Infertility Connections Team
Who We Are
Clara Barnardt
Hello! My name is Clara. I recently graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Technology Systems, specializing in Technology Management. I first joined Infertility Connections as an intern and it has brought me to understand the importance of advocating for the infertility community; I now have a passion for raising awareness that is my primary goal moving forward with Infertility Connections. In my free time I enjoy loitering on my porch, playing sudoku and campfire cooking!
Shelli Mecham LCSW
​Shelli Mecham has a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Utah and over a decade of experience as a therapist and administrator, most recently as the clinical director at Family Support Center. She has worked with many clients to navigate a wide variety of challenging life experiences and is constantly amazed by the courage and resilience she has witnessed. She has presented at workshops and conferences on topics ranging from women's mental health to high demand relationship issues.
Her administrative experience includes nonprofit work as well as running her own staging business. She currently sits on the advisory board for People Helping People, an agency that teaches women and single moms how to improve their lives through employment. Shelli is honored to join IC at a time when the need for support, advocacy, education, and collaboration with community partners is more important than ever.
Alison Brown LCSW
Alison was born and raised in Utah. She earned her Bachelor degree in social work from Weber State University and a Masters degree in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University. She has worked with survivors of domestic violence and more recently has provided court ordered therapy for clients ranging from domestic violence to substance use offenses, but Alison’s desire has always been in working with those hoping to grow their family. As an undergrad, Alison was told that this population didn’t exist, so she is thrilled to find an opportunity to work where her true passion lies.
Alison has had many friends and family members struggle with infertility and had been considering becoming a surrogate for years when the opportunity arose to help a family member expand their family through surrogacy. From 2016 - 2023, Alison has been a gestational surrogate for several couples, including a family member. After multiple rounds of IVF, one cycle resulted in a miscarriage which helped her see a different side of infertility than she had seen before. She understands the struggle of medication regimens and the challenge of attending invasive medical appointments, and the difficulties families experience when faced with infertility.
Jaime Carroll CHWC
Jaime is grateful to be a part of the Infertility Connections team. She is deeply committed to supporting and advocating for the infertility community. Jaime has her Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Spanish from the University of California at Santa Barbara. She is also a certified Health and Wellness Coach as well as a certified yoga instructor.
Jaime is passionate about serving the infertility community as she struggled with primary infertility, secondary infertility and suffered multiple losses. She now has two rainbow babies via Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Jaime understands how overwhelming infertility can feel and is honored to offer assistance in any way she can. She is ready to provide support, education, and resources to those who are on this challenging path.
Adrienne Hess
Adrienne was born in Utah, raised in the Pacific Northwest, and then returned to Utah for college. She graduated from Utah Valley University with her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Shortly after graduating, she started a career in Aviation where she has been the last several years.
In 2020, Adrienne received the diagnosis of Unexplained Infertility and was heartbroken, yet hopeful. She has done many infertility treatments including medicated timed intercourse, IUI, and IVF. She has learned to advocate for herself and better navigate the incredibly complex world of medicine and insurance. Adrienne found Infertility Connections shortly after her first pregnancy ended in miscarriage. She and her husband now have 2 awesome IVF babies- one who is a rambunctious toddler boy and a girl to be born in October. Adrienne has a lot of passion and energy for helping others navigate their fertility journey.
Adrienne is always ready to eat a good meal, bake something delicious or travel to a new destination.
Sara Mecham CFLE-P
Sara is a “Jane of All Trades” with experience in the salon/spa and fashion industries, as well as involvement with nonprofit organizations. With over 15 years of experience in company leadership and operations, including the creation and implementation of all company operations, loss prevention, and direct involvement in marketing planning and execution, Sara has consistently demonstrated her dedication to fostering connection and healthy relationships. However, her leading passion has always centered on offering compassionate human services.
In 2022, she graduated with both her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University. Now, as a Certified Family Life Educator, she brings her expertise to her role at Infertility Connections.
Although a Utah native, Sara also lived in Arizona for five years and San Diego, CA for two years prior to returning back to her home state. Shortly after onboarding with the IC team, Sara officially joined the infertility club and is going through her own family building journey with her husband, Nick. At home they have 3 fur-babies and a vegetable garden they’re desperately trying to keep alive despite a lack of ‘green thumbs.’