Meet the Team
Founders of Northwest Surrogacy Center
Sandra Hodgson
Director and Founder
Sandra Hodgson, J.D. has helped form families through surrogacy and egg donation, representing intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors for over 30 years. Licensed to practice law in Oregon, Washington, and Montana, her areas of practice include surrogacy, egg donation, and adoption. She has been an attorney since 1985 and in private practice since 1988, before which she was a law clerk at the Oregon Supreme Court and Oregon Court of Appeals.
John Chally
Director and Founder
John Chally, J.D has 25 years of experience as a surrogacy attorney and over 40 years of experience practicing in the areas of adoption and adoption litigation. Licensed in both Oregon and Washington, he has a Martindale-Hubbell rating of AV Preeminent, indicating the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards. He is ranked as a Super Lawyer. He was a member of the State of Oregon Task Force on Adoption Services and drafted legislation regarding Oregon jurisdiction in adoption proceedings.
Management Team
Michael Chally
Executive Director
Michael graduated from the International College at the University of Oregon in 1998 with a degree in Asian Studies. He worked in the tech industry for over 15 years designing and building software for both startups and large companies. Michael grew up in Portland and still lives there with his wife, daughter, and son. When he is not at work, Michael likes to travel, ski, bike, and read.
Molly O'Shea
Finance and Human Resources Manager
Molly has been at NWSC since 2005. She graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in political science and environmental studies. Molly is inspired by the women she gets to work with every day who so generously give the gift of surrogacy. She also finds it deeply rewarding to watch people who have worked so hard to have children finally get to be parents. When she’s not at work, Molly likes to travel, hike, read, and cook. She lives in Portland with her husband and son.
Sam Chally
Director of Client Development
Sam Chally graduated with a degree in philosophy from San Francisco State University. A Portland native, he lived and worked for many years in Mexico and Nicaragua, where he was a teacher, Peace Corps volunteer, and Sales Consultant. Sam loves working at NWSC and helping families make their dreams come true by helping them bring babies into the world. Sam divides his time between our office in San Francisco and his home in Bend, Oregon, where he lives with his wife and two children. When he’s not working, Sam enjoys mountain biking and skiing.
Carla Johnson
Director of Surrogate Team and Marketing
Carla graduated from Rhodes College with a degree in fine art and anthropology. She worked as a fundraiser for nonprofits in Tennessee and New Mexico before moving to Portland to be near family and enjoy the Pacific Northwest. Carla joined the NWSC team in 2013. She loves being able to bike to work, getting to see newborns, and most of all, helping people realize their dream of parenthood. Carla lives in Portland with her daughters, a giant dog, and two cats. They enjoy picking berries, surfing, hiking, making art, and dreaming about summer.
Katy Engberg
Director of Case Management
Katy Engberg studied at the University of Oregon and Portland State University, graduating with degrees in community health education and dance. Prior to joining NWSC in 2014, Katy worked as a yoga teacher and interned at the National University for Natural Medicine designing and implementing a resource referral program for community clinic patients. Katy is humbled by the courage she sees in both surrogates and intended parents. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, cooking, and gardening.
Case Management Team
Erin Mays
Case Management Supervisor
Erin Mays graduated from Purdue University with a degree in political science and history. Before joining NWSC in early 2016, Erin worked for the Indiana House of Representatives and the Indiana State Medical Association. One of her favorite parts of being a case manager is being there when intended parents meet their surrogate for the first time, and seeing the connection that will help build their family. When she’s not at work Erin loves traveling to see the US soccer team play, reading historical fiction, and watching sci fi and fantasy movies and TV shows.
Amanda Taylor
Case Manager
Amanda Taylor has a degree in Criminology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and an MS in Publishing & Editing from Portland State University. Before joining NWSC in 2018, she worked with the elderly population in Alaska doing case management. Amanda enjoys family time with her husband and two children, especially adventures near the ocean and rivers, camping, making up songs, and dancing along to music videos. She loves helping families grow and learning about the experiences women have had that lead them to become a surrogate.
Amber Dedionisio
Case Manager
Amber DeDionisio grew up outside Baltimore and obtained her bachelor’s in Fine Art and Masters in Teaching at Maryland Institute College of Art. She began her career teaching high school Fine Arts and in 2013 made the move to Portland where she fell in love with the region. Prior to joining NWSC, she managed production for a winery in the Willamette Valley. Amber is thrilled to connect with individuals in their profound journey toward growing their families. In her spare time, Amber enjoys being outdoors with her husband and two dogs, canoeing, plein air painting, and gardening.
Jordyn Reddy
Case Management Supervisor, Systems Supervisor
Jordyn Reddy grew up near Philadelphia, PA but after obtaining her Master’s degree at Oregon State University, she decided to make the Pacific Northwest her home. With a background as a first responder and in sports rehabilitation, she truly appreciates how communication, perspective, and empathy can change most situations for the better. She is inspired by the kindness and goodness that people have to help create new families with NWSC. When she’s not working, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, running, baking, time with her partner, daughter, and pets.
Nina Simmons
Case Manager, Clinical Support Manager
Nina Armstrong received her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Washington and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Prior to joining NWSC as a case manager, her career focused on supporting children, youth, and families impacted by trauma and grief. She lives in Washington with her husband, her French bulldog ‘Kol’, and her cat ‘Powder’. She is thrilled to journey with families at this very exciting time in their life. When she’s off the clock, she’s usually exploring with her dog, reading, doing yoga, or adventuring outdoors.
Erin Bowling
Case Manager
Erin is a mother of two and was a surrogate in 2021 and again in 2023. She has a Masters in Folklore from the University of Oregon, and an academic background in gender studies, English, and arts administration. Before joining NWSC, she taught writing at UO and worked in an international high school student exchange. She loved her experience as a surrogate and feels so honored to be a part of that journey for parents and surrogates. She loves visiting tidepools and finding rocks on the Oregon coast, casual bike rides, and decorating cupcakes.
Angel Sauls
Case Manager
Angel Sauls graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Child Development. Before coming to NWSC in 2017, Angel worked for the Department of Justice, FamilyCare, OHSU, and Providence Health Systems. Angel’s passionate belief in compassionate mindfulness for self and others drew her to work for NWSC and she is thrilled to assist others to transform longings into reality. In her spare time, Angel enjoys reading, laughing, and is dedicated to becoming a world traveler. She was raised in St. Louis and now lives in Seattle.
Cydni Zupsic
Case Manager
A lifelong Oregonian, Cydni graduated from the University of Oregon School of Journalism with a focus in public relations, and minors in both communications and Spanish. She spent time working in marketing, events, and project management before joining NWSC. After the birth of her first child, she found a passion for helping others expand their families. She is inspired every day by the amazing families and individuals she gets to work with. In her time off, Cydni enjoys travel and adventure with her friends, family, and crazy lab retriever, Harper.
Austin Averett
Case Manager
Austin (they/she) joined NWSC in August 2022 with a background in medical case management in the maritime industry. Ahoy! They have a Masters in Conflict Studies, with an emphasis on interpersonal communication and conflict transformation. They love listening to and supporting folks as they navigate complex conversations and get a real kick out of a cute baby photo. Born and raised in Portland, OR, she enjoys a good dinner party, backpacking, and car camping with her lab/shepherd mix, Barlow.
Surrogate Resource Team
Mariah Swan
Surrogate Team Manager & Systems Supervisor
Mariah Swan was born and raised in Montana and graduated from Gonzaga University in 2013 with a degree in biology. She joined NWSC in 2014 and helped open the office in San Francisco, and now resides in Spokane, WA. Mariah loves hearing the stories of surrogates and intended parents and helping them through the complexities that make up the process of surrogacy. In her spare time, Mariah enjoys cooking veggie-forward meals and staying active. You might find her out on a trail in Washington with her dog and husband.
Angel Bradford
Surrogate Coordinator
Angel graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana with a BA in Mass Communications and an MA from the University of Phoenix in Education. She was a surrogate in 2019, and vividly recalls the realities and joys of the surrogate experience. Angel is excited to help others ready to travel their own surrogate journey here at NWSC! When she is not working or serving as a military guard member, she enjoys reading, movie watching, and trying new restaurants and foods. She also enjoys tea parties, ABC mouse, and Kidz-bop dance parties with her daughter.
Kelsie Ellis
Surrogate Coordinator
Kelsie graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a BA in Theatre Arts which she took to The Disneyland Resort – where she made magic in the Entertainment & Character Department! Most recently Kelsie worked for the Oregon Division of Child Support, where her love of helping families and children began. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to assist folks with their surrogacy journey. When she isn’t working, Kelsie enjoys a embroidery and watching TV & movies. She also spends much of her time trying to keep up with her young daughter and husband.
Krysta Vollbrecht
Surrogate Team Manager
Krysta Vollbrecht graduated from Portland State University with a degree in Women’s Studies and completed a master’s in Nonprofit Management in New York City in 2008. Krysta spent ten years working with nonprofits mainly in fundraising and marketing. Krysta has also been involved in volunteer work to help vulnerable children in the foster care system. She loves talking to other moms and is thrilled to be working with amazing women who are helping other families grow. In her spare time, Krysta enjoys gardening, baking with her daughter, and is an avid reader.
Katje (Kate) Hopkins
Surrogate Coordinator
Originally from Puget Sound, Katje followed her military husband to NC and then to Portland. Katje earned a degree in archaeology from Portland State University. Afterwards Katje managed a natural health clinic and became a surrogate with NWSC in 2015. Though she did not have a traditional journey, being forever connected with the agency through friendships brought her back as an employee. Katje and her husband now reside in Puget Sound with their two children. They love to explore the Salish Sea in their canoe or paddle board.
Jennie Smith
Surrogate Coordinator
Jennie Smith graduated from Portland State University with a BA in Psychology. She spent over ten years working as a social worker in behavioral health, and she also earned a certification in Holistic Nutrition. Jennie’s passion for advocacy and making meaningful connections brought her to NWSC and she is inspired by the supportive work culture and being able to witness the compassionate gift of surrogacy. In her spare time, Jennie enjoys quilling, writing postcards, cooking, seeing live music with her partner and cuddling with her dog, Neko.
Megan Brunston
Lead Surrogate Coordinator
Megan graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in International Studies, and a double minor in Women’s Studies and Spanish. After graduation, she moved to Portland to become a certified birth and postpartum doula. During that time, she volunteered as a pregnancy peer-to-peer counselor and doula in Portland hospitals. She is thrilled to be part of the NWSC family where she can continue the meaningful work she is passionate about. In her time off, Megan enjoys doing fiber art, reading a book with a cup of tea in hand, and spending time with her cats.
Lyndsy Manz
Surrogate Coordinator
Originally from California, Lyndsy obtained her bachelor’s degree in Portland and her master’s degree in Texas. Lyndsy and her husband lived in various parts of the country working in higher education, but finally returned to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She’s a mother of three who has experienced a hospital birth, a miscarriage, a home birth, and delivery in a birthing center. Lyndsy loves to hear the diversity of lived experiences from surrogates! Lyndsy enjoys taking strolls (not hikes) through nature with her kiddos and exploring all the fun Portland parks.
Veronica Bowers
Community Support Manager
Prior to NWSC, Veronica worked as the Director of Travel for an airline and most recently as an event coordinator and community advocate in McMinnville, Oregon. Veronica loves sharing her passion for surrogacy every day. She is an experienced surrogate with NWSC who worked with families in both France and Australia. Watch the French Documentary “Two Men and a Cradle” about her and the French family! Veronica lives in McMinnville with her husband and two children. In her “free” time, she enjoys baking, travel and family time.
Kelsey Lamb
Eligibility Supervisor
Kelsey Lamb graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in cultural anthropology. She spent two years in New York working for an events production company, before returning to Oregon and working for a nonprofit. Kelsey is excited to play a role in such a wonderful time in the lives of our families and is amazed by the generosity of our surrogates. Kelsey enjoys running, hiking, photography, and taking advantage of the ample outdoor activities available in the Pacific Northwest.
Rachel Van Der Bie
Lead Eligibility Coordinator
Raised in Northern California, Rachel graduated from California State University, Chico with degrees in Women’s Studies and Business Administration. Rachel has a nonprofit background in activism and advocacy, with an emphasis on women’s and LGBTQ+ issues. Rachel is grateful to be a part of NWSC’s tight-knit family. As an aspiring mother-to-be open to all family dynamics, she is humbled by this work. In her spare time, Rachel loves watching and playing soccer, camping, and reading niche romance novels. Rachel lives in Portland with her wife and two cats.
Michelle Brown
Eligibility Coordinator
Michelle Brown graduated from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor’s in Technical Communication and minors in Business Administration and Visual Design. Before NWSC, she held administrative roles in higher education and real estate settings. After spending time in Taiwan, she settled in Spokane, WA. Michelle is thankful to be a part of NWSC and admires the passion for family shared among everyone involved. Michelle’s favorite things include being outdoors with her husband and researching baking recipes.
Finance, Legal, & Operations
Bharati Kasibhatla
Escrow Accounting Manager
After calling Portland home in 2006, Bharati joined the NWSC team in 2018. She has previously taught writing, English literature, and gender studies at Pacific University and at the University of Florida. She is originally from Mumbai, India, and enjoys reading, writing, and traveling. Bharati says she loves her NWSC co-workers and the passion they bring to supporting the intending parents as well as surrogates.
Tessa Englander
Escrow Account Assistant
Tessa graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a BA in History. She recently moved to Portland from the east coast. She comes to us from the Center for Women and Community where she was a Counselor Advocate on a domestic violence hotline. Prior to her university studies, she took a gap year and traveled to Ghana, Thailand, Cambodia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Mia Singh
Marketing Coordinator
More about Mia soon!
Heather Kelley
Financial Coordinator
Heather joined NWSC after working with people experiencing homelessness. She graduated from Southern Oregon University with a degree in International Studies, with a focus on Women’s Studies and Spanish. After her cousin became a surrogate, Heather witnessed the amazing way surrogates help to create loving families and she is so excited to be a part of that experience for others. In her spare time, Heather enjoys hiking, backpacking, and watching old sci-fi movies-the cheesier the better!
Heidi Martens
Legal Services Coordinator
Heidi Martens attended Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis for her graduate work in public history. She worked at the Indiana Medical History Museum, and also worked for the Indiana State Medical Association before moving to Portland. Heidi says that watching intended parents and surrogates connect over the joy children bring to people’s lives makes her feel good about the world. When she’s not at work Heidi loves hiking and camping, spending time with her family, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Madison Golding
Receptionist
Madison moved to Oregon in 2021 and has recently settled in Portland. She grew up in Conroe Texas and is very excited to experience actual seasons. She is currently pursuing a degree in Sociology. Madison joined NWSC in February of 2022 and is so happy to be part of a team that supports families through the surrogacy process. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, camping and hiking with her two whippets, and going to the theatre with friends.
Kendall Miller
Financial Coordinator
Kendall studied Social Sciences at Portland State University and taught at various preschools and K-12 schools in Portland. She loved being a role model to children and lending a hand in their personal development. After donating her eggs in 2022, she felt connected to this specific field and wanted to explore a career where she got to be involved in watching families grow in this unique and special way. When off the clock, she likes to spend time hiking and camping with her two dogs Filmore and Louise.
Meghan Stein
Client Development Coordinator
Meghan graduated from the University of North Texas in 2019 with a BS in Rehabilitation Studies and a minor in Addiction Studies. She moved to Portland in 2019 looking for a change of pace in a beautiful state. She is excited to help people grow their families and is inspired by the vulnerability and courage from surrogates and intended parents. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, attending concerts, the outdoors, playing/watching soccer matches, paddle boarding, and frequents the local movie theatre.
Contact Us!
Whether you're curious about surrogacy or ready to take the first step, we're here to answer any questions that you may have. Please complete the contact form on this page, and one of our amazing staff members will respond to you soon.
We look forward to hearing from you!
We look forward to hearing from you!