Cutting-Edge Fertility Laboratory

Patients at RHWC can expect high quality fertility care with proven success at a lower cost. Our state-of-the-art IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) center includes a cutting-edge IVF laboratory with the newest technology and a dedicated clean air system for the best possible chances at conception. Our lab team has over 120+ years of experience in the fertility space.

In Vitro Fertilization Lab Process

The fertility lab is dedicated to using the most advanced scientific procedures to maximize chances of creating healthy and growing embryos. Even with the latest lab technology our fertility treatment costs are some of the most competitive in Southern California, without ever sacrificing the high-quality care patients deserve.

#1
Egg Retrieval

Our laboratory is a vital part of the IVF procedure. We first place harvested and collected eggs into a petri dish where they will be counted and evaluated by our very experienced embryology team.

#2
Egg Count & Evaluation

Hours after the egg retrieval, fertilization begins by placing a concentrated amount of sperm with the egg or by ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). Several hours later the fertilized eggs are further evaluated.

#3
Parent DNA

The fertilized eggs contain half of the female’s DNA and half of the male’s DNA. The genetic material is united to form the DNA that will become an embryo.

#4
Embryo Maintenance

The embryos grow in our high-tech incubators for 5-6 days with an ambiance similar to that of a female’s fallopian tube. Our embryology team maintains the ideal pH balance of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and other nutrients that promote the healthiest embryo growth.

IVF LAB TEAM

Dr. Gary D. Smith, Ph.D. HCLD

Off-site Lab Director

Gary is a Southern California native who has over 30 years’ of experience as an IVF Lab/Scientific Director. He has published over 125 peer-reviewed articles and books and is currently a professor of Ob/Gyn, Physiology, and Urology at University of Michigan. Go Blue!

Kelly Dunn

Embryologist & On-site Lab Manager

Kelly is a Southern California Native who has 10 years of experience in human clinical embryology and IVF. She studied animal biology at the University of California, Davis, and obtained her Master of Science as well. While studying at UC Davis she determined optimal cryopreservation protocols for monkey and horse sperm.

Leslie Blakenship Williams

Embryologist

Lesley started career as an embryologist in May 2022. She received her BA in both Marine Biology and Pure Mathematics from UC Santa Cruz in 2000 & MS in Marine Biology from UC San Diego in 2004. Follwing, she earned her Ph.D. in Marine Biology from UC San Diego in 2025.

Nancy Nugent

Embryologist

Nancy grew up on a dairy farm in Canada, which lead to her focusing on IVF in cattle for her master’s program research. She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Guelph in Canada and made the transition to working as an embryologist after completion of her masters. She has 30 years of experience in the field of ART.

Sommer Lybrand

LEAD Lab Coordinator

Sommer was born and raised in southern California. Obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychological and brain science from UC Santa Barbara in 2020 and has 3 years of experience in the fertility industry.