Meet Jayme and Shalistar,

the Founders of AOK!

At Acts of Kindness Embryo Donation, we are a compassionate team of women who deeply understand the challenges of infertility. Through our own fertility journeys of navigating IVF and the heartache of multiple miscarriages, we have developed a profound empathy for those walking this path.

We’ve been where you are. We know the struggles, the questions, and the heartache that come with infertility, IVF, and loss. That’s why we created AOK to provide a compassionate and supportive space for families like yours.

Together, we've supported over 400 embryo donors and 500 intended parents, helping bring over 100 babies into the world.

We are committed to turning your dreams of parenthood into reality, one act of kindness at a time.

Jayme Bess, CEO

Jayme Bess knows the ache of dreams held close yet never fully realized. She is a mother to two beloved children and three little ones she never got to hold, including her twins, whose loss in October 2023 left a hole in her heart and a depth of empathy few can truly understand. From this heartbreak, Jayme discovered a fierce resilience and a calling to walk alongside others navigating the twists, turns, and uncertainties of infertility. She is dedicated to being a light for those who feel discouraged, offering compassion, encouragement, and unwavering support. Through her story, Jayme reminds families that even in heartbreak, there is hope, healing, and the strength to keep moving forward toward their dreams of parenthood.

Shalistar Young, CEO

Shalistar Young is a devoted IVF mom, and a passionate advocate for hope filled family building journeys. After welcoming her miracle son through IVF in 2014 and experiencing the heartbreak of pregnancy loss in 2020, Shalistar transformed her personal trials into a powerful mission: to support others navigating infertility with compassion, courage, and care. With over a decade of experience in the fertility field, Shalistar’s work is rooted in kindness. She is driven by the belief that everyone deserves the chance to grow their family, and no one should ever have to walk that path alone.

Creating Families, One Act of Kindness at a Time

Our Mission

At the heart of everything we do is a clear purpose: to offer hope and opportunity to all, and to give each embryo the chance at life it deserves. Join us on this transformative journey, where unwavering support is available to you every step of the way. Together, we can make miracles happen one act of kindness at a time.

RECEIVE EMBRYOS

GIVE EMBRYOS

Testimonials

"This was such a smooth and wonderful process for our family. I was not prepared for how easily and beautifully everything fell into place to find our perfect match. Jayme and Shalistar have so much experience and advice to share. We are so grateful for Acts of Kindness and the opportunity to grow our family."

Abby Collins

"AOK has been, by far, the best embryo adoption agency to work with (and we have worked with several others). Shalistar and Jayme are incredible staff members and clearly dedicated to this organization’s mission."

Jody Vreeland

"Acts of Kindness Embryo Donation has been the answer to my prayers. Shalistar and Jayme are complete rockstars and made my experience with them a breeze. They have been by my side through it all, answered all my questions and concerns, and have been my biggest cheerleaders! I am blessed and beyond thankful to now have another opportunity to add to my beautiful family.

Whitney McMann

Meet The Rest of Our Team

Pauline Palino, VA

Pauline’s path to AOK grew from a desire to do meaningful work that truly helps people. Having seen family members face infertility, she understands how deeply this journey impacts lives. In her role, she walks alongside donors and recipients, offering guidance and reassurance to make the process less overwhelming.

What she values most is hearing people’s stories and seeing how one family’s gift can become another family’s chance to grow. For Pauline, this work isn’t just a job. It’s a way to bring hope and make a real difference, one act of kindness at a time.

A Legacy of Impact

With a proven track record, Jayme and Shalistar are proud to have supported over 400 embryo donors and 500 intended parents, leading to more than 100 reported live births throughout their careers before co-founding AOK.

These incredible milestones highlight their unwavering dedication to building life-changing connections and bringing joy to families across the globe.

<------ Meet some of our miracles!!

Comprehensive and Inclusive Adoption Options

As pioneers in the field, we offer a variety of adoption choices to suit your unique needs, including Non-Identified, Semi-Open, and Open cases. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that every individual receives personalized resources and compassionate support.

We offer family-building options for everyone—whether you’re looking for LGBTQ+ family-building options, are a single mother by choice, a single father by choice, of advanced maternal age, or a couple facing fertility challenges. We’re here to support you on your journey to parenthood.