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Our Team
Our expert team ensures comprehensive yet highly individualized boutique care in offering conventional and assisted reproductive technology services. We will create an appropriate and completely tailored treatment plan from the many avenues available for treatment. It will be customized to meet your specific clinical, emotional and financial needs. Reproductive Endocrinologists (RE)These physicians are specialists in treating infertility and receive extended training beyond obstetrics and gynecology. They are experts on the specific surgical procedures and technologies associated with physician-assisted reproduction. Dr. Kevin Johnson, MD
Khurram S. Rehman, MD
Embryologists
Highly trained in advanced laboratory techniques, these accredited professionals prepare sperm and eggs and provide the necessary conditions for fertilization and embryo development in vitro. They are also certified to facilitate the growth, development, maturation, and preservation of human embryos.
Shaun Kelly B.Sc., ELD (ABB)
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Shaun
at the ICSI Station
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Having undertaken a degree course in Biological Sciences at Plymouth University in England, which covered a wide range of biology topics but specialized in Cell and Microbiology, I decided that I wanted to pursue a laboratory career. Following my college degree course, I spent a lot of time searching for the right career and eventually I decided upon the field of clinical human embryology. I have worked in many different clinics over the past sixteen-year period and I have come to realize that I am much better suited to a smaller clinic environment. It is for this reason that I was very pleased to work with Dr. Kevin Johnson in this very personal clinic.
My previous position was in Leeds General Infirmary, England, where I worked for over three years. The Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA), sets a code of conduct for clinics to follow, and licenses clinics in England. In order to be able to practice Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), it is necessary to follow an extensive training schedule including the injection of over 50 aged oocytes, followed by an inspection by a licensed inspector. It is only after this has been successfully passed that a person can carry out clinical ICSI injections. I have been inspected by the HFEA to undertake ICSI, and I have now been carrying out clinical injection procedures for many years. I routinely have very good survival and fertilization rates, resulting in good pregnancy rates.
Although I have received my certification as an Embryology Laboratory Director from the American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB), I still carry out the full range of embryology procedures within the laboratory. I feel that the best way to direct a successful laboratory is to work in the laboratory, as that is the best way to guarantee that the correct procedures are as valid today as when they were originally implemented. The only way for the laboratory to improve, is to constantly evaluate the way it works, and quickly be able to evaluate and introduce new procedures as they become available.
A recent development was completing an Embryo Biopsy for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis followed by an extensive period of training ending in my ability to perform embryo biopsy and fixation. This has increased the availability of this exciting investigative tool for our patients, and this is an area that we will continue to evaluate so that we will always be able to offer the most current use of the procedure.
"Although we may never reach 100% pregnancy rates with IVF, my goal is to continually strive for the best pregnancy rates possible. This is accomplished by keeping abreast of the very latest developments in the field, assessing them for clinical applicability and then bringing these advances to fruition in a state-of-the-art laboratory. However, it is also my responsibility to give the lab a human face, and interact fully with couples as they advance through the many facets of treatment."
Carrie Connaker, BS, Embryologist
Carrie graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington with
a degree in Biochemistry. She has experience from a variety of
laboratories, including an environmental testing lab in Anchorage,
Alaska, as well as a research laboratory studying antigens that cause
cancer using PCR in conjunction with DNA microchip arrays here in
Seattle. After coming to Overlake Reproductive Health in April of 2002,
she observed that one of the main differences she has noticed between
this lab and others is the patient contact.
"I greatly enjoy the patient interaction that comes with the territory here at Overlake Reproductive Health. When we meet individual patients that we are attempting to help, there is an added dimension that does not necessarily come with most research-directed laboratories. We constantly are seeing the human side of our work, which allows us to share more fully in the joys and successes of the clinicians' daily practice."
Margaret Merrilees BS
Consulting Embryologist
Clinical Support
Our nurses and technicians are highly trained professionals who provide instruction, assistance, and information on the physician-assisted reproductive techniques. Their role in supporting you, the patient, and your physician is the key to a successful relationship and positive experience.
Josephine Overhouse-Gray, BSN ARNP
Nurse Practitioner/IVF Coordinator
A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Washington
School of Nursing, Jo practiced for 18 years as a nurse practitioner in
a suburban OB/GYN practice and as a clinician in the Division of Reproductive
Endocrinology at the University of Washington prior to joining Overlake
Reproductive Health in April of 1998.
"Each patient presents a unique clinical and personal picture. It is exciting and satisfying to be part of a team committed to the design and implementation of tailored patient care."
Jill McEachern, MN, ARNP
Jill graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Following her nursing experience at Yale and Tulane University Hospitals, she decided to pursue her passion for women’s health.
She attended the University of Washington’s graduate program for Adult & Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners and graduated top of her class with a Master of Nursing degree.
Jill has practiced for 7 years as a Nurse Practitioner in an OB/GYN practice, women’s health research practice and as a University of Washington clinical faculty member for Nurse Practitioners prior to joining Overlake Reproductive Health.
“I enjoy forming positive therapeutic relationships with patients and their family members. I strive to provide a warm compassionate environment for you to share your feelings and concerns while providing the highest level of medical care in reproductive health.”
“Active listening, teaching and developing the best fertility treatment strategy for you, as the individual, is my goal. I look forward to working through challenges and celebrating successes with you.”
Marie Julie Mattisson, ARNP
Marie Julie Mattisson graduated with high honors from the University of Texas Pan American with her Bachelors Degree in Nursing in 1998. After practicing as a Registered Nurse, she found her calling and decided to specialize in Women's Health. Julie then attended the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to complete the program for a Women's Health Care Nurses Practitioner, achieving a 4.0 grade point average.
While practicing as a clinician in an obstetrical and gynecologic field, she pursued her master's degree and graduated with her MSN from MCP Hahnemann University with a 4.0 GPA. She also served as a clinical nurse educator to student nurse practitioners and understands the importance of communication and good teaching skills. After practicing for three years, she moved to Washington and has since joined the team here at Overlake Reproductive Health.
"I have always received so much enjoyment in what I do for a living. I feel that moving here from Texas, and finding such a wonderful place to be a part of, is like having a family away from home.
Overlake Reproductive Health is a very united and positive team to be a part of. I am dedicated to guiding you through this challenging time, and I believe that open communication is key in dealing with sensitive matters. I will help you to feel more comfortable and knowledgeable about the tests and treatments that are right for you. I will listen to your individual needs and concerns, and our team will work hard to develop a plan this is personally right for you. We will discuss the most up-to-date and effective fertility treatments that will work for you. Establishing your trust and helping you relax is a goal we will all strive to achieve. I look forward to being a part of your future."
Counseling Services
Beyond our scientific expertise, we can facilitate expert counseling to deal with the psychological and emotional aspects of infertility.
Financial Services
You are probably aware of the important financial considerations involved with infertility treatment. Our advisors can help you plan ahead so this factor doesn't become a burden.
Hospital Affiliations Privileges
Dr. Johnson maintains privileges at several local hospitals and is available to do surgery at the following for your convenience:
 Copyright 2000 - 2008 Overlake
Reproductive Health |
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IHR infertility Web sites: Infertility Resources InfertilityBooks.com InfertilityProfessionals.com InfertilityWebsites.com 
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