Introduction to the Acumen Clinic Team!
Dr. Jesse Slade-Shantz
Orthopedic Surgeon
A brief background:
Dr. Jesse Slade Shantz is a Royal College Certified sports and shoulder surgeon specializing in arthroscopic and open surgeries for shoulder, knee, elbow and sports-associated conditions.
He holds a medical degree from the University of Western Ontario, completing a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Slade Shantz completed fellowships in stem cell research and orthopaedic trauma at the University of California, San Francisco and shoulder, elbow and sports surgery at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on technology, simulation and clinical trials. Concurrently, he holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at UWO. Dr. Slade Shantz was a co-founder of The Shoulder Centre at Ajax and Pickering hospital, an innovative, patient-centered shoulder treatment centre in Ontario.
Dr. Slade Shantz has focused his career on being at the cutting edge of surgical techniques and delivering the experience patients expect in terms of communication, punctuality and customer service within the healthcare system. Because of his unique approach, Dr. Slade Shantz has been invited to educate other surgeons on current surgical techniques and speak about entrepreneurship and health system transformation.
Why choose the orthopedic field?
Dr. Slade Shantz states that his mentors in London, Ontario inspired him to pursue Orthopedic Surgery as a career. The ability to help people put themselves back together and regain their quality of life has made him dedicated to this specialty.
How do you prefer to enjoy your spare time?
Jesse has fun with his wife and two kids. They spend all their spare time horseback riding and skiing. He is an active runner and squash player.
How do you like your coffee/tea?
“Strong!”
Do you have a favorite sports team?
“The ones my kids are on!”
Francesca Sebastian
CEO
A brief background:
Francesca has an extensive background in clinical management and quality improvement facilitation. Francesca earned her Bachelors of Technology in Technology Management with a Minor in Health Promotion and a diploma in Biotechnology from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. From there she gained experience in the field as a Biochemistry Lab Administrator, a Clinic Manager of an ARP Community Health Centre and as a Quality Improvement Facilitator for the Primary Care Network. She feels pride in working with the Acumen Clinic Team, building partnerships and transforming health care one patient at a time!
Why choose the orthopedic field?
As a yoga teacher and sports junkie, she loves to learn every day how the human body can move, how to prevent and treat injuries and getting to see how patients recover from those!
How do you prefer to enjoy your spare time?
Francesca enjoys time with her husband and two daughters, yoga, running, hiking, skating and simply enjoying the outdoors. She also finds fun in travelling and good music!
How do you like your coffee/tea?
“French Toast Latte, with Cinnamon and Maple Syrup!”
Do you have a favorite sports team?
The Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir Figure Skating Team
LeeAnne Gullett
Project Manager
A brief background:
LeeAnne is a Certified Athletic Trainer and a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association. She has a vast interest in Patient Education and making orthopedic care a smooth transition for patients. LeeAnne obtained her Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training and Health Science at Castleton University in Vermont. She practiced as a Certified Athletic Trainer in the states for 6 years with various sports teams and orthopedic clinics. She then went on to pursue her Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology at Mercyhurst University. While in Erie, PA she worked as a Division I Women’s Ice Hockey ATC where going to the Frozen Four was one of her favourite memories.
LeeAnne relocated to Canada with her husband where she worked as an Orthopedic Research Coordinator at the PanAm Clinic in Winnipeg, MB. They kept moving west and they found themselves in Edmonton where she was able to connect with the Acumen Team where she is excited to contribute.
Why choose the orthopedic field?
LeeAnne tore her ACL when she was a young kid and experienced amazing care in Boston, from Surgeons and physical therapists. She wanted to have a similar effect on people’s lives when recovering from injury. She believes that a team approach is important for proper guidelines and progression. She loves to help individuals reach their goals and become stronger than before!
How do you prefer to enjoy your spare time?
LeeAnne enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and two border collies. They enjoy the outdoors and skiing. LeeAnne is a fan of lifting heavy weights, books and games!
How do you like your coffee/tea?
“French press or an Americano”
Do you have a favorite sports team?
Yes, she does. Growing up outside of Boston the Patriots and the Boston Red Sox are at the top. However, she loves watching any sport as she has such an appreciation for athletes.
Caitlyn D’Arcy
Patient Care Coordinator- Alberta
A brief background:
Before joining the Acumen team, Caitlyn worked for Bayshore Home Health in Nova Scotia for five years as a Health Care Aid, providing home care and working within Hospitals for Capital Health. She has experience in many fields such as Orthopedics, Nephrology and Liver Transplant, General Medicine and providing in-home support for Palliative Patients and their families. She really enjoys working with patients and appreciates her journey to the Acumen Clinic Team!
Why choose the orthopedic field?
After years of working for a Contracting Agency Caitlyn decided she wanted to focus on one specialty rather than several. Orthopedics is on the top of her list when it comes to clinical specialties because she consistently sees positive outcomes in patients.
How do you prefer to enjoy your spare time?
In the summers Caitlyn and her family spend time in Nova Scotia and Quebec. Caitlyn also enjoys cooking and experiment with new recipes. Caitlyn has a new found love for Yoga and becoming slightly obsessed with her new Apple Watch.
How do you like your coffee/tea?
“With a little Bailey’s!”
Do you have a favorite sports team?
Caitlyn does not have one particular favourite sports team but prefers to watch all sports live. Attending live hockey games are by far her favourite. If you were to ask her family their favourite team they would say the Montreal Canadians.
Cynthia Paquet
Bookkeeper
A brief background:
Cynthia studied at the National School of Police in Quebec before attending chef school. She worked as a chef and supported her family’s civil engineering firm. She has extensive experience in the backend operations of running a business and is a major asset to the Acumen Clinic Team ensuring our patients receive prompt and accurate responses. Having a passion for MMA fighting she has experienced first hand how orthopedic injuries can impact daily life, she hopes her efforts at Acumen help improve the lives of those suffering from sports injuries.
Why choose the orthopedic field?
Cynthia has a history of sports injuries personally and appreciates learning more about the field. When this opportunity presented itself, she was very happy and excited to help out the Acumen Team.
How do you prefer to enjoy your spare time?
Cynthia enjoys her time with her new baby, training and playing hockey.
How do you like your coffee/tea?
“A nice Chai Latte with whipped milk and cinnamon powder!”
Do you have a favorite sports team?
Yes, she does, the New-England Patriots (Go Brady!) and Montreal Canadians.
