Executive management
Andrew Shuen,
MD PhD
CEO
Andrew has a life long passion for longevity and stem cell research. A Toronto native, Andrew studied at the Toronto French School. He later did his undergraduate at the University of Toronto in Life Science. He is a US and Canadian board certified medical geneticist, obtaining his medical degree from the University of Ottawa (volet Francophone) and medical genetics specialty training at McGill. During his residency, Andrew developed a keen interest in cancer prevention and DNA repair working closely with Dr William Foulkes. He subsequently, pursued a PhD at the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto in the department of Molecular Genetics. He spent 6 years developing a functional diagnostic test in the lab of Christopher Pearson for constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome, a childhood disorder predisposing children to multiple cancers including leukemia, colon and brain cancer.
Andrew is the Founder/CEO of Genaissance a precision health clinic aimed at optimizing health and longevity.
In his spare time, Andrew can be found doing ice baths, meditating in red light saunas, and studying foreign languages. He speaks French, Mandarin and Cantonese and is currently studying Japanese. He also mentors young students at the Canadian Youth Champions (CYC) and teaches seniors to lead healthy lives, where he serves as a board of director for CYC.
Linda Zhang, MBA
CFO
Linda Zhang, M.B.A., CFO, works closely with Dr Shuen as the business visionary of Progenics. In her role as CFO, Linda oversees the long-term strategy, growth, and digital transformation of the company. She earned her Master's degree from Ivey Business School, Western University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from York University, Canada. With a decade of corporate experience and as an angel investor, Linda specializes in change management and transformation.Her professional and investment portfolio includes multinational and billion-dollar companies, as well as rapid-growth startups, contributing to the success of Canada's largest satellite firm and an AI startup, achieving a revenue increase of close to $60 million a year. Linda has worked in senior management, advisory, and management consultant roles in publicly traded companies, healthcare firms, and hospitals and universities involved in Research and Development. Passionate about health, mental well-being, and community impact since high school, Linda is dedicated to senior care, women, and youth empowerment. She founded the Canadian Youth Champions (CYC) and mentors young leaders every Saturday, contributing to the growth of a network of 100,000 youth, seniors, and families across the GTA. Linda is a recipient of The Queen’s Platinum Medal awarded by the Government of Canada.
Alla Pidgorna
Laboratory Manager
Alla is the Laboratory Manager at Progenics Cord Blood Cryobank, contributing to the development and implementation of the processes and operational protocols since the company’s establishment in 2005. With 19 years of experience at Progenics, Alla is certified by the Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO). She excels in problem-solving and effectively leads her team to ensure smooth operations within the lab. Alla has extensive skills in specimen processing, cryopreservation, and equipment maintenance, consistently meeting AABB, FACT, and Health Canada regulations. In 2013, she completed the Flow Cytometry certified program organized by Beckman Coulter in Miami, USA. In her free time, Alla enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping and swimming.
Tony Ho
Cryogenic preservation specialist
Tony started with Progenics in 2011 as a sales associate. His passion and dedication to the team lead him to pursue further studies in cryogenic storage with completion of the "MVE Cryobiological Certified Program" organized by BioMedical Group CHART Inc in Atlanta USA in 2014. After which he took on the role as Cryopreservation Storage Facility manager, where he has maintained a perfect track record for our storage facilities. He ensures that the facilites are monitored 24/7 and samples are maintained at cyrogenic temperatures in accordance with AABB, FACT and Health Canada standards.
His favorite hobbies include sodoku and badminton.
Flora Chan
Client care manager
Flora, a graduate of York University with a BA in Law & Society, joined Progenics in 2016. With over 15 years of customer service experience, including 12 years in a managerial or supervisory position, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role as the Client Care Manager. Flora efficiently oversees the dedicated Client Care team, ensuring that families entrusting their newborn's stem cells to Progenics receive the ultimate level of care.
In her spare time, Flora enjoys exploring the outdoors, working on DIY projects, or binge-watching TV series.
Laboratory personnel
Darlene Dingcong
Processing technologist
Darlene Dingcong has been working as a laboratory technologist at Progenics for 16 years. She is grateful and happy in her role and passionate about her work. She knows how to get the job done and is one of the fastest processing technicians on the planet. She treats others the way she wants to be treated. Her hobbies and interest include traveling listening to music, watching movies and being with nature.
Rowena Buccat
Processing technologist
Rowena is one of the Laboratory Technicians at Progenics Cord Blood Cryobank. Rowena earned her Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering from Adamson University, Philippines along with her Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technician from Anderson College of Health, Business and Technology. In addition, she is also certified by the Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO). With twelve years of experience at Progenics, she transcends in preservation of cord blood and cord tissue handling. She also carries vast knowledge in laboratory safety procedures and ensures to execute her skills and expertise when training new employees. Rowena enjoys experimenting with different kinds of cuisines, travelling with her family, and watching concerts.
John Francisco
Processing technologist
John Mark is a laboratory processing technologist at Progenics this year, 2024. He is from the Philippines, and he speaks Filipino and English. He studied Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology at General Santos Doctor's Medical School, Philippines, and he holds a Biotechnology diploma from Centennial College, Canada. John Mark immerses himself in the world of stem cells, cord blood, and cord tissue research. His hobbies also include music, playing instruments, badminton, table tennis, basketball, video games, eating, and exercising.
Pamela Cajuday
Processing technologist
Pamela was born and raised in the Philippines. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has earned a long year of experience in Pediatric and Oncology Nursing in Philippines and in Singapore. She joined Progenics in 2019 and holds a diploma in MLA/T from Anderson College and certified by the Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO). She is very passionate about stem cell and regenerative medicine. Pamela finds joy in listening to BTS music, loves needle work art and collecting vintage items. She always considers nature as the great healer."
Hao Wang
Quality assurance and R&D manager
Hao Wang, originally from Shanghai, China, and later raised in Richmond Hill, ON, boasts a diverse educational background, having earned an Hon. B.Sc in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Waterloo, supplemented by a Clinical Research Certificate from York University. With a keen interest in cutting-edge scientific advancements, Wang focuses on areas such as stem cell therapy, mRNA-based gene therapy, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene repair. Beyond the lab, Wang finds joy in various hobbies, including cooking and baking, indulging in podcasts, shooting hoops on the basketball court, and strumming the bass guitar.
Client care team
Jennifer Zhang
Client care associate
Jennifer started with Progenics in 2018. She speaks English and Mandarin. Jennifer holds a Master of Education in Leadership and Administration from Brock University, Canada. She is a dedicated Client Care Associate with a passion for providing exceptional service and support to clients. With a solid foundation in management principles and a commitment to building strong relationships, Jennifer thrives in dynamic environments where she makes a positive impact on client satisfaction.
Shima Shadkhoo
Client care associate
Shima, a Persian biomaterial engineer with a Master's degree, brings 14 years of expertise in biomedical and biomaterials, predominantly in customer service. Fluent in Farsi and English, she specializes in assisting Persian clients while catering to diverse nationalities. Balancing her professional pursuits, Shima finds fulfillment in motherhood, cherishing family time with her son, and nurturing her love for travel.
Jessica Zhang
Client care associate
As a valued Client Care Associate at Progenics since 2022, Jessica adeptly handles client interactions with finesse and proficiency. Growing up in China and Canada, Jessica is fluent in both Mandarin and English, enabling seamless communication across diverse demographics. Holding a Master of Education in Leadership and Administration from Brock University, Jessica possesses a strong foundation in management principles and administrative acumen. Leveraging her exceptional client care skills, Jessica navigates complexities with poise and efficiency, embodying Progenics' commitment to unparalleled service delivery.
Yan Wang
Client care associate
Yan has worked at Progenics since 2020 as a client care associate. She has accounting diplomas at Seneca College and Suzhou university in China. Her outside interests include reading, traveling and planting succulents.
Mahbi
Client care associate
Consultants
Dr Paul Shuen, MD
Clinical Consultant
Dr Paul Shuen is a retired obstetrician/gynecological oncologist who spent 30 years working at North York General Hospital. He was the founder of Progenics Cord Blood Cryobank serving as the Medical Director from 2004 to 2016 along side Dr Hongyou Yang as Progenics' Lab Director. Dr Paul Shuen currently assists Andrew as the clinical consultant. He enjoys traveling and classical music.