You're Invited to a FREE Telephone Coaching Group on November 17th

From The AFA:

Donor Gametes, the Next Generation: Caring for Our Children.
Are you considering the use of donor sperm, egg, or embryo to create children? Or, are you already parenting children created by donor sperm, egg, or embryo?
During this one hour group conference call, you will receive information on:
· The pros and cons of disclosure to children of their genetic origin
· What and when to share this information with children if you so choose
· How or whether to share this information with family or friends
· Questions you may have if you have already begun to share this information
You will also have the opportunity to share information and support one another in making the decision about disclosure and implementing this aspect of parenting.
WHEN: Thursday, November 17, 2011
WHERE: Telephone Conference Line (call-in information will be given at time of registration)
TIME: 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern time
FACILITATORS: Joann Paley Galst, Ph.D. and Patricia Mendell, L.C.S.W.
COST: FREE!
Registration limited to the first 15 responders who also send information regarding their particular situation and any questions they would like addressed.

For further information and to register contact:

Joann Paley Galst jgalst@aol.com , 212-759-2783      or
Patricia Mendell pmendell@aol.com, 212-819-1778
 
Facilitator Bios:

Joann Paley Galst, Ph.D. is a psychologist in private practice in New York City specializing in mind-body medicine and reproductive health issues, including infertility, pregnancy loss, and pregnancy and parenting after infertility. She is a past Chair of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and is currently the Co-director of Support Services for the American Fertility Association. She is the author of numerous articles on infertility and co-author of the book, Ethical Dilemmas in Fertility Counseling, published by the American Psychological Association. In her work with individuals, couples, and groups, she believes that good family building decision making starts with well-substantiated facts and clarification of one's feelings and strives to help clients build their resilience so that they can cope more effectively with their fertility treatment.

Patricia Mendell, L.C.S.W., B.C.D. is a clinical social worker in private practice in Manhattan and Brooklyn. She is Co-chair of the American Fertility Association (AFA) and the facilitator of the AFA Ovum Donor Seminar Series. She is co-author of the fact sheets for AFA on "Talking to Children about Ovum Donation" and "Talking to Children about Sperm Donation." Ms. Mendell has written and spoken extensively on numerous topics regarding fertility, third party reproduction, parenting after infertility, disclosure, multi-fetal reduction, pregnancy loss, and adoption. As an infertility and pregnancy loss survivor, she is well aware of the impact decision making choices have on people's lives. In her role as therapist and consumer advocate, she gives those seeking her help both practical and therapeutic advice on how to better cope with stress, resolve marital tensions, and select and explore solutions to their family building dilemmas.



Sara Axel