Vascular Ultrasound · Nursing · Practice Administration
Every visit to Vascular Wellness Institute involves more than the surgeon you came to see. The nurses, vascular sonographers, and office staff on this page are the people who greet you, take your history, perform your ultrasound, care for your wounds, answer your calls, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks
between appointments. Many of them have spent decades in patient care. We are glad you will get to know them.
Office Manager
Shanna Vazquez has been working in the medical field for 25 years, with extensive experience in healthcare and practice management. She is passionate about helping patients, supporting her team, and making sure the day-to-day operations of the practice run smoothly.
Shanna is a proud mom of three. After spending most of her life in New Jersey, she and her family made the move to Florida in 2022. She is excited to keep growing professionally, building strong relationships with her team, and bringing her experience and dedication to the practice.
Vascular Sonographer
Born and raised in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Joanne is a lifelong vascular sonographer who is passionate about advancing the field of vascular health. Over the course of her career she has held key leadership positions, including President of the Suncoast Vascular Society, and has served on the Board of Directors and as Awards Committee Chair for the Society for Vascular Ultrasound.
When she isn’t working or contributing to the vascular community, you can find her enjoying time with family and friends, soaking up the sun at the beach, or out salsa dancing.
Vascular Ultrasound Tech
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Christy relocated to Florida three years ago and now lives in Bradenton with her husband, son, and their Boston terrier puppy.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, Christy has more than 16 years of experience in vascular ultrasound, with a background in both hospital systems and vascular surgery practices. She is passionate about providing accurate, high-quality diagnostic imaging while making sure every patient feels comfortable and cared for throughout their visit.
Outside of work, Christy enjoys playing tennis and pickleball, exploring vintage shops, spending time at the beach, and making memories with her husband, family, and friends.
Registered Nurse
Tracey Bradford was raised in Evanston, Illinois. She studied health occupations during her last year of high school and became a phlebotomist, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tampa. She spent her first couple of years working for the Rader Institute as an exercise physiologist. That shifted her career, and she went back to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Tracey’s nursing career began at All Children’s Hospital in the bone marrow transplant unit. From there she went to work at a large nursing home, where she was trained in advanced wound care and later became Staff Developer. She was then recruited to work for a group of four gastroenterologists before moving to Bradenton as Director of Wellness for American Retirement ALF. Tidewell Hospice stole her heart, and she served as Unit Coordinator for the Bradenton Hospice House for 17 years.
Vascular Wellness is where Tracey plans to finish her career.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Kim Newgard has been a Licensed Practical Nurse since 1997. She has wanted to be a nurse since she was twelve years old — she wanted to be like her grandmother, who was an RN for many years. Kim has worked in vascular surgery for the past year and a half. Before that, her nursing was primarily as a floor nurse in cardiac, surgical, and medical units, and she spent many years as a nursing supervisor in a busy OB/GYN office.
Kim’s passion is her family. She is married, and between the two of them they have seven children, all grown. Her favorite time of day is FaceTiming her grandchildren and her two daughters who live in Georgia. Kim and her husband moved to Bradenton four years ago, and they love it. She enjoys the beach, kayaking, walking the many preserves near her home, and riding her bike. Kim feels blessed with her family and her work family as well, and she looks forward to exploring the Bradenton area more and being part of this wonderful practice as it continues to grow.
