Meet the Staff

Jonathan T. Cole, MSN, FNP received his undergraduate degree with honors from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He then studied at Vanderbilt University and received his Master of Science in Nursing degree with high honors in 1996. He received the Hilliard and Nancy Travis Scholarship in Advanced Practice Nursing and was a member of the Vanderbilt Honor Council. He is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. He worked in West Tennessee in primary care medicine until moving to Nashville in 2001. He has been involved in the treatment of chronic disease throughout his career and has a special interest in the metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes. He is also a member of the Facial Rejuvenation Center and offers his expertise in injectables.

Laurie Hays is a licensed registered nurse and has specialized in hypertension and its research since 1986. She graduated with honors from Belmont College and the University of Alabama.  Following graduation in 1978, Laurie worked as a staff nurse in the surgical intensive care unit at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  Her experience after the SICU has included work in the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center at Saint Thomas Hospital, Division of Clinical Pharmacology at Vanderbilt, Division of Cardiac Arrhythmia Research at Vanderbilt and the Hypertension Institute. Laurie is a member of the American Society of Hypertension, American Nutraceutical Association, and the Society for Bioidentical Hormone Therapy.

In addition to her work with Hypertension, Laurie has attended multiple national lectures and conferences on Bioidentical Hormone Therapy and is well educated on the treatment and management of hormone therapies. Laurie is Co-Director of the recently opened Facial Rejuvenation Center. Along with her knowledge of medical grade aesthetic skin care treatments; Laurie is certified in all injectables, including BOTOX and Juvaderm. Laurie will tailor treatment options for you and help establish goals and expectations with your skin.

Sissy joined Saint Thomas Medical Group in 2009.  Sissy is a licensed registered nurse with a specialty in cardiovascular disease and clinical research. Since graduating from the University of Alabama in 1972, Sissy worked as a nurse with the Daughters of Charity System in intensive care, medical/surgical units, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and cardiac transplantation. Before joining our group in the summer of 2009, Sissy worked in the field of clinical research.  Sissy, along with Laurie, is Co-Director of the Facial Rejuvenation Center where they strive for inner and outer beauty. She can assist you with the latest advances in skin care and is certified in administering injectables. Sissy also trained in bio-identical hormone replacement program.

Dianne brings more than 20 years of medical experience to Dr. Houston’s patients.  She served a staff nurse for Saint Thomas Hospital for 14 years (medical/surgical nursing).  She was Clinic Nurse for the Tennessee School for the Blind for 7 years. She has phlebotomy experience from the American Red Cross.  Dianne is a graduate of Austin Peay State University (B.A.) and the Area Technical School of Nursing (LPN). Dianne is also a member of the Facial Rejuvenation Center. She can assist you in achieving exceptional results in your facial treatments, including BOTOX and Juvaderm.

Mary joined the Saint Thomas Medical Group in 1991. Prior to working for Dr. Houston, Mary worked with Internist, Dr. Aubrey Harwell, until his retirement in 1994. Apart from her work with Dr. Houston, Mary has worked in the Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Saint Thomas Hospital.

Larissa joined the Saint Thomas Medical Group in 2004.  She graduated in 2003. Larissa is pursuing a career in the medical field.  In addition, Larissa is fluent in Spanish.

Lisa joined the Saint Thomas Medical Group in 2005. Lisa has worked as a receptionist/secretary for the past 20 years.

Dot has worked with Saint Thomas Hospital for 13 years in patient discharge and insurance prorating. The last 10 years, she has been a part of St. Thomas Medical Group. Dot currently works in our registration division and is the first employee you will meet.

Randy is both a Licensed Nutritionist and Licensed Massage Therapist.  Randy’s passion is helping people to learn how to feel better and energize their bodies through better nutrition and exercise.  With over fifteen years of nutritional counseling experience, he can help you individualize a nutrition and exercise plan to assist you in reaching your health goals. 

Elton John is a 2 year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. While his parents were imported from Holland and Germany, he is a native Tennessean, born at Lanmar Cavaliers in Shelbyville. He was adopted by Dr. Mark Houston and his wife, Laurie Hays.

Elton John is a familiar sight in the halls of the Hypertension Institute. He completed TDA Therapy Dog certification, and truly enjoys visiting with patients, as evidenced by his constantly wagging tail. Many health care centers are recognizing the physical and mental benefits of encounters with therapy animals, and Elton John is the Hypertension Institute Therapy Dog.

When he isn’t working at the office, Elton John enjoys spending time playing with his canine buddies at the Woof Camp. His favorite game is fetch, and he excels at fielding grounders.