoned medical administrator who joined our team in 2017. In addition to her experience in medical offices she's worked in the hospital setting in the emergency room and as a patient access coordinator where she loved to train new employees. A multitasker by nature, Ashley easily handles the busy phones, patient questions, and insurance inquiries, helping the front office to run smoothly. She is a Certified Revenue Cycle Representative through the Healthcare Financial Management Association and is fluent in English and Portuguese. When asked what her personal and professional goals are she replies "I want to positively impact the life of every person I meet. I am very personable with the patients and do my best to help them feel comfortable." She is regularly recognized by patients for her upbeat and kind personality, and her can-do attitude.
Cathy has over 20 years of experience as a lab technician with the Fertility Institute. If you are here for morning monitoring, chances are you see Cathy, and patients regularly comment on what a calming and reassuring presence she is. She obtained an associate's degree in medical technology from Felician College and is certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). Prior to joining the FINJNY team, Cathy held a cross-departmental role with a private lab where she gained invaluable experience learning all aspects of the lab. She is the proud mother of a college-aged son who is currently studying criminal law.
Dawn joined our team in the administration department as a medical administrator in 2020. After attending Montclair State University where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in history and legal studies, Dawn chose to pursue a career in the healthcare industry. With over 12 years of experience, Dawn has held positions mainly managing the front desk functions where she is very customer-service oriented and a warm, friendly face greeting patients. She has a great amount of medical billing experience as well. A lover of nature and animals, Dawn chose to work in the fertility medical field because "I went through fertility issues myself and I love being able to help others. I take pride in my job and I am always willing to help where I can."
Dr. Heather Hur is recognized by The American Board of Bioanalysis as a Board Certified High Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD) with expertise in Embryology, an area of biology relating to embryos and their development, and Andrology, a branch of laboratory science concerned with male reproductive function.
Job Titles:
- Co - Director
- Co - Medical Director
Dr. Inna Berin, Co-Director of our Institute, joined the Fertility Institute in 2010. She is a board-certified specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) and has extensive clinical expertise in all aspects of infertility and reproduction, including ovulation induction, intra-uterine insemination, PCOS, recurrent pregnancy loss, IVF, preimplantation genetic testing (PGD/PGS), egg freezing, as well as reproductive surgery.
Prior to joining our team in 2010, Dr. Berin served as a Clinical and Research Fellow in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. She was also appointed a clinical instructor in OB/GYN at the Harvard Medical School during that time. While there, she worked with some of the foremost leaders in the field of Reproductive Biology and Infertility and gained invaluable knowledge regarding all aspects of infertility and reproduction. She has participated in ground-breaking research and has published numerous articles and abstracts, presenting her work at national conferences of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.
Dr. Berin has been recognized by both patients and colleagues for being an extremely compassionate, warm, and caring physician. When you meet her, it is evident that she takes great pride in providing outstanding medical care in a sensitive and gentle way, understanding the difficulties the patient may have encountered on their journey to becoming parents.
Through her years of educational and professional experience, Dr. Berin has developed deep expertise and knowledge in all aspects of reproductive endocrinology, and this, combined with her outstanding bedside manner, provides her patients with optimal care and outcomes. Her experience includes:
Stuyvesant High School, 1995
New York University - Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Comparative Literature, magna cum laude, 1999
Mount Sinai School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, 2003
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital - Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2003-2007
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital - Administrative Chief Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2006-2007
Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital - Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of Reproductive Medicine, 2007-2010
Harvard Medical School, Clinical Instructor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2007-2010
Fertility Institute of New Jersey and New York - Attending Physician 2010, Co-Director since 2013
Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, since 2011
Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2013, in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Fluent in English and Russian, as well as conversational in Spanish.
Job Titles:
- Co - Director of Our Institute, Is a Board - Certified Specialist
- Co - Medical Director
Dr. Zalman Levine, Co-Director of our Institute, is a Board-certified specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). His clinical expertise encompasses all areas of assisted reproduction including ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing (PGD and PGS), and oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing) for fertility preservation. Dr. Levine was recruited by the Fertility Institute in 2002 to provide our patients with the most advanced reproductive technologies. Prior to joining our team, he served as Clinical and Research Fellow at Harvard University alongside prominent leaders in the REI field, teaching reproductive medicine and surgery at Harvard Medical School and at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. He has performed pioneering research, presented at national conferences, published in the medical literature, and received many academic awards for his research, teaching, and surgical skill. Before beginning his medical career, Dr. Levine studied at Yeshiva University's theological seminary and is an ordained rabbi who lectures widely on the interface between assisted reproduction and religion. Dr. Levine has been recognized by patients and colleagues for his caring and warmth, clinical innovation, attention to detail, ability to explain and communicate medical concepts in an understandable and sensitive way, and success in helping people become parents.
Through his years of educational and professional experience, Dr. Levine has developed a depth of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of reproductive endocrinology, as well as a deeply personal humanitarian approach to his patients. His experience includes:
Yeshiva University - Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, magna cum laude, 1988
Yeshiva University - Rabbinic Ordination, 1991
Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, 1995
Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1995-1999
Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Administrative Chief Resident, 1998-1999
Harvard Medical School - Fellow in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, 1999-2002
Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital - Clinical Fellow, Division of Reproductive Medicine, 1999-2002
Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital - Research Fellow, Department of Surgery, 2001-2002
Harvard Medical School - Instructor for Endocrinology course and clerkship seminars, 1999-2002
Massachusetts Medical Society - Ethics Committee member, 2001-2002
New York Medical College - Assistant Professor, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, 2002-2008
Fertility Institute of New Jersey and New York - Attending Physician 2002, Director of Ambulatory Surgery since 2008, Co-Director since 2013
Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists since 2005
Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2004, in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, elected 1995
Eduarda joined the FINJNY team in 2018 as a welcome part of the administration department; but she was quickly transitioned to the clinical team as a medical assistant where she's thrived for the last 2 years. Ms. Rodrigues studied to be a surgical technician at Berkeley College and after graduating decided to pursue a career in the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialty. "Helping women work through the array of emotions of infertility and fertility treatments is rewarding to me. Seeing patients leave our office, pregnant, is an incredible feeling." Eduarda is bilingual in English and Portuguese and in her free time she enjoys exercising, reading, and going to the beach.
Our senior administrator, Gina is a 22-year veteran of the FINJNY team providing excellent support to the office staff and patients. Gina is a pro at multitasking, managing busy phones, obtaining pre-authorizations and typing without skipping a beat. She never forgets a face, and has an uncanny ability to recall patient names, even when they haven't been in our office in years. That, coupled with her warm and friendly nature when working with patients, makes her a great asset to our team. In her off-hours, she is creative and bakes delicious cakes and cupcakes, along with enjoying many other crafts.
Our Community Liaison, Janine, joined the team in 2014. She has more than 20 years of experience in medical marketing, coupled with a half-decade-long infertility struggle to welcome her own two IVF miracles. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in marketing and calls her position her "dream job." "After the heartache infertility caused me, I now come to work every day knowing that I am helping others through their own infertility journeys. That helps me to heal and fulfills me in a way no other position in my career has, to date."
"When you love what you do for work, it never feels like work." Johanna joined our nursing team in 2020 and has been an invaluable addition to the clinical department. She has over 9 years' experience as an IVF/fertility nurse, and she receives frequent compliments about her funny sense of humor and her kind and empathetic approach to the patients she interacts with. When asked why she chose fertility nursing as her specialty, Johanna replied, "this field of nursing is very rewarding and it fulfills my soul in so many ways. Becoming a parent is something many people dream of doing since childhood and it brings a beauty to life that words cannot describe. To be able to help people make this dream into a reality is a feeling unlike anything else. I also love it when patients keep in touch with us and share photos of their babies as they grow up, and we get to see the cuteness of what we helped create!" Fluent in English and Spanish, Johanna received her LPN from Eastwick College and went on to earn her RN from Hudson County Community College.
Kera is a board-certified nurse, and was a welcome addition to the Fertility Institute, joining our team in 2021 and assuming the role of Clinical Manager. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree from St. Peter's University and has over 2 decades of experience in nursing, most of which in the hospital setting.
A seasoned healthcare professional, Kera possesses leadership skills and exhibits a strong work ethic. She regularly identifies opportunities for process improvement, and takes the initiative to affect change, fostering a constant quality improvement atmosphere in the clinical department.
Kera was on the front lines working as an ER nurse during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, an experience that she said will have a lasting impact on her. She chose to move back into Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, a field she's practiced in previously and is passionate about, where she draws on her own experience with fertility treatments to uniquely empathize with every patient she encounters.
Kera is married with three children and loves engaging in activities that take her outdoors. She is Reiki-certified and believes that incorporating a natural/holistic approach to health/wellness, coupled with Western medicine, is the key to longevity and overall health.
Serving as the heart of the Fertility Institute's organizational structure, Sarah Marada ensures that everything works smoothly, and expertly facilitates the patient experience.
Ms. Marada is a Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) with a bachelor's degree in Science and Mathematics, whose dedication to detail combines with compassion in her responsibilities as practice manager of the Fertility Institute of NJ & NY.
A warm and compassionate multitasker, she works to ensure each and every patient receives unparalleled care. Ms. Marada tackles each of her numerous duties with passion, relishing the opportunity to educate patients and make them comfortable.
For patients navigating insurance benefits, she is an expert in maximizing coverage while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.
In many ways, Ms. Marada is a patient advocate, putting her problem-solving skills into action as she guides patients through a field that often is fraught with emotion.
"My goal is to have patients leave our office with a smile," she says. "There is something so joyously unique about what we do every day. I love coming in and helping our patients; it makes me feel fulfilled."
"Grow through what you go through." Selena joined the administrative team in 2020 as a part time administrator while she attends full time nursing school at Monmouth University. Her high school studies at Bergen County Technical Schools focused on healthcare occupations, to prepare her for a future nursing career. Selena holds certification in CPR and received her certification as an EMT at 16 years old. She is also a volunteer for the Emergency Medical Services in Moonachie.
Snehal joined the Fertility Institute in February of 2015 as our Andrology Laboratory Technician and has since been promoted to Laboratory Supervisor. She is thorough, detail-oriented and warm with patients and staff. Snehal completed her BS degree in Microbiology at Sardar Patel University in Anand, India. After completing her degree, she had a passion to continue her studies in the medical laboratory field. Snehal went on to complete her postgraduate certificate as a Medical Lab Technician at Medical Care Centre Trust in Baroda, India. Prior to moving to the United States, she completed two years of clinical experience at Gunjan Laboratory in Bharuch, India. A mother of 2 young children, she is fluent in English, Gujarati & Hindi.
Tanisha is a seasoned healthcare professional bringing with her almost 2 decades of compassionate nursing experience. After many years of working as a medical-surgical nurse, in post-surgical recovery in the PACU, and almost a decade in the emergency room, Tanisha found herself caring for patients in a different capacity; by helping them navigate through the emotional journey to become parents in the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility sub-specialty. Known for her soft-spoken, gentle style of caring for patients, her can-do attitude, and always willing to pitch in and help, Ms. Henry has always looked to further her already impressive career, by always educating herself and taking on new challenges. She studied to be an LPN prior to earning her RN in 2006; and became a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner in 2018. Certified in ACLS and BLS, Tanisha is a member of ASRM (American Society of Reproductive Medicine) and AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners). Her personal motto is a quote by C.S. Lewis: "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
"I want to always provide high quality nursing care for patients undergoing fertility treatment; providing a warm and compassionate environment where the privacy and individual needs of each patient is respected. I am here to help patients build their families, one pregnancy at a time."