Genetic Services
Seattle Sperm Bank is proud to have a strong genetic counseling team. Our board-certified genetic counselors have decades of experience and expertise in third-party reproduction and assisted reproductive technology genetic counseling.
Our Genetic Counseling Team is here to help you with:
Donor Carrier Screening Compatibility
Use our donor search tool to filter donors who have screened negative for the genetic conditions for which you/your egg source are a carrier.
Genetic Counseling Phone Consults
Schedule an appointment to review your or your egg sources’ carrier screening results alongside a sperm donor’s results so you can better understand your compatibility with a donor, the benefits and limitations of carrier screening, and reproductive options. Schedule an appointment here.
Request Supplemental Testing on a Donor
Our genetic counseling team can help coordinate genetic testing for conditions that were not included on the donor’s original carrier screening panel. Request Supplemental Testing here.
Request a PGT-M Sample from a Donor
For individuals pursuing preimplantation genetic testing, our genetics counseling team can help coordinate sample collection, requirements, and shipping. Request PGT-M Sample testing here.
Questions about a Donor’s Medical History
If you have questions about a donor’s family medical history reach out to us at genetics@seattlespermbank.com.
Provide a Medical Update on your Child
Do you have a medical update about your donor-conceived child you’d like to share with us? Please do so here.
Request Updated Medical Records of a Donor No Longer Listed
Email us at genetics@seattlespermbank.com.
Questions about a Medical Update Letter You Received
As sperm donors and donor conceived people age, they may receive new medical diagnoses. If Seattle Sperm Bank is informed of a medical diagnosis that could significantly impact the health of donor conceived persons, a Medical Update Letter explaining the new medical information will be sent to individuals who purchased vials directly from Seattle Sperm Bank.
If you have questions about a Medical Update Letter you received, contact us at genetics@seattlespermbank.com.
Genetic Counseling Consults
Navigating Genetic Screening, Testing & Reports
Each sperm donor has a unique carrier screening report to review. Learning how to navigate unique carrier screening and genetic test reports, and comparing them alongside your/the egg source’s report can be challenging, which is why Seattle Sperm Bank offers genetic counseling consultations by phone to review carrier screening compatibility.
During the phone consult, a certified genetic counselor will review your preferred donor’s carrier screening report to help you understand what the donor screened positive for (if anything) and the benefits and limitations of the testing.
If you or your egg source(s) have also completed carrier screening, the genetic counselor will compare the results, to help you understand how the results impact your reproductive risk or the chance to have children affected with any of the conditions included on the carrier screening panels.
Lastly, the genetic counselor can help explain follow-up options as warranted, such as requesting additional testing on the sperm donor, pursuing additional testing on you or the egg source, or providing an explanation of how to identify a sperm donor who is more compatible based on carrier screening results.
Our Counseling Team
Katherine Hornberger, M.S., C.G.C.
Certified Genetic Counselor
Katherine is a board certified and licensed genetic counselor who supports recipients, donors, and clinics working with Seattle Sperm Bank. Prior to joining Seattle Sperm Bank, Katherine worked for a large IVF center and a genetic testing laboratory. With years of experience providing genetic counseling to individuals and couples utilizing donor gametes to build their family, she understands the questions and concerns that can arise regarding donors. Katherine holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and a M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of Colorado.
Brynn Persky, M.S, C.G.C.
Certified Genetic Counselor
Brynn is a licensed and certified genetic counselor with extensive experience in reproductive and prenatal genetic counseling. Brynn is passionate about the ever-growing field of genetics and finds so much joy in helping people find their path to building a family. Brynn received her Genetic Counseling degree from Northwestern University and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Emily Nazar, M.S, C.G.C.
Certified Genetic Counselor
Emily is a board-certified genetic counselor with over 10 years of experience in reproductive, hereditary cancer, and general genetics. Her favorite part of working at Seattle Sperm Bank is connecting with and supporting people in the journey to grow their families. She is a two-time graduate of the University of Texas, having received her undergraduate degree in Geological Sciences and her Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling.
Olivia Hess, M.S, C.G.C.
Certified Genetic Counselor
Olivia is a board-certified genetic counselor with over 15 years of experience in reproductive and prenatal genetics. She has spent her career helping people navigate everything from high-risk pregnancy, preconception planning and carrier screening, to advanced reproductive technologies like PGT-A and PGT-M. Throughout, her goal has remained the same: make genetic counseling more accessible, compassionate, and collaborative. She is licensed in multiple states and received her Genetic Counseling degree from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois.