Our Story:

      We came together with a shared vision: to create a supportive and compassionate space for women navigating the journey of growing their families. Together, we built a community where women from all pathways to parenthood could connect, find understanding, and support one another through every stage of their experience. From the earliest steps of trying to conceive, through fertility treatments, pregnancy loss, adoption, surrogacy, pregnancy after loss or treatment, and ultimately motherhood, it was deeply important to create a space where no woman would ever feel alone.  This community was designed to be a lifelong source of connection, hope and encouragement- a place where women could remain supported throughout their entire journey and beyond.

Our Team

Erin Gallagher

My journey to build a family with my high school sweetheart began in 2018, and what followed were years of emotional and physical challenges—including consultations with three fertility clinics, countless procedures and appointments, and an eventual diagnosis of stage IV endometriosis.

Following my diagnosis, we pursued IVF and were blessed with nine euploid embryos from one successful retrieval. Despite the hope those embryos brought, our path also included profound loss, and we became angel parents twice. After six unsuccessful embryo transfers, our second child was conceived through IUI. Today, we are endlessly grateful for our two rainbow babies.

Throughout my fertility journey, I often felt deeply lonely and isolated. No one in my personal life had experienced infertility, and I longed for a support system made up of women who truly understood. I repeatedly searched for support groups and resources, only to be told that they were unsuccessful, unavailable, or simply did not exist.

After completing my own journey, I knew I wanted to create the kind of community I had desperately needed—a compassionate and welcoming space where women could connect with others who understood and never feel as though they had to face infertility alone.

Through my experiences, I have come to understand the heartbreak, resilience, uncertainty, and unexpected joy that can accompany infertility and the many paths to parenthood. My hope is to offer others genuine support, understanding, and a safe place to share their experiences, build meaningful connections, and find moments of hope and light throughout their journeys

Founder

Like many, we started our family planning journey thinking it would be simple. Instead, it became a rollercoaster of up and downs—unexplained infertility, medicated cycles, and multiple heartbreaking losses through IUI. For a long time, I carried this pain alone, feeling quiet, ashamed, and broken.

Everything changed when a friend introduced me to this community. Joining was the best decision I could have made. Starting my first IVF cycle surrounded by a dedicated, loving support team completely transformed my experience. Though I haven't reached the other side of my journey yet, having this safe space gives me the strength to stay positive and lift others up along the way.

Josephine Buffolino

Community Engagement and Inspiration Lead

Kristin Egan:

      From as far back as I can remember, I gave the same answer whenever anyone asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. My answer was always, "I just want to be a Mom." My journey started the way most do, never thinking I would not be able to conceive. When it didn’t happen, moved on to what I was sure would work and started Clomid medication. Month after month of disappointment, led to a few rounds of IUI treatments and again that did not work. Next option was IVF. My first IVF resulted in a successful pregnancy, until my baby lost her heartbeat four months into my pregnancy. Two more rounds of IVF treatments, both which were successful until they weren’t any more. After years of treatments, I needed a break.  Three years later, in January 2013, I was ready to start again. I met with an adoption attorney and started the process of finding the baby that would complete our family. I decided to work privately with a lawyer and placed ads throughout the country. In July 2013, I received an email from a woman in Mississippi, who wanted to know about the process. We emailed each other a few times and in the beginning of August she called me and told me she wanted to move forward with the adoption so that her baby would grow up in New York. On September 3, 2013 I received a call that would change our lives forever!  Our daughter’s birth mom was in labor and I needed to get to Mississippi as soon as possible. The next day at 4:44PM the most amazing soul was born and placed into my arms. Years of tears and frustration melted away.  I knew that afternoon that I had to go through all those steps to hold this beautiful baby girl that was always meant to be mine. Turns out, I just had to wait for her time to get here. Families are formed in so many ways and we are beyond blessed to have had our family completed through adoption.

Adoption Journey Mentor

Leanne Carhart

My journey through infertility has been filled with both heartbreak and hope. From a high-risk pregnancy and secondary infertility to miscarriage, endometriosis, and the many emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges that come with trying to grow a family, I have experienced firsthand that infertility is so much more than simply not being able to get pregnant. Along the way, I have been incredibly blessed by the support and friendship of an amazing community of women who understand the highs and lows, the hardships and celebrations, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. Through these genuine connections, I have grown so much as a person, wife, and mom, and I am grateful to walk alongside others who share many of the same experiences.

During my recovery from endometriosis excision surgery, I found a creative outlet that would eventually grow into running a successful Etsy shop. What began as a way to pass the time while I was laid up became a passion and an opportunity to develop skills that I am fortunate to now use in support of this incredible community.

As the Creative Operations, Brand & Development Lead for Long Island Waves of Support, I help bring our mission to life through fundraising initiatives, merchandise development, and creative projects. It is truly a blessing to combine my passion for crafting with my desire to give back to a community that has given so much to me. My hope is that every person navigating infertility feels seen, supported, and reminded that they never have to walk this journey alone.

Creative Opearations, Brand and Development Lead

Victoria Tavares

My journey to motherhood wasn’t a straightforward one. Like so many in this community, I walked the difficult road of infertility and IVF—experiencing the uncertainty, grief, hope, and resilience that come with trying to build a family. Those experiences forever changed me, but they also showed me the incredible power of finding people who truly understand.

During my own journey, I learned that connection is one of the most healing parts of infertility. Having a safe space to share your fears, celebrate your milestones, and simply be understood can make even the hardest days feel a little lighter. That’s why creating community has become such an important part of my heart and my mission.

Today, I’m a postpartum doula and founder of Flamingo Birth Co., where I support mothers as they navigate life after birth. But I’m equally passionate about supporting those who are pregnant after infertility—a season that can be filled with immense joy alongside lingering anxiety and complicated emotions that others may not always understand.

I lead these meetups because I believe no one should have to walk this chapter alone. My hope is that each gathering offers a space where you can exhale, connect with others who “get it,” and begin reclaiming pieces of yourself along the way.

At Flamingo Birth Co., I often talk about helping mothers “get their pink back,” inspired by flamingos that naturally lose their vibrant pink while nurturing their young. I believe that process begins long before postpartum. Sometimes, getting your pink back starts in pregnancy after infertility—through finding connection, feeling seen, and realizing you don’t have to carry this journey by yourself.

I’m so grateful you’re here, and I can’t wait to meet you.

Pregnancy after Infertility Doula

Justine Koo

Surrogacy Support Mentor

After a seven-year journey through countless surgeries and medical procedures, infertility, pregnancy loss, and ultimately gestational surrogacy, I recently became a parent and discovered the incredible power of community. Our family was made possible through the generosity of our surrogate, the support of loved ones, and compassionate professionals.

I am a licensed psychologist with specialized training in reproductive mental health. My personal and professional experiences have given me a deep understanding of the emotional challenges of infertility, IVF, pregnancy loss, and surrogacy.

As the Surrogacy Lead for Long Island Waves of Hope, I am passionate about helping intended parents feel informed, supported, and connected throughout their journey. It is an honor to give back to the infertility community and help others find hope as they build their families.

Justine works collaboratively with Erin Graffeo to support our members considering and utilizing surrogacy.

Michelle Delgado

I've been navigating my fertility journey since 2021. I joined Long Island Waves of Hope when the organization was first founded, seeking connection with others who understood the highs and lows of this journey. Since then, I have also experienced pregnancy loss, further strengthening my passion for ensuring that no one has to navigate infertility, pregnancy loss, or the postpartum journey alone.

As one of the Care Package & Fundraising Group Leads, I work alongside Kayla to coordinate care package initiatives, organize fundraising efforts and events, build relationships with community partners, and help bring comfort and encouragement to individuals and families throughout every stage of their journey. I love that Long Island Waves of Hope not only supports those facing infertility and loss, but also celebrates growing families, new babies, and parents during the postpartum season.

I believe that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. Whether it's assembling a care package, planning a fundraiser, or simply reminding someone they are not alone, I am honored to be part of a community built on hope, compassion, and connection.

Care Package and Fundraising Coordinator

Kayla

I am one of the Care Package & Fundraising Leads for Long Island Waves of Hope. I joined this organization because the mission is one that is incredibly close to my heart and I know how much compassion and support can mean during life's most challenging seasons. In my role, I help coordinate our care package program, organize fundraising efforts and connect with local businesses to secure donations that help us continue serving our community. I love being able to make a meaningful difference while helping Long Island Waves of Hope grow. ♡

Care Package and Fundraising Coordinator

Ashley Hettinger

Operations and Administrative Associate

Allison Garfinkel

I’m one of the Nassau Leads. My journey to motherhood took about 2½ years. During that time, I discovered I had a polyp near my right fallopian tube. We tried timed intercourse, followed by eight rounds of IUI, which unfortunately resulted in four chemical pregnancies. We eventually moved on to IVF, and I’m incredibly grateful that it led to my beautiful daughter.                                                                                                            I’m so happy to have found Waves of Hope, where I can connect with other women, offer support, and walk alongside them through every stage of their journey—from trying to conceive to pregnancy and motherhood. Infertility can feel incredibly isolating, and I hope to help others feel seen, supported, and never alone. When I’m not chasing my daughter around, you can usually find me with an iced coffee in hand, watching anything Bravo, talking on the phone, or endlessly scrolling my phone

Nassau County Regional Director

Jess. B

I’m one of the Nassau leads! I’ve done three egg retrievals and three transfers. I have two kids and had one loss. My goal is to build community and be a support for anyone going through infertility and IVF.  I’ve been through the motions and hope to make someone’s day and journey a little brighter and lighter since it can feel heavy.