About Us

Boviteq® California’s goal is to bring Boviteq’s world leadership in embryo transfer and IVF technologies to the West Coast’s dairy and beef producers.

Bringing the world-class research of Boviteq to California

Boviteq offers:

25 years of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) experience
70,000+ embryos produced in 2019
Industry leadership in reproductive technologies
State-of-the-art laboratories in Wisconsin and Quebec

Our Team

Dr. Justin Powell

Veterinarian

About Dr. Powell

Join us in welcoming Dr. Justin Powell DVM, to the Boviteq California team as our new veterinarian. Originally from Illinois, Justin moved to California in July with his wife and three children to begin his journey with us at Boviteq California.

Dr. Powell earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois in 2010. He began his career in general practice in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, for a year and a half, before serving as the Herd Veterinarian for River Valley. At Boviteq, Dr. Powell is dedicated to helping our clients achieve their individual reproductive and genetic goals.

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Joseph Goncalves

General Manager

About Joseph

Joseph Gonçalves is our General Manager! Proficient in breeding and shot protocols, he collaborates with our vet on OPU and embryo transfers. A certified Al technician since 2008, Joseph brings valuable experience, having owned and operated a breeding business for 13 years. With a remarkable record of breeding over 100,000 animals, Joseph is a vital asset to our team. Thank you for your significant contributions, Joseph!

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Lexie Aguiniga

Lead CSR

About Lexie

Lexie Aguiniga is our Lead Customer Service Representative. Raised on a dairy farm, she pursued her passion for Agriculture at Fresno State. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business with a Minor in Dairy Science. When not assisting our clients, Lexie enjoys clay shooting and unwinding on the lake.

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Cassey Mello

Customer Service Representative

About Cassey

Cassey Mello is our Customer Service Representative. Her roots in the Agricultural sector run deep, having been actively involved in raising and exhibiting sheep, swine, and beef replacement heifers through her participation in 4-H and FFA. She pursued higher education, majoring in Agricultural Business. Outside of work, Cassey finds joy in family camping adventures, and competing with her horse in dressage shows.

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Hannah Sanders

embryologist

About Hannah

Hannah Sanders is our Embryologist. Raised on Fire-Lake Jerseys, her family’s dairy, she developed a deep passion for this industry. She exhibits registered Jerseys at local and national events. Continuing her journey, Hannah pursued her education at Modesto Junior College. Thank you for your dedication and hard work!

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Lily Asher

Vet Technician

About Lily

Lily Asher’s journey in agriculture began with showcasing and selling Yorkshire and Hampshire swine. Throughout college, she continued her passion by exhibiting and selling replacement heifers. With a Vet Technician degree and over five years of experience caring for small animals, Lily seamlessly transitioned into her role as an Embryologist.

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Dr. Shantille Kruse, Ph.D.

IVF Program Liaison

About Dr. Kruse

As the IVF Program Liaison, Dr. Shantille Kruse is responsible for veterinary collaboration and technical inquiry related to OPU/IVF services.

Shantille was raised on a diversified sheep and cattle operation near Tecumseh, Nebraska. Being actively involved in the livestock industry since childhood was extremely influential on her career ambitions of serving the cattle industry and its stakeholders. She earned her B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska, followed by her M.S. in Biomedical Science at the Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Lab at Colorado State University. There her research focused on improving cryopreservation techniques for both in vivo- and in vitro- produced bovine embryos.

Dr. Kruse then earned her Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology from the University of Minnesota while utilizing OPU/IVF technologies and embryo recovery and transfer to study the impacts of nutrition on oocyte quality, uterine function and early embryonic development.

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