Our care team in Saint-Hyacinthe
A team that listens
A team of nine people, including two primary care nurse practitioners (PHCNPs), one mental health nurse practitioner (MHNP), clinical nurses, a registered nurse (technical training), a licensed practical nurse, a social worker and a manager.
Click on a photo to learn about each team member.
Marie-Claude Tessier
NP | Founder
With more than 20 years of nursing experience, Marie-Claude Tessier has a particularly rich clinical background, shaped by primary care practice, critical care, teaching, advanced practice and the development of new models of care.
After initially starting training in an entirely different field, she chose to change course and pursue nursing at the Cégep de Drummondville. This decision marked the beginning of a career that would lead her to practise in a wide variety of settings and with patients whose needs are sometimes complex.
Over the years, Marie-Claude developed experience in areas including emergency, intensive care, intermediate care, trauma, geriatrics, mental health and general care.
She has worked at Hôpital Anna-Laberge, Correctional Service Canada and various institutions in the health network, among other places.
Her career also took her to Quebec’s Far North, where she practised in a remote region. This experience helped develop her professional autonomy, her clinical judgment and her ability to intervene in settings where medical resources are sometimes more limited.
From nursing experience to advanced practice
Eager to deepen her knowledge and broaden her scope of practice, Marie-Claude pursued university studies.
She completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the Université de Montréal, followed by a master’s degree in clinical sciences and a graduate diploma (DESS) in advanced nursing practice at the Université de Sherbrooke.
This path allowed her to obtain the title of primary care nurse practitioner (PHCNP).
Her master’s essay focused on pervasive developmental disorders, a subject that reflects her interest in situations requiring a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the person.
As a PHCNP, she then continued her practice in several primary care settings, including the CLSC des Patriotes, the GMF Centre de santé Drummond and the Clinique CMIE, as well as in telemedicine and private practice.
A comprehensive clinical approach
Today, Marie-Claude has a particular interest in women’s health, female hormone therapy, primary care and complex clinical situations.
Her approach is based on a holistic view of health: understanding symptoms, but also their context, their progression, medical history, medication, lifestyle habits, treatments already tried and the various factors that can influence health status.
This way of practising is especially important when symptoms are multiple, persistent or difficult to explain by a single cause.
In hormonal health in particular, she favours an individualized assessment in order to put symptoms in context before determining the relevant investigations or treatment options.
Teaching, training and sharing knowledge
Sharing knowledge also holds an important place in her career.
Marie-Claude was a teaching assistant tutor in the bachelor of nursing program at the Université de Sherbrooke and a guest lecturer at Laurentian University, particularly in the field of family care.
She also held positions as nursing advisor at the CISSS de la Montérégie-Est and as regional hypertension trainer, contributing to the training of nurses on the recommendations and interventions surrounding the management of hypertension.
This teaching experience still influences the way she supports her patients today: explaining, making information easy to understand and enabling a better understanding of health issues and possible options.
Innovation and telemedicine
Marie-Claude has also taken an interest in developing new ways of providing care.
Among other roles, she worked as a PHCNP medical development consultant for Olive, a virtual clinic, where she contributed to developing models of care adapted to telemedicine.
This experience allowed her to combine clinical practice, care organization and reflection on the accessibility of primary care services.
From clinical practice to entrepreneurship
After several years in the public network, the private sector and telemedicine, Marie-Claude wanted to develop a care environment more in line with her vision of primary care.
In 2023, she founded Clinique IPS de Quartier in Drummondville.
This vision continues today with the Clinique IPS du Palais in Saint-Hyacinthe, where she contributes to building a multidisciplinary team and expanding the range of care offered.
After more than two decades devoted to nursing, her career now brings together several dimensions: clinician, nurse practitioner, teacher, trainer, consultant and entrepreneur.
One philosophy remains at the heart of her practice:
take the time to understand before treating, explain clearly and offer care tailored to each person.
Clinical interests
Women's health · Hormone therapy · Primary care · Complex clinical situations
Virginie Jacques
NP
A nurse since 2002 and a primary care nurse practitioner (PHCNP) since 2021, she has more than 20 years of clinical experience in the health network. Her career has led her to work in a variety of areas, including perinatal care, pediatrics, gynecological surgery and the delivery room. She also spent nearly ten years as an assistant head nurse, developing solid expertise in clinical leadership and in managing complex situations.
After earning a post-registration bachelor's degree in nursing, she completed a master's degree leading to the PHCNP role while continuing her clinical practice. She worked in a family medicine group (GMF) and in the public network before turning to the private sector, where she can offer a more personalized approach centred on her patients' needs.
Her main interests include musculoskeletal health, chronic pain, injections, women's health, hormone therapy, pediatrics and pregnancy follow-up. Committed to providing care based on best practices, she is actively pursuing further training, particularly in ultrasound-guided injections, and is also interested in regenerative therapies such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma), with a rigorous approach based on scientific evidence.
Known for her attentive listening, her human approach and her professional rigour, she places great importance on building a relationship of trust with her patients. Driven by a constant desire to learn and to surpass herself, she is committed to providing care that is accessible, competent and adapted to the reality of each person she supports.
Outside the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family, staying active and recharging through music. A country dance enthusiast, she also admits to having a soft spot for Taylor Swift songs — a combination that reflects her energetic, authentic personality and her gift for bringing people together.
Carole Gauthier
MHNP
A nurse for more than 25 years, Carole has devoted her entire career to psychiatry and mental health. Her experience in various practice settings has allowed her to develop in-depth expertise with clients who have varied and sometimes complex needs.
Over the course of her career, she notably took part in creating a shared care program to support family doctors in caring for people living with mental health issues. She also helped implement a program for people experiencing a first psychotic episode.
Carole has also worked with vulnerable populations in Nunavik. This experience led her to take part in setting up several initiatives aimed at improving the accessibility, continuity and quality of psychiatric care in a remote region.
Committed to maintaining a rigorous and up-to-date practice, she has been pursuing professional development for many years to broaden her knowledge and provide care adapted to each person's needs.
Her academic background also reflects this specialization. In addition to her bachelor's degree in nursing, Carole holds a certificate in psychology, a specialized graduate diploma (DESS) in mental health and a master's degree in nursing with a profile in mental health and psychiatric care.
She is also part of the very first cohort of nurses in Canada to obtain a master's degree leading to the title of mental health nurse practitioner (MHNP).
Her approach is based on a comprehensive assessment of the person, attentive listening and an in-depth understanding of the issues that can affect mental health and daily life.
Malory Gamelin
Clinical nurse
A nursing graduate from Drummondville, Malory continued her training with a bachelor's degree at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. She then gained solid experience at the CIUSSS de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec, notably at Hôpital Sainte-Croix.
Competent, caring and blessed with an excellent sense of humour, Malory welcomes every patient with kindness while bringing sparkling energy to the team.
Marjolaine Gaulin
Registered nurse (technical training) and coordinator
A registered nurse (technical training) since 2008, Marjolaine completed her training at the Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe before building solid experience at Hôpital Honoré-Mercier. For 15 years, she worked there mainly in the emergency department, as well as in medicine, with patients who had varied needs.
These many years in the field allowed her to develop great clinical expertise and confirmed a deep conviction: caring for a person goes well beyond medical care. It also means taking the time to listen, understand and reassure.
The true conductor of the clinic, Marjolaine is now at the heart of the action. From welcoming patients to coordinating the team, she makes sure everyone finds their place and that the days run harmoniously. Her energy, versatility and sense of organization make all the difference every day.
Attentive, empathetic and always smiling, she helps create a human, welcoming and reassuring atmosphere for patients and colleagues alike. She supports each person with respect, gentleness and professionalism to offer them a positive care experience.
Virginie Sénécal
Clinical nurse
Virginie's career path is as rich as it is unusual. She first undertook a double DEC (college diploma) in social sciences, individual profile, and in music at the Cégep de Drummondville. Passionate about cooking and pastry, she then studied institutional cooking and worked for ten years in the hospitality industry.
As she approached thirty, Virginie chose to give new meaning to her career and completed a DEC in nursing at the Cégep de Drummondville. She then worked for twelve years in perinatal care at Hôpital Sainte-Croix, where she developed in-depth expertise in obstetrics. She also gained experience at the CLSC in vaccinating children aged 0 to 5, in the infant clinic and in postnatal home follow-up.
Deeply committed to sharing knowledge, Virginie actively takes part in training nursing candidates (CEPI) and new nurses at the Centre famille-enfant de Drummondville. She also contributes to continuing education in obstetrics, to chart reviews for audit purposes and to the creation of a training program for the caesarean recovery room, in collaboration with an operating room nurse.
She then continued her career for three and a half years at a medical clinic in Drummondville, where she provided pregnancy and pediatric follow-ups while working with physicians caring for patients of all ages with various health issues.
Optimistic, motivated and curious, Virginie is always looking for new learning and intellectual stimulation. Passionate about everything she does — and a true food lover — she brings warm and contagious energy to the clinic. And if her voice sometimes rises a notch, it's simply because her enthusiasm has taken over!
Élise Jubinville
Social worker
Élise has always been driven by the desire to support people and better understand their reality. For her, social intervention is above all about human connection, listening, trust and respecting each person's pace.
After graduating in social work from Université Laval in 2005, she began her career in the community sector before continuing her practice at a CLSC, in the Famille-Enfance-Jeunesse (family, childhood and youth) program. There she developed solid experience with children, adolescents and their families, particularly in individual and family intervention and in crisis management.
In 2015, she completed a specialized graduate diploma in health administration, deepening her understanding of the network and of issues related to health services.
Since 2017, Élise has been in private practice, supporting a diverse clientele through individual, family and couples interventions. Over the course of her practice, she has also developed expertise in neurodiversity, with children, adults and their loved ones, as well as in psychosocial assessment of incapacity.
Empathetic, attentive and dynamic, Élise places great importance on quickly building a bond of trust. She aims to offer a safe, judgment-free space where everyone can take the time to understand what they are going through, put words to their difficulties and move forward at their own pace.
Beyond her professional practice, Élise is the mother of two daughters. She enjoys the outdoors, Pilates, cooking, music and family time. Human relationships and family dynamics therefore hold a very special place in her life, both personal and professional.
Antoine Durocher
Licensed practical nurse (LPN) | Assistant coordinator
After working as a patient care attendant for two years, Antoine chose to further his training in order to broaden his skills and provide more comprehensive care. He earned his diploma in Santé, assistance et soins infirmiers (Health, Assistance and Nursing) in 2016.
Since then, he has worked as a licensed practical nurse, mainly in hospital settings, notably at Hôpital Sainte-Croix, in general medicine and in palliative care. These experiences have allowed him to develop an approach that is rigorous, human and respectful of each person's needs.
With us since the very beginning of the Clinique IPS de Quartier, Antoine has actively contributed to its growth. Today, he serves as assistant coordinator and acts as a true bridge between our clinics in Drummondville and Saint-Hyacinthe.
He handles, among other things, the phone, reception and the coordination of daily operations. His presence directly contributes to a smooth patient journey, to communication between the two teams and to the efficiency of our services.
Versatile and organized, Antoine plays a central role in the smooth running of our clinics, both organizationally and in the experience offered to patients.
Recognized for his commitment and professionalism, he gives his all to provide quality care adapted to each situation.
Anthony Nain
Co-owner and operations manager
After supporting Marie-Claude in developing the Clinique IPS de Quartier, Anthony took an active part in creating the Clinique IPS du Palais in Saint-Hyacinthe. He helped structure the project and turn a shared vision into a functional, welcoming clinic adapted to patients' needs.
His work takes place mainly in the submerged part of the iceberg: the part that few people notice, but that allows the whole clinic to run smoothly. Setting up patient pathways, organizing operations, developing tools, administrative coordination and continuous process improvement are part of his daily routine.
Very present with the team, Anthony strives to simplify the way things are done, solve problems encountered in the field and create a structured environment in which each professional can focus on what matters most: caring for patients.
Pragmatic, committed and always looking for solutions, he actively contributes to the development of the Clinique IPS du Palais and ensures that, behind every consultation, the patient experience remains human, simple and smooth.
Clara
Virtual assistant
Clara, the little voice that looks out for you!
Once upon a time, in the heart of Saint-Hyacinthe, there was a clinic not quite like the others: Clinique IPS du Palais.
In this clinic, a little virtual assistant had a big mission: to make the world of health care a little simpler, more accessible and, above all, less stressful. Her name? Clara!
Curious, bubbly and always ready to help, Clara knows every nook and cranny of the clinic's website.
A question about a service? Clara guides you.
Looking for how to book an appointment? Clara shows you the way.
Not sure which page to read? Clara pulls out her virtual magnifying glass!
And when a question goes beyond what she knows, she doesn't play doctor. She would rather point you to the clinic's real professionals.
Her little secret? Clara never drinks coffee, never takes a vacation and never loses her smile. Well… sometimes she doesn't understand a question, but she always does her best!
She has neither a stethoscope nor a nursing degree, but she has something precious: the wish to make your life easier.
So, the next time you visit our website, don't hesitate to say hello. Clara, your little virtual guide, always there to point you in the right direction!
“I can't fix your little boo-boos, but I can help you find the right people to do it!”
Marie-Claude Tessier
With more than 20 years of nursing experience, Marie-Claude Tessier has a particularly rich clinical background, shaped by primary care practice, critical care, teaching, advanced practice and the development of new models of care.
After initially starting training in an entirely different field, she chose to change course and pursue nursing at the Cégep de Drummondville. This decision marked the beginning of a career that would lead her to practise in a wide variety of settings and with patients whose needs are sometimes complex.
Over the years, Marie-Claude developed experience in areas including emergency, intensive care, intermediate care, trauma, geriatrics, mental health and general care.
The professionals
Who cares for you?
What is a PHCNP?
A PHCNP is a primary care nurse practitioner. She has advanced university training, including a master's degree in nursing and a specialized graduate diploma.
Among other things, she can:
- Assess your health and diagnose diseases;
- Prescribe tests, medications and treatments;
- Follow up on common, acute or chronic health problems;
- Perform certain procedures, such as sutures or injections;
- Refer you to another professional or a medical specialist when necessary.
The PHCNP cares for children, adults and older adults, combining advanced clinical expertise with a human, preventive nursing approach centred on your needs.
At the Clinique IPS du Palais, several PHCNPs work in collaboration with our clinical nurses to offer you complete and personalized care.
What is a clinical nurse?
A clinical nurse is a nurse with university training in nursing. She plays an essential role in the assessment, prevention, education and follow-up of your health.
Among other things, she can:
- Assess your physical and mental condition;
- Perform various screenings, sample collections, examinations and care according to applicable protocols or prescriptions;
- Follow up on certain health problems;
- Administer and adjust certain treatments according to a prescription;
- Advise and support you in preventing illness and adopting healthy lifestyle habits;
- Collaborate with the PHCNP and other professionals when your situation requires further assessment or treatment.
At the Clinique IPS du Palais, the clinical nurse works closely with our PHCNPs. Depending on the reason for your visit, she may welcome you, carry out an initial assessment, provide the required care and ensure the continuity of your follow-up.
This collaboration allows us to offer you smooth, human and personalized care, while directing you to the right professional at the right time.
What is an MHNP?
An MHNP is a mental health nurse practitioner. She has advanced university training in nursing and medical sciences, as well as specialized expertise in the assessment and management of mental health problems and mental disorders.
Among other things, she can:
- Assess your physical and mental health;
- Assess and diagnose certain mental disorders;
- Prescribe the tests needed for her assessment;
- Prescribe, adjust and monitor certain medications;
- Determine and prescribe treatments adapted to your situation;
- Follow up on mental health problems, whether new, persistent or complex;
- Assess how your condition is evolving and your response to treatment;
- Refer you to another professional or a medical specialist when your situation requires it.
The MHNP may, among other things, work with people who have symptoms or disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, addiction issues or other mental health concerns.
Her role is not limited to medication. Her assessment considers the person as a whole: their physical and mental health, environment, lifestyle habits, daily functioning and the factors that can influence their well-being.
At the Clinique IPS du Palais, the MHNP works in collaboration with the PHCNPs, the clinical nurses, the social worker and other professionals to offer coordinated, human care adapted to each person's needs.
What is a social worker?
A social worker is a health and social services professional who supports people when a personal, family, relationship or work situation affects their well-being and day-to-day functioning.
Her role is to help you better understand your situation, identify your strengths and resources and find solutions adapted to your reality.
Among other things, she can:
- Assess your psychosocial situation and your needs;
- Support you during periods of stress, anxiety, exhaustion or major change;
- Support people experiencing family, marital or relationship difficulties;
- Help you develop strategies to better cope with everyday challenges;
- Support you in certain situations related to work, family or parenting;
- Support people living with neurodiversity or supporting a neurodivergent loved one;
- Refer you to appropriate resources and professionals when necessary.
The social worker takes a holistic approach that considers your environment, your relationships, your lifestyle habits and the various factors that can influence your well-being.
At the Clinique IPS du Palais, our social worker works in collaboration with the NPs, the clinical nurses and the clinic's other professionals to offer coordinated support adapted to your needs.
Her systemic, solution-focused approach aims to identify concrete and realistic avenues with you to foster your autonomy and improve your quality of life.
Join our team
Are you a professional in health care, the psychosocial sector or administrative support? Send us your unsolicited application, even if no position is posted.