Meet the
team

Dr Tiki Osianlis

Dr Tiki Osianlis is our fearless leader. With a long and formidable pedigree in embryology and IVF, her reputation often precedes her. She has served some of Melbourne’s most well-known IVF providers for the last 18 years, most recently as the Group Scientific Director for Monash IVF. She is regularly invited to speak and consult internationally, particularly throughout Australasia.

Tiki’s career in embryology and IVF began after completing her PhD at Monash University. As an adjunct Senior Lecturer with the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Monash Health, she particularly enjoys supervising the research of Honours and PhD students, and maintains a special interest in projects exploring sperm and egg interaction, as well as optimal embryo selection.

As Scientific Director for Newlife IVF, Tiki oversees our state-of-the-art laboratory, driving our commitment to and implementation of best scientific practice: “Robust scientific strategies can help couples achieve a healthy family sooner rather than later. As science and technology evolves, so too should the way we care for eggs, sperm and embryo in the laboratory setting – advances in science can lead to significant advances in care but only if we truly invest in applying that research to day-to-day practice.”

Tiki humbly describes herself as ‘very boring’ and ‘hobby free’ but we know better. Her guiding mantra is ‘per angusta ad augusta’ (through trial to triumph) and this is apparent in everything she does, from taking part in fundraising challenges like Melbourne Coastrek to generously sharing her know-how with others in order to help them achieve their hopes and dreams.

Maria Diamente

Maria Diamente is a highly accomplished IVF manager and clinical embryologist with over 20 years’ experience in the field of ART. She has held many roles during her long career in IVF including IVF Laboratories Manager, Operations Manager, Satellite Manager, National Health and Safety Officer, and National Risk Manager. She has worked with local providers such as Monash IVF and Number 1 Fertility. She has also been a trainer and consultant for a range of other IVF clinics, both nationally and internationally.

Maria specialises in commissioning and establishing laboratories, with a focus on efficient and effective laboratory design and construction. She has extensive experience in training staff and managing clinic accreditation. As a trained auditor, Maria also has a wealth of expertise in implementing and overseeing quality management systems in the IVF clinic, successfully integrating her broad expertise into clinics both large and small.

With a Bachelor of Science with Honours from LaTrobe University, Maria is passionate about giving every patient the best possible chance of achieving their dream of having a baby: “The most rewarding aspect of my job is working as a team with people who genuinely care and who have come together to help others and make a small difference in someone’s life.”

Outside of work, Maria loves all things food-related – from creating to consuming – as well as travelling and enjoying time with loved ones. A firm believer in giving back, she also volunteers in house-building programs across Cambodia, helping to improve family life and enabling children to have access to clean water and education.

Dr Sarah Nowoweiski

Sarah Nowoweiski is Newlife IVF’s Counselling and Donor Services Manager. A clinical and health psychologist and fertility counsellor, Sarah has worked in the fertility setting for 18 years. She was formerly the Counselling Manager at Number 1 Fertility and has previously worked as a Senior Counsellor at Melbourne IVF, Monash IVF and The Austin Parent Infant Research Institute.

Sarah received her Doctor of Psychology from Deakin University, completing research in the areas of women’s reproductive issues, fertility and birth-related experiences. She is also a member of the Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association (ANZICA) and has helped to establish surrogacy and donor programs at several ART clinics.

Sarah is passionate about supporting the well-being of individuals and couples receiving fertility treatment: “Going through IVF and other treatments takes an emotional toll on every couple. Counselling plays a critical role in helping couples to process and manage what they are going through – both as individuals and as a couple.”

When she’s not at work, Sarah loves spending time with her husband and daughter. She also enjoys karate, travelling, reading and socialising.

Alejandra (Alex) Castillo

With an incredible 12 years of experience in IVF, Nurse Unit Clinical Manager Alex has supported many patients on their path to becoming parents. After working at Monash IVF for most of her career, Alex decided to bring her considerable skills to Newlife IVF. She also has extensive expertise in women’s health nursing, having previously worked in the gynaecology/gynae-oncology wards at Monash Health.

While Alex loves seeing her brilliant, like-minded co-workers at Newlife IVF, her favourite part of her workday is interacting with patients: “I feel blessed to be a part of my patients’ journey to parenthood. I still get goosebumps when I get to deliver the wonderful news of a positive pregnancy result.”

Outside of work, Alex is a mad Melbourne Victory fan and tunes into soccer matches with her extended cheer squad made up of Luna the Golden Retriever, Lucy and Pearl the Conure parrots and Nick the fish. She also loves baking, whether it’s whipping up tasty Latin American sweets for her boys or her famous cakes that she loves to decorate. Her passion for decorating also extends to her house when the occasion arises – in fact, she puts up three Christmas trees come December!

Emily Montalto

Emily is Newlife IVF’s Nurse Unit Manager/Nurse Quality Manager who is also a professional member of The Fertility Society of Australia and Fertility Nurses of Australasia. In addition to her bachelor’s degree in nursing, Emily has completed the Comprehensive Reproductive and Sexual Health Nursing course and has extensive experience working in fertility and IVF clinics. She is very honoured to have helped many women and couples achieve their dream of having a baby: “Reproduction has fascinated me for as long as I can remember, so after finishing my nursing degree and completing my first two years working at a busy Melbourne tertiary hospital, I then went on to specialise in fertility nursing in 2014 and haven’t looked back since.”

Emily’s motivation for getting up and coming to work each day is providing support and making a difference in the lives of women and couples having a challenging time. She also loves how Newlife IVF is an incredibly experienced team: “Most of us have a long working history together and are like-minded in our values and priorities – to provide the highest quality of care to our patients.” Like many, delivering the wonderful news of a positive pregnancy result has always been and will always be Emily’s favourite part of the working day: “Hearing updates from patients once their precious baby has arrived is equally wonderful and special.”

Emily’s family is her passion and she loves spending time with her husband and young son during her free time. Together, they love to bond over a long walk along the Merri Creek Trail. She also enjoys baking sweet treats like cakes, desserts, muffins and biscuits, as well as keeping active and reading (mostly through Audible when she’s on the work commute).

Emily is a big Richmond fan, and her favourite movie is La La Land. Currently, she’s streaming Jane the Virgin, as recommended by Dr Nicole Hope.

Catherine K

With an amazing 15 years’ experience in women’s health nursing, Registered Nurse Catherine has helped many patients navigate their fertility treatment. She began her nursing career at one of Melbourne’s largest hospitals (St Vincent’s Hospital), followed by a stint at Monash IVF as well as a year abroad at a notable fertility clinic in London.

When asked what motivates her to work at Newlife IVF each day, Catherine responded: “One of the things I love most about being a fertility nurse is being able to help others through the very private and emotional journey to parenthood. Being able to tell a couple they are having a baby, and that their dream has become a reality, is so very rewarding.”

On the weekends, Catherine loves spending time with her husband and kids, and cheering on the mighty Geelong Cats. She also keeps herself busy going for runs and cooking up a storm. However, if Catherine does put her feet up, you can bet she’ll be watching her favourite tear-jerker, The Notebook.

Maria Savva

Embryologist, Maria, has always had an interest in fertility. After completing her Masters, she did a further year of research on oocyte (egg) maturation, followed by almost four years at Monash IVF as a Clinical Embryologist. Her passion for her field, and her love of travel, took Maria to central London to work at the largest IVF company in the world. After 18 months overseas and plenty of weekends spent discovering Europe, Maria returned home to Melbourne and joined the team at Newlife IVF.

Although Maria’s favourite part of her working day is delivering good news to patients, she also loves her coworkers. “It is not always easy to create a culture at work that is passionate, collaborative, genuine and caring, with a culture of learning, but that is what we’re blessed to have here at Newlife. We inspire one another to be the best every day, because we all truly believe in the work we do.”

When Maria isn’t working, she loves to get out and about: catching up with friends, visiting museums and galleries, and indulging in a bit of retail therapy. Otherwise, you can find her at the beach, whether that’s here in Melbourne, or on a sun lounger by the sea in Greece.

Winter O

Winter believes children are our future, and it is this conviction that led her to a career in Clinical Embryology. “I could not imagine a more amazing job than helping potential parents fulfil their goal of having kids. It is the most rewarding experience when one of our patients finally falls pregnant, and an honour to be a part of this important moment in their life.” Winter’s colleagues at Newlife IVF also contribute to her love of the job: “We all share the same goals and passions, and it creates a culture and atmosphere that makes me excited to come to work.”

In her downtime, Winter can be found relaxing in front of the TV with her husband and a glass of wine. We’re not sure how relaxing her husband finds this, though, as Winter’s favourite ‘hobby’ is ‘watching horror movies and seeing him freak out’. Travel is another of Winter’s preferred pastimes. She frequently visits family in Korea and fondly recalls catching up with her sister and cousins over a midnight snack.

Katherine Rose

Although Katherine has experience in all areas of genetic counselling, it’s the joy of supporting patients through their journey to become parents that has led her to develop a special interest in reproductive genetic counselling. She joined Newlife IVF after spending most of her career (18 years!) working in the General Genetics Service at Monash Medical Centre. She has been the Senior Genetic Counsellor and Unit Manager there for the past 9 years and currently looks after patients at Newlife IVF. She is passionate about the unique role of genetic counselling in supporting patients to understand, adapt to, and make fully informed decisions surrounding their genetic risk.

In her spare time, Katherine is an avid photographer. “I constantly annoy my 3 daughters by begging to take their portraits. I think they are the most photographed children in the world!” She also enjoys watching ‘soppy’ shows and period dramas while folding the mountains of laundry that her family creates.

Amanda Giandinoto

Amanda Giandinoto is our Patient Finance Manager. She has worked in IVF for over a decade co-ordinating and managing HR and finance services.

Amanda graduated from LaTrobe University with a Bachelor of Business and has worked in the medical industry ever since. “I’m really passionate about using my skills in business and finance to help patients access the best possible medical treatments.

“I feel very privileged to be part of the Newlife IVF team and being able to help patients in a very practical way, as they pursue their dream of having a family. It’s my job to keep patients well-informed about treatment costs and what to expect. I’m very open and transparent with our patients because financing the treatment journey shouldn’t be a source of fear or confusion.”

When not helping people to manage their finances, Amanda enjoys reading, travelling, and catching up with friends and family.

Denise Castro

Denise is a Marketing Manager with a Masters in Marketing Communications from the University of Melbourne. Her career spans years in publishing and brand management/marketing within fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).

While she doesn’t have a medical background, she is passionate about working for a purpose. She loves how Newlife IVF helps empower women, couples and individuals by providing more options in their journey to conceive, whilst being empathetic and caring. She also appreciates working with a passionate and purpose-driven bunch of individuals who are all so lovely and caring: “I don’t see a job simply as a job – I am driven by the end goal. I thrive in environments where people get excited over ideas or goals and do not simply clock in the hours.”

Having a Type A personality, she enjoys getting things done and gets that jolt of satisfaction when she ticks things off her checklist – her favourite part of a workday. Outside of work, Denise maintains her productivity and active lifestyle, often practising pilates, running or experimenting in the kitchen. She also loves spending time with her pets – two rescue cats named Belize and Toulouse. They immediately stole her heart when she first saw them!

Fatima Figueiredo

Fatima is a dedicated Clinic and Laboratories Program Manager with a wealth of experience in embryology and laboratory management.

While she doesn’t have any pets, Fatima is kept busy by her two children, who she says often double as a cat and dog! When she’s not spending time with her family, she enjoys streaming shows like The Witcher and watching musicals like Rent. Her favourite movie changes depending on her mood or the weather.

In terms of sports, Fatima follows the North Melbourne Football Club, which was chosen by the boys in her family. She loves working at Newlife IVF because of the people and their commitment to providing a positive patient experience. Collaborating with others is something she thrives on and enjoys.

Fatima likes to unwind by playing board games, which has become a new favourite pastime. Her idea of a perfect holiday is camping near Apollo Bay, where she can reset and fully disconnect.