f. nicole pore-brown, founder of giftED FERTILITY NPO
Academic & Professional Background
- 14 years of Military Service in the US Army
- B.A., Psychology, Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL
- M.S., Psychology, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ
- Graduate Certificate, Life and Wellness (Whole Health) Coaching, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ
- Currently employed with the North Texas Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (Dallas, Texas) as Clinical Research Program Specialist
- Women's Enhanced Recruitment Process Coordinator
- Research Database Development Specialist
- Women's Health Research Advocate
- Affirmative Care & Safe Space Advocate
Affiliations
- VA Sexual Orientation & Gender Diversity Committee
- Dallas VA Pride Chapter
- American Psychological Association
- Texas Psychological Association
- Association of Clinical Research Professionals
OUR STORY....
NICOLE & STONE
My wife and I am have been on our own motherhood/conception journey for 4+ years; and over the years we have learned so much about fertility and conception challenges. When we embarked on our journey to conceive; we had no idea the obstacles, setbacks, learning and strength it would take to stick with the journey.
We tried multiple methods from at-home insemination to a heavily-medicated (what they call the “kitchen sink” protocol) of IVF. And, yes, “kitchen sink,” is the appropriate name for that particular method of IVF because the amount of medication makes you feel like that is what you’ve been prescribed, “everything and the kitchen sink.” We encountered the disappointing and discouraging setback of not qualifying for VA coverage due to discriminating archaic policies not including same-sex couples.
Whether you have insurance or not, it is challenging managing the details of coverage, providers, best use of resources and funds, all while trying to remain physically, mentally and emotionally healthy to optimize your chances to conceive. We, like many other single women and couples, had to learn as we go. We had very little guidance. And it took a lot of effort and legwork to make the process slightly manageable and less discouraging.
Our experience and the experiences of those we have gotten to know along our journey with similar stories is what inspired me to form this organization to help our unique community. The fact of the matter is fertility treatments, fertility specialists, IUI procedures and IVF are costly. And for those of us who are not wealthy or celebrities, the challenges go beyond physical ability; they extend to financial challenges that require a lot of research and work. You could say the financial management of fertility treatment, alone, is like a second job. It adds to an already stressful experience and makes it feel over whelming. Even those with insurance, find themselves worried. And plainly put, my heart goes out to those who are tackling this journey without insurance but sticking with it.
Navigating the multitude of aspects to conceive whether naturally or by medical intervention makes the journey to parenthood truly an endeavor for the strongest. We hope this organization can assist with awareness, resources, education and community support to our much under-represented population. We, truly, hope a happy and healthy pregnancy and birth happens for you.
Sincerely,
Stone & Nicole
