Meet the Team
Chairman
& Founder
Ron Schlenske
Ron Schlenske is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of diverse business experience in both private and public sectors, specializing in the oil and gas industry, agri-business, and Native American Indian economic development. As the Chairman of Spirit Keepers Treatment, Ron brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic leadership to the table.
Ron started his career in Native American Indian economic development, showcasing his commitment to empowering indigenous communities. His strategic approach and entrepreneurial spirit have been evident in his role as the Founder, Owner, and President of Rising Wolf Energy, Inc., a Native Indian energy and consulting company.
As an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Indian Tribe of Montana, Ron has a deep understanding of tribal natural resources. He has been instrumental in the development of tribal resources, specifically within oil and gas, mining, water-hydro, agribusiness, timber projects, solid waste, and Indian gaming and manufacturing sectors.
Rising Wolf Energy, under Ron's leadership, was one of the first Native Indian companies to specialize in oil and gas development of tribal natural resources. His expertise extends to the strategic building, funding, managing, operating, acquiring, and selling of multiple private sector companies.
Ron has also served as an independent business consultant and strategic facilitator, providing valuable insights and advice to various business developments. His broad skill set and experience are testament to his adaptability and proficiency in various business environments.
In his capacity as Chairman of Spirit Keepers Treatment, Ron's primary role is to provide vision, mission, and direction for the organization. He is responsible for formulating and implementing a strategic plan to ensure the development and ongoing success of Spirit Keepers Treatment. His comprehensive knowledge of management and administration makes him an invaluable asset to the Spirit Keepers team.
President
& Director of Sales & Marketing
Parry Plisek
Parry Plisek, an experienced leader in sales and marketing, currently serves as the President of Spirit Keepers Treatment. Prior to this role, he successfully launched and managed several businesses, demonstrating his strong entrepreneurial acumen and strategic vision.
From 2014 to 2022, Parry was the owner of Dynamite Goods in LaBarge, Wyoming. He demonstrated his abilities in various aspects of running a business, from strategic planning to sales team training, budget management, and online marketing.
Before Dynamite Goods, Parry co-owned and operated Voxcom Inc./National Dusters from 2006 to 2014. In this role, he was instrumental in spearheading B2B sales, target marketing, and website development. His leadership skills were on full display as he successfully led contract negotiations and delivered high-impact sales presentations.
Parry also co-owned Go Wireless / Frame One Productions in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing from 1997 to 2006. He was responsible for operating three retail store locations and conducting interviews for new sales staff. He managed sales team training for both outside and retail sales staff, territory growth and development, and inventory management.
Throughout his career, Parry has excelled in creating and implementing solution selling strategies and motivational meetings. His dedication to the task at hand, combined with his managerial and entrepreneurial skills, has ensured his success in every venture. Parry's leadership and strategic thinking continue to guide his work at Spirit Keepers Treatment, where he is committed to providing top-quality services.
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Renowned Plastic Surgeon
& Philanthropist
Dr. John F. Burnett
Renowned Plastic Surgeon and Philanthropist
Dr. John F. Burnett, a native of Bakersfield, CA, has been a fixture in the Fresno medical community for over 25 years. As a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon, he has cultivated an unwavering reputation for both his exceptional surgical skills and his compassionate patient care.
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Believing that looking good and feeling good are intimately intertwined, Dr. Burnett is dedicated to helping his patients achieve their full beauty potential. He listens attentively to their concerns and collaboratively explores a spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical options, ensuring each patient's unique needs are met.
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Dr. Burnett's commitment to giving back to his community is evident through his founding of the Mighty Moms Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides invaluable resources and financial assistance to women grappling with the financial burdens of cancer treatment.
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Beyond his medical pursuits, Dr. Burnett is a devoted car enthusiast and sports aficionado. He finds immense joy in activities such as skiing, the restoration of vintage vehicles, and the thrill of competing in time trials with his sand dragster. Golf is yet another passion, and Dr. Burnett takes pride in his impressive handicap of ten, which he often shares proudly with his patients.
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**Education and Certification**
Dr. Burnett's journey in the medical field began with a degree in business from San Jose State University. His pre-medical studies took him to the University of California, Davis, where he honed his academic prowess. During the initial two years of his medical school, Dr. Burnett immersed himself in Mexico, mastering the language and becoming fluent in Spanish. He concluded his medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia in 1980.
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**Specialties and Expertise**
Dr. Burnett's unwavering interest in surgery led him to pursue a residency in general surgery in Fresno, CA. Following this, he embarked on a two-year intensive training program at Southern Illinois University under the mentorship of Dr. Elvin Zook, specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Burnett returned to Fresno in 1988, where he has since been practicing as a board-certified general and plastic surgeon. His comprehensive practice encompasses reconstructive, cosmetic, and hand surgery, offering patients a broad spectrum of surgical solutions. Furthermore, he provides an extensive range of nonsurgical treatments, including injectables and laser procedures, ensuring that his patients receive the most comprehensive and advanced care possible.
Chief Technical Officer (CTO)
Paul LaCorte
Paul LaCorte is a seasoned professional with a multifaceted background in marketing, communication, real estate, and technology. He currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Spirit Keepers Treatment, bringing his extensive experience and dynamic leadership to the forefront of the organization's technical strategy.
Before assuming his role at Spirit Keepers Treatment, Paul held several prestigious positions. He is currently the Vice President of Marketing at The Last Bles’t Place and Rising Wolf Energy, demonstrating his ability to manage multiple high-profile roles simultaneously.
Between 2018 and 2023, Paul also distinguished himself in the real estate sector as a licensed realtor with Intero Real Estate Services. His responsibilities included client representation, property site visits, contract negotiation, and marketing strategy. His acumen in website design and content management further illustrates his versatile skill set.
Paul has demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of Life Happens Company and as the CEO of The Honkydonky & Heartbreaker Band. In these roles, he oversaw all aspects of operations, product development, marketing, communications, and logistics.
From 2014 to 2017, Paul managed KT Machine Werks as Shop Manager. His responsibilities ranged from client consultations and web design to CAD design and machine operations. His strategic re-branding and re-sizing of the company is a testament to his innovative leadership and business acumen.
Paul holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Mass Communications and Public Relations from California State University, San Bernardino. His achievements during his time at university are notable, including receiving the "Rookie of the Year" award from Delta Sigma Phi and the prestigious "Order of the Sphinx" award for outstanding contributions to his campus, chapter, and fraternity.
Paul is affiliated with several associations including Delta Sigma Phi, the Public Relations Student Society of America, and the California Deer Association. His diverse background, education, and professional experience make him uniquely qualified to lead as the CTO of Spirit Keepers Treatment.
Chief Communications Officer (CCO)
& Public Affairs
Dr. VAHAN SETYAN
Vahan Setyan serves as the Universal Ambassador, Authorized Representative Delegate, and is a Friend and Ally of the Original Oceti Sakowin Treaty Government – Dachotah Government Branch of the Sioux Nation of Indians. His role extends to domestic and foreign affairs, international peace missions, and relationships.
In addition to his work with the Sioux Nation, he has also served as the Authorized Agent in the Navajo Nation Farm Board - San Juan River, focusing on economic development. His responsibilities have also included serving as the Authorized Agent within the Navajo Nation Council on gaming and hospitality development.
In 2017, Vahan made history by bringing, for the first time, a formal chronic disease management, hospice, and related services program to the Navajo Nation. This effort was accomplished through cooperation with the Navajo Department of Health, Health, Education and Human Services Committee (HEHSC) and Navajo Office of the President and Vice President (OPVP) under a Memorandum of Agreement.
Throughout more than 13 years, he has been involved in healthcare and economic development in California, Arizona, Nevada, South Dakota, Nebraska, and New Mexico. This work has seen him collaborating with local, tribal, and foreign governments. He has held executive and management positions including Chief Executive Officer, Director of Operations, Chief Operating Officer, Human Resources Director, and Director of Business Development.
He has shared his healthcare ideas, challenges, and solutions with various officials and entities. These include Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Veterans Affairs, U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Advisory Council on Indian Health Care, Indian Health Service, Intertribal Council of Arizona, Executive, Legislative and Healthcare branches of the Navajo Nation Government, and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service.
In 2006, he received a permanent honorary membership to Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. In November of 2014, he received the Elite American Executive award by National Council of American Executives. In April 2019 and 2020, he was selected for the Top 100 Healthcare Leaders award by the International Forum of Advancements on Healthcare. In June 2019, out of 90 nominees, he was one of the top 5 finalists in the 2019 Outstanding Alumni Award. In 2021, he was inducted in Marquis’ Who’s Who of Top Executives for his dedication, achievements, and leadership in native and veterans’ health care. In September 2022 he received an Award at the 3rd Annual the International Business Forum of Las Vegas.
He has been a guest at national and international radio shows on numerous occasions, discussing topics such as healthcare and chronic disease management, economic development models, and their utilizations for the Native American healthcare systems.
Vahan is also an avid public speaker and best-selling author, with television appearances, radio shows, and published academic and research-oriented work on varied topics including hemp, Native American affairs, ancient languages, world history, and psychology. He completed his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Economics at California State University, Los Angeles. He furthered his studies in graduate and doctoral training in Industrial/Organization Development and Psychology, and served as a faculty member at the University of Riverside Department of Management. He is a participating member of Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and a member of InfraGard.