Our Mission

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Join our mission - sponsor support groups, workshops, & education.

Donor Conceived Community is a registered 501(c)3 Missouri non-profit.

Support Us

Founded and led by donor-conceived people (DCP), DCC provides support, education, and resources for DCP, parents, donors, and the professionals who work with them.

With advances in fertility treatment and family building, many donor conceived people face a crisis of wondering “what they’re made of” or who their genetic family is. We help donor conceived people navigate genetic discoveries, connect to supportive community, and cultivate authentic identity and belonging. Through our peer-led groups and community:

We support and equip donor conceived people navigating genetic discoveries.

We prevent isolation by connecting donor conceived people in communities.

We reduce stigma and shame through education and awareness.

We serve donor conceived people by creating tools, resources, and training.

We cultivate healthy relationships, authentic connections, and a sense of belonging.

We support increased and ongoing research of donor-conception issues.

Our Team

Our team of donor-conceived people and advisors serve as facilitators, educators, and professional resources. We are honored to support the discovery, connection, and healing that happens in our community.


  • Melissa Lindsey

    Founder
    Executive Director

    Bio
  • Max Tang

    Community Director

    Bio
  • Jamie Spiers

    Program Coordinator

    Bio

DCC Advisors

  • Benjamin Berk, MD:  Health Technology & Research | DCP

  • Britt Kelly, LCSW: Mental HealthAdvisors | Parent

  • Joni Mantell, LCSW: Mental Health | DCP

  • Melanie Mikkelsen, LICSW: Mental Health

  • Laura Runnels, MPH: Public Health Advisor | Parent

DCC Professional Group Advisors

  • Joe Belsh: Operations

  • Gina Davis, MS, CGC: Genetics, Embryo Donation

  • Kenzi Locks, LCSW, HWC: Mental Health

  • Joni Mantell, LCSW: Mental Health | DCP

  • Melanie Mikkelsen, LCSW: Mental Health

  • Lori Metz, LCSW, CCM-R, BC-THM: Mental Health

  • Laura Runnels, MPH: Public Health | Parent

Parent Support Team

  • Rachel Heffner: Content Coordinator | Parent

  • Britt Kelly, LCSW: Mental Health Advisor | Parent

  • Laura Runnels, MPH: Public Health Advisor | Parent

Our Board


Melissa Lindsey: President

Sarah Ohlemacher: Secretary

Mandy Stutte: Treasurer

Ciel VanderVeen: Director