Embryologists

Dr. Jim Schwartz Ph.D., HCLD, Lab Director

Dr. Schwartz is the Laboratory Director for the Naperville Fertility Center.  He is a board certified High Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD) and Clinical Consultant (CC) by the American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB).  Dr. Schwartz obtained his Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2000 and has been performing IVF techniques since 1992.  Prior to working on his Ph.D.,  he collaborated on many projects involving wildlife, endangered species and zoo animal reproduction.

He has directed several top performing laboratories throughout the Midwest, which has enabled many couples to realize their dream of having a child.  Dr. Schwartz began working with Dr. Morris in 2012 during the planning stages for the state of the art laboratory at the Naperville Fertility Center.  He and the IVF lab staff ensure quality patient care and pregnancy success are a top priority in all phases of the patient experience at the center.  Dr. Schwartz is active in the laboratory and regularly attends workshops and national meetings to keep the laboratory state of the art.  Dr. Schwartz currently lives in Nebraska with his family and enjoys following Husker athletics.

Jeanine Cieslak Janzen, BA, ELD/TS (ABB), MLT (ASCP)

Jeanine Cieslak Janzen began her career in assisted reproduction over 27 years ago when in vitro fertilization was in its infancy. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePaul University in Chicago. She is certified in the disciplines of Embryology and Andrology by the American Board of Bioanalysis. She is also certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists in medical laboratory technology.

She has had the privilege of working with pioneers in the field of assisted reproduction such as Dr. Melvin Cohen, “the father of laparoscopy for gynecological disorders” in the U.S.  and Yury Verlinsky, PhD, founder of the Reproductive Genetics Institute and pioneer in the field of preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

Much of Jeanine’s career was at the Reproductive Genetics Institute (RGI) in Chicago, managing the IVF laboratory from 1990 to 2006. While at RGI she worked in the field of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and performed over 2000 cases for chromosomal translocations and aneuploidy.  She has coauthored numerous articles and book chapters specifically addressing embryo biopsy procedures and PGD using fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Her vast work experience includes senior embryologist at VA IVF and Andrology in Richmond, Virginia, the IVF laboratory of Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine in Lone Tree, Colorado and the Frisco Institute of Reproductive Medicine in Frisco, Texas. She is happy to be back in her native state, to be working in the field she loves and to be back with family and friends.

Sabrina Persico, Embryologist

Sabrina Luster-Persico graduated in 1999 from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a BS in Animal Science, focusing on reproductive physiology. From there she worked as an andrologist at the South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Miami, FL. In 2004, she completed her MS degree in Animal Science from Louisiana State University, again focusing on reproductive physiology. Her thesis involved the vitrification of bovine oocytes for nuclear transfer. Sabrina has worked as a clinical embryologist for both Charles E. Miller & Associates and Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation.

Janice Sangabriel received a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Biology from the University of St. Francis in May of 2015. Upon graduation, Janice worked as a laboratory technician specializing in laboratory quality control. In 2016, Janice began her embryology career at Center for Reproductive Health, in Crest Hill, IL. She was the junior embryologist and andrology technician.

Janice is very passionate and dedicated to the embryology and reproductive field. She loves to stay up to date with the latest embryology news and assisted reproductive technology. Janice also enjoys attending workshops to learn new skills and enhance her experience. She is an active member of the Chicago Area Reproductive Association.

Kathy began her career as an Embryologist over 20 years ago. She earned her under graduate degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 1996 and started her career in Chicago. After working several years, she went back to school to receive her Master’s Degree in Biology at Northeastern Illinois University. She also became certified in the area of Embryology by the American Board of Bioanalysis.

Kathy has been involved with preparing laboratories for inspections, developing a cryopreservation program for oncology patients as well as laboratory management. She has been fortunate to work in various laboratories the Chicagoland area as well as Michigan. She enjoys working in the clinical setting and being able to interact with the patients. Outside the lab, Kathy spends time with her family and friends. She loves to listening to live music and riding horses. She finds her job to be very rewarding and enjoys helping others make their dreams come true.