Jewish Fertility Foundation Hosts Powerful Panel on Supporting Loved Ones Through Family Building Journeys

DENVER, CO – The Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF), in partnership with Temple Sinai and Onto Fertility, hosted a meaningful panel, Supporting Loved Ones on a Family Building Journey on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

The interactive panel, which took place at Temple Sinai, brought together 20+ community members, faith leaders, mental health professionals, and individuals with lived experience to explore how family and friends can offer meaningful support during the complex and emotional process of family building, including infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Panelists included:

● Devon Eret, Friend & Support System
● Traci Keen, Co-Founder of Onto Fertility
● Dr. Andrea Liner, Reproductive Health Therapist and IVF Veteran
● Debra Michaud, IVF Grandparent
● Rabbi Richard Rheins, Senior Rabbi at Temple Sinai
● Daniel Silvershein, IVF Parent/Partner

“Our support needs are as unique as our family-building journeys,” said Shira Gabry-Kalikow, JFF-Denver Manager. “This event reminded us that while there may be no single guidebook for how to provide support that applies to everyone, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind and by leading with empathy and communicating openly, we can be the support systems that our loved ones need.”

Attendees left with practical tools for supporting loved ones, as well as strategies for identifying their own needs while on a family-building journey. Attendees received a physical guide to communicate those needs to their support system developed by Reproductive Health Therapist, Dr. Andrea Liner, in partnership with JFF-Denver.

Since its launch in 2023, JFF-Denver has provided over $195,000 in grants to more than 40 families and individuals, welcomed 18 babies (with 15 more on the way), and expanded emotional support programs—including in-person and virtual groups for both primary and secondary infertility, and a Boulder-based group.

For more information about JFF or to support its mission, visit www.jewishfertilityfoundation.org or email shira@jewishfertilityfoundation.org.