The College will be closed October 13 for Thanksgiving
The College will be closed October 13 for Thanksgiving
Jessica Stankowski
Regulated Member since 2020
With over a decade of experience in the acupuncture profession, Dr. Stankowski is an Alberta-trained Acupuncturist with a practice in Edmonton. She has volunteered with the Alberta Association of Traditional Chinese Medical Doctors, worked on the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta’s Registration and Program Review Regulatory Committee, and is a former chair of the Council’s Governance and Nominating Committee. Jessica holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Alberta.
Devonne Daniel
Regulated Member since 2024
(Chair)
Dr. Devonne Daniel is a practitioner of acupuncture with over a decade of experience in Alberta. She began her studies in science at the University of Saskatchewan and earned her Diploma of Traditional Chinese Medicine at an Albertan education institution in 2011. Dr. Daniel went on to complete a one-year intensive internship at Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China, culminating in obtaining her bachelor’s degree in TCM. In 2020, she obtained a Master of Management in International Health Leadership from McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management. For nearly a decade, Dr. Daniel has been an owner and operator of her own private practice in Alberta, where she provides acupuncture services to her patients.
Michelle Phillips
Ex-officio member since 2024
(CEO)
Dr. Michelle Phillips is a Doctor of Acupuncture with over 15 years of experience in the western medical field coupled with more than a decade in private practice. She has taught acupuncture at two educational institutions in Alberta and served as President, Vice President, and Director of an acupuncture association. Additionally, she has held the position of President of the Council of the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta and has been a board member for the Acupoint and Regeneration Injection Association of BC and the Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Society. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the University of Alberta, a Master’s in Human Genetics from the University of Pittsburgh, and a diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Monica Ansah-Sam
Public Member since 2021
Ms. Ansah-Sam is currently the Manager for Tailings and Dams for the North Atlantic operations of a global mining company. Her career has involved technical leadership and senior advisory roles in geotechnical and tailings engineering. Through mentorship and speaking engagements, Monica is an advocate for attracting, retaining, and promoting women in engineering. Monica is also a director at large of a non-governmental board, a Vice-chair for Black Alumni at Western (BAWA), and is a volunteer and teacher for children at a charity organization. She has a degree in civil engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, a masters in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering from Western University, Ontario and an executive master of business administration from the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary.
Jonna McQuade
Regulated Member since 2023
(Vice-Chair)
Dr. McQuade is the co-owner and operator of an acupuncture clinic in Airdrie, Alberta. Her career has spanned over 14 years and taken her around the world, including volunteering in Nepal, teaching in Ecuador, and working in the Acupuncture department at the Provincial Hospital in Xi’an China. She has previously been a licensed Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine in B.C. and is currently licensed and working in Alberta. She is also a Fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine, and a member of the Obstetrical Acupuncture Association. Jonna has extensive education, having obtained an athletic therapy diploma from Mount Royal College and a bachelor of science in kinesiology from the University of Calgary. She has also trained at the Academy of Classical Oriental Medicine in Nelson, B.C., the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Victoria, and the University Hospital in Chengdu.
Sean Melrose
Public Member since 2024
Mr. Sean Melrose has been an investment manager, venture capitalist, and now acts as an advisor, board member, and Chief Strategy Officer for early stage technology companies.
Sean has 5 years of experience on Alberta-based quasi-judicial tribunals, and over 20 years of governance experience (including 8 years on corporate boards). Sean holds a BA (Phil,Math), and has earned the CFP, CIM, FMA, and FCSI designations.
Public Member since 2025
Born, raised, and educated in Manitoba, Mr. Neil Little has lived and worked in Alberta ever since he commenced his professional career in accounting and senior management.
Neil has worked for decades in senior management roles in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Some of his experience includes working as the executive director of a transportation engineering consortium, the manager of finance and administration for APEGA, and serving on the board for the Alberta Golf Foundation.
He believes in the motto “service above self” and looks forward to working with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta, the Board and staff, members, and Alberta Health in fulfilling the College’s mission.
In addition to Neil’s formal business and accounting education, he’s pursued supplementary learning in the areas of leadership, board governance, strategic planning, and risk management.
The College of Acupuncturists of Alberta serves the public interest and ensures public safety by setting standards of practice, education, competence and ethical conduct.