About Acadia Women's Health

John Gonzalez MD, FAACS, FACOG

My name is Dr. John Gonzalez. I am a urogynecologist and cosmetic surgeon here at Acadia Women’s Health.  I am a licensed surgeon, board certified through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with 23 years of experience in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. I have also successfully completed the MIGS exam which recognizes my additional expertise in minimally invasive gynecologic surgical techniques gained through clinical experience formal training.

When Dr. Michelle Owens and I first began our practice, we were thrilled that we had the chance to help women during the most precious time in their lives - childbirth.  After 7 years, we began to see a pattern of women who weren’t happy with their appearance after giving birth.  Due to this, we decided we wanted to continue to help our patients long after their children were born.  

In 2006, at the urging of many of my patients, I began training in cosmetic surgery and now have an extremely busy cosmetic and gynecologic practice here at Acadia Women’s Health. I was able to advance my skills in cosmetic surgery and now am one of the leading female medicine specialists in the Southwest Louisiana area.  I was educated by some of the pioneers of cosmetic surgery, who were treating patients under tumescent, or local, anesthesia. I am one of the first doctors in the Acadiana area to perform liposuction, abdominoplasty and breast augmentation completely under local anesthesia in the office.  And currently, I am the only full-time board certified urogynecologist in the Acadiana area.

I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.  Following my undergraduate, I received my MBA from the University of Auburn with a focus on Healthcare Administration.  Finally, I received my medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine graduating in the top quartile of my class.  I completed my internship and residency at the Orlando Regional Healthcare System in Orlando, Florida where I was Chief Resident.  

As a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, I understand the importance of continuing education and I am always pushing myself to be the best person and surgeon I can be. Helping women look and feel better about themselves is the most rewarding thing about what I do here at Acadia Women’s Heath.

I find that what sets me apart from other doctors is that I really try to prepare my patients for an accurate outcome for what to expect following surgery. It’s because of this that I published my book called “Do I Look Great In These Jeans?” as an insider’s guide to cosmetic surgery.  

Seeing the expression on my patients’ faces after admiring their results is what keeps me motivated every day.  The safety and satisfaction of each person who comes into my office is my top priority.

When my wife Leonor and I moved to Crowley, we had a son, David, and two years later a daughter, Catherine. I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.  I believe that living in a small town has made me grow into not only a better person but a more patient focused physician.  

My goal is to provide the highest quality of care to my patients in a compassionate and trustworthy manner.  I am absolutely thrilled to be part of Acadiana and would love to welcome you to be a part of the Acadia Women’s Health family!

Michelle Owens MD, FAACS, FACOG

My name is Dr. Michelle Owens. I am a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and American Academy of Facial Esthetics.  I have been in private practice in Crowley, Louisiana since 1999.

I received my medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine.  I completed my internship and residency at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Women and Children in Orlando, Florida.  During that time, I was chosen to serve as Chief Resident of the gynecology department from 1998-1999.  

I am also a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a Diplomat of the Board of Gynecology. As with Dr. Gonzalez, I have also completed the MIGS exams which recognizes my additional expertise in minimally invasive gynecologic surgical techniques gained through clinical experience formal training.

I pride myself in taking the time to get to know my patients and thoroughly addressing their needs both mentally and cosmetically.  I understand that choosing a healthcare provider is one of the most important decisions that women can make.  Not only am I knowledgeable, caring and accessible, I am willing to take the time to go over all options and treat each individual as a person, not just a patient.
 
I understand a woman’s needs in all aspects and ages of her life.  My special interests are in laparoscopic/robotic minimally invasive surgeries, pelvic floor reconstruction and incontinence surgery, as well as cosmetic surgeries to include facial and body contouring and leg vein treatment.

I find that Botox, dermal fillers, and thread lifts offer immediate improvement with minimal to no downtime in our busy lives today. As a woman, I understand that minimal scars and minimal downtime are very important.  I always attempt to perform surgeries in the most benign fashion possible. In fact, I am one of the first gynecologists in Crowley to focus on minimally invasive procedures both in the hospital and office. I routinely perform endometrial ablations and permanent birth control under local anesthesia in the office as well as robotic laparoscopic hysterectomies as an outpatient surgery.

I chose to make my home in Crowley with my husband Kelly and two children, Jordan and Brookelyn.  Not only do I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling, I also enjoy establishing a continuum of care with my patients and building lifelong relationships with them and their families.  I am proud to be a part of making a difference in my community of Crowley and the surrounding communities.

When it comes to your female needs, both medically and cosmetically, look no further than Acadia Women’s Health and Cosmetic Surgery Center in Crowley, Louisiana.  Call today to make an appointment and be a part of our state of the art medical and cosmetic practice.  I would love to welcome you to be a part of our Acadia Women’s Health family!

Phillip Crace
MD,
FACS,
MBA

My name is Dr. Phillip Crace. I am a multiple award-winning surgeon. I achieved a Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Studies from Barry University in Miami, FL. After achieving my Master's Degree, I accepted a Doctor of Medicine position at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine from 1999-2003. Following this, I became a General Surgery Resident at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, OH until 2008.

Since then, I practiced medicine as the Chief of Surgery at Highlands Regional Medical Center and St. Joseph's Martin from 2008-2013, followed by becoming Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at Riverland Medical Center in Ferriday, LA from 2013-2017. Prior to joining Acadia Women's Health, I served as the Chief of Surgery at Hampton Regional Medical Center, as well as, a staff surgeon at Coastal Carolina Hospital and Hilton Head Regional Medical Center.

During my career, I've received several prestigious awards, including:
- America's Top Doctors, 2013-2016
- America's Top Surgeons, 2013-2016
- Research Resident of the Year, 2004-2005
- Academic Dean's List, 1993-1997
- National Dean's List, 1994-1997

I have also been am active member of several professional societies throughout my career, including the American College of Surgeons, Cincinnati Surgical Society, Society of American Gastronomical and Endoscopic Surgeons, American Medical Association, and Kentucky Medical Association just to name a few.

Although I remain busy practicing medicine full-time, I still make time to enjoy some of my favorite hobbies, like watching and playing sports, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, auto-racing, boating, reading and writing short stories, and playing guitar. If you're in Baton Rouge in the fall or spring, look for him tailgating at Tiger Stadium or The Box!

Donald Balder
MD,
FACS

My name is Dr. Donald Balder. I earned my chemistry degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and completed my medical degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago. I specialized with a surgery residency at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Board-certified by the American College of Surgeons, I have over 25 years of experience in surgery.

While transforming my weight loss surgery patients, I recognized a significant need for cosmetic options to enhance their overall satisfaction. This insight led him to specialize in tummy tucks, arm lifts, body contouring, and facial aesthetics.

As a proctor and teacher for Apollo Medical Innovations, I have trained medical professionals in advanced techniques like PDO thread lifts, Botox, fillers, and PRF BioGel.

I am excited to be part of Acadia Women’s Health & Cosmetic Surgery, where I aim to provide high-quality, compassionate care to his patients.

Nicole Dempsey,
FNP-C

Candice Myers,
WMSN, WHNP-BC

My name is Candice Myers; I am a Nurse Practitioner at Acadia Women’s Health.  I started out as an RN in labor and delivery and fell in love with taking care of women during one of their most joyful times in life.  That love for labor and delivery progressed to a desire to care for women throughout their lifespan. I specialize in health maintenance, as well as in treating common gynecological problems, some of which include irregular bleeding, contraceptive management, pelvic pain and cervical dysplasia.

Graduating in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, I attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  While working full-time in labor and delivery, I attended the University of South Alabama and graduated in 2014 with a master’s degree in nursing as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.  

I am also certified with the National Certification Corporation and a member of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health. I live in Youngsville with my husband, Landon, and 3 young children Lane, Olivia and Vivian.  I enjoy spending time with my family as well as building trusting relationships with my patients.  I am so excited to be part of the Acadia Women’s Health team and would love to welcome you to our family! 

Shonee Lavergne, FNP-C

Kylie Hebert,
Esthetician

Allison Ariza,
Esthetician

Roslyn Vallo,
Esthetician