Robin von Halle – Founder and president of ARR, von Halle launched the company in 1992 after extensive research into the donor agency business as part of her personal quest to expand her family. She has marshaled the growth of the agency since its inception by working to expand acceptance of anonymous egg donors, forging relationships with women interested in serving as surrogates, and upholding quality standards that have earned the respect of the medical community. Von Halle’s particular focus is on working with intended parents to help them understand both the process and the implications of this approach to family building. She holds a dual degree in psychology and social work from Ohio University, and has extensive business experience in the field of technology and technology consultation.

Maryellen McLaughlin – A partner of ARR, McLaughlin began working with the company soon after it was founded. A nurse who holds her BSN from DePaul University in Chicago, McLaughlin spent the first part of her career directly in the medical field, first in intensive care, and then in obstetrics and gynecology. She also was involved in the early era of infertility treatments. At ARR, she is responsible for interviewing and steering egg donors through the complete process, and maintaining those relationships over time. She also works with gestational surrogates and intended parents.

Nidhi Desai – Desai is of-counsel to ARR as a partner with the Chicago law firm of Ballard, Desai, Bush-Joseph & Horwich, a top specialist in reproductive and adoption law. Desai is possibly Illinois’ foremost expert on the legal implications of egg donation and surrogacy. She co-authored the Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act of 2005 and remains a powerful voice on the legal, public policy and ethical issues related to assisted reproductive technologies. In addition to helping ARR navigate the legal issues that may arise as this field evolves, she ensures that the legal needs of its clients – intended parents, egg donors and gestational surrogates alike – are being anticipated and met. Desai holds her J.D. from Loyola University, Chicago.