LABORATORY STAFF

brenda

Brenda Williams, MT

Brenda is our Andrology/Endocrinology Lab Supervisor and has been an integral part of FTC since the very beginning. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Friends University and continued her education by completing the Medical Technology program at St. Francis Hospital School of Laboratory Technology in Wichita, Kansas. She is board certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Brenda has worked in the healthcare field for over 35 years with experience in Hematology, Blood banking, Cryogenics, Embryology, Endocrinology and Andrology.

What her peers have to say, “Brenda is the heart and knowledge of FTC. With over 30 years of infertility/lab experience, I know I can always go to her with anything and get the issue resolved. Brenda also helps bring perspective to any situation to help find the appropriate solution to anything in and out of work.”

evelyn

Evelyn Kunimura, MLT

Evelyn is a Medical Laboratory Technician in our Endocrinology/Andrology Lab. She joined the FTC family in February of 2014. Evelyn holds 20 years of technical experience in electronics before transitioning into the medical field. After pursuing a degree as a MLT, Evelyn worked in a clinical office analyzing routine laboratory tests. Evelyn is responsible in testing hormonal assays in our Endocrinology lab.

What her peers have to say, “Evelyn is very sweet and soft spoken, yet very serious and knowledgeable. She is a very flexible and caring person who is always willing to do what it takes to help everyone. Love her!”

alyssa

Alyssa Rodriguez, BS

Alyssa, Senior Embryologist & Lab Manager, has been with FTC since 2013. She graduated from Arizona State University, Barrett the honor’s College with a BS in biochemistry. Alyssa has been studying under Dr. Tao since 2013. Alyssa’s experience includes all procedures of IVF and ICSI, including super ovulation, ovum pick-up, oocyte grading, embryo biopsy, and in-vitro insemination with several years of research that focused on the characterization of oocyte and follicle development. Alyssa loves helping the couples achieve their goals of having a family.

What her peers have to say, “Alyssa is amazing at her job and works tirelessly in the embryology lab. She always is putting the patients first and has done wonders in her work and learning as the junior embryologist. She is an asset to this office and a privilege to have around with her wonderful sense of humor as well.”

Lauren King

Lauren King, BS

Lauren King, Embryologist, joined FTC after graduating from the University of Arizona in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Lauren began her work at FTC in our Clinical Research Department and coordinated several IVF clinical trials. She moved to Embryology in 2021 and has gained substantial IVF and laboratory research experience under Dr. Tao. Laruen’s IVF lab duties include: ICSI, super ovulation ovum pick-up, vitrification and thawing, and lab maintenance. She has excellent attention to detail, proficient laboratory skills, and is always willing to jump in and help whenever needed.

Coming Soon

Nicole Malette, BS

Nicole, Junior Embryologist joined FTC in 2023. She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2021. She worked previously in a lab but also as an EMT.  Nicole gained a lot of experience as an EMT including effectively prioritizing situations, maintaining organization, and she is very calm in all situations. She is proud to share that she is also a product of IVF herself. Nicole’s organization skills, attention to detail, and dedication to continuing education make Nicole an amazing addition to our world-renowned IVF laboratory.