Welcome to the Team: Meet Helen, TFI Embryologist
We’re excited to welcome Embryologist Helen Montague, MSc. to the Tennessee Fertility Institute team! Helen brings a strong scientific background, a thoughtful approach to lab work, and a deep appreciation for the role embryology plays in helping patients build their families.
A Passion for Reproductive Science
Helen’s interest in fertility began with a genuine fascination for how reproduction works—both biologically and clinically.
“What initially drew me to embryology was the unique combination of complex science, highly technical lab work, and direct patient impact. The ability to help create families makes the field incredibly meaningful to me.”
That balance of precision, science, and patient impact continues to be at the heart of her work as an embryologist.
Helen’s career in reproductive biology began in her Master’s program at Auburn University, where she studied gamete cryopreservation techniques and hatchery management for catfish. She loved working in the reproductive field so much that she continued her education at Northwestern University’s Master of Science and Reproductive Medicine program, where she was able to “translate [her] knowledge from fish to humans!”
Before joining TFI, she continued building her embryology career in Cleveland, OH.
What She Loves About Embryology
In the lab, Helen values both the technical and human sides of embryology: “I love the detail-oriented nature of the work and seeing how our efforts in the lab impact the families we treat!”
She also wants patients to know that even when the journey feels uncertain, they are never alone:
“The fertility journey is rarely a straight path, and that’s okay! I like to reinforce that every step matters, even when progress feels slow, and that there is an entire team behind the scenes in the lab dedicated to and advocating for their success.”
Her goal is to help ease the burden patients carry through consistent, compassionate, and high-quality care.
Life Outside the Lab
Outside of work, Helen enjoys scuba diving, gardening, wildlife photography, and flying with her fiancé. Recently, she has also begun crocheting and needlepoint!
We’re thrilled to have Helen as part of the TFI laboratory team and look forward to the expertise, care, and passion she brings to her work every day. Welcome to TFI, Helen!
