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Who We Are

INDUSTRY PIONEERS

From L-R: Stuart Bell (Senior Partner, Growing Generations) / Kim Bergman (Senior Partner, Growing Generations) / Melissa Brisman, JD (Founder & CEO, Reproductive Possibilities) / John Weltman, Esq (Founder, Circle Surrogacy)

HISTORY

Northstar is founded on a pioneering legacy. Nearly thirty years ago, Stuart Bell, Kim Bergman, Melissa Brisman, and John Weltman, ushered in a new era of impartiality and quality protocols to the fertility industry. As the demand for equitable treatment and trusted expertise grew, that same core drive for excellence and integrity pushed us to expand the Northstar portfolio, propelling us to the leadership position we occupy today.

CORPORATE LEADERSHIP

Steuart Botchford

CEO & CO-FOUNDER,
NORTHSTAR FERTILITY GROUP

Steuart is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive for Northstar Fertility, which is focused on bringing together the very best people and companies in the surrogate and donor-assisted reproduction field. He works each day to improve the security and quality of services provided to all stakeholders in third-party reproduction and move towards a world where all people have the ability to grow their family. He oversees all aspects of Northstar's operations including both the shared-services and company portfolio.


Prior to founding Northstar, Steuart was a management consultant at Bain & Company in Boston and taught elementary school in rural Mississippi with Teach For America. He earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy and economics from Mercer University and an MBA and MS from the University of Michigan. He lives in the Boston suburbs with his wife and three daughters. Between Northstar and his family there isn’t much time for hobbies, but he often daydreams about the time when he can do more scuba diving, fly fishing, and golfing.

Steuart is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive for Northstar Fertility, which is focused on bringing together the very best people and companies in the surrogate and donor-assisted reproduction field. He works each day to improve the security and quality of services provided to all stakeholders in third-party reproduction and move towards a world where all people have the ability to grow their family. He oversees all aspects of Northstar's operations including both the shared-services and company portfolio.

Prior to founding Northstar, Steuart was a management consultant at Bain & Company in Boston and taught elementary school in rural Mississippi with Teach For America. He earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy and economics from Mercer University and an MBA and MS from the University of Michigan. He lives in the Boston suburbs with his wife and three daughters. Between Northstar and his family there isn’t much time for hobbies, but he often daydreams about the time when he can do more scuba diving, fly fishing, and golfing.

Steuart is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive for Northstar Fertility, which is focused on bringing together the very best people and companies in the surrogate and donor-assisted reproduction field. He works each day to improve the security and quality of services provided to all stakeholders in third-party reproduction and move towards a world where all people have the ability to grow their family. He oversees all aspects of Northstar's operations including both the shared-services and company portfolio.


Prior to founding Northstar, Steuart was a management consultant at Bain & Company in Boston and taught elementary school in rural Mississippi with Teach For America. He earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy and economics from Mercer University and an MBA and MS from the University of Michigan. He lives in the Boston suburbs with his wife and three daughters. Between Northstar and his family there isn’t much time for hobbies, but he often daydreams about the time when he can do more scuba diving, fly fishing, and golfing.

Sam Hyde

CO-FOUNDER,
NORTHSTAR FERTILITY GROUP

PRESIDENT,
CIRCLE SURROGACY

Sam is the Co-Founder of Northstar Fertility, which is a collection of companies focused on delivering industry leading fertility services to Intended Parents, Surrogates, Egg Donors and their families. He currently serves as President of Circle Surrogacy, where he is responsible for the overall management of the business, including meeting with prospective parents during consults. He finds the most joy both in supporting Circle's staff in their own growth and in seeing the many beautiful baby pictures that come across his desk as a result of all the hard work from the team. In addition, he contributes to Northstar's operations across the company portfolio, particularly within the new client intake and strategy teams.


Sam earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his MBA at the University of Michigan. He then spent time with both Deloitte Consulting and McKinsey & Company helping advise and build a variety of businesses. Having experienced fertility challenges when starting his own family, Sam understands firsthand the importance of support and help to fulfill dreams of parenthood. Sam and his wife are now blessed with three beautiful children with the help of IVF.

Sam is the Co-Founder of Northstar Fertility, which is a collection of companies focused on delivering industry leading fertility services to Intended Parents, Surrogates, Egg Donors and their families. He currently serves as President of Circle Surrogacy, where he is responsible for the overall management of the business, including meeting with prospective parents during consults. He finds the most joy both in supporting Circle's staff in their own growth and in seeing the many beautiful baby pictures that come across his desk as a result of all the hard work from the team. In addition, he contributes to Northstar's operations across the company portfolio, particularly within the new client intake and strategy teams.


Sam earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his MBA at the University of Michigan. He then spent time with both Deloitte Consulting and McKinsey & Company helping advise and build a variety of businesses. Having experienced fertility challenges when starting his own family, Sam understands firsthand the importance of support and help to fulfill dreams of parenthood. Sam and his wife are now blessed with three beautiful children with the help of IVF.

Sam is the Co-Founder of Northstar Fertility, which is a collection of companies focused on delivering industry leading fertility services to Intended Parents, Surrogates, Egg Donors and their families. He currently serves as President of Circle Surrogacy, where he is responsible for the overall management of the business, including meeting with prospective parents during consults. He finds the most joy both in supporting Circle's staff in their own growth and in seeing the many beautiful baby pictures that come across his desk as a result of all the hard work from the team. In addition, he contributes to Northstar's operations across the company portfolio, particularly within the new client intake and strategy teams.


Sam earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his MBA at the University of Michigan. He then spent time with both Deloitte Consulting and McKinsey & Company helping advise and build a variety of businesses. Having experienced fertility challenges when starting his own family, Sam understands firsthand the importance of support and help to fulfill dreams of parenthood. Sam and his wife are now blessed with three beautiful children with the help of IVF.

Christina DeRosa

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER,
NORTHSTAR FERTILITY GROUP

Christina DeRosa’s passion is launching and reinvigorating brands. She creates experiences and marketing expressions customers love, igniting real results for businesses. Christina’s pioneering spirit has touched consumer brands like Nickelodeon, Barbie, Xbox, and Cranium. And her impact has been equally felt in the B2B space where her work for clients like Progressive, BMW/Audi, Amazon, and Target received accolades.  With her left and right brain in balance, she excels at both Marketing and Product Management, bringing a unique skillset to the companies she chooses to work with.


As a leader Christina inspires her team to do work they’re proud of. And Northstar is no exception.  As Chief Marketing Officer, Christina is leading a brand transformation and operational uplevel across our corporate and portfolio companies that promises to unlock tangible results for years to come.


Residing in Boston with her husband James of 25 years, she is mom to three girls who are twenty-something (and are they something!) Christina decompresses by cooking globally inspired recipes, taking leisurely beach vacations, and reading with her mini-goldendoodle snuggled in.

Christina DeRosa’s passion is launching and reinvigorating brands. She creates experiences and marketing expressions customers love, igniting real results for businesses. Christina’s pioneering spirit has touched consumer brands like Nickelodeon, Barbie, Xbox, and Cranium. And her impact has been equally felt in the B2B space where her work for clients like Progressive, BMW/Audi, Amazon, and Target received accolades.  With her left and right brain in balance, she excels at both Marketing and Product Management, bringing a unique skillset to the companies she chooses to work with.

As a leader Christina inspires her team to do work they’re proud of. And Northstar is no exception.  As Chief Marketing Officer, Christina is leading a brand transformation and operational uplevel across our corporate and portfolio companies that promises to unlock tangible results for years to come.

Residing in Boston with her husband James of 25 years, she is mom to three girls who are twenty-something (and are they something!) Christina decompresses by cooking globally inspired recipes, taking leisurely beach vacations, and reading with her mini-goldendoodle snuggled in.

Christina DeRosa’s passion is launching and reinvigorating brands. She creates experiences and marketing expressions customers love, igniting real results for businesses. Christina’s pioneering spirit has touched consumer brands like Nickelodeon, Barbie, Xbox, and Cranium. And her impact has been equally felt in the B2B space where her work for clients like Progressive, BMW/Audi, Amazon, and Target received accolades.  With her left and right brain in balance, she excels at both Marketing and Product Management, bringing a unique skillset to the companies she chooses to work with.


As a leader Christina inspires her team to do work they’re proud of. And Northstar is no exception.  As Chief Marketing Officer, Christina is leading a brand transformation and operational uplevel across our corporate and portfolio companies that promises to unlock tangible results for years to come.


Residing in Boston with her husband James of 25 years, she is mom to three girls who are twenty-something (and are they something!) Christina decompresses by cooking globally inspired recipes, taking leisurely beach vacations, and reading with her mini-goldendoodle snuggled in.

Hillary McCurley

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER,
NORTHSTAR FERTILITY GROUP

Hillary leads all Northstar Fertility human capital and culture initiatives, bringing 25 years of human resources experience with her. She is responsible for developing and driving Northstar Fertility Group people strategies to support the company’s business goals. She leverages deep understanding of HR and is responsible for organizational development, culture, DE&I, talent acquisition, learning and development, HR compliance, compensation, and benefits for Northstar Fertility and their companies.


Before joining Northstar Fertility in 2022, she was Chief Human Resources Officer at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island where she helped distinguish it as one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island year over year. Prior to that, Hillary has held several leadership roles in both financial services and the hospitality industry. Hillary has been active in numerous community nonprofit organizations in New England – always focused on children and families – and most recently as a Board Member with the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island.


Hillary resides in Rhode Island with her husband and two children where they take advantage of everything New England has to offer. You’ll likely find her in the city, mountains, or beach as they’re all an easy commute for day trips and long weekends. She also spends her spare time rooting for the many sports teams her girls play on, and loves to garden, and tend to her outdoor Koi pond.

Hillary leads all Northstar Fertility human capital and culture initiatives, bringing 25 years of human resources experience with her. She is responsible for developing and driving Northstar Fertility Group people strategies to support the company’s business goals. She leverages deep understanding of HR and is responsible for organizational development, culture, DE&I, talent acquisition, learning and development, HR compliance, compensation, and benefits for Northstar Fertility and their companies.

Before joining Northstar Fertility in 2022, she was Chief Human Resources Officer at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island where she helped distinguish it as one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island year over year. Prior to that, Hillary has held several leadership roles in both financial services and the hospitality industry. Hillary has been active in numerous community nonprofit organizations in New England – always focused on children and families – and most recently as a Board Member with the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island.


Hillary resides in Rhode Island with her husband and two children where they take advantage of everything New England has to offer. You’ll likely find her in the city, mountains, or beach as they’re all an easy commute for day trips and long weekends. She also spends her spare time rooting for the many sports teams her girls play on, and loves to garden, and tend to her outdoor Koi pond.

Hillary leads all Northstar Fertility human capital and culture initiatives, bringing 25 years of human resources experience with her. She is responsible for developing and driving Northstar Fertility Group people strategies to support the company’s business goals. She leverages deep understanding of HR and is responsible for organizational development, culture, DE&I, talent acquisition, learning and development, HR compliance, compensation, and benefits for Northstar Fertility and their companies.


Before joining Northstar Fertility in 2022, she was Chief Human Resources Officer at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island where she helped distinguish it as one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island year over year. Prior to that, Hillary has held several leadership roles in both financial services and the hospitality industry. Hillary has been active in numerous community nonprofit organizations in New England – always focused on children and families – and most recently as a Board Member with the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island.


Hillary resides in Rhode Island with her husband and two children where they take advantage of everything New England has to offer. You’ll likely find her in the city, mountains, or beach as they’re all an easy commute for day trips and long weekends. She also spends her spare time rooting for the many sports teams her girls play on, and loves to garden, and tend to her outdoor Koi pond.

Award No.1

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Award No.2

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Award No.3

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Award No.4

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Award No.5

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NEWS & AWARDS

Dean Hutchison, Esq.

VICE PRESIDENT OF LEGAL SERVICES,
CIRCLE SURROGACY

Dean has been part of the Circle Surrogacy family since 2004. In addition to his role as Circle’s Vice President of Legal Services, Dean is also an Attorney and the Former Chairman of the American Bar Association’s Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Richmond and his Law Degree from Suffolk University. Dean has managed thousands of ART matters over the course of his career and has organized and presented on many panels – both US and International - on the legal aspects of surrogacy and egg donation. Dean is also very involved in surrogacy and third party reproductive advocacy, drafting and testifying in support of legislation before the Massachusetts Legislature. In his current role as the Vice President of Legal Services, Dean oversees Circle Surrogacy’s full legal team, and works closely with Intended Parents on their journeys. Dean is married with 3 beautiful children and has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and Boston Magazine.

Dean has been part of the Circle Surrogacy family since 2004. In addition to his role as Circle’s Vice President of Legal Services, Dean is also an Attorney and the Former Chairman of the American Bar Association’s Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Richmond and his Law Degree from Suffolk University. Dean has managed thousands of ART matters over the course of his career and has organized and presented on many panels – both US and International - on the legal aspects of surrogacy and egg donation. Dean is also very involved in surrogacy and third party reproductive advocacy, drafting and testifying in support of legislation before the Massachusetts Legislature. In his current role as the Vice President of Legal Services, Dean oversees Circle Surrogacy’s full legal team, and works closely with Intended Parents on their journeys. Dean is married with 3 beautiful children and has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and Boston Magazine.

Dean has been part of the Circle Surrogacy family since 2004. In addition to his role as Circle’s Vice President of Legal Services, Dean is also an Attorney and the Former Chairman of the American Bar Association’s Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Richmond and his Law Degree from Suffolk University. Dean has managed thousands of ART matters over the course of his career and has organized and presented on many panels – both US and International - on the legal aspects of surrogacy and egg donation. Dean is also very involved in surrogacy and third party reproductive advocacy, drafting and testifying in support of legislation before the Massachusetts Legislature. In his current role as the Vice President of Legal Services, Dean oversees Circle Surrogacy’s full legal team, and works closely with Intended Parents on their journeys. Dean is married with 3 beautiful children and has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and Boston Magazine.

Aisha Lewis

PRESIDENT,
EVERIE

Aisha’s career has spanned 23 years in Third-Party Reproduction. She attended Colgate University and Albany Medical College, from which she earned her Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees in Biomedical Ethics.


Aisha has extensive experience in launching and leading national donor programs and is passionate about changing the current landscape so that every donor, every recipient and every donor-conceived is supported and represented in transparent and meaningful ways. As President at Everie, Aisha led the charge in structuring the Everie donation program in unique ways that allow the donor true decision-making capacity.


Aisha lives on a small farm in North Carolina, surrounded by animals that take up most of her free time. She also enjoys attending Carolina Panthers games with her husband and finding fun, new restaurants.

Aisha’s career has spanned 23 years in Third-Party Reproduction. She attended Colgate University and Albany Medical College, from which she earned her Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees in Biomedical Ethics.

Aisha has extensive experience in launching and leading national donor programs and is passionate about changing the current landscape so that every donor, every recipient and every donor-conceived is supported and represented in transparent and meaningful ways. As President at Everie, Aisha led the charge in structuring the Everie donation program in unique ways that allow the donor true decision-making capacity.

Aisha lives on a small farm in North Carolina, surrounded by animals that take up most of her free time. She also enjoys attending Carolina Panthers games with her husband and finding fun, new restaurants.

Aisha’s career has spanned 23 years in Third-Party Reproduction. She attended Colgate University and Albany Medical College, from which she earned her Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees in Biomedical Ethics.


Aisha has extensive experience in launching and leading national donor programs and is passionate about changing the current landscape so that every donor, every recipient and every donor-conceived is supported and represented in transparent and meaningful ways. As President at Everie, Aisha led the charge in structuring the Everie donation program in unique ways that allow the donor true decision-making capacity.


Aisha lives on a small farm in North Carolina, surrounded by animals that take up most of her free time. She also enjoys attending Carolina Panthers games with her husband and finding fun, new restaurants.

Emily Sonier

VICE PRESIDENT OF CULTURE & PROGRAM SUPPORT, CIRCLE SURROGACY

Emily has over 20+ years of experience providing compassionate care and guidance to individuals, couples and families as a licensed independent clinical social worker. Emily also works closely with the teams at Circle that provide services to our intended parents, surrogates and egg donors.


Emily earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Her professional experience working in Philadelphia to provide case management and support to those living with HIV/AIDS in the 1990s, providing therapy to adolescent girls in a residential program and supporting surviving family members of the September 11 terrorist attack.


Emily regularly presents at conferences and is consulted as an expert in the field of surrogacy. Emily enjoys spending time with her family (and being a dog mom), being outdoors, creative writing and photography, and all things food.

Emily has over 20+ years of experience providing compassionate care and guidance to individuals, couples and families as a licensed independent clinical social worker. Emily also works closely with the teams at Circle that provide services to our intended parents, surrogates and egg donors.

Emily earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Her professional experience working in Philadelphia to provide case management and support to those living with HIV/AIDS in the 1990s, providing therapy to adolescent girls in a residential program and supporting surviving family members of the September 11 terrorist attack.

Emily regularly presents at conferences and is consulted as an expert in the field of surrogacy. Emily enjoys spending time with her family (and being a dog mom), being outdoors, creative writing and photography, and all things food.

Emily has over 20+ years of experience providing compassionate care and guidance to individuals, couples and families as a licensed independent clinical social worker. Emily also works closely with the teams at Circle that provide services to our intended parents, surrogates and egg donors.


Emily earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Her professional experience working in Philadelphia to provide case management and support to those living with HIV/AIDS in the 1990s, providing therapy to adolescent girls in a residential program and supporting surviving family members of the September 11 terrorist attack.


Emily regularly presents at conferences and is consulted as an expert in the field of surrogacy. Emily enjoys spending time with her family (and being a dog mom), being outdoors, creative writing and photography, and all things food.

TENURED SPECIALISTS

Northstar’s family of companies are leading transformation in the fertility field. Our tenured and trusted teams set industry standards by instilling a compassionate and principled approach to delivering our services. 

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