Savannah Steele Welch
Savannah Steele Welch joined Acadian Ambulance in 2019. After earning a degree in Kinesiology from Louisiana Tech in 2016, Savannah embarked on an EMT course. She currently works as a Critical Care Transport Paramedic on the night shift in Ouachita Parish. In early 2024, she earned the role of Paramedic Field Supervisor.
Beyond her core duties, Savannah is esteemed as a mentor and field training officer. She garners respect from her colleagues, patients, and the local community.
In late 2022, she and her EMT partner earned Meritorious Service Awards for going above and beyond in rescuing a patient from a submerged vehicle, proving that EMS is both rescue and healthcare service.
In pursuit of professional growth, Savannah aims to acquire her Registered Nurse license, aspiring for dual licensure. A valued team member, Savannah is admired by many in her region. Her exceptional performance in handling challenging calls during her first year post-paramedic school earned her the moniker “black cloud”.
Outside of work, she takes pride in her role as a wife and mother to thirteen pets, including six chickens. During her leisure time, she enjoys horseback riding, attending concerts, and cherishing moments with her husband, friends, and family.
Samantha Blackwell
Samantha joined Acadian Ambulance in 2021 and has been a hardworking team member since. She currently works in Bexar County out of our Schertz station. She is always ready to help out with any task, whether it is cleaning the offices, checking the units, or assisting someone in need. She is skilled and knowledgeable, and someone her team trusts and respects. In early 2024, she graduated from Acadian’s National EMS Academy Paramedic program and is now working as a Paramedic.
Samantha faced many hardships and traumatic experiences throughout her childhood. She found stability and guidance in her grandmother, who served as a pastor and chaplain for the San Antonio Fire Department. It was through her grandmother’s influence that Samantha developed a strong interest in EMS.
She survived a severe car accident when she was 17 years old, where she suffered an aortic dissection, a fractured wrist, and broken ankles.
Through it all, she has remained a positive person and it shows in the work she does. Samantha brightens the halls with her laughter and smile, and she collaborates well with her peers and leadership. In early 2024, she was the recipient of the President’s Performance Award.
Samantha is a mother of six, so she knows how to handle any challenge with efficiency and grace. Samantha said, “Acadian has helped me become a great person and medic. When I come to work, I forget about everything else and just focus on the job at hand. I love helping others, my partner, and new students, as well as meeting new people.”
Cierra Nixon
Cierra joined Acadian Ambulance in February 2016 as an EMT. She attained her Paramedic certification in 2018 through the National EMS Academy, a sister company of Acadian Ambulance.
Cierra is a native of Bridge City, Texas, and currently serves the Orange County, Texas region. She is very reliable, professional in appearance and demeanor, and is just an all-around good representative of Acadian Ambulance.
Cierra’s passion for EMS and patient care is easy to spot. She is on a constant quest to broaden her knowledge. Most recently, she earned her CCT certification to better serve her patients and give them the best care possible.
Cierra strives every day to figure out what she can do better to be better for her patients and for herself. Her patient advocacy and hard work inspire others. No matter how difficult a situation can be sometimes, she always does what is right. Cierra also assists her coworkers in any way she can. Some of her coworkers even describe her as a walking protocol book.
Cierra’s genuine and optimistic demeanor was noted by many of the selection committee members. She engaged each of the panel members and displayed confidence and knowledge.
Cierra says, “It’s important to put yourself out there and treat everyone you meet like family. It is not just the treatments we perform that make them feel better, it’s the whole encounter.”
Logan Butts
Logan Butts works out of Jefferson County, Texas, including the city of Beaumont. He joined Acadian Ambulance in February 2021. He began as a runner in the fleet department while he attended the National EMS Academy, a sister company of Acadian Ambulance, to attain his EMT certification.
Logan has received numerous compliments from patients he has treated, as well as their family members. He is meticulous in his unit’s appearance and ensures it is inventoried and stocked. He is described as fun to work with and is a resource to other employees, particularly new hires when they have questions about Acadian’s policies or procedures. He pushes the people he works with to improve their AMPS scores and to always do what is right.
Logan is an excellent representative of what we want all EMTs to be. He is also an adjunct EMT instructor at the National EMS Academy’s Beaumont campus.
Acadian Ambulance Director of Operations Porter Taylor said of Logan, “During his interview, he presented a can-do attitude and had an infectious smile. I was impressed with his commitment to being meticulous with his truck on a daily basis. He prides himself on having the cleanest truck in his area.”
Logan is a true patient advocate with a strong work ethic. He takes pride in his work and the organization he works for.
Maddi Clesi
Madelyn Clesi has been an EMT with Acadian Ambulance for more than two years. She is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and currently works in Baton Rouge. She serves as a Field Training Officer and is also in school to earn her Paramedic certification.
Madelyn was nominated as a Star of Life and Acadian’s EMT of the Year because of her willingness to help students, new hires, and coworkers. She genuinely wants to help make people the best they can be. “Her humanity is what drives her,” said her Operations Manager, Justin Cox.
Madelyn is also a member of the Louisiana National Guard, to which she credits her focus and solid work ethic.
Another Operations Manager, Hallie Stewart, noted, “Madelyn is well spoken, relatable, and funny. She exhibits emotional intelligence and strategy when addressing uneasy subjects.”
Victoria Dantin
Victoria Danton is a native of Watson, Louisiana, and has been with Acadian Ambulance for six years, beginning as an EMT. She now serves as a Paramedic in Donaldsonville in Ascension Parish, and additionally as a Field Training Officer, Associate National EMS Academy Instructor, and Explorer Post Advisor. She has a love for small communities, and has worked in Donaldsonville for more than five years.
Victoria is known among her colleagues and company management for her professionalism, compassion, clinical knowledge, and mentorship. She is a consistently high performer in employee and clinical metrics, and she leads others by example. She is passionate about what she does and has a desire to help the company improve at the little things to keep it at its best.
Victoria’s husband, Joey, is also an Acadian Paramedic. Victoria is currently a student at Nicholls State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health science, with the goal of becoming a physician assistant.