ASPIREHFI - Key Persons
Biography
Amber Theall is a Nurse Practitioner that has worked in the Southeast Texas community for over 15 years. With a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Lamar University in Beaumont TX, she then went on to pursue a Master's of Science in Nursing from Texas Women's University in Houston, TX to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her primary focus has been Women's Health throughout most of her career, both working Labor and Delivery as well as at an OB/GYN practice for over 9 years.
Driven by passion for health she takes pride in educating both men and women about the importance of health across a lifespan and possess an eagerness to educate as many people as possible. Amber is a member of the Nurse Practitioner Association of Southeast Texas as well as certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
She is a dedicated wife and mother and enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She also enjoys cheering on her two sons as they play soccer and baseball.
Job Titles:
- Resident Research Award Mayo Clinic 2014
Job Titles:
- Director of Clinical Research
Biography
Dr. Craig Witz did his undergraduate studies at Harvard University where he graduated with honors. He attended medical school at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He completed both his Ob-Gyn residency and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Witz remained on the faculty at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio and served as the Division Head in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and was the Frank Harrison Chair of Reproductive Medicine. He returned to Houston in 2008 to begin private practice.
Dr. Witz is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He has done extensive research in the area of endometriosis and has won multiple awards for his publications evaluating its pathogenesis. Dr. Witz joined the team at Aspire Houston Fertility Institute to assist with the growth of the practice and brings his many years of experience to the care of his patients.
Job Titles:
- Director of Medical Ethics
Biography
Dr. Alexa Clapp completed medical school at the University of Florida College of Medicine and was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha, the honor medical society. She then transitioned to Texas for an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the University of Texas at Houston - Memorial Hermann program where she served as Chief Resident and was awarded the residency research award. Dr. Clapp then relocated to New York City and in 2017 completed her Reproductive, Endocrinology, & Infertility fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center.
During fellowship, Dr. Clapp conducted research on zebrafish to study a gene involved in primordial germ cell migration and maintenance, which contributes to fertility. Her clinical research also involved fertility preservation, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) with research presented at national meetings. Dr. Clapp is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is also a member of Houston Gynecological and Obstetrical Society, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Clapp was excited to move back to Houston and join the Aspire HFI team. She is committed to excellent patient care through open communication and a tailored approach.
Dr. George M. Grunert has over 30 years experience in treating patients with infertility. He is the founder and director of the assisted reproductive technology program at Houston Fertility Specialists, the longest ongoing IVF program in the Southwest.
Raised in San Antonio, Dr. Grunert came to Houston to attend Rice University. After graduating from Rice, he stayed in Houston to attend medical school at Baylor College of Medicine. He then went on to complete his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Naval Regional Medical Center, Oakland and Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of California San Francisco. He is a Captain, Medical Corps, US Naval Reserve. Dr. Grunert has written chapters on infertility for medical textbooks, has given numerous scientific presentations, and has authored or co-authored over 100 articles for publication.
Dr. Grunert returned to Houston to begin private practice and established the IVF program at The Woman's Hospital of Texas in 1983. This later became Houston Fertility Specialists. Dr. Grunert and his wife Trudye have worked tirelessly as a team to craft a world-class fertility center. Working side by side, they have done pioneering work in the fields of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGT), reproductive genetics and embryology. "We treat our patients like family because we are family," the Grunerts say.
He is proud and honored to have helped many patients from around the world realize their dream of having a family. Dr. Grunert considers it a great compliment when a patient, past or present, refers another. His opinion is sought by many who have failed treatment elsewhere.
Job Titles:
- Director of LGBT Family Building
Biography
Dr. Heather Hoff is a native South Dakotan, and she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry from the University of South Dakota. She obtained her medical degree and completed the Research Distinction Track at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa. Her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology was completed at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she received numerous teaching and research awards, including Best Chief Resident Educator and the Resident Research Award. Dr. Hoff then ventured south for her Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Dr. Hoff's research during fellowship was focused on improving embryo implantation. Her clinical and translational research interests include embryo development, laboratory quality control, fertility preservation, and mental health disorders and infertility. Her research has led to numerous publications in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, including the field's leading journals, and she has presented her work both nationally and internationally. Dr. Hoff is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She is also a member of Houston Gynecological and Obstetrical Society, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Hoff enjoys all aspects of Reproductive Endocrinology, with special interest in infertility, same-sex couple fertility support, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and elective fertility preservation.
She is thrilled to be joining the Aspire HFI team and is completely committed to providing compassionate and individualized care to achieve successful outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Director of Patient Education
Biography
Dr. Jason Yeh completed his medical residency and subspecialty training in infertility at Duke University. He is a born and raised Texan who graduated from the Plan II Honors Program at the University of Texas at Austin. After college, he was awarded a tuition scholarship to attend the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas and went on to complete residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. There, he won multiple teaching and research awards, and was elected by the department and his peers to serve as the administrative chief resident of the Duke University Obstetrics and Gynecology Department for his final year of training. Following his residency, Dr. Yeh remained at Duke to complete his fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility with internationally renowned faculty at the Duke Fertility Center. Dr. Yeh is board certified in two medical specialties: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as well as General Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is an active member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as well as the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
Dr. Yeh has authored over 50 publications and presentations and was the lead author on two of the largest studies ever published examining the relationship between recipient age and the effect of ovarian stimulation on IVF success rates. Dr. Yeh maintains an active interest in research and advancing the field of reproductive science and is also active in mentoring young investigators in the field of reproductive medicine. Furthermore, he sits on national committees that help write clinical and ethical practice guidelines that are used to guide fertility specialists all around the world.
Clinically, Dr. Yeh has special interest in many areas within the field of reproductive medicine:
Unexplained infertility
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), irregular ovulation, unpredictable uterine bleeding
Male fertility (low morphology, low sperm count, low testosterone)
Recurrent pregnancy loss testing and treatment (2 or more miscarriages)
Metabolic concerns (dietary habits, obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome)
Third party reproduction (egg donation, sperm donation, gestational surrogacy)
Basic infertility treatments (ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination)
Advanced fertility treatments (In vitro fertilization, preimplantation genetic testing/diagnosis, comprehensive chromosome screening)
Alternative fertility treatment techniques (Min-Stim, "Mini-" or "Micro-Stim" IUI and IVF)
Dr. Yeh has been internationally recognized for his expertise in egg donation and gestational surrogacy, and frequently sees patients from across the world. His staff is experienced in dealing with issues surrounding international travel, and coordinated treatment for patients traveling from nearly 20 countries in 2016 alone. Furthermore, Dr. Yeh has been invited to lecture nationally and internationally on topics ranging from women's health and infertility to technology in healthcare.
Through his experiences, Dr. Yeh has developed a keen interest in integrative approaches to fertility care and believes that every one of his patients deserves a personalized plan to optimize individual health while also addressing specific fertility or endocrine issues. Dr. Yeh's mission is to care for patients using the most effective and up-to-date approaches in fertility care.
He and the rest of the HFI team are committed to listening to you, helping you develop a unique medical plan and providing thoughtful guidance while answering your questions. Dr. Yeh learned a long time ago that it is a wonderful privilege to care for those on the path to parenthood and he aspires daily to support every one of his patients on their journey.
"The most important aspect of my job is to help patients see that there are many ways to have a family. Whether you need medications, inseminations, in vitro fertilization, and/or donor gametes, I am here to navigate and work together with you to help you realize your dream of having a family."
Job Titles:
- Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility ( REI ) Specialist
Dr. Randall C. Dunn is a board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility (REI) specialist with nearly 30 years experience. He serves as the managing partner of Houston Fertility Specialists.
Dr. Dunn received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He went on to complete his residency and fellowship at Baylor where he currently holds a clinical faculty position.
As an expert in the field, Dr. Dunn has been published in more than 100 articles and abstracts and has earned industry recognition as a speaker on In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), clinical infertility, and adhesion prevention.
An award-winning physician, Dr. Dunn has been consistently voted to the National Guide of Top Doctors in America list and has gained recognition as a Texas Super Doctor every year since 2004. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve their dream of having a family.
"My greatest joy is to see couples who have struggled with infertility have families," Dr. Dunn says.
Dr. Dunn has made several TV appearances, including FOX 26 News Houston to discuss PCOS, the most common hormonal problem for women, and on Great Day Houston to discuss fertility options available to couples trying to get pregnant.
Awards
Castle Connolly's National "Top Doctor Award" - 1999-Present
Texas Super Doctors Award - 2004-Present
Languages Spoken
Job Titles:
- Director of Infertility and Oocyte Cryopreservation
Biography
A native Houstonian, Dr. Reem Sabouni completed her undergraduate studies at Rice University. She attended medical school at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, the sixth largest medical school in the country, where she served as class president of her medical school class during all four years.
Following her passion for women's health, Dr. Sabouni pursued residency in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine at the University of Texas Memorial Hermann Hospital, located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. She completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the legendary Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Norfolk, Virginia, the birthplace of IVF in America.
Dr. Sabouni is dedicated to empowering women and couples, particularly through education and understanding of options. She is published in multiple peer-reviewed journals and textbooks, as well as presented at international meetings on topics including: minimally invasive surgery, decreasing opioid use in infertility clinics, medical education and decreasing unscheduled bleeding associated with contraception use.
Dr. Sabouni is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
Biography
Dr. Haddad is the medical director at Aspire Houston Fertility Institute. He obtained his medical degree from the American University of Beirut, where he became a member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. He then completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. After his residency, Dr. Haddad went on to complete his fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
He is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology, as well as reproductive endocrinology-infertility and also serves as assistant clinical professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas. Dr. Haddad joined Aspire Houston Fertility Institute to help cope with the rapidly expanding fertility practice in the Houston metropolitan area. He has authored multiple book chapters and peer reviewed articles, as well as presented original research in the field of infertility at national meetings.
Job Titles:
- Director of Genetics and Oncofertility
Biography
Dr. Skorupski completed his undergraduate degree in chemistry at Binghamton University in New York prior to attending medical school at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel. He returned to New York to complete his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at St. Luke's- Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan. He then attended Baylor College of Medicine to complete his clinical genetics training, followed by a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of Michigan. Dr. Skorupski's clinical interests include the psychological impact of infertility treatments, fertility preservation in cancer patients and rare genetic syndromes.
Dr. Skorupski brings a unique perspective to reproductive medicine by combining his knowledge of clinical genetics with his insight into the treatment of couples with fertility challenges. Dr. Skorupski is board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility in addition to obstetrics and gynecology. He has authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented his work nationally. Dr. Skorupski is an active fellow in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Julie Daniel Salazar, MSN, APRN, FNP-C is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, where she graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors. She completed her post-graduate nurse residency in women's health and high risk labor & delivery at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing Degree from the Texas A&M University System- Family Nurse Practitioner Program where she also graduated with honors. She is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Julie is a compassionate and dedicated advanced practice provider committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based, and patient-centered care to her patients. She has over ten years of healthcare & advanced practice experience serving patients in a broad variety of specialties including: Women's Health- OBGYN, L&D, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Urology and Male Fertility, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Surgical services. Driven by passion for health, she takes pride in advocating for her patients and educating both men and women about fertility, health and wellness across the lifespan.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Julie Parkin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a private practice in The Woodlands. The focus of her practice is working with individuals and couples struggling with fertility or who are considering third-party reproduction or adoption. Julie's passion for working in these areas stems from a unique blend of both personal and professional experience. Julie earned a Master of Science degree in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton. She is one of the few therapists in the Houston area who is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Mental Health Professional Group. Julie facilitates a monthly fertility support group for RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association.
Biography
Dr. Abdallah obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology and medical degree from the American University of Beirut. He then completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Wayne State University / Detroit Medical Center where he received the award for excellence in academic achievement. Dr. Abdallah went on to complete a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Wayne State University / Detroit Medical Center; during the fellowship, he received the "Outstanding Junior Faculty" award. He has special interests in male factor infertility and female infertility due to advanced reproductive age.
Dr. Abdallah is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He has published multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented in national meetings. He was recently named one of the Best Doctors in America. Dr. Abdallah joins Houston Fertility Institute, adding to the wealth of Infertility specialists employed at our practice. He also holds a faculty position as an assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston OBGYN Department.
Job Titles:
- Science Foundation Fellow
Job Titles:
- Director of Assisted Reproduction Technologies & Pre - Implantation Genetic Testing
Biography
Dr. Steward is a native Texan, born and raised in Austin. He completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Duke University after undergoing residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Memorial Hermann Hospital. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio subsequent to graduating from the University of Texas, Austin with a B.A. in the Plan II Honors Liberal Arts Program.
Dr. Steward's mission is to add to the wealth of expertise offered by the Aspire HFI team by providing individualized, evidence-based, and compassionate medical care for those with subfertility and reproductive endocrinologic disorders. He has a special interest in advanced reproductive technologies, including pre-implantation genetic testing and fertility preservation. He has published in multiple peer-reviewed journals on an array of topics including predictors of successful outcomes after IVF, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, uterine fibroids, and pelvic imaging. In addition, throughout his career he has consistently presented his work at national research meetings. Dr. Steward is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
Job Titles:
- Director of Fertility Preservation
Biography
Dr. Nurudeen graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University and earned her medical degree from Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine. She completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. where she was selected Chief Resident. Dr. Nurudeen went on to complete a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.
During her fellowship, Dr. Nurudeen's clinical research focused on diminished ovarian reserve, fertility preservation, oocyte donation, and reproduction issues among patients with medical conditions, such as viral infection and autoimmune disease. She also studied the age-dependent changes in molecular components and regulatory mechanisms involved in oocyte aging. She has authored several peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and has presented her research nationally and internationally. She has been the recipient of numerous scholarships, honors, and awards throughout her academic career and medical training.
Dr. Nurudeen is double board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Houston Gynecological and Obstetrical Society, Houston Medical Forum and Mary Susan Moore Medical Society. She is the new Medical Director of the Sparkles of Life IVF Grant and has special interests in fertility preservation, diminished ovarian reserve, ovarian aging, and third party reproduction (egg donation and gestational carriers).
Job Titles:
- Medical Director
- Chief of Reproductive Surgery
- Member of Both the American College of Obstetrics
Dr. Bello is a Medical Director at Aspire Houston Fertility Institute. She received her undergraduate degree from San Francisco State University before obtaining her medical degree from Michigan State University. Dr. Bello then proceeded to perform her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. After residency, she returned to California to complete her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of Southern California Women's and Children's Hospital.
Dr. Bello is a member of both the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. In addition, she has received numerous awards and is trained in the latest techniques and procedures in the treatment of infertility.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah McIntyre is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in collaborative treatment for people who are facing depression, anxiety, infertility, or are struggling with the after effects of trauma. She has been known to love this work, and feels honored to be a guide for clients on their individual journeys. She is first and foremost a humanistic therapist, which means that she understands that you are the expert of your inner experience and your pain. Sarah McIntyre earned a Master's of Education in Counseling from the University of Houston and Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas, and her practice is located in the Houston Galleria area.
Dr. Nathan has practiced as a Licensed Psychologist in the Houston area since 1987. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University, a Master of Arts from Loyola University in Chicago and a Doctorate from Texas A&M University - all in Psychology. He completed his internship at the Houston VAMC with a specific interest in working with patients with various medical conditions. Dr. Nathan founded a group of licensed doctoral and master's level therapists specializing in psychological issues unique to the medical patient. His expertise also includes working with infertility patients, geriatric patients, couples and mood disorders.