MEET THE TEAM
Meet the team behind ARTFA & ASMBC
Behind ARTFA (Assisted Reproductive Treatment Families Australia) and ASMBC (Australian Solo Mothers by Choice) is a passionate team of dedicated individuals who bring lived experience, professional knowledge, a shared commitment to making assisted reproductive treatment accessible, inclusive, and supportive for all.
Whether advocating for legislative change, building community, or offering day-to-day peer support, our team works tirelessly—often behind the scenes—to empower ART parents and donor-conceived community across Australia and New Zealand.
As solo mothers by choice who have each navigated complex IVF (ART) journeys, we understand the unique emotional, physical, and psychological path that comes with this decision. Our lived experience has shaped everything we do, and inspired us to create this space to walk alongside others on similar paths.
ARTFA isn’t here to speak for the community—we’re here to connect it. We welcome collaboration with existing organisations (NFP) and aim to be a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
Michelle Galea | Chair | VIC
Michelle Galea – 2024 Victoria Mother of the Year, Member Vic Health Donor Conception Advisory Group (DCAG), Founder of ASMBC, Business Owner, ART & Donor-Conceived Advocate
Michelle Galea is a dedicated solo mother to her 11-year-old donor-conceived son Charlie. A passionate advocate for ART & the Donor-conceived community. In recognition of her unwavering commitment to supporting Solo Mothers and their children, she was awarded 2024 Victoria Mother of the Year by the YMCA & City Of Melbourne.
With over 30 years of business experience, Michelle is the proud owner of a thriving small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), demonstrating resilience, leadership in both the business and advocacy worlds.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, she is a prominent figure in the donor conception community. She founded Australian Solo Mothers by Choice (ASMBC) in 2013 to provide vital peer support, advocacy, social connection for solo mothers and those considering donor conception. Under her leadership, ASMBC has grown to support over 4,000 families across Australia and New Zealand and is recognized as the support group of choice by VARTA and allied health professionals.
Michelle’s commitment to donor-conceived advocacy extends to her role as a member of the Vic Health Donor Conception Advisory Group (DCAG),
Nandi Segbedzi | Secretary | VIC
Nandi Segbedzi is a lawyer by profession and the solo mother of an 8-year-old via donor conception. She joined the Facebook ASMBC Community when her son was 1 year old and found a ready-made solo mum community, both online and locally in the West of Melbourne.
In 2024, Nandi was one of the working group who compiled the ASMBC submission opposing the abolition of VARTA in Victoria. The disappointing response from the Victorian Government to donor-conceived families during the VARTA abolition inspired her to help set up ARTFA, of which she is the Secretary, to give a voice to people who are using IVF and donor conception to create their family.
Nandi is also Chair of Abbeyfield Australia, a not-for-profit social housing provider.
shannon may | committee member | QLD
Shannon May is a proud founding member of the ASMBC group and adviser to the Administration team.
After many attempts of IVF to become a solo parent, she is mother to her son, Lachie who was conceived by a unidentifiable clinic recruited donor from Monash IVF (Vic)
With an MBA in tow, she has a long work history in the corporate industry and has a great love for dogs. Shannon volunteered at a no-kill dog pound in Melbourne and was a member of the first ‘professional’ volunteer team providing marketing and event support to raise much needed funds to build a new pound, provide resources such as food and medicine for the animals and increase awareness so that more dogs could be saved from euthanasia.
Shannon is passionate about her local community and enjoys a volunteering for various community causes including campaigning for electorate candidates and working fighting against overdevelopment in her spare time.
Advocating for solo mothers by choice is also a passion and Shannon has watched the industry growth with great interest over the past 12 years.
Sarah McBride | ART & SMC Advocate | VIC
Sarah is a qualified early childhood educator, trainer and assessor, and supported playgroup facilitator, with specialized training in the Small Talk program.
A proud solo mother by choice, to a 6.5-year-old child via sperm donation and IVF.
She joined ASMBC (Australian Single Mothers by Choice) in 2018, quickly becoming an active participant in both online and face-to-face events. Through her involvement, Sarah built a strong and supportive village, leading to lasting friendships and shared experiences, including weekends away and interstate trips with other solo mums.
From 2018 to 2020, Sarah attended VARTA’s face-to-face support groups in Melbourne, where she gained valuable insights and strengthened her belief in the power of peer support.
She is passionate about helping women considering solo motherhood by choice, navigating assisted reproductive treatment, and parenting solo. Sarah firmly believes in the immense value of connecting with others who are on a similar journey or have already walked that path, stating,
“I feel so lucky to have such a big village. We have connected with two of my child’s donor siblings, and that would not have been possible without ASMBC & ART Families Australia.”
In addition to her peer support role, Sarah actively collaborates with ARTFA (Assisted Reproductive Technologies Families Australia) to advocate for best practices and equality for all.
Her personal and professional experiences make her a powerful advocate and a trusted resource for those navigating the challenges ART , Solo parenthood & donor conception.
