About the founder

Rachel Van Thyn (RVT) is a rabbi, spiritual director, and board-certified chaplain who started Clara to provide emotional, ritual, and spiritual support to people on their fertility journeys.

Rachel navigated her own fertility challenges during the worst surges of the pandemic in New York City while serving as a front-line hospital worker.

She lives with her husband Toby, her son Asher who was born via IVF, and their friendly flatcoat retriever Neko in Brooklyn.

About the name

Clara Vanthyn, Rachel’s grandmother, was a gutsy, spirited woman who personified humour, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to justice. She survived Auschwitz, moved to Canada, and raised a vibrant family.

Rachel is proud to honour Clara’s legacy in her work.

Services

Clara provides emotional support to individuals and couples at all stages of their family building journeys, regardless of their spiritual beliefs or faith tradition.

Clara teaches organizations and communities how to better support their members who are going through these experiences.

Clara is available as a valuable benefit for employers to provide emotional and spiritual fertility support to their staff.