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Council, Commissions & Committees

Council and Commissions

  • Commission on Accreditation
  • Commission on Certification
  • Commission on FertilityCare Centers of Excellence
  • Commission on Mission
  • Council on Quality Assurance

The Commission on Accreditation of the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals is composed of three to five members who have specific expertise in the educational component of FertilityCare education. While the Chairman is a certified FertilityCare Educator and a Voting member of the Academy in good standing, the remaining Commissioners are Certified FertilityCare Educators, Supervisors or Practitioners who are also Voting members of the Academy in good standing. The Commissioners are appointed by the Board of Directors of the Academy or the Commission.

The primary responsibility of this Commission is to implement the Standards for Accreditation and Renewal of Accreditation of Creighton Model FertilityCare Education Programs. The Commission on Accreditation shall receive and review applications for accreditation from education programs. Accredited education programs will be in a directory with the classifications of accreditation identified. The Commission on Accreditation will also make available to the public current information regarding the criteria for accreditation and operation of the COA. They will also provide mentoring for new educational programs and annual meeting updates for educators and program directors.

Members of the Commission on Accreditation:

Chair: Becky Knapp, CFCE

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Members:

Angelique N. Garcia, CFCE

Elizabeth Kauffeld, CFCE

Ewa Jurczyk, CFCE.



Last updated: August 2025

This Commission is composed of five to seven Commissioners who promote Certification and implement the Standards for Initial Certification and Renewal of Certification. The Application Reviewers review the applications. The Case Reviewers review and evaluate the cases which are submitted as a part of the application process. All the Commissioners vote to grant or deny certification to the applicants. The Commission Chairman reviews the work of the Commissioners, chairs the meetings and submits reports to the President of the Academy. There are Panel Case Reviewers who review cases for the Commission. They are not members of the Commission.

Members of the Commission on Certification:

Chair: Theresa Schortgen, CFCE
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AA to the COC: Vacant
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Application Reviewers:

Bayard Linbeck, CFCP- United States Last Names A-D-Team 1

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Patty Deshane, CFCP- United States Last Names E-M - Team 2

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Mary Caprio, CFCP- United States Last Names N-S - Team 3

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Kristin Blanchard, CFCP- United States Last Names T-Z - Team 4

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Marianne Mueller, CFCP -Applications in Spanish Outside the US - Team 5

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Leslie Marbach, CFCP-Applications in English Outside the US - Team 6

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Case Reviewers:
Jeanice Vinduska, CFCP, CFCE

Anne Olek, MSN, FNP-BC, CFCE, CFCP

Kathy Rivet BS, CFCE

Nancy McGrath, CFCE

Diana Ocampo, CFCP, CFCS

 
Last updated: December 2025

FCMC Subcommittee

Chair: Dr. Lorena Pérez Ferrer, MD, CFCMC, CFCP 
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Members:
Elizabeth Tham, MD, CFCMC, FCP (Secretary)
Bill Mueller, MD, CFCMC, FCP, FCE
Stephanie Wise Grosvenor, DO, CFCMC


Last updated: December 2025

The Commission on FertilityCare Centers of Excellence for the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals is responsible for implementing the standards for the approval and renewal of Creighton Model FertilityCare Service Programs. This includes processing and reviewing applications, granting approval, promoting and educating on FertilityCare Centers of Excellence approval and keeping the Board of Directors and membership informed of the status of programs and of the Commission’s activities. These tasks will not be subject to review by the Board of Directors and all reports will be sent to the President of the Academy. Policies and procedures, job descriptions, changes in the standards, application evaluation process, and budget and fee schedules require approval of the Board of Directors. The Board also serves as an appeal board. The Commission on FertilityCare Centers of Excellence is composed of three to five members of the Academy in good standing, with the majority being FertilityCare Practitioners, as Commissioners. All terms are three years or until a successor is appointed. No more than three consecutive terms may be served. The Chairman must be a Certified FertilityCare Practitioner, Supervisor or Educator.

Members of the Commission on FertilityCare Centers of Excellence:

Chair: Jamie Hobor, CFCP

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Members:
Linda Mackenzie, CFCP
Theresa Schortgen, CFCE


Last updated: 2024-2025

The members of the Commission on Mission work together to ensure that the mission of the AAFCP is known, understood and maintained in all intentions, actions and operations of the AAFCP. This Commission serves as a historical resource for the AAFCP and its relationship with the Saint Paul VI Institute.

Members of the Commission on Mission:

Chair: Sue Hilgers, CFCE as Appointed Representative of the Saint Paul VI Institute

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Members:
Joanne Mercer, CFCP, CFCE as President of the AAFCP
Paul Kortz, CFCE, CFCP as Chair of the Council on Quality Assurance


Last updated: August 2025

The Council on Quality Assurance of the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals has been established to be of specific service to the Academy through the Board of Directors. The Council gives consultation and advice to the Board of Directors on important and significant Academy related issues. It provides continuity, history, tradition, experience and long-term focus. The Council reports directly to the Board of Directors, and the Board may refer any significant issues to the Council for their review and input. The Council reviews the Standards and any proposed changes to the Standards.

The Council on Quality Assurance is composed of four to five members. These include the Vice President for Ethics and Standards, and one Voting Member of the Academy in good standing elected by the membership, who has experience with Academy Bylaws, Ethics, Commission, or Board of Directors. In addition, the Council shall include one Voting Member in good standing who has been a Voting Member for at least 10 years, as well as one past member of the Commission for Certification.

The Vice President for Ethics and Standards serves on the Council while holding that office. The Chairman is appointed for a three year term. The Chairman may serve up to three consecutive terms. The other members serve three year terms or until their successors are appointed with no more than two consecutive terms to be served.

Members of the Council on Quality Assurance:

Chair: Paul Kortz, CFCP, CFCE

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Members:
Anne Marie St. Germain, CFCE as VP for Ethics and Standards
Diane Daly, RN, CFCP, CFCE as Board-Appointed Member
Jeanice Vinduska, CFCP, CFCE as Voted Member


Last updated: 3/2025

Committees

  • Ad Hoc Committee
  • Awards Committee
  • Bylaws Committee
  • Continuing Education Committee
  • Ethics Committee
  • Fiscal Development Committee
  • Legislative Committee
  • Membership Committee
  • Nominating Committee
  • Planning and Development Committee
  • Program Committee
  • Public Relations Committee
  • Publications Committee
  • Resolutions Committee
  • Scholarship Committee
  • Science and Research Committee

The mission of this committee is to explore reimbursement opportunities for the FertilityCare Practitioner. We have developed materials for insurance companies to introduce them to Creighton Model FertilityCare Services and achieved inclusion CPT codes in the ICD9 code book specifically for NFP to avoid and to achieve pregnancy. Our focus for the past few years has included establishing business practices for the profession, currently with development of business plans for various models providing FertilityCare services. We are currently working to obtain a taxonomy code for FertilityCare Practitioners so that they can eventually bill insurance companies directly for Creighton Model services.

This committee is looking for a chair  as the committee explores the options available to our profession. Please contact Anne Marie St. Germain at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Members of the Third Party Reimbursement Committee:

Chair: Vacant

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Members:
Paul Carpentier, MD, CFCMC
Margaret Howard, CFCE
Christine Jensen, MS, RN, BSN, FCP
Becky Knapp, RN, BSN, CFCP, CFCE
Michelle Parrish, BSN, RN, CFCP
Theresa Schortgen, CFCE
Sheila St. John, CFCP

Physician Subcommittee

Leslie Chorun, MD, CFCMC, FCP


Last updated: August 2025

The Awards Committee solicits nominations from the membership for five annual awards: the Honorary Award, the Outstanding FertilityCare Practitioner Award, the Outstanding Medical Consultant Award, the Hall of Fame Award, and the FertilityCare of Excellence Award. The awards are intended to recognize leaders and outstanding people in the fields of the Creighton Model FertilityCare System, NaProTECHNOLOGY, natural family planning and other allied fields in education, service and/or research.

The call goes out on the AAFCP website each year for nominations of individuals to receive the awards. Information is gathered on the nominee’s background and the rationale to support the nominations. The Awards Committee reviews the applications to determine if the criteria is met and submits their recommendations accordingly to the Board for a final decision. Awards are presented by the Committee members and hosted by the Chairman of this committee at the annual business meeting or final banquet at the annual meeting. The Awards Committee consists of 4-5 Voting members of the Academy. They will serve a three year term.

Members of the Awards Committee:

Chair: Vacant

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Members:
Elizabeth Parrish, RN, CFCP

Marilyn Wachs, BSMT, CFCP            

Consultant:
Jenny Ingles, CFCP


Last updated: August 2025

The Bylaws Committee receives recommendations for amendments to the Bylaws from members and/or the Board of Directors. These proposed amendments are processed by the Bylaws Committee. All legal and ethical issues of the amendments are reviewed as well as their ramifications for the Academy with regard for the tradition and purpose of the Academy. The amendments are then sent to the Board with the recommendation for approval or disapproval. The Board of Directors makes the final decision regarding the amendments. The Bylaws Committee reviews the bylaws on a yearly basis.

Members of the Bylaws Committee: (1-3 members, 3 year term, Voting member of AAFCP)

Chair: Marise Frangie, CFCP, CFCE as President-Elect

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Members:
Sr. Candace Fier, MTS, RN, BSN, CFCE
Lorena Pérez Ferrer, MD, CFCMC, FCP
Joanne Mercer, CFCP, CFCE as President, member ex officio


Last updated: August 2025

The Continuing Education Committee is responsible for promoting continuing education in Creighton Model FertilityCare Services and related topics to the Academy membership and coordinating and developing continuing education activities and resources. The greatest portion of the committee’s time and energy is directed to the Academy’s Annual Meeting. The committee works with the Board of Directors to organize the program for each annual meeting, submits applications for nursing and physician continuing education credits, contacts meeting speakers, monitors attendance at sessions of the annual meeting and tabulates attendees’ evaluations. The Continuing Education Committee hosts webinars throughout the year on a variety of topics valuable to FertilityCare Professionals. The Committee also gives approval of non-academy sponsored education programs to receive continuing education credits from the Academy.

Members of the Continuing Education Committee:

Chair: Elizabeth Grayson, CFCP
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Nurse Planner: Diane Hale, RN, CFCE
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Webinar Coordinator: Paola Dedois, MBE, CFCP

Members:

Caitlin Estes, CFCP

Claudia Leon, CFCP, CFCE

Lisa Morvant, RN, BSN, CFCP

Nissa Brodman, CFCP


Consultants:
Francis Achebe, MD, DFM, CFCMC, CFCP, CFCE as Science and Research Chair
Theresa Schortgen, CFCE as Commission on Certification Chair


Last updated: August 2025

The Ethics Committee of the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals interprets the Code of Ethics. The Committee interprets, coordinates revisions of the Code of Ethics and internally and externally promotes the Code of Ethics.

The process has been developed for a confidential investigation of alleged violations and written interpretation provided to the Board of Directors. The Committee reviews all standards and official positions of the Academy to be certain they adhere to the Code of Ethics and works in cooperation with other committees as necessary.

Members of the Ethics Committee:

Chair: Anne Marie St. Germain, CFCE as VP of Ethics & Standards

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Members:
Sr. Cecilia Adache, CFCE as Representative of Membership Committee
Lorena Pérez Ferrer, MD, CFCMC, FCP as Representative of Bylaws Committee
Kathy Graveman Vollmar, CFCE
David Wachs, MD, CFCP, CFCMC

Consultant:
Theresa Schortgen, CFCE as Commission on Certification Chair

Last updated: August 2025

The Fiscal Development Committee works to maintain fiscal stability of the Academy. This involves working on the budget, monitoring revenues and expenses, and fundraising. Donations of time, talents, and services have saved the Academy many thousands of dollars. The committee consistently investigates and prioritizes projects, activities and equipment in order to best utilize our funds.

This committee is not active at this time, but if you have an interest in Fiscal Development please contact the Financial Officer for more information about how to become involved!

Members of the Fiscal Development Committee:

Chair: Jean Golden-Tevald, DO, CFCMC as Financial Officer

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Members:
Marise Frangie, CFCP, CFCE as President-Elect
Up to five (5) additional members who are not necessarily members of the Academy.


Last updated: August 2025

This committee serves an important advocacy role for our members and the profession of FertilityCare and NaProTECHNOLOGY. We are currently seeking a Chair and members for this committee. Contact the President of the AAFCP at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in learning more.

Members of the Legislative Committee:

Chair: Vacant

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Last updated: 2024-2025

The Membership Committee processes all applications for Academy Membership. For each Board Meeting, the Committee reviews the names of applicants by email. The purpose of the Membership Committee is to approve new memberships and support membership retention. The committee meets by conference call quarterly or as needed to discuss membership issues. Committee members help the VP for Membership by coordinating with education programs for student membership, assisting in finding correct contact information for members, and reviewing membership applications. Members of this committee must be members of the Academy in good standing. The VP for Membership is responsible for keeping records of membership, dues payments, and ongoing membership retention and development.

Members of the Membership Committee:

Chair: Kathy Graveman, CFCE as VP for Membership

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Members:

Sr. Cecelia Adache, CFCP, CFCE,

Ayodele Shonubi, MD, CFCP, CFCE

Paola Dedois, CFCP

Kate Pruemer, CFCP

Rosha Tominna,FCP



This committee is looking for members to represent the various levels of membership and the make up of our membership. We would like to have a student member, associate member, and voting member on the committee. Additionally we would like to have an international member, an Educator, Practitioner, and Medical Consultant. Perhaps you could fulfill one or more of those roles. This committee meets quarterly to review membership applications and consider ways the Academy can best serve its members. Contact VP for Membership, Kathy Graveman, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more.


Last updated: August 2025

The purpose of the Nominating Committee is to seek candidates, prepare a slate, and conduct the election of Voting Members in good standing to the Board of Directors. This is done in accordance with the Academy Bylaws and Policies and Procedures. This work begins in January with the nomination process and is completed with the election of officers at the Annual Meeting.

Members of the Nominating Committee:

Chair: Dr. Faith Daggs, CFCMC- as Immediate Past President

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Members:
Kathy Graveman, CFCP, CFCE as VP for Membership
Jenny Ingles, CFCP as VP for Planning and Development

Regional Representatives:

For Regions 1-5:
Claudia Leon, CFCP, CFCE- 2024-2026
Anne Olek, MSN, FNP-BC, CFCP, CFCE- 2025-2027

For Regions 6-9:
Elizabeth Corte, CFCP- 2024-2026
Nora Ponder, BS, CFCP- 2025-2027



Last updated: 2023-2024

The Planning and Development Committee develops a One, Three, and Five Year Plan for the Academy and reviews and updates the plan yearly. The plan is a blueprint for goals, activities and projects of the Academy. The Committee identifies, recruits, and prepares future leadership of the Academy.

Members of the Planning and Development Committee:

Chair: Jenny Ingles, CFCP as VP for Planning and Development

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Members:
Joanne Mercer, CFCE-President
Marise Frangie, CFCE-President-Elect
Dr. Jean Golden-Tevald-Finance Officer
Christy Sheen, CFCE-Secretary
Anne Marie St. Germain, CFCE-VP for Ethics and Standards
Kathy Graveman, CFCE-VP for Membership
Dr. Faith Daggs-Immediate Past President


Last updated: August 2025

The Program Committee oversees and coordinates all the activities of the Annual Meeting, including design, sites, and Site Host selection. The Annual Meeting brings promotion and publicity to the local area. The Site Host plays an important role by providing recommendations to the Program Committee regarding accommodations, meeting space, meals, transportation, and excursions.  The Site Host collaborates with the Continuing Education Committee regarding speakers and topics, secures clergy to be available for the meeting, and recruits local volunteers to help with local planning as well as during the meeting. Funding is sought in the local community to help defray the costs of the Annual Meeting. The Vice President for Planning and Development, as the Chairman of the Committee, guides the whole process. There is great satisfaction for a successful meeting and a job well done!

Members of the Program Committee:

Chair: Jenny Ingles, CFCP as VP for Planning and Development

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Members:
Marise Frangie, CFCP, CFCE-President-Elect
Dr. Jean Golden-Tevald-Finance Officer
Anne Marie St. Germain, CFCP, CFCE-VP for Ethics and Standards
Kathy Graveman, CFCP, CFCE-VP for Membership
Theresa Schortgen, CFCP, CFCE-Site Host for Upcoming Annual Meeting 2026
Elisabeth Laskowski, CFCP-Previous Site Host 2025
Sponsor Message Coordinator
One Member from Awards Committee
One Member from Continuing Education Committee
One Member from Publications Committee
One Member from Public Relations Committee
One Member from Science & Research Committee


Last updated: August 2025

The Public Relations Committee provides effective public relations and publicity for the Academy and its programs. The Public Relations Committee creates promotional materials used by the Academy at various functions and is responsible for announcements, press releases, invitations, and photography for the Annual Meeting. Public Relations Committee members seek out new avenues to promote the Annual Meeting and work closely with the site host, publications committee, and website coordinators as well as acting as liaison with other professional organizations.

The Sponsor Message Campaign is also coordinated by the Public Relations Committee. Anyone with an interest in writing and promotion is encouraged and welcome to join the Public Relations Committee.

Members of the Public Relations Committee:

Chair: Lindy Meyer, CFCP, CFCE
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Exhibitors Coordinator
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Members:
Daria Bailey, CFCP Administrative Assistant 

Consultants:
Marise Frangie, CFCP, CFCE as President–Elect
Anne Marie St. Germain, CFCE as VP for Ethics & Standards
Jenny Ingles, CFCP as VP for Planning and Development


Last updated: August 2025

The Publications Committee is responsible for the preparation and publishing of brochures, promotional materials for the Annual Meeting, and the Annual Meeting program books. The program book is organized with Academy information, program schedules, membership lists, and sponsor messages. These are prepared and sent to the printer, including both the program book and the annual business meeting book. The quarterly newsletter and website are managed by the committee. This committee also works with the sponsor message coordinator.

Members of the Publications Committee:

Chair: Lindy Meyer, CFCP, CFCE
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Newsletter Editor: Daria Bailey, CFCP Administrative Assistant

Website Coordinator: Daria Bailey, CFCP Administrative Assistant

Liaison: Marise Frangie, CFCP, CFCE as President-Elect
Joanne Mercer, CFCP, CFCE as President

Proofreaders:
Patricia Deshane, CFCP
Brigitte Diemand, CFCS, CFCP
Gerianne Jensen, CFCP
Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, FCPI


Last updated: August 2025

The Chairman accepts the resolutions proposed by any Voting Member of the Academy in good standing for vote at the annual meeting. The Committee reviews the proposed Resolutions and may call witnesses to testify, revise, amend, and adopt those worthy of consideration. The resolutions are discussed and voted on at the Annual Business meeting.

Motions to rescind a previous resolution are submitted to the Resolutions Committee Chairman and go through the same process.

Members of the Resolutions Committee: (2-6 members, 3 year term, Voting member of AAFCP)

Chair: Marise Frangie, CFCP, CFCE as President-Elect

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Members:

Mary Schurk, NP, CFCP

Kathy Graveman, RN, CFCE



Last updated: August 2025

Members of the Scholarship Committee:

Chair: Jean Golden-Tevald, DO, CFCMC as Financial Officer

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Members:
Theresa Schortgen, CFCP, CFCE as COC Chair
Peter Danis, MD, CFCMC
Marise Frangie, CFCP, CFCE as President-Elect
Kathy Graveman, CFCP, CFCE as VP for Membership


Last updated: August 2025

The Science and Research Committee receives, investigates and reviews scientific methodological and behavioral matters pertaining to FertilityCare and natural family planning. This committee calls for abstracts through the AAFCP website and other NFP, Diocesan and Medical groups. The committee reviews the abstracts that are submitted. The committee also does literature searches for positional papers which may be included in the review. The committee then will decide what papers will be considered for the awards with guidelines developed for the review of these papers. Papers receiving the awards will be printed in the Annual Meeting program book and the Committee presents the papers selected and announces the outstanding research paper award during the Science and Research session of the Annual Meeting.

The committee consists of a chairman who is a Voting member of the AAFCP in good standing, who has specialized expertise in the scientific, methodological and/or behavioral research aspect of FertilityCare and natural family planning and no more than seven other members who also have the same specialized expertise. Members serve a term of three years.

Members of the Science and Research Committee:

Chair: Francis Achebe, MD, DFM, CFCMC, CFCP, CFCE

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Members:
Julia Cataudella, MD, NFPMC, FCP (Secretary)
Catherine Keefe, MD, CFCMC
Lorena Pérez Ferrer, MD, CFCMC, CFCP
Eileen Sirois, CNM, CFCP, CFCNM
Elizabeth Tham, MD, CFCMC


Last updated: 2024-2025