FLORIDA JOINT & SPINE INSTITUTE - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Certified Nurse Practitioner

Ashley Welch is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, born and raised in Winter Haven. She works in pain management with Dr. Thakur. She is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of various pain management procedures. Ashley began her medical career in 2006 as an Emergency Medical Technician. Before joining the Florida Joint and Spine Institute, she worked in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit, medical aesthetics, and in-home wound care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing degrees at Florida Southern College. She was also accepted to the Doctor of Nursing program, with a focus in Leadership, at Florida Southern College. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. In 2023, She received and accepted an invitation as a distinguished alumna of Florida Southern College to The National Society of Leadership and Success. Ashley is a dedicated Captain in the United States Army Reserves. She has served in the Army for over 10 years. In 2016-2017 she was the Commander of a Preventative Medicine Army unit. She has been awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and two Army Achievement medals. She has also earned her Airborne wings. In 2020, she was coined by the Commanding General of the United States Army Reserves, Lieutenant General Luckey, for her superior service during a Covid-19 mission. In her free time, Ashley loves spending time with her family and dogs. She enjoys working out, hunting, and is a total foody.

Carmen Corona Zavala, APRN has been in the healthcare field since 2014. She earned her LPN and RN certifications while attending South Florida State College. After graduating, she began her career in geriatrics in a rehabilitation facility. During her years in the rehabilitation facility, she was known for making sure her patients received the highest level of care. She practiced as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at HCA Florida Highlands. Carmen Corona Zavala graduated with a Master's Degree in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from NOVA Southeastern University with the highest honors. She values the importance of patient-centered care, and she enjoys working with her team to ensure her patients are receiving the best care possible. In her free time, Carmen enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also loves to exercise to have a healthier life.

Chuck Waltman, PA-C works in the office and is proficient in the Diagnosis and treatment of various orthopaedic conditions, joint aspirations, injections, casting/splinting and management of various fractures. He assists in surgery in such procedures as Total Joint Replacements and Arthroscopies. Prior to joining the staff at Florida Joint and Spine Institute, Chuck worked approximately 10 years in Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. He also served 12 years in the Army Reserves which included one year serving in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded "Solider of the Year" in 1998 and "Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year" in 2001.

Dr. Thakur is a double board-certified ACGME fellowship trained interventional pain physician from The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He has presented on both the state and national level and has authored book chapters on Anesthesiology and pain medicine. His goals are to treat the whole patient, and diagnose and treat patients to achieve the best functioning in all phases of their life.

Job Titles:

• Certified Physician Assistant

Jessica Lambeth is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant from Frostproof, Florida that began her career in the healthcare field in 2007 as a Radiologic Technologist. In 2012, she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences from Keiser University and was named Valedictorian during a statewide commencement ceremony. Her desire to provide patient focused care motivated her to further her education and complete her Master of Clinical Medical Sciences in Physician Assistant studies from Barry University in St. Petersburg. She is currently a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants. She believes that her experience in the radiology field and familiarity with musculoskeletal imaging is a great advantage for her career in the orthopaedic specialty. She joined the team at Florida Joint and Spine Institute February 2020 and is excited to work in collaboration with the respected physicians of the group to provide the highest quality of patient care.