Your AART team includes the physicians, nurses and scientists profiled below. The team is among the best trained and most experienced ART teams in Canada.
Physician Team
Dr. Renda Bouzayen, FRCSC, Medical Director
Dr. Renda Bouzayen is the Division Head of REI and the Medical Director of AART.
Dr. Bouzayen completed her gynaecology and obstetrics training at the University of Montreal and fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility working in the Reproductive Medicine Unit at St. Luc’s Hospital, the University of Montreal, the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal and McGill University. She joined the Dalhousie Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2000.
Dr. Bouzayen has an interest in teaching. Dr. Bouzayen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University. She was formerly the Director of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Fellowship Program which has been accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons since 2001. She is now the Chair of the GREI Committee for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Dr. Bouzayen speaks French and Arabic and has a special interest in cultural diversity. She sees patients for infertility, gynaecology and obstetrics through both Atlantic Assisted Reproductive Therapies, and the IWK Health Centre.
Dr. Mike Ripley, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Mike Ripley is a Reproductive Endocrinologist at Atlantic Assisted Reproductive Therapies and an Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dalhousie University.
He completed a fellowship in Gynecologic Reproductive Medicine at the University of Ottawa’s Ottawa Fertility Centre in 2015. Prior to this, he graduated from medical school and completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Dalhousie University.
Dr. Ripley is the Director of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Fellowship Program, which has been accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons since 2001.
Dr. Ripley is originally from Dartmouth, NS and is pleased to be practicing in his home province. His clinical interests include markers of ovarian reserve, fertility preservation, and recurrent pregnancy loss. He sees patients for infertility, gynaecology and obstetrics through both Atlantic Assisted Reproductive Therapies, and the IWK Health Centre.
Dr. Heather Cockwell, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Cockwell completed her medical school at the University of Western Ontario, her Obstetrics and Gynaecology training at Queen’s University, and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at Dalhousie University. She was an active member of the McMaster University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, teaching residents and medical students for over nine years in Ontario, before joining the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dalhousie University in 2018.
She has won several awards and accolades for her lectures and teaching style, most recently the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada’s Carl Nimrod Award for Excellence in Teaching. She helped launch the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital’s Clerkship Site for McMaster University, and acted as the Clerkship Site Co-ordinator for two years. She is currently the REI Resident Rotation Co-ordinator for the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dalhousie University.
Dr. Cockwell has a special interest in recurrent pregnancy loss and minimally invasive surgery, especially for advanced endometriosis and fibroids. She also has an interest in care of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community, in trying to improve access and break barriers to care. She sees patients for infertility, gynaecology and obstetrics through both Atlantic Assisted Reproductive Therapies, and the IWK Health Centre.
Dr. Jesse Ory, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Jesse Ory is a urologist with subspecialty training in male infertility and microsurgery. He provides men’s health care to individuals in the Atlantic Provinces and is an assistant professor at Dalhousie University.
He completed his fellowship in male infertility at the University of Miami in 2021. Prior to this, he completed medical school at the University of British Columbia and Urology residency at Dalhousie University.
Dr. Ory has a special clinical interest in fertility preservation, testosterone deficiency, varicocele repair and cellular signaling in erectile dysfunction.
Dr. Grace Younes, MD
Dr. Grace Younes is a Reproductive Endocrinologist at Atlantic Assisted Reproductive Therapies and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dalhousie University.
Dr. Younes previously served as a Senior Physician at the Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Center at The Lady Davis "Carmel" Medical Center, and the Women's Health Clinic in Haifa, Israel.
Dr. Younes completed her medical education at The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem. Her advanced training includes fellowships in Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at McGill University, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, and a research fellowship in Reproductive Biology. Dr. Younes is an experienced lecturer and has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to teaching and research.
Fluent in Arabic, Hebrew, English, and French, with intermediate proficiency in Spanish and Italian, Dr. Younes combines her clinical expertise with a strong commitment to education and research in women's health.
Additional Physicians
Dr. Isabelle Delisle (Gynaecologist), Dr. Gill Graves (REI), Dr. Cathy MacDougall (family physician), and Dr. Paula Rittenberg (Gynaecologist), see patients for their initial assessment and work up for infertility at AART.
Some patients may see a gynaecologist or family physician before seeing a subspecialist in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) to allow a full review of their history as well as other investigations such as blood work to be done. Some patients may have their concerns addressed directly by the above physicians and may not require referral on to a REI.
Nursing Team
Tricia MacKenzie, BScN, RN, Nursing Leader
Tricia started at AART in 2009 and became a Nursing Leader in 2016. She graduated from St. FX University in 2001 with a BSc in Nursing with an advanced major in Neonatology. Prior to joining AART, she worked at the IWK for twelve years with the pediatric patient population.
She has recruited and trained all of our current RNs and is proud of the care her team provides to AART’s patients.
Kathleen Campbell, BScN, RN
Kathleen joined AART in 2024. She graduated with a BScN from Dalhousie University in 2010. She spent over a decade of her career at IWK in the Women's Health Program. She has experience in Labour and Delivery, Neonatal Intensive Care, and for the past 8 years of her IWK career worked in the Adult Surgery OR and Recovery Room.
Kathleen would like to share that she underwent IVF at AART in 2018. She has great compassion for those undergoing fertility treatments and values supporting and working with patients at AART.
Julie Forbes, LPN
Julie joined AART in February 2013. Prior to joining AART, Julie worked in several areas of health care including hemodialysis, oncology and palliative care.
Julie is fluently bilingual and can assist patients speaking in both English and French.
Miranda Hart, BN, RN
Miranda joined AART in 2022. Prior to joining AART, Miranda worked at the Moncton hospital in the as a RN. She worked in the unit that covered obstetrics, gynaecology, and women’s health. She has a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of New Brunswick.
Madison Larade, BScN, RN
Madison joined AART in 2024. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. FX in 2020 and has worked in a variety of fields including medical surgical, public health and long-term care.
Madison’s focus is providing excellent patient centered care.
Stephanie MacDonald, BScN, RN
Stephanie joined AART in 2023. She graduated from Thompson Rivers University, in Kamloops BC, in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She brings a wide range of nursing skills having worked on surgical units, the emergency room, and in ambulatory care. She has spent the majority of her career in Urology, which is beneficial experience for our male reproductive procedures.
Karen MacLean, LPN
Karen joined AART in 2007 and is a licensed practical nurse who has over thirty years’ experience in the medical field.
Most of Karen’s career was with the Canadian Armed Forces where she was trained as a Medical Assistant, and later as an Operating Room Technician.
Una MacLean, BScN, RN, Manager of Patient Care
Una joined AART in 2020. Una graduated Dalhousie School of Nursing in 2005 and started her journey in Women’s Health in the Birth Unit at the IWK Health Center. She spent her entire career in labour delivery as a Registered Nurse; including being a Team Leader in 2008. Una also joined the EHS LifeFlight Team in 2009; where she transported patents all over the Maritimes with high risk pregnancies to the IWK Health Centre.
Una brings critical care skills, leadership and Obstetrical experience to the AART clinic and patients. In 2024, Una took on an additional role as Manager of Patient Care for AART. She is responsible for enhancing processes and providing training to all Departments to improve the experience of our patients.
Maica Romero, Clinic Aide
Maica joined AART in 2024. She previously worked as a Patient Attendant in long-term care homes and at the IWK. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology and a minor in Applied Statistics at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU).
Maica's responsibilities include carrying out various duties such as sterilizing equipment, maintaining exam rooms, managing inventory and stocking supplies.
Additional Nurses
AART’s procedure volume is variable and based on patient needs. We have a few experienced Registered Nurses who work casually to help us meet demand. Our casual nurses include Patricia Ferguson, Sue Murphy & Brenda Zareski. Patricia, Sue, and Brenda all have a number of years of experience with AART and we are thrilled to have them as part of the team!
Lab Team
Dr. Megan Dufton, BScH, PhD, Embryologist, Lab Director
Dr. Megan Dufton officially joined the AART team in 2015 upon the completion of her post-doctoral fellowship at Dalhousie University, and in partnership with AART and the IWK Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The focus of this fellowship was to establish a Preimplantation Genetic Screening and Diagnosis Program (PGD) for AART, which has been in successful operation since 2015.
Megan has been working with embryos for over a decade, beginning with undergraduate research at Acadia University. Following this program, Megan lived in the United Kingdom and developed skills in embryo micro-surgery at the University College of London. Upon return to Canada, Megan began her PhD studies at Dalhousie University in Developmental Biology, building upon her previous experience in embryo micro-surgery, protein and DNA analysis, and histological techniques. This background provided the skills required to explore, implement, and oversee the PGD program at AART. In addition to the role of PGD coordinator for AART, Megan is also an embryologist in the clinic providing the hands-on care during IVF and PGD cycles.
In 2018, Megan has returned from a Faculty position at Yale University, working within the Yale Fertility Centre. During her time there, she was able to further develop and refine her embryo oocyte and embryo manipulation and culture techniques. Upon her return from Yale, Megan was appointed as Lab Director of the AART’s laboratory.
In 2020, Megan was appointed as an Adjunct Faculty member with the Dalhousie Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
IVF has given Megan a way to use her passion for embryology and developmental biology to support patients in their hopes to grow their families.
Leanne Clattenburg, BScH, Andrologist
Leanne completed her BSc with Honours in Biology at Saint Mary’s University followed by a MSc in Pharmacology from Dalhousie University. Her research focused on molecular cell biology, specifically in cell signaling.
Prior to joining AART in 2021, Leanne worked as Research Technician in a pharmacology lab at Dalhousie University.
Scot Everson, BSc, Andrologist, Apprentice Embryologist
Scot completed his BSc. in Biology at Dalhousie University in 2017 and joined as an Andrologist AART in March of 2022. In September 2023 he began training as an Apprentice Embryologist.
Prior to joining AART, Scot worked as a Laboratory Technician in a serological lab developing blood typing reagents used in transplant and transfusion procedures.
Tracy Fletcher, DipRCPath, M.Med.Sci, BSc.Hons, Senior Embryologist
Tracy joined AART in 2023. Tracy is a Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists in Reproductive Science, UK and completed her Masters in Assisted Reproductive Technology from the University of Nottingham, UK in 2000.
Tracy began her embryology career in the UK and emigrated to work in Canada in 2013. She brings over 23 years of embryology and IVF laboratory management experience to AART.
Lourdes Jaldo, BSc, Lab Assistant
Lourdes joined AART in 2024. She has previous patient care experience working as a patient attendant at the QEII and Halifax Infirmary. She graduated in 2024 from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor's degree with a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology.
Her responsibilities include receiving and processing donor sperm samples, conducting general laboratory preparations, and data entry and record keeping.
Kayleigh Miles, BScH, Andrologist
Kayleigh joined AART as a volunteer in 2018. She began her career with AART on our Administrative team as a Medical Administrator role in 2020 and moved into the Operations Coordinator role in 2022. In 2023, she transitioned to the Lab Team and took on the role of Andrologist. She graduated in 2021 from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Medical Sciences with Honours.
Danielle Paquet, BScH, MLT, Senior Embryologist
Danielle joined AART’s embryology team in 2005. She holds a BSc with Honours from Dalhousie University. She is a certified Embryologist with the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society.
Prior to joining AART, Danielle spent 12 years at Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre in a molecular biology research environment and over two years in the Department of Cytogenetics at the IWK Health Centre.
Danielle is bilingual and is available to help our French speaking patients.
Frankie Slade, MSc, BScH, Embryologist
Frankie completed her BSc. with Honours and MSc. at Memorial University. Her research focused on molecular cell biology, developmental genetics and inheritable diseases.
Frankie joined AART in 2016. Frankie completed the ESHRE Basic Semen Analysis Course presented by the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society.
Jen Witmer, MSc, Senior Embryologist & Quality Assurance Manager
Jen joined AART in 2019. She completed her Masters in Clinical Embryology from the University of Leeds in 2010. Jen is a certified Embryologist with the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society in addition to Embryology and Andrology Certification with the American Board of Bioanalysis as a Technical Supervisor.
Jen has over 15 years of embryology experience on the clinical side of IVF. She has an extensive embryology background working in various clinics across Canada and in the US.
In 2024, Jen took on an additional role as Quality Assurance Manager for AART. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our Quality Management System. She works with our team members from all Departments to ensure compliance with our Quality Management System, including compliance with all standards, legislation, and Regulations.
Administrative Team
Julie Keizer, Chief Operating Officer
Julie joined AART in 2016. She has leadership experience in the public and private sectors. Julie previously worked in the gaming and oil industries in a variety of leadership roles encompassing operations, strategy, government relations, contract management, marketing and project management.
Julie is passionate about AART’s mission to provide excellence in fertility care and is grateful for the opportunity to lead a non-profit organization that helps people from Atlantic Canada and beyond in their pursuit to grow their families.
Emma Gillespie-Fraser, Medical Administrator
Emma joined AART in 2023. She previously worked at the QEII Neurosurgical Department, with a focus on administration and patient care. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Saint Mary's University in Psychology and a diploma in Medical Office Administration from NSCC.
Emma completes a variety of medical administration responsibilities at AART including front desk reception, appointment booking, and patient communication.
Rebecca Johnson, Accounting Coordinator & Administrative Team Lead
Rebecca joined AART in 2021. She previously worked in accounting in the agricultural industry, with a focus on Accounts Payable, training, and leadership. Rebecca is enthusiastic about joining a team that is all about helping others. She is responsible for managing the administrative team as well as accounting, payroll, and collections for AART and Fertility Pharmacy Services.
Christy MacDonald, Medical Administrator
Christy joined AART in 2022. She previously worked in the veterinary industry, with a focus on administration and patient care. She holds a Diploma in Veterinary Assistant/Office Administration from Maritime Business College and a completed the Pre-Technology Program at NSCC.
Christy completes a variety of medical administration responsibilities at AART including front desk reception, appointment booking, and patient communication.
Bianca Roberts, Medical Administrator
Bianca joined AART in 2023. She previously worked at the IWK Perinatal Centre, with a focus on administration and patient care. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Saint Mary's University in Asian Studies/Linguistics, graduating in 2020.
Bianca completes a variety of medical administration responsibilities at AART including front desk reception, appointment booking, and patient communication.
Sarah Weatherston, Operations Coordinator
Sarah joined AART in 2024. She previously worked as an administrator for an Orthopedic surgeon and also worked in a childcare centre as a provider as well as an administrator. She currently works as an administrator for a Cardiologist in addition to her role at AART. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Dalhousie University with a double major in Biology & Psychology.
Sarah’s responsibilities include assisting with clinic functions such as embryo shipping, receiving donor eggs and sperm, ensuring consents are on file, managing patient feedback surveys, and compiling data on our treatment outcomes for the national database.
Stephanie Ward, Medical Administrator
Stephanie has been with AART since we opened in 2005! She is known by many patients from many her years with AART and takes great pride in providing a patient-centered administrative experience. She completes a variety of medical administration responsibilities at AART including training administrators, creating and updating administrative processes, appointment booking, and patient communication.