Jennifer Miller Joins Panel on Family-Building & Fertility in the Music Industry
On April 23, 2025, Tennessee Fertility Institute (TFI) had the honor of participating in a special panel discussion sponsored by Family Alliance in Music (FAM), the Country Music Association (CMA), Porter’s Call, and Starfish Infertility Foundation, called Paths to Parenthood: Hope and Healing for Everyone Journey. Jennifer Miller, TFI’s Lead Embryologist, was invited to share her expertise on fertility, alongside a panel of experts covering adoption, mental health, and policy change in the workplace. The panel was moderated by Beth Barcus, Co-Executive Director of Porter’s Call.
Supporting Family-Building During National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)
This important discussion took place during National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), a nationwide movement dedicated to breaking down stigma, providing education, and advocating for those facing infertility. NIAW, founded by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, aims to ensure that everyone struggling to build a family has access to the support and resources they need.
In recent years, infertility advocacy has become more critical than ever, with laws and policies evolving that could impact access to fertility treatments like IVF. Events like this panel discussion are a way to bring awareness to these issues while also offering education and resources to those navigating infertility.
A Day of Education & Connection
The Panel Discussion: Experts, including Jennifer Miller, addressed fertility options, mental health challenges, and advocacy, offering insights tailored to those in the music industry. The panel included:
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Lucie Silvas: Recording artist and singer/songwriter
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Cathie Quillet, LMFT: Founder of Tennessee Reproductive Therapy and SheBlooms
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Lauryn Gilliam, PhD, LMFT: Founder of Integrapy, Inc. and 5 Sense Living
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Kara Edwards: Founder of Starfish Infertility Foundation
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Mollie Walker: Co-Founder of TN Fertility Advocates
Audience Q&A: Following the panel, attendees had the opportunity to engage with the speakers directly during a Q&A session, asking questions and continuing the discussion on fertility, mental health, family-building, and more.
A Special Surprise
Starfish Infertility Foundation Founder Kara surprised couple Jillian and Ivan “Churro” Haro with a $10,000 grant towards an IVF cycle at our clinic!
“After months of grief, loss, and feeling completely in the dark at times, we were gifted something that renewed our hope—a Pathways to Parenthood grant from the incredible Starfish Infertility Foundation,” Jillian shares in an Instagram post recapping the event. “We’re still speechless. After going through two back-to-back losses last year, we’ve spent many days wondering “why us.” But yesterday reminded us: there is light after the dark.”
It was an incredible conclusion to an event that highlighted the need for open, honest conversations about fertility, mental health, and family-building challenges!
A Commitment to Supporting Family-Building
TFI was proud to be part of this important event during NIAW and to contribute to the conversation about infertility, access to care, and emotional well-being. We remain committed to helping individuals and couples build their families with compassion and expertise.
If you or someone you know is looking for fertility support, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your journey.
