About SurrogateFirst
Our story became our Mission
SurrogateFirst was born from Lina and Jeff’s personal journey of years of infertility, travel around the world to seek advice from IVF experts and many failed transfers and personal loss. It was a challenging and time-consuming process that finally culminated in beautiful twin daughters through surrogacy.
As word got out about their surrogacy journey, friends started asking them for advice and guidance to help themselves or other loved ones. They realized there was a need for a professional comprehensive platform accompanied with care and empathy to help surrogates and intended parents navigate the surrogacy process.
Today SurrogateFirst’s team comprises of experienced surrogates and intended parents across ten US states and Asia with the mission of making the surrogacy journey as smooth, safe and stress-free as possible for everyone involved. SurrogateFirst loves everyday on the job because they’re able to deliver one blessing at a time to families in need.
The Core Values We Live By at SurrogateFirst
WOW!!
- We Delight Our Intended Parents & Surrogates
- We Go the Extra Mile
- We Over Deliver
Guidance with Compassion & Expertise
- People You Can Trust
- Highly Experienced Team
- Honnest & Transparent
Personal
Attention
- High Empathy Care
- Exceptional Customer Service
- Over Communicate
What our Parents of Surro Babies say about the program
Meet our Team
Lina Li
Founder of SurrogateFirst
Since 2009, I have consulted thousands of couples through their IVF cycles and have successfully guided over 200+ Intended Parents and Surrogates, from around the world, in their surrogate journeys. From this experience and my belief that everyone should have the opportunity to be a parent, I founded SurrogateFirst to meet the growing demands for transparency and professionalism in the world of surrogacy. SurrogateFirst’s entire team consists of experienced Surrogates and Intended Parents who serve our clients with expertise, compassion, respect and genuine love. We are excited and honored to assist you in your journey!
My journey started out like most intended parents with the inability to conceive accompanied by many failed IVF cycles leaving my husband and I emotionally and financially spent. During our 6 year journey across 4 countries and numerous failed IVF cycles, we were finally blessed by our Surrogate with healthy twins. We are forever grateful to our Surrogate and those that guided us through our journey.
Prior to guiding Intended Parents in their surrogate journeys, I founded Atomic Recruitment in 2003 where I served as a Human Resources expert, finding and matching executive talent for F500 companies. We were able to grow to 200 employees across 5 offices in China. Everyday I bring the same determination of never giving up and quest for perfection to provide professionalism to our Surrogates and Intended Parents.
Director of SurrogateFirst
As an intended parent struggling for almost a decade to start a family I intimately understand the challenges (and joy) of navigating the surrogacy journey. I find great joy and accomplishment working at SurrogateFirst with truly caring and dedicated professionals. At SurrogateFirst I lead our marketing efforts and business operations to ensure an excellent experience for all that come across our services – either potential surrogates, intended parents or professional partners. I have over 20 years in the service industry building and managing teams with great shared culture and values.
I look forward to working with you in starting (or expanding) your family one blessing at a time!
Ashley Mareko
Director of Partnerships & Community Development
Ashley Mareko is the Director of Partnerships & Community Development at SurrogateFirst and a nationally respected leader in third-party reproduction. With over seven years of industry experience and hundreds of journeys supported, she brings a rare blend of ethical leadership, operational expertise, and lived experience to every match. Ashley serves on the SEEDS Officer Team as Co-Secretary and has participated in RESOLVE’s Advocacy Day for several years, most recently as a Co-State Captain.
Ashley’s passion for surrogacy is deeply personal. A four-time gestational carrier herself, she understands firsthand the physical, emotional, and relational complexities of the journey. This perspective shapes her unwavering commitment to protecting surrogates while helping intended parents feel informed, supported, and confident at every stage. Ashley is an active contributor within the assisted reproduction community, serving on ethics and education initiatives and regularly collaborating with clinics, attorneys, and mental-health professionals nationwide. Outside of work, she is a widow, mother, homesteader, disability rights advocate, and community builder based in Hawaiʻi, where she enjoys canoe paddling, hiking, and farm life with her family. Known for her direct honesty, warmth, and advocacy-driven approach, Ashley believes surrogacy works best when guided by transparency, respect, and genuine human connection.
Karina Hofacker
Supervisor of Case Management
Hello, I’m Karina! I am SurrogateFirst’s Supervisor of Case management and a four time surrogate. Currently located in the sunny state of Florida, with my husband and four children. I am very thankful to have been in the industry, helping families grow for multiple years already. My passion is education and helping guide intended Parent and their surrogates through successful journeys to parenthood.
A little about me, we currently live on a small island off Florida, our little slice of heaven! My husband and I had our 4 beautiful whirlwind kids while he was in the military. So I know the difficulty and joy a new beginning can bring. That is one of the reasons I was so blessed to be able to give 4 wonderful families their own new beginnings, as a gestational surrogate. I couldn’t have asked for better journeys and would love to share everything I can about the amazing world of Surrogacy!
Elizabeth Casey
Case Manager
Hello! I’m Elizabeth Casey, 5x Surrogate! I am a Case Manager at SurrogateFirst and Program Coordinator for our sister agency, EggDonorFirst. I reside in Texas, where I am busy most days with my two kiddos and German Shepherd. (And it’s true, we Texans LOVE football – GO COWBOYS!)
My journey into surrogacy started when I was a single mom, working full-time & a full-time college student. I met another surrogate at church and thought, “I love being pregnant, I would love to do that!” I immediately started my first journey and knew I had found my calling. Each of my five journeys has been with a new family and a beautifully rewarding experience for everyone involved. The moment the baby is handed to mom or dad, knowing you helped make their dream come true – time stands still, it is unforgettable, indescribable, and honestly addicting (and why many surrogates including myself come back for “just one more!”) The connections with parents, the “belly-buddies” I helped bring earth side, & the joy that is created in this process is what it is all about. I have been through the highs (and some heartbreaking lows) that come along with fertility, which has given me the empathy, compassion, and understanding for each person involved. I am beyond blessed to now get to use my expertise to help walk with Intended Parents and Surrogates on their journey as well.
Stephanie Gutierrez
Case Manager
My name is Stephanie Gutierrez. I’m a bilingual Case Manager here at SurrogateFirst. I have the pleasure of working side by side with our Intended Parents and Surrogates through their journeys once they have officially matched. I am a two-time surrogate and have loved every part of the process! In addition to my role, I run the Spanish sector of SurrogateFirst.
It’s been fulfilling to be able to provide a medium and safe place for additional support and guidance to the Spanish-speaking women who are interested in becoming surrogates and/or are already in the process.
I live in Texas with my husband, three children and two German Shepherds. Being a military family, Home is where the Army sends us. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and the many extra curriculars we have our kiddos enrolled in. You can find me either at soccer practice, piano lessons, tutoring or tee ball games. My children are my world, and all the more reason why I love what I do here at SurrogateFirst- helping families one blessing at a time.
Valerie Hewitt
Intended Parent Intake Coordinator
Hello, I’m Valerie! I am an Intended Parent Intake Coordinator and a proud five-time surrogate. After my first surrogacy journey when I saw my Intended Parents with their baby for the first time, it reinforced why this surrogacy is such a beautiful thing, and I knew I had to be a part of it on a daily basis. I have been working in the surrogacy industry since 2019 assisting surrogates and intended parents to navigate their journeys with passion, care, and expertise.
I live in California with my husband and our three teenage boys, who are all very active with sports, so throughout the year you’ll find me cheering in the stands at a soccer game, swim meet, or wrestling tournament. In my free time I enjoy traveling and exploring new areas with my family, we have a goal to cross off a new county each year, heading to Disneyland, and watching football (Go Chicago Bears!).
Rebekah Robinson
Intake Supervisor
Hi, I’m Rebekah! As Intake Supervisor, I guide prospective surrogates through their first steps with clarity, education, and support. I focus on helping candidates feel informed, confident, and at ease as they begin this unforgettable journey, while ensuring a smooth transition to their assigned case manager. Supporting surrogates from the very start is a role I value deeply.
My passion for surrogacy is rooted in personal experience. As a three-time surrogate, witnessing my intended parents hold their babies for the first time showed me just how meaningful and life-changing this journey truly is. Those moments confirmed how important this work is to me and continue to shape how I support others. I live in California with my husband and our three children. My husband previously served in the military, and together we raised our family through that season of life. Now, as two of our three children begin entering adulthood, we treasure every opportunity to spend time together and soak in each moment. Outside of work, my husband and I travel together and as a family, exploring new places and making memories.
Lisa-Marie Hernandez
Case manager (Surrogacy & Egg Donors)
Hello, I’m Lisa-Marie Hernandez, prior egg donor & a four time surrogate. After becoming a surrogate, I later become a senior case manger, which I have been for over 25 years now. I have completed 2 sibling surrogacies. I am very much still a part of my IP’s family. I love working with the Surrogates and Intended Parents and supporting them during their process. I have been through many journeys with success and on a few occasion, with some heart break through the years. It is my privilege to work alongside each Surrogate and Intended Parent throughout their journey.
I reside in California & Montana on our ranch, with my husband (my best friend), our 2 grown girls and our many animals. In my spare time I enjoy outdoor activities, traveling with our girls & a good flea market. My Girls are my everything; I could not ever imagine a world without being a Mom. This is my reason for helping others becoming parents at SurrogateFirst!
Kayla Sanchez
Case Manager
Hello, I’m Kayla Sanchez! I am a one-time surrogate and Case Manager for SurrogateFirst. Having experienced the surrogacy journey firsthand, I now have the privilege of working closely with both intended parents and surrogates, offering understanding, guidance, and support throughout the process. I am located in Arkansas where I enjoy spending time outside with my two children and our pit bull.
Shantay Thompson
Intake Coordinator
Hello there! Im Shantay, an intake coordinator that helps new surrogates navigate their first steps by breaking down the process, answering questions, and offering consistent support. As a woman of color, I am deeply passionate about educating all women, especially women of color, about surrogacy. I recognize that women of color are often underrepresented in surrogacy and frequently lack proper advocacy within the medical system. I am committed to amplifying education, representation, and informed decision-making so every woman feels seen, heard, and protected. From application through intake, I work to ensure each surrogate feels confident, empowered, and fully supported before transitioning into case management.
My husband and I are raising three amazing children who keep our household full of energy through sports, school activities, and family events. Our home is often filled with laughter, whether we’re hosting a spontaneous family dance party, enjoying game nights, or spending quality time together.
Outside of work, I love cooking and entertaining, finding joy in bringing people together around good food and meaningful conversation.
Darlene Arreola
Intake Coordinator
Hello, I’m Darlene. I am a dedicated bilingual Intake Coordinator with experience supporting gestational carriers throughout their surrogacy journey. Fluent in English and Spanish, I focus on providing compassionate guidance, clear communication, and thorough intake support. My goal is to ensure every surrogate feels informed, respected, and supported from the very first step off her journey.
My passion for surrogacy comes from personal experience and a deep belief in helping families grow. I am a mother, a wife, and a two-time gestational carrier, which allows me to understand the journey from both perspectives. I know firsthand the trust, strength, and love it takes to help someone’s dream of parenthood become a reality.
I am blessed with a supportive husband and four beautiful daughters, and we love spending time together as a family. Being family-oriented is at the core of who I am and strongly influences how I support others. I truly believe surrogacy is an act of love, generosity, and empowerment. I feel honored to walk alongside intended parents and gestational carriers, offering empathy, reassurance, and understanding every step of the way.
Why SurrogateFirst?
At SurrogateFirst, we’re more than a matching agency—we’re your support system.
- Compassionate, personalized matching
- 24/7 access to dedicated case managers
- Legal and medical coordination
- Transparent pricing
- Emotional support for surrogates and for intended parents alike
Curious about the state of surrogacy? Our surrogacy experts share it all!
Fresh off the press
Recently Featured in
Part of our mission is to share our learning on a broader scale and discussing the latest findings on the state of Surrogacy with others.
For media & press enquiries, please contact Jeff.
Olympic Champion Alysa Liu and Her Father’s Surrogacy Story
Learn how Olympic champion Alysa Liu’s family story shows how surrogacy supports single parents in
Jeff Hu Shares Insights on Rising Surrogacy Costs in The Wall Street Journal
SurrogateFirst CEO Jeff Hu was featured in The Wall Street Journal discussing rising surrogacy costs
Jeff Hu on Responsible Surrogacy Financing: Media Coverage
Explore how SurrogateFirst CEO Jeff Hu has stood up for trust and transparency in surrogacy
Director Ashley Mareko Featured on FOX 26 Houston
SurrogateFirst Director Ashley Mareko shares her surrogacy story and insights on FOX 26’s Lunch for