The Heartland Surrogacy Family: Meet the Co-Founders!

Favorite Foods: I love all things food. In the summer I am always looking forward to enjoying whatever I can harvest from my own garden. Tomato season is my favorite!

As President and Co-Founder, Brie’s focus is on the day-to-day case management and building relationships with our surrogates, intended parents, and other professionals we work with.

As Vice-President and Co-Founder, Monica primarily takes care of the “behind-the-scenes” business side of our company.

How do you see surrogacy changing in the US in the near future?

Brie: Hopefully, just like we saw Washington state legalize surrogacy contracts, New York will move forward with legislation in favor of surrogacy. I think they are getting close. I am also hopeful that Nebraska and Michigan will follow suit. I also wish that more insurance companies will include surrogacy coverage for women acting as Gestational Carriers (GCs). 

Monica: I hope that there continues to be an increase in dialogue. I love how open surrogates and intended parents (IPs) can be about participating in this journey and that responses from their communities are predominantly positive.

What’s been the most surprising thing or event you’ve witnessed in this field?

Brie: That not all agencies and clinics work within ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) guidelines. It is very important to me that Heartland only work with GCs that meet the criteria they have set up. Having a GC that doesn’t meet ASRM guidelines can potentially lead to pregnancy complications and is too much of a risk for IPs. 

Monica: When we found out one of our surrogates was pregnant with twins – after a Single Embryo Transfer (SET)! This is why we talk about a surrogate’s comfort level of carrying twins, even when a SET is planned. You never know when there might be a splitter 🙂

Are there any personality traits that make a good surrogate?

Brie: Someone who is organized and good with communication. Surrogacy requires a person to turn in large amounts of paperwork and information. A surrogate will also be communicating with medical professionals and her IPs, so it is imperative that she is able to communicate promptly and effectively. 

Monica: I think all of our surrogates have what I consider to be a “giving” personality. They appreciate being compensated monetarily, but above all, they are driven to give in their journey. Many see their journey as a way to share the joy they have been able to obtain easily, as a way to give of themselves for the benefit of another family.

Tell us about an emotionally impactful event or time with HS.

Brie: Every birth is emotionally impactful for me. Every time I get to see a surrogate add a child to a family, every time a parent hugs me ,and every time I hold another baby – I am beyond moved. I know this is what I am supposed to be doing. It warms my heart every time! 

Monica: Learning about the trials our intended parents have endured can often be highly emotional. Some have undergone such heartache. I cannot be a surrogate, so I feel fortunate to be able to help build families in this capacity.

What do you love about the region you work in?

Brie: Midwestern women are a very special group of women. Their hearts are huge. They are tremendously hard working and always want to assist others in any way they can, including helping others add to their family. 

Monica: Everything! The Pacific Northwest has been such a wonderful home for my family. Professionally, I love that there so many other people working remotely in my area and truly appreciate the networking and support groups I’ve been able to find. As a woman of color and a working parent, the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations has been invaluable.

Tell us about the connections you’ve made within the field.

Brie: One of the most difficult things when we were starting out 5 years ago was finding other agency owners that were willing to help mentor and guide us as needed. Throughout the years, we have met a couple of owners that fit that capacity and those women have been instrumental in our success. We, in turn, try to pay it forward and help others when we can. 

Monica: We are thankful for the agency owners that have mentored us in the past years and the providers in the field that have led inquiries to us. For full support of our clients, we have found great connections to fertility clinics, attorneys, women’s health providers, and alternative care providers.

What is it like running a business while having a family?

Brie: It can be challenging at times because we don’t operate a 9-5 business. We know that our GCs and IPs typically work 9-5, so we like to be available outside of those timeframes. That sometimes means that we do intakes, match calls, and home visits in the evenings and weekends. I let my kids know in advance that I will be tied up with work, how much time I expect it to take, and what fun things we will be doing before or after. 

What’s your favorite task in the business?

Brie: I really enjoy doing match calls or match meetings. It is so fun to see both sides in conversation and start talking about things not even necessarily on the agenda. I like seeing their personalities shine through and seeing them all connect on different topics. 

Monica: I love preparing and sending care packages to our clients! I also enjoy taking part in our marketing efforts—it’s a fun creative outlet.

Tell us about your community involvement.

Brie: I am very involved in the vegan community in Des Moines. I sit on the planning community for VeganFest DSM, and I help with numerous events throughout the year. I also sit on the PTO board for my daughters’ elementary school. My oldest daughter is starting high school this year, so I expect I will also be busy with her many activities.

Monica: Our community will be changing because both our children are going to new schools, but currently we are involved with many activities through Washington County libraries and we volunteer through multiple children’s organizations in the area. My husband and I look forward to taking part in the activities at our kids’ new schools.