Genetic Services
Seattle Sperm Bank is proud to have a strong genetic counseling team. Our board-certified genetic counselors have over three decades of cumulative expertise in third party reproduction and assisted reproductive technology genetic counseling. They are accompanied by their dedicated genetic counseling assistant, Lupe Martinez.
Genetics is complicated. Our professionals are here to simplify it for you.
The Genetic Counseling team can help with:
- Donor carrier screening compatibility – Use our donor search tool to filter donors who have screened negative for the genetic conditions for which you/your egg source are a carrier.
- Genetic Counseling Phone Consults – Schedule an appointment to review your or your egg sources’ carrier screening results alongside a sperm donor’s results so you can better understand your compatibility with a donor, the benefits and limitations of carrier screening, and reproductive options.
- Request supplemental testing on a donor – Our genetic counseling team can help coordinate genetic testing for conditions that were not included on the donor’s original carrier screening panel.
- Request a PGT-M sample from a donor – For individuals pursuing preimplantation genetic testing, our genetics counseling team can help coordinate sample collection, requirements, and shipping.
- Questions about a donor’s medical history – If you have questions about a donor’s family medical history reach out to us at genetics@seattlespermbank.com
- Provide a medical update on your child – Do you have a medical update about your donor-conceived child you’d like to share with us? Please do so here.
- Request updated medical records of a donor no longer listed on our site – Email us at genetics@seattlespermbank.com
- Questions about a Medical Update Letter you received – As sperm donors and donor conceived people age, they may receive new medical diagnoses. If Seattle Sperm Bank is informed of a medical diagnosis that could significantly impact the health of donor conceived persons, a Medical Update Letter explaining the new medical information will be sent to individuals who purchased vials directly from Seattle Sperm Bank. If you have questions about a Medical Update Letter you received, you can schedule a complimentary consult or contact us at genetics@seattlespermbank.com
Katherine Hornberger, MS, CGC
Katherine is a board certified and multi-state licensed genetic counselor who supports recipients, donors, and clinics working with Seattle Sperm Bank. Prior to joining Seattle Sperm Bank, Katherine worked for a large IVF center and a preimplantation genetic testing laboratory. Katherine has gone through a fertility journey of her own and hosts a YouTube channel dedicated to explaining genetic concepts in the world of fertility. With years of experience providing genetic counseling to individuals and couples utilizing donor gametes to build their family, she understands the questions and concerns that can arise regarding donors. Katherine holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and a M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of Colorado.
Brynn Persky, MS, CGC
Brynn is a board certified and multi-state licensed genetic counselor with extensive experience in reproductive and prenatal genetic counseling. Brynn is passionate about the ever-growing field of genetics and finds so much joy in helping people find their path to building a family. Brynn received her Genetic Counseling degree from Northwestern University and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Olivia Hess, CGC
Olivia is a board-certified genetic counselor with over 15 years of experience in reproductive and prenatal genetics. She has spent her career helping people navigate everything from high-risk pregnancy, preconception planning and carrier screening, to advanced reproductive technologies like PGT-A and PGT-M. Throughout, her goal has remained the same: make genetic counseling more accessible, compassionate, and collaborative. She is licensed in multiple states and received her Genetic Counseling degree from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois.
Lupe Martinez, BA and BS, GCA
Guadalupe (Lupe) is a full-time genetic counseling assistant with Seattle Sperm Bank who supports the genetic counseling team with coordinating genetic testing and general administrative tasks. Lupe is a first-generation colleague graduate from UC Santa Cruz and holds a B.S in Biology and B.A in Education, Democracy and Justice. Lupe has a special interest in the genetic counseling field. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her cat, baking, and hiking outdoors.
Emily Nazar, CGC
Emily is a board-certified genetic counselor with over 10 years of experience in reproductive, hereditary cancer, and general genetics. Her favorite part of working at Seattle Sperm Bank is connecting with and supporting people in the journey to grow their families. She is a two-time graduate of the University of Texas, having received her undergraduate degree in Geological Sciences and her Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling.