About Us

At Dakota Surrogacy, we tailor our surrogacy program to fit your needs.

We work closely with our gestational surrogates and intended parents, keeping the interactions personal, making ourselves available, and minimizing the opportunities for stress. We are committed to guiding you through this entire process and are confident you will feel the quality and unique care Dakota Surrogacy provides as we experience this incredible journey together.

Emilee Gehling
Co-Founder & Operating Director
Emilee Boyle Gehling is an accomplished attorney specializing in gestational surrogacy and adoption, with experience in more than 200 surrogacy matters. A Fellow of the Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Law Attorneys (AAARTA), Emilee is recognized for her deep expertise in assisted reproductive law and her thoughtful, ethical approach to family-building.

After graduating from the University of Iowa College of Law, Emilee served as Counsel to the Judiciary Committee of the United States Senate before returning to the Siouxland area to practice law. She currently serves as President of the Woodbury County Bar Association and has been consistently recognized for professional excellence, including being named a Super Lawyers Great Plains Rising Star (2013–2020) and earning a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® rating.

In 2019, Emilee was crowned Mrs. Iowa International and was named one of Siouxland Magazine’s Top 11 Under 40, using her platform to advocate for alternative paths to parenthood in partnership with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

A married mother of four, Emilee brings both professional rigor and personal insight to her leadership at Dakota Surrogacy. She is known for her steady, trusted presence and her unwavering commitment to helping families grow with confidence and care.

egehling@dakotasurrogacy.com
emilee@golawfirm.com

Traci Boyle
Co-Founder & Intake Coordinator
Traci brings more than eight years of experience in third-party reproduction and has a genuine passion for supporting both gestational carriers and intended parents throughout the surrogacy process. She enjoys hearing each family’s unique story and helping guide them through the many moving parts that make up a successful surrogacy journey. Traci coordinates closely with prospective and current intended parents, supports daily operations, and works to ensure each step of the process is handled smoothly and thoughtfully.

From the first point of contact, Traci provides education, guidance, and reassurance to potential surrogates. She supports them through screening, preparation, and matching, helping ensure they feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way.

Traci values being part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping families grow and deeply appreciates the supportive, collaborative environment that makes each day both meaningful and enjoyable. A proud mother of four energetic boys who love football, baseball, and wrestling, Traci enjoys spending time with her family in Okoboji, hiking, camping in national parks, and visiting museums when she’s away from work.

Traci is honored to work alongside Emilee and Stephanie, bringing intended parents and gestational carriers together as they embark on their surrogacy journeys.

tboyle@dakotasurrogacy.com

Jennifer Heringer
Case Manager
Jennifer is an experienced surrogate who developed a deep passion for the surrogacy community through her own personal journey. Over the years, she has connected with many families and shared in their stories, but serving as a gestational carrier truly opened her eyes to the many challenges individuals and couples face when building their families. Her experience has shaped a strong sense of empathy and understanding for those navigating the fertility and surrogacy process.

Jennifer has lived in six different states and moved ten times throughout her adult life, giving her a unique and adaptable perspective. She is a proud mother of three teenagers, two boys and one girl, who keep her very busy with their many extracurricular activities. Being present and supportive in her children’s lives is her top priority.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys staying active through weightlifting at the gym and values teaching her children the importance of caring for their physical health. She also loves hiking and attending live sporting events with her family, especially NFL games (Go Bengals!) and MLB games (Go Reds!).

jheringer@dakotasurrogacy.com
(605) 215-0812

To begin your journey toward parenthood or help build a family as a Gestational Surrogate, contact Dakota Surrogacy!