Meet the Extivita RTP Team

Dr. James “Jay” Stevens earned a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Doctor of Medicine from East Carolina University School of Medicine. He completed a Family Practice Residency at the Fairfax Family Practice Program at the Medical College of Virginia and the first Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1991. He is Board Certified in both Family Practice and Anti-aging Medicine. He also as a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine. In 2003 he founded Carolina Family Practice & Sports Medicine with locations in Cary, Raleigh, and Holly Springs, NC. He has served as the Team Physician for the National Hockey League’s 2006 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes since their arrival in 1997. He serves as Company Physician for the Carolina Ballet as well.

In 2009, his commitment to helping his patients create healthy lifestyles for long-term wellness, along with his desire to provide the highest quality health care services, motivated Dr. Stevens to establish Essential Health & Wellness (EHW). EHW offers its patients a comprehensive health care service tailored around their busy schedules with the goal of optimizing their performance and longevity.

In 2018, he continued this commitment to long-term wellness of his patients by becoming the Medical Director at Extivita RTP, a hyperbaric oxygen therapy facility with two, twelve seat treatment chambers in the Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC.

Dr. Stevens is also a Fellow in both the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and the American Academy of Family Practice. He is a member of the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine and Hyperbaric Medicine International.

Dr. Stevens lives in Cary, NC with his wife, Dr. Patience Stevens. They have three sons Eric, James, and Timothy. He is passionate about surfing, triathlon and almost any form of exercise.

Jackie is originally from Westchester, NY, she has lived in the Raleigh/Durham area for over 5 years. Jackie received her nursing license from ECPI University in Greenville, SC. She has over 15 years of experience in medical/surgical units, labor and delivery, emergency room, phlebotomy, geriatrics, rehabilitation units, pediatric department and home health. In addition, Jackie also served as a combat medic in the Army for over 13 years.

Jackie joined the Extivita team in September 2018 as the Assistant Nurse Manager. She loves working in the health care field and plans to return to school in the future to earn her degree as a registered nurse.

She currently lives in Knightdale with here 3 kids and her dog, Rouge. She loves music of all genres and spending time outdoors. You will find her swinging in her hammock during her lunch breaks!

Curtis, hailing from Bridgeport, Ohio, is a BrainCore certified Neurofeedback Specialist passionate about utilizing Neurofeedback Therapy to enhance patients’ lives. Now residing in the Triangle area of North Carolina, his clinical expertise continues to be a beacon of healing and empowerment.

Outside his professional realm, Curtis enjoys hiking, sports, and movie marathons. He shares his home with his 15-year-old cat, Zoe. His dedication to his patients and love for community involvement make Curtis a valued member of the Extivita team.

Alden Schertz, a dedicated Hyperbaric Technician at our clinic, brings a fresh perspective and a genuine passion for care to our team. A proud 2023 alumnus of Appalachian State University, Alden holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis on human services. His academic journey was further enriched with a minor in philosophy, equipping him with a holistic understanding of the human experience. 

Joining our clinic in May 2023, Alden seamlessly integrated his academic background into the practical realm, exhibiting an innate ability to empathize and connect with patients. Beyond his professional commitments, Alden’s zeal for life extends to various avenues. He has a profound love for creating music, reflecting his artistic side. His commitment to mental health advocacy demonstrates his dedication to holistic well-being, while his enthusiasm for sports adds a dynamic facet to his personality. Alden’s multifaceted interests and dedication make him a valuable asset to our clinic and a joy to work alongside. 

Jason Seago’s dedication to safety and service resonates not just in one, but in multiple vital professions. Part-time HBOT tender, Jason’s primary calling is as a firefighter—a role he has passionately embraced for a phenomenal 28 years. Zebulon Fire Department has been fortunate to have his expertise and commitment for 24 of those years. Further enhancing his professional repertoire, Jason is not only a North Carolina Fire Inspector but also a certified EMT, ensuring that he’s equipped to respond to a diverse range of emergencies. 

Outside the realms of fire and medical service, Jason’s interests are as varied as they are intriguing. An avid cyclist, he not only conquers roads but also mountains as a mountaineer guide. But the rhythm of his life isn’t just defined by his professions and adventures; it’s also echoed in his music. As the lead guitarist and song writer for “Dog Named Steve”, Jason continues to strike chords both in his career and personal passions.