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Aspire Medical Institute Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Allied Health Education

Learn • Care • Inspire

Two Aspire Medical Institute staff members reviewing program information in the campus office

Meet Our Founders

Two Registered Vascular Specialists who decided to teach.

Aspire Medical Institute was founded by two healthcare professionals with nearly two decades each in cardiovascular and vascular ultrasound — and a shared conviction that clinical education is best delivered by people who have done the work.

Melissa Quiñones-Emmanuel, BS, RVS, Co-Founder and Director of Aspire Medical Institute
Meet our founder

Melissa Quiñones-Emmanuel, BS, RVS

Registered Vascular Specialist  ·  Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies

Co-Founder  |  Director of Aspire Medical Institute  |  Director of Vascular Ultrasound

A healthcare leader and clinical specialist, Melissa brings more than fifteen years of multifaceted experience in cardiovascular technology and vascular ultrasound.

Her clinical background includes more than eight years managing a high-volume vascular surgery practice, where she developed deep expertise in vascular diagnostics, advanced ultrasound modalities, patient care quality, and practice operations. That combination — hands-on patient care alongside genuine administrative oversight — gives her an unusually complete view of how a clinical department actually functions.

Melissa is known for her ability to optimize clinical operations, improve workflow efficiency, and support patient-centered care. Her experience spans team leadership, policy development, clinical training, and quality assurance.

Above all, she is passionate about teaching and mentoring. She finds her fulfillment in connecting theoretical concepts to real-world clinical practice, and her stated mission is to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals to lead, serve, and create meaningful outcomes in the communities they work in.

“At Aspire, we don’t just teach skills — we develop compassionate, competent professionals who will make a difference in every life they touch.”

A Visionary. A Leader. An Advocate.

Latasha Neloms, AS, RVS, Co-Founder and Director of Operations and Clinical Education
Meet our founder

Latasha Neloms, AS, RVS

Registered Vascular Specialist  ·  Associate of Science

Co-Founder  |  Director of Operations & Clinical Education

With nearly two decades of experience in cardiovascular and vascular ultrasound, Latasha brings extensive clinical knowledge, leadership, and a genuine passion for education to Aspire Medical Institute.

Her expertise covers diagnostic vascular ultrasound and echocardiography, including arterial and venous duplex studies, venous insufficiency examinations, carotid duplex examinations, abdominal aortic studies, physiologic vascular testing, echocardiograms, and other specialized cardiovascular ultrasound procedures.

Her experience extends well beyond diagnostic imaging. Latasha has assisted with vascular procedures, developed clinical protocols and preliminary reporting templates, supported vascular laboratory operations, and trained and mentored clinicians in working environments.

As a Registered Vascular Specialist, she understands that becoming a successful healthcare professional takes more than learning from a textbook. It takes technical skill, critical thinking, compassion, professionalism, and a real commitment to patient care. Years of working directly in healthcare are what inspired her to help build a school where students learn from people who understand what today’s clinical setting actually expects.

“For me, Aspire is more than an institution. It’s an opportunity — for students to discover their potential, build confidence, and create a future they can be proud of.”

A Leader. An Educator. A Mentor.

Learn  •  Care  •  Inspire
Instructor and two students reviewing Doppler ultrasound images together at a workstation

Instructors who are still practitioners.

Learn  •  Care  •  Inspire

Have a question about Aspire?

Aspire Medical Institute is completing the state authorization process and is not currently accepting enrollment. We are happy to answer questions in the meantime.

Learn  •  Care  •  Inspire