Staff Members
The staff at our clinic is a very tight knit group of dedicated professionals. Our excellent interpersonal relationships covey a sense of family that is noticed by visitors to our clinic. We strive to create a relaxed atmosphere where people can feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help getting pregnant. In addition to our personal service, we use advanced techniques and state of the art equipment to give our patients excellent pregnancy rates. We are constantly evaluating our processes and methods for ways to improve. Everyone desires a successful pregnancy. Realizing this is currently an impossible goal, we want everyone to feel satisfied with the service and caring they receive regardless of their outcome.
We offer free information sessions at our clinic. These sessions are designed to provide patients with general information about infertility problems and the services available to you. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the staff and see our beautiful clinic. Even with a short visit, you can get an immediate sense of who we are. Many people are uncertain where to start and we are happy to help. Please call our clinic for more information. You may also email us at info@californiaivf.com.
Dr Zeringue
Ernest J. Zeringue M.D. is an infertility specialist and founder of California IVF: Davis Fertility Center, Inc. He received his medical school training in Charleston at the Medical University of South Carolina. His obstetrics and gynecology residency was completed at Keesler Air Force Base. Following residency, Dr. Zeringue attended fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Duke University in Durham, NC. He then served as the Division Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base. While in the military, Dr. Zeringue's clinic was among the busiest in the hospital and maintained a very high patient satisfaction rating. As one of only a hand full of infertility specialists in the Air Force, Dr. Zeringue also performed a high volume of infertility surgery including tubal reversals. Research interests include insulin resistance as in relates to weight and infertility problems. He has successfully implemented a diet regimen that has been extremely effective in restoring ovulation to many women. Countless individuals have sought counseling for weight management independent of attempts at becoming pregnant.
Dr. Zeringue is available for consultations to discuss your treatment options.
"I love what I do, and I hope it shows in everything we do. I am extremely proud of the team working here and all they do to make this a better place. We can not promise people a pregnancy, but we can make every effort possible to make sure people have a positive experience through caring, support, and compassion."
- Ernest Zeringue MD
Deborah Johnson, BS, MS
We are extremely happy and proud to announce the addition of Deborah Johnson to our California IVF: Davis Fertility Center's staff. Deborah is a senior embryologist with over 15 years experience as an embryologist. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in 1983 and 1986 at Hampton University, in Hampton, Virginia. Upon completion of her graduate education, she began working at the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Norfolk, VA. She became proficient in micromanipulation of gametes while at the Jones Institute by performing the Hemizona Assay. In 1990, Deborah was recruited to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and worked as a staff embryologist for eight years. During her final two years there, she worked as the sole embryologist in the Northwestern program and supported a 45% success rate. In 1998, Deborah was recruited to Northern California and continued her career as a staff embryologist at Northern California Fertility Medical Center (NCFMC) in Roseville, CA. As the success rates for Northern California Fertility Medical Center continued to climb, Deborah was promoted to Laboratory Supervisor. Under her direction and experience, NCFMC experienced excellent pregnancy rates. She became widely known among patients for her education programs and regular updates on embryo progress during the in vitro process. Patients regularly express their heart felt appreciation for her compassionate care and sense of dedication. Debora joined the staff at California IVF: Davis Fertility Center in December 2005. She is a perfect complement to the family-like atmosphere and shares our goals of providing the best possible care.
"I am extremely happy to be a part of the California IVF family. I am very committed and dedicated in helping you actualize your hopes and dreams of starting or adding to your family. With my years of experience and proven success rates, it is my goal to establish and achieve outstanding success rates for California IVF".
- Deborah Johnson
Lisa Miller, MS, TS
Lisa Miller completed her undergraduate studies at California Polytechnic State University with a major in Animal Science from 1986 to 1990. Lisa then attended graduate school from 1992-1994. She received a Masters of Science (MS) degree from UC Davis in the area of reproductive physiology and animal science. She has worked in IVF labs since 1994 to the present. She initially began work with Pacific Fertility Center (PFC - originally San Francisco Center for Reproductive Medicine) in August 1994 until joining Northern California Fertility Medical Center (NCFMC) in October 1997. While at NCFMC, Lisa worked along side Deborah Johnson and helped grow the program while maintaining high pregnancy rates. Lisa worked for Austin IVF approximately one year prior to joining the team at California IVF: Davis Fertility Center in January of 2005.
“I truly love what I do. I have always been fascinated by the science of reproduction. I really enjoy interacting with patients, talking with them, and helping them understand exactly what it is we do in the lab. Having been an infertility patient myself, I understand very well the feelings and emotions that patients are dealing with. I feel blessed to be a part of this window into their lives. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Deborah again here at California IVF, and I look forward to our continued success."
- Lisa Miller, MS, TS
Michele Thomas, MBA
Michele joined California IVF in 2006 as office manager. With years of experience in private practice and hospital administration, she has embraced this growing practice as her own. She is responsible for the financial growth and health of the practice, as well as day-to-day operations, and enjoys the chance to work directly with patients.
“I love being here – it’s the most magical place - and we have the greatest patients in the world. Dr. Zeringue and Alisa have set the example – they include us in their family, and we include our patients in the same circle of love and support. I’m very lucky to be here.”
- Michele Thomas, MBA
Terri Perez
Terri is the financial and insurance coordinator for the clinic. She has extensive experience serving as a self-employed medical consultant for private practices and health care institutions throughout California. She is a master of all aspects of insurance and managed care. She takes an active and front line role in helping patients understand thier insurance benefits. Terri is a tireless worker and stives to help everyone in any way possible. In addition to her work with patients' insurance, Terri pursues continuous negotiations and contract reviews to help improve patient access to care. Through her efforts, we've been able to make arrangements with insurance carriers that were previously thought to be impossible.
Alisa Zeringue, RN
Alisa is a clinical nurse for the IVF program at California IVF: Davis Fertility Center. She has over 14 years of experience in nursing and is known for her compassion and sensitivity. She brings comfort to many couples as they cope with the struggles of infertility treatment. Alisa helps maintain the family atmosphere and has always been a strong patient advocate. Alisa is able to bring these aspects of nursing together and keep the team focused on compassionate and professional care. She has been with the team since November 2004.
Agneta Van Niekerk, RN
Agneta is our registered nurse, with 10 years experience in nursing and patient care. As our IVF and donor coordinator, her role is especially important to the success and well-being of each patient, as she oversees the treatment of all IVF patients, providing guidance, answering questions, and helping patients maintain a calm, stress-free attitude. Agneta is also our donor coordinator, bringing patients together with the incredible gift of embryo donors, to assist patients in becoming pregnant. One of Agneta’s greatest gifts is that she, too, is a successful IVF patient from California IVF, and shares her compassion, sensitivity and experiences with our patients. Born and raised in South Africa, Agneta and her husband came to the U.S. after completing their medical training. She and her husband recently received their U.S. citizenship.
“I was so touched by this family (at California IVF), helping me to build my family, that I had to be a part of them.”
- Agneta Van Niekerk, RN
Tarah Thurber
Tarah came to our family in June 2006 with 4 years experience in fertility medicine from Northern California Fertility Medical Center. Tarah serves many roles in the clinic, including the New Patient Advocate, in which she talks to perspective patients, answers questions and helps guide patients through the fertility process. She is highly proficient in abdominal ultrasound and is a certified phlebotomist. Tarah also provides patient education and cycle coordination, and is willing to help in all areas of the clinic. Patients know and love Tarah for her compassion and enthusiasm. She is especially gifted and dedicated to helping patients through the emotional “roller coaster” of infertility. Tarah brings a personal touch to every patient she serves.
“I am proud to say that I have a job that I love, and I get to see miracles happen every day! The first time I stepped into this office, I felt like I was at home – and I strive to make everyone else that walks through our doors feel the same. We are definitely a big family here, and we look forward to having you as part of our family.”
- Tarah Thurber, MA
Leslie Tylan
Leslie is our youngest member to join the family at California IVF. She is a recent graduate of University of California, Davis, majoring in biological sciences with an emphasis on neurobiology, physiology and behavior. Leslie has a dual role as cycle and surgery coordinator, working closely with patients to guide them through treatment, schedule special procedures, and provide the love and support that our patients deserve. Born and raised in Hawaii, Leslie embraces and shares the spirit of “aloha” (love) and “ohana” (family) with our staff and patients. Along with her knowledge and organizational skills, Leslie brings an abundance of warmth, optimism and enthusiasm to everyone.
“I am thrilled to be working here at California IVF. It is amazing to be part of a community where everyone is treated like family, and where unconditional love and support for each other exists. I am happy to be here and look forward to helping people grow their families.”
-Leslie Tylan
Anna Diaz
Anna joined our team in March 2007. She has many years experience in medical office management and brings her knowledge, organizational skills, and attention to detail to our front office. Anna is counted on to make the front office run efficiently and stress-free. As the first person that most patients meet and talk to, Anna creates a caring and trusting impression with our patients, making sure that their questions and requests are her top concern. Anna is a heart-felt addition to the front office, by welcoming patients and putting them at ease. Among her many talents, Anna also speaks Spanish fluently and is especially dedicated to the Spanish-speaking communities
“I really enjoy working for California IVF because everyone here is very caring, and patients are treated like family. For me, it is very exciting to see the happiness that we give to our patients.”
- Anna Diaz
Lisa Maggard, MA
Lisa has a background as a medical technician in the U.S. Air Force. She has worked with Dr. Zeringue as the sole coordinator for an extremely busy infertility clinic at Travis Air Force Base. She has advanced rapidly in her clinical grading and is highly regarded for her willingness and capability to multitask and support very busy clinics. Lisa volunteered her experience and talents to the California IVF team prior to joining the staff full time in October 2006. She dilligently works to meet the needs of patients in all aspects of their treatment.
“ I truly love what I do here at CIVF and working with each and everyone of our patients. I enjoy getting to know them and offering help and encouragement through their treatment process. I understand the stress, excitement and preparation that happens inside of this facility, and if I can get the patient and their family through that with a smile on their faces I have done my job. I look forward to working with all of our patients and wish everyone the very best.”
- Lisa Maggard
