Wendie Wilson-Miller

Founder and CEO

I had a pivotal experience when I was young that instantly determined the course of my life.  In my early 20’s I was an egg donor for a woman who had struggled with and became a survivor of breast cancer.   At that point, there was nothing else that had meant as much to me as being able to help someone have a baby, especially someone who had already overcome so many obstacles in her own life.  From that moment on, I decided to dedicate my life to helping others have families as well.

I am an active board member of Parents Via Egg Donation, the largest online support site for families going through the process of using donor eggs and attend the yearly American Society of Reproductive Medicine convention. I volunteer my time with RESOLVE to speak or moderate local meetings.  During 2010, I also hosted a 14 episode radio spot called Gifted Journeys: All Things Infertility on the Voice America Health and Wellness Network to share information with others going through the journey of assisted reproduction and I co-authored a book on egg donation coming out in Spring of 2012.

With the support of several IVF clinics, doctors and staff members that I had become close to over the past decade, I was encouraged to start my own egg donation agency.  From this support, Gifted Journeys was born. I strongly believe that we are one of the most compassionate, ethical and fair agencies you will work with on your journey towards expanding your family and look forward to meeting you.

Wendie serves on the board of Parents Via Egg Donation and is the co-author of the forthcoming book, “The Insiders Guide to Egg Donation: A Compassionate and Comprehensive Guide for All Parents-To-Be,” to be published by Demos Health in Spring of 2012.

Tina Barbagallo

Match Director and Co-Founder

I first heard about egg donation in college in the early 1990‘s. The thought of helping others in need was very appealing to me, and by doing so, I was able to pay off student loans as well. To this day, nothing has compared to my experience as an egg donor. Eventually, I began working in the industry and have made it my life’s work, for the past 11+ years.

While employed at an agency, I came to meet a very special person, Wendie Wilson-Miller, who would later become an integral part of my life. Over the years, we formed a very strong bond and decided to start our own agency so that we would be able to run our company according to our own philosophy. It’s an amazing feeling to wake up every day knowing that I’m helping change someone’s life for the better. I felt that my life was where it was supposed to be and things had fallen into place naturally.

It gives me great pleasure to listen to what couples have to say and help them through the process of choosing their donor. In sharing my own story with them, they are able to see the other side and realize just how much it means to a donor to help create a family. Each time I interview a prospective egg donor, I hope to inspire them as well, and they are without exception very responsive and enthusiastic. This tells me that there is an abundance of altruistic, compassionate, and caring young women out there, each of which are meant for a couple just waiting to find them.

Barbara Vermillion

Accounts Director

I was born and raised in the French region of Switzerland, where I earned my degree from business school before moving to the United States. Having always wanted to live in California, I chose Los Angeles as my first (and final!) destination. It was here where I met and married the love of my life and father of our beautiful daughter, Sienna.  Being a mother is what makes working for Gifted Journeys the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had. Wendie continues to be a constant inspiration in my life since meeting her almost 9 years ago, and also encourages my other passion, painting.

Terren Burson

Cycle Coordinator

I have always had a deep desire to work with and help people; I just didn’t know how until I became an egg donor in college.  I received by Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with the intention of going to law school and becoming an adoption attorney.  But it was my life-changing experience as an egg donor that drew me to pursuing a career working with the egg donors and recipient parents and being a part of that connection on a more intimate level.  Working for Gifted Journeys and being a part of this amazing group of women and specialists in the field is one of the best parts of my day.  I get to witness the life changes for everyone involved and watch families grow!  As a mother myself, I appreciate parenthood so much more because of the people I get to work with each day. I am also a long-time yogini and Yoga Teacher.  I love teaching Pregnancy and Post-Pregnancy yoga as a way to keep mommies healthy, happy and balanced.