About Us

Hi, I’m Eliza. I’m a nurse practitioner and the owner of First Steps. I was inspired to start First Steps after working in fertility clinics and realizing a common theme among women who did not need or want IVF: They often felt lost in the shuffle among those pursuing high-tech treatments. I wanted to change this and provide a space where patients pursuing low-tech treatments feel valued, respected, and exceptionally well cared for. I am thrilled to bring First Steps to the community and will constantly strive to practice with compassion, honesty, and thoughtfulness. 

Prior to opening First Steps, I worked as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner for 20 years in the areas of fertility, internal emergency medicine, and OB/GYN. I am especially drawn to women’s health and fertility for its combination of technology and relationships with patients. As a mother, it brings me great joy to help those who wish to be parents achieve their dream of holding a baby in their arms. I am also passionate about women achieving their goals in all areas of their lives and becoming mothers if and when it is right for them. On this note, I love counseling regarding contraception and fertility preservation. Although First Steps is strictly lower-tech, I am happy to counsel regarding egg freezing and refer you to a clinic that provides this service. 

Outside of work I love to travel to warm climates and participate in all types of water-related activities. I am a bit of an exercise addict and can be found working out a couple times per day. I also love to hike, ride my bike, drink coffee, sleep in on weekends and curl up with a good book or movie. My daughters both now live in Southern California so I am often cheering them on from afar and visiting when I can. 

Hi, I’m Dr. Mazzeo. I recently retired from practice but prior to this worked as a family practice physician in the Edmonds area for nearly 20 years. While not seeing patients at First Steps I will be overseeing all functions of the laboratory. I have extensive experience in family practice and particular expertise and interest in men’s health (particularly useful to overseeing the First Steps andrology operations!). 

I am an avid reader and coffee drinker, in fact, it is likely you will run into me at one of several local coffee shops in Edmonds doing both. I love sunshine, travel, music concerts, studying American history, learning Spanish, and spending time with my partner and tweenage daughter. I am excited to help keep the First Steps lab in top-top shape!