Ovation Star – Cherie Gibbs
Cherie Gibbs, IVF Lab Manager, Ovation® Fertility Nashville
Cherie Gibbs joined the Nashville lab team as an embryologist the very same day that the lab started operating as one of Ovation’s four original IVF labs in 2015. She brought with her 14 years of experience as an embryologist and andrologist, and since then, has been promoted to IVF lab manager and has put down roots in Tennessee.
How did you get into a career in embryology?
I’m from Henagar, Alabama, and went to college at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where, as an undergraduate, I performed research on the anti-cancer activity of natural products from the rainforest on liver cancer cells. In my first real job as a biochemistry graduate, I was part of an organization that flew experiments on the Space Shuttle. John Glenn performed our last experiment before our lab closed. I was considering other research roles when I found the opportunity to work in fertility.
My research background gave me the skills of sterile technique, cell culture and cryopreservation that were translatable to human IVF. After a solid year of specialized training in all of the basics in embryology and andrology, my career was off to a great start.
How did you land at Ovation’s Nashville lab?
I credit an Ovation staff member for reaching out to me, “We have an embryologist position open here in Nashville; would you be interested?” At first, I said, “No,” because I was thinking about having to move my family to a different city … a new school for my son, who was seven at the time, and how work would change for my husband, who had been composing for Birmingham Children’s Theatre and teaching guitar and music composition students.
But the thing is, sometimes an opportunity comes knocking, and you must investigate it. I am so grateful to that staff member for reaching out and for Melanie for hiring me because I have grown so much as an embryologist here in Nashville. I have added embryo biopsy and oocyte cryopreservation to my skill set, which has been rewarding.
In 2019, I was promoted to IVF lab manager, just in time to navigate our COVID-19 response, as well as staffing and IT issues. Having made it through several challenging experiences in 2020, I feel very galvanized. You tend to come out of adversity stronger and more knowledgeable. I learned more of the ins and outs of other people’s roles and further appreciate everything that they do.
We work at a very purposeful, fast pace, so teamwork is key. I appreciate everyone’s contributions in helping our patients build their families, from our lab teams to our administrative team, the support from Ovation and our physicians.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I’m here for the unique opportunity that we have to serve our patients. That is what inspires me. Someone always asks, “Don’t you get tired of doing the same things in the lab, day in and day out?” While I may be doing the same procedures, each couple and situation is unique. It is truly special to be a part of this amazing team.
I love the opportunities to see the babies. It makes all the stress of our job, the highs and lows, all worth it at the end of day.
What’s life like outside of work?
Before I became an embryologist and a mother, I did a lot of theatre and sang for a jazz band. While I have not had time to continue performing, music is a strong presence in my life. My husband, Matt, is a musician and composer. He is an amazingly talented musician and a jack of all trades who transitioned to being an educational coach last year with our son at home for remote school. He is the rock at home when I put long hours in, and I am very grateful. The beginning of our relationship was being in a band together. We love going out to enjoy live music, especially performances of the Nashville Symphony.
For many years, I have taught group exercise classes for the YMCA. I think I channeled my interests in music and performing to making fun playlists for my classes. I was teaching yoga, Pilates, barre and water aerobics before COVID shut gyms down. Now that the YMCA has reopened and is starting to add more classes, I hope to get back to teaching soon.
I enjoy cooking, reading, and getting outdoors for a good, long walk. I have many waterfalls on my list to go see in Tennessee!