Our Team Bio
Dr. Clarence J. Wheeler, MD, FASN, FASDIN
Medical Director
Dr. Clarence Wheeler is a triple board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Sleep Medicine with over 50 years of dedicated medical practice. In 2009, he founded Lubbock Vascular Access Center with a mission to deliver high-quality hemodialysis access care—such as fistula and graft angioplasty, thrombectomies, and tunneled dialysis catheter placement and removal—outside the hospital setting.
Dr. Wheeler earned his medical degree and completed his residency and nephrology fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. In 1986, he relocated to Lubbock and established the Kidney and Blood Pressure Clinic, which quickly became the region’s leading nephrology practice. He later expanded his services into New Mexico and several surrounding communities in Texas.
A recognized leader in interventional nephrology, Dr. Wheeler holds fellowships with both the American Society of Nephrology (FASN) and the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (FASDIN). His clinical interests span the full spectrum of dialysis patient care, including vascular access, research, and sleep medicine.
Despite his decades-long career, Dr. Wheeler remains deeply committed to the practice of medicine and continues to provide compassionate, expert care to patients across the region. His passion for improving outcomes in dialysis and nephrology care remains as strong as ever.
Jenny Coleman, APRN, FNP, JD
Family Nurse Practitioner | In-House Legal Counsel
Jenny Coleman is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and licensed attorney who brings over 25 years of nephrology-focused experience to her dual roles at the Lubbock Vascular Access Center and the Kidney and Blood Pressure Clinic. She has worked alongside Dr. Clarence Wheeler for the past two decades, providing expert clinical care and legal guidance in support of the center’s mission to deliver exceptional renal and vascular access services.
Ms. Coleman earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Baylor University, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing from West Texas A&M University. She later completed her Juris Doctor at Texas Tech University School of Law, combining her medical expertise with legal acumen to better serve her patients and practice.
Since beginning her nursing career in 1998, Ms. Coleman has dedicated herself exclusively to nephrology. In addition to her procedural work at the Lubbock Vascular Access Center, she manages a comprehensive chronic kidney disease and hypertension practice through the Kidney and Blood Pressure Clinic. Following the center’s transition to an Ambulatory Surgical Center in 2017, she also assumed the role of in-house legal counsel, ensuring compliance and excellence in patient care.
With a deep commitment to holistic renal care, Jenny Coleman continues to pursue her lifelong passion for improving the lives of kidney patients through compassionate clinical practice and thoughtful advocacy.
T.J. Coleman, B.A.S., RT(R)(VI)(IVN)
Facility Administrator | COO | CFO | Interventional Radiology Technologist
T.J. Coleman brings more than 22 years of experience in Interventional Radiology to his executive and clinical roles at Lubbock Vascular Access Center, where he serves as Facility Administrator, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree and is certified as a Registered Radiologic Technologist with advanced credentials in both Vascular Interventional Radiology and Interventional Nephrology.
A founding member of Lubbock Vascular Access Center since its inception in 2009, T.J. has been instrumental in driving the center’s growth, operational excellence, and clinical innovation. His expertise spans interventional radiology and nephrology, with a focused commitment to implementing new technologies and techniques that enhance patient outcomes—particularly for those with dialysis access needs.
T.J. is widely recognized for his strategic leadership, dedication to the dialysis community, and patient care philosophy rooted in compassion, accuracy, and continuous improvement. Serving patients across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, he remains committed to delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality outpatient care that reflects the highest standards of vascular access medicine.
Outside of work, T.J. enjoys spending quality time with his family in the mountains, riding ATVs, hiking and traveling the world.
Ernest Flores, RT(R)(VI)(IVN)
Assistant Manager | Radiation Safety Officer | Inventory & EOC Coordinator
Ernest Flores is a seasoned Vascular Imaging Specialist with over 20 years of experience in interventional radiology and nephrology. As Assistant Manager at Lubbock Vascular Access Center, he plays a multifaceted leadership role overseeing radiation safety, the environment of care, and inventory management to ensure optimal clinical operations and regulatory compliance.
Mr. Flores holds advanced credentials in Radiologic Technology, Vascular Interventional Radiology, and Interventional Vascular Nephrology. His extensive clinical background includes specialized work in neuro-interventional procedures at both Covenant Health and University Medical Center (UMC), where he built a reputation for precision, reliability, and high-level patient care.
Known for his exceptional attention to detail and dedicated work ethic, Ernest is a valuable asset to both patients and colleagues alike. His commitment to continuous improvement is matched by his passion for health, fitness, and professional development.
Outside of work, Ernest enjoys playing golf, pursuing fitness and self-improvement, and is proud to serve his community as a bilingual healthcare professional.
Christi Coleman, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Infection Preventionist | Family Nurse Practitioner
Christi Coleman is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years of experience in infection prevention and patient care. As the Infection Preventionist for Lubbock Vascular Access Center, Christi plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety, reducing infection risks, and supporting a high standard of care across the center.
Christi began her nursing journey in 2005 after graduating from Covenant School of Nursing. She went on to earn her BSN and MSN from West Texas A&M University, where she developed a strong foundation in family medicine and preventative care. While she is a nurse practitioner by training, Christi has always had a passion for the surgical setting—and has found a meaningful way to stay connected to it through her work in outpatient infection prevention.
Her clinical interests include nutrition, physical and mental wellness, women’s health, sleep medicine, and quality improvement. Christi has served in multiple leadership roles, including Quality Control and Infection Prevention Committees in both hospital and ambulatory surgery center (ASC) settings. Her commitment to patient safety is matched by her drive to provide compassionate, personalized care.
Christi’s greatest strength is her deep sense of patient advocacy—always going the extra mile to ensure patients feel heard, respected, and cared for.
Outside of her professional role, Christi enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, hiking, playing basketball, and soaking up time in the mountains or at the beach—where she finds rest and renewal.
Danette Howell, BSN, RN, CSRN
Registered Nurse | Risk Management Director | Clinical Educator
Danette Howell is a dedicated Registered Nurse who brings both clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion to every patient she cares for. With over four years of experience in dialysis access care, Danette works closely with patients before, during, and after their procedures to ensure comfort, safety, and the best possible outcomes.
She is certified in advanced life support and sedation, and holds specialized training in dialysis access management, including fistula and graft care. Danette is passionate about patient education and early detection of access issues—helping patients understand their care and feel confident every step of the way.
Before joining Lubbock Vascular Access Center, Danette worked in women’s services, surgical ICU, labor and delivery, and emergency care. Her wide range of experience helps her connect with patients from all walks of life.
Danette believes that healthcare should be rooted in empathy, dignity, and trust. She strives to create a healing environment where patients feel heard, respected, and involved in their care decisions.
Outside of work, Danette loves baking for family and friends, traveling, and spending time with her four basset hounds. She’s also passionate about promoting wellness in the community and bridging the gap between clinical care and everyday life.
Joy Spitzenberger, RN, BSN, CSRN
Operating Room Nurse
Joy Spitzenberger is a skilled and compassionate Registered Nurse with over 12 years of experience in direct patient care. As an Operating Room Nurse at Lubbock Vascular Access Center, Joy specializes in AV dialysis access procedures, bringing both precision and empathy to the surgical setting.
She earned her nursing education from South Plains College and Lubbock Christian University, and holds certification as a Certified Sedation Registered Nurse (CSRN). Joy’s clinical focus centers on vascular access for dialysis patients, and she takes pride in delivering individualized, patient-centered care throughout the surgical experience.
Known for her calming presence and detailed attention to each patient’s unique needs, Joy believes in creating a safe, supportive environment where every patient feels seen, heard, and valued.
When she’s not in the operating room, Joy enjoys traveling with her family and finding new places to shop—bringing the same joyful spirit to her personal life that she brings to her work.
Laura Bailey
Access Coordinator
Laura Bailey serves as the Access Coordinator at Lubbock Vascular Access Center, where she plays a key role in creating a seamless and positive experience for patients and staff alike. With 8 years of experience in the healthcare field, Laura brings a strong background in physician credentialing, scheduling, insurance verification, and front-office operations.
She is certified in HIPAA Awareness for Healthcare Providers and Basic Life Support, and is highly regarded for her professionalism, communication skills, and calming presence.
Laura takes pride in creating a welcoming, calm environment—especially for patients who may feel anxious or overwhelmed. Her ability to communicate clearly and compassionately not only enhances the patient experience but also contributes to the efficiency and warmth of the entire practice.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her dogs, relaxing with family, and going off-roading in her Jeep.
Gloria Cantu
Patient Navigator | Medical Assistant
Gloria Cantu is a highly experienced medical professional who has been supporting patients with kidney disease for over 26 years. As a Patient Navigator and Medical Assistant at Lubbock Vascular Access Center, Gloria plays a vital role in coordinating care, managing clinical workflows, and ensuring that each patient receives the attention, education, and support they need.
Gloria is a Certified Phlebotomist and a trained (non-certified) Radiologic Technician, with additional experience as a pharmacy technician and hospital laboratory medical assistant. Her background in nephrology-focused care, dialysis coordination, and patient advocacy allows her to serve as a reliable and compassionate resource for patients and families navigating chronic kidney care.
She is known for her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to create a smooth, supportive experience throughout a patient’s journey. Gloria is especially valued for her bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, helping bridge gaps in understanding and ensuring patients feel heard and respected.
With decades of experience and a heart for service, Gloria Cantu continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of the patients she serves every day.