What We Do
Respect and Coordinated Care
At Guardian Medical, all of our staff value customer service and patient satisfaction. A patient that is respected and understands their injuries and plan of care are best able to see their path to recovery.
Respect
At Guardian Medical, all of our staff value customer service and patient satisfaction. A patient that is respected and understands their injuries and plan for care are best able to see their path to recovery.
Multidisciplinary Care
Coordinate all care. Working with specialty providers allows for Our Medical team to coordinate all care for patients.
Responsible Medication Management
As Part of Medical Management, Guardian Providers prescribe medications only, when necessary, after extensive patient education, with your agreement, knowledge, and consent with the ultimate goal of identifying & treating the underlying problem.
Documentation
All medical records are created quickly and efficiently and can be provided to referring physician and/or other providers, work, school, or any other entities as requested, with your authorization. Any necessary medical paperwork, such as occupational restrictions, releases and insurance forms will be completed as required on a timely basis.
Meet the Providers
Dr. Michael J. Gesquiere, MD, DAPM – Medical Director
Dr. Michael J. Gesquiere is a highly accomplished anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine specialist whose career is defined by academic rigor, technical mastery, and consistently superior clinical outcomes. He is widely regarded as a leader in comprehensive Interventional Pain Medicine, with a practice built on precision diagnostics, advanced procedural expertise, and long-term functional recovery.
Dr. Gesquiere’s medical foundation was forged through extensive, high-level training at Yale University School of Medicine, where he completed both his surgical internship and anesthesiology residency at Yale–New Haven Medical Center. This formative period established the discipline, analytical depth, and procedural excellence that continue to define his approach to complex pain management today. He earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiology with Honors from Michigan State University, providing a strong scientific framework for his evidence-based clinical decision-making.
With more than two decades of experience successfully treating Personal Injury patients, Dr. Gesquiere is exceptionally well-versed in managing trauma-related, degenerative, and post-surgical pain conditions. His expertise spans the full spectrum of Interventional Pain Procedures, including spinal cord stimulation, neuromodulation, image-guided spine interventions, and advanced diagnostic evaluations. He is known for selecting the right procedure for the right patient at the right time—an approach highly valued by both patients and attorneys seeking defensible, outcome-driven care.
Dr. Gesquiere is recognized as a well-rounded interventionalist, combining technical skill with a comprehensive understanding of biomechanics, neurologic pain pathways, and functional restoration. His treatment philosophy emphasizes measurable improvement, durability of results, and medical documentation that withstands the highest level of legal and clinical scrutiny.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Gesquiere has contributed meaningfully to medical scholarship and physician education. His peer-reviewed research in anesthesiology and physiologic monitoring has been widely cited in leading journals, and he has been featured in articles, books, and professional publications. He is actively involved in physician education and teaches through the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS), contributing to the advancement of interventional pain and neuromodulation standards nationwide.
Dr. Gesquiere holds multiple board and professional credentials spanning Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, and Interventional Pain Medicine, reflecting the breadth and depth of his training. He is an active member of leading national organizations, including:
Awards, Honors & Professional Recognition
Dr. Gesquiere’s career has been distinguished by numerous national and international recognitions, reflecting both clinical excellence and patient trust. These honors include:
In addition, Dr. Gesquiere has been recognized as a Colorado Top Doctor and Colorado Top Pain Management Physician and is the only provider to earn the Top Pain Management distinction for three consecutive years, a rare achievement that underscores sustained excellence, consistency, and peer recognition.
Dr. Ryan Carr, M.D.
Dr. Ryan Carr is a board-certified, dual fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in disorders of the shoulder, hip, and knee. His clinical expertise includes joint replacement, advanced arthroscopic reconstruction, and comprehensive fracture management.
Dr. Carr earned his medical degree from Chicago Medical School and completed his internship and orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He went on to complete two highly specialized fellowships, including advanced training in shoulder and elbow surgery as well as adult reconstruction and joint replacement. During his training, Dr. Carr had the opportunity to work alongside one of the nation’s most respected shoulder surgeons, further refining his surgical skill and clinical judgment.
Prior to practicing in Denver, Dr. Carr served as a team physician for both professional and high school athletic programs, providing high-level orthopedic care to competitive athletes. His commitment to advancing orthopedic knowledge was recognized in 2014 when he received the Vernon L. Nickel Research Award from the Orthopedic Research Association.
Dr. Carr is known for combining technical excellence with a patient-centered approach, focusing on restoring mobility, function, and quality of life. His reputation for complex orthopedic care has drawn patients from across the country, many of whom travel nationally to seek his surgical expertise.
Outside of the operating room, Dr. Carr enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and spending time with his wife, his daughter Stella, and their Great Dane.
Credentials & Training
Dr. Andrew Smolenski, M.D.
Dr. Andrew Smolenski is a board-certified physician specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Management. He earned his medical degree from Wayne State University, completed his residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and pursued advanced, anesthesia-based fellowship training in pain medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with subspecialty certification in Pain Management.
With extensive cross-training across multiple disciplines, Dr. Smolenski is uniquely skilled at identifying the underlying sources of pain rather than simply treating symptoms. His clinical approach focuses on precise diagnosis and the development of individualized, non-operative treatment plans designed to restore function and improve quality of life.
Dr. Smolenski utilizes a comprehensive spectrum of evidence-based pain management therapies, including physical therapy, medication management, and advanced interventional procedures such as epidural injections, nerve root blocks, and spinal cord stimulation. His goal is to provide effective, patient-centered care that emphasizes long-term relief and functional recovery.
Dr. Lauren McLaughlin-Abrams, D.O.
Dr. Lauren McLaughlin-Abrams is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist with advanced training in interventional pain management. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of British Columbia before completing her medical education at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado. She went on to complete an Internal Medicine internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, followed by both her Anesthesiology residency and Interventional Chronic Pain fellowship at the University of Colorado. Dr. McLaughlin-Abrams is board certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology.
Dr. McLaughlin-Abrams has a particular passion for cancer pain management and is deeply committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She believes effective treatment extends beyond pain control to also address fatigue, emotional distress, and overall quality of life. She works closely with patients’ support systems, including family members and oncology specialists, to ensure a comprehensive, coordinated approach. Her treatment philosophy emphasizes optimizing pain medication management while incorporating minimally invasive interventional procedures, physical therapy, and cognitive behavioral strategies to reduce treatment-related side effects.
In addition to cancer-related pain, Dr. McLaughlin-Abrams has a strong interest in integrating osteopathic principles into pain diagnosis and treatment. She treats a wide range of conditions, including pelvic pain, post-mastectomy and chest wall pain, sports-related injuries, chronic musculoskeletal injuries, neuropathy, and myofascial pain. Her approach combines precision medicine with holistic care to help patients achieve meaningful, long-term relief and improved function.
Dr. Iasson Yi, D.O.
Dr. Iasson Yi is a highly skilled anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist dedicated to helping patients restore mobility, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life. He takes a patient-centered approach to care, developing individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique condition and goals.
With a strong commitment to compassionate care and clinical excellence, Dr. Yi focuses on addressing the root causes of pain while supporting patients through every stage of their recovery. His approach emphasizes both effective pain relief and long-term functional improvement, empowering patients to return to daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Dr. Jill Castro, M.D., PM&R
Dr. Castro is a board-certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist who has been serving the Denver metro area since 2001. She is dedicated to helping individuals recover from illness or injury and regain function, mobility, and independence as they reintegrate into their communities. In addition to her expertise in rehabilitation, Dr. Castro is passionate about identifying the root causes of illness and empowering her patients through education and lifestyle-based strategies to support long-term health and wellness. Her approach emphasizes health ownership and personalized care.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Castro is married and a proud mother of four. She enjoys spending quality time with her family in the beautiful Colorado outdoors. Her other interests include live music, travel, cooking, and discovering hidden gems off the beaten path.
Ryan Mansholt, PA-C
Ryan Mansholt is certified physician assistant. Ryan brings a wealth of experience to Guardian Medical with greater than 18 years experience. His medical career began in Chicago Illinois where he practiced orthopedic surgery working with fellowship trained orthopedics surgeons for nine years. This included managing complex orthopedic surgery cases at a level 2 trauma center as well as extensive experience in spinal surgery. He then went on to work with prestigious sports medicine surgeon focusing on complex sports medicine surgery with high-level athletic and Worker’s Compensation patients.
Upon moving to Colorado, Ryan begin working within the field of interventional pain treating muscularskeletal injuries without surgery. He has developed and extensive skill set in regards to the management of acute and chronic injury using state-of-the-art treatment including regenerative medicine options.
Ryan’s commitment to patient care has shown throughout his career. He brings a patient centered focus spending extensive time on patient education and building relationships to truly understand the physical and emotional needs of each patient.
Shavonne Simonich, NP-C
Shavonne Simonich is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in fitness, nursing, and pain management. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Montana and spent over five years working as a personal trainer and fitness director, helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals.
Pursuing her passion for patient care, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Northern Colorado. For more than 13 years, Shavonne provided compassionate care on the Surgical Unit of a Level II Trauma Center, where she gained extensive experience in managing acute and post-operative patients.
She later earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati, becoming a certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is also a proud member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the Colorado Nurses Association (CNA).
Shavonne’s clinical expertise includes both acute and chronic pain management, with a special interest in interventional techniques. She takes a whole-person approach to care—addressing not just symptoms but overall wellness. By partnering closely with her patients, she helps them achieve their highest level of physical, mental, and emotional health. Her greatest passion is empowering patients to reclaim their lives and return to doing what they love.
Jenny Huynh, PA-C
Earned Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Red Rocks Community College. She is experienced in internal medicine, OBGYN, pediatrics general surgery, neurology, in-patient rehabilitation, oncology, & cardiology.
William Ballas, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant specializing in pain management, dedicated to helping patients find effective relief through comprehensive, patient-centered care.