What makes us tick
AscendVets is a private veterinary group helping vet practices be the best they can be. We act as guides for practice leaders, helping them achieve greater success in the industry while also nurturing all the qualities that make their practices unique. Every veterinary practice is a cornerstone of its community, and our team is here to assist you in building and maintaining a lasting legacy in yours.
Our core values FIGHT the good fight wuth us!
We act with courage and decisiveness. We are committed to doing the right thing, not the easy thing. We defy the odds, set a new standard and rise above.
We have a passion for new ideas and creating our own path. We embrace change, take risks and try new things.
We act with a heart of thankfulness. We appreciate our team, our clients and our patients. We share this with others through our care, compassion, understanding, and actions.
We are part of a team and serve others for the greater good. We are kind, respectful and always act with integrity. Our humility reminds us that we can always improve and creates a hunger for learning and development. We are teachable.
We are in a constant pursuit of greatness and are driven to elevate and achieve results. We honor the human-animal experience and know that this unconditional bond can change the world.
There is such a strong camaraderie within the AscendVets team. I would notice the smiles, the genuineness with clients, and the overall love of helping our patients. I have grown so much with the help of AscendVets and I know that others can too!
-Rissa, Veterinary Technician
Our team
Meet the AscendVets team! Our experience in the veterinary industry and time spent working with incredible veterinarians and vet practices has given us unique insight into the field. What we’ve seen over the years has solidified our belief that practice consolidation doesn’t have to mean “going corporate.” At AscendVets, our goal is to bring passion and humanity back into veterinary care; to break the corporate mold and help our practices forge a successful path of their own.
Here are the people who make it happen.
Dr. Loren Nations
Dr. Loren Nations is the owner of Veterinary Healthcare Associates and spends much of his time practicing internal medicine. He graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1981, and graduated from UF with his veterinary degree in 1991. His desire to help animals and commitment to practice at the highest level led to specialty board certification in canine and feline practice, one of only 425 ABVP diplomats in the country and 27 in the state.
Jim Nash
Jim started his leadership career a long way from veterinary medicine. He served as a Warrant Officer and Aviator during Desert Storm where he flew OH-58 Scout helicopters in an armored cavalry squadron. Jim believes that being a good leader is about being a great team member first. He also feels that the loyalty, dedication, and commitment that he learned in the military are the fundamental transferable skills that lead to success.
After completing his military service, he attended the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration. After working in human healthcare, Jim transitioned to Veterinary Medicine in 2004 when he became the Hospital Administrator of a five-DVM general practice. He has also worked as a practice consultant and international speaker. In 2017, Jim founded AscendVets, which has become a multi-practice organization focused on developing people to achieve their dreams by caring for people and pets. Jim believes that we have a responsibility as leaders and managers to advocate for our team members, practices and industry. Jim has been a VHMA member since 2004 and earned the CVPM designation in 2008 and served on the VHMA Board of Directors for 13 years.
Julie Nash
Julie Nash came to the AscendVets organization officially as a partner in 2020. With the AscendVets practices as her home base, Julie contributes by innovating and incubating all the best talent development strategies to elevate our hospital teams. Julie is a leader of leaders at AscendVets and serves as our Chief Talent Development Officer.
We would like to welcome our newest Veterinarians to the AscendVets team
Dr. Yoesley Lozada
Dr. Lozada joined the PCAH family in March of 2024. He attended Agrarian University of Havana Cuba and graduated with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Zoo Technician degree. Dr. Lozada was born in Cuba. He loves sports, movies and going to the beach.
Dr. Oscar Aguayo
Dr. Aguayo joined the PCAH family in July 2024. He attended the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where he received a degree in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Masters in biochemical sciences. Dr. Aguayo was born in Mexico City. He enjoys scuba diving, jogging, reading and cooking.
Dr. Katelyn Clark
Dr. Clark joined the LAC family in June 2024. Dr. Clark received her Bachelor of Science at the University of South Florida, Go Bulls! She worked as a veterinary nurse through college up until vet school. Dr. Clark graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical year at the University of Florida. She loves to work with all sizes of animals, from cats and dogs to cows, horses, and alpacas. She is currently focusing on small animal medicine with a special interest in dermatology, oncology, and ultrasonography. Dr. Clark loves spending time outdoors and exploring Florida. Dr. Clark cannot wait to meet and help your fur babies.
Dr. Vanessa Navarro
Dr. Navarro joined our AVC and MSVC family in July 2024. She attended the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where she received her degree in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and certification in Bovine Reproduction. Dr. Navarro was born in Mexico. She loves reading, photography and writing.