Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Roussell.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Meet Ashley Roussell, DNP, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner • Educator • Founder of NOLA Care
Tell us a little about your background. Where did your journey begin? My journey began in New Orleans, Louisiana, where I was born and raised. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology there before my husband and I relocated to Jacksonville, Florida in 2011. From there, I pursued my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and later completed my Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Family Medicine. In January 2022, I proudly earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with honors from South University.
Over the years, both in clinical practice and academia, I saw a consistent need—patients wanted more time, more compassion, and more personalized care. I always dreamed of having my own practice, but I wasn’t sure when the right time would come. In 2023, I truly felt God was calling me to take a leap of faith, and I listened. I launched NOLA Care in October 2023 as a virtual primary care practice, knowing it was just the beginning of something greater.
In December 2023, I happened to drive past a building that was available for lease. I called, met with a realtor, and toured a few spaces. By January, I signed a lease for the perfect unit. That was a big moment for me—seeing my vision come to life in a physical space.
NOLA Care was created with a mission to bring back the feel of old-school medicine, where providers really know their patients and care is never rushed. We focus on direct primary care, women’s health, preventive services, and wellness offerings like Botox, infusions, and laser hair removal. It’s healthcare that feels human again. Every visit is rooted in trust, faith, and compassion.
My faith in God has been the foundation of everything. From taking the leap to open NOLA Care, to navigating the day-to-day challenges of business ownership, I’ve leaned on my faith every step of the way. It’s what keeps me grounded and gives me the courage to keep growing—even when it’s hard. This past year has been incredible. I recently celebrated one full year of seeing patients in clinic, and I’m just so excited for what’s to come.
I wear a few hats! I’m a proud nursing professor, which allows me to give back through education and mentorship. I’m also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC., and most importantly, a wife and mom to two amazing girls. Balancing it all isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.
My mission is simple: to empower and uplift communities through compassionate care and education. Whether I’m in the clinic or the classroom, I want people to feel seen, heard, and cared for. That’s what healthcare should be.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t—but every bump along the way has taught me something valuable. Over the past year, I’ve learned so much, from the ins and outs of credentialing to setting up accounts with various vendors, and just navigating all the behind-the-scenes work that comes with running a business.
One of the biggest challenges for me has been stepping into the role of a businesswoman. I’ve always been deeply rooted in compassion and patient care, but business decisions require a different mindset. Sometimes, my heart wants to lead, but I’m learning that structure and strategy have to be a part of that too. Finding that balance is still a work in progress, and I’ve made it my personal goal this year to grow more confident in the business side of things—without losing the compassion that got me here in the first place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
NOLA Care is a direct primary care and wellness clinic that’s all about making healthcare feel personal again. We offer everything from general primary care and women’s health services to preventive screenings, lab work, infusions, Botox, and even laser hair removal. I wanted to create a space where people feel comfortable asking questions, getting the care they need, and not feeling rushed through their appointments.
What sets us apart is that we focus on time, trust, and transparency. We don’t operate like a traditional insurance-based clinic—we’re membership-based and also offer pay-per-visit services, which means patients know exactly what they’re getting and what it costs. There’s no surprise billing and no feeling like just another number.
I think what I’m most proud of brand-wise is that people feel the difference when they walk through our doors. They’re greeted with warmth, and they know we genuinely care. Our patients often say it feels like home, and that means everything to me. We’ve created a space where people can take care of both their health and their confidence, whether it’s through managing chronic conditions or getting a little boost with aesthetic services.
For your readers—if you’re looking for a place that blends modern medicine with an old-school touch of compassion, NOLA Care is here for you. We’re located in Jacksonville, Florida, and also serve patients virtually across several states. We’re growing, we’re rooted in purpose, and we’re just getting started.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think healthcare is going through a major shift—and honestly, it’s long overdue. Patients are tired of feeling rushed, unheard, and overwhelmed by the system. That’s why I believe the future is moving toward more personalized, patient-centered care models—like direct primary care. People want transparency, accessibility, and providers who truly listen. And I think we’re going to see more clinics move in that direction.
Technology will also continue to play a huge role—telehealth isn’t going anywhere. It’s a game changer for accessibility, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas. But I also believe we’ll see a push to maintain the human connection in medicine. That balance between innovation and relationship-building is going to be key.
Another trend I see growing is the integration of wellness and aesthetics into primary care spaces. Patients want holistic care—they’re looking to feel good on the inside and confident on the outside. That’s something we’ve already started incorporating at NOLA Care, and I think more providers will follow that lead.
The industry is evolving, and while change is never easy, I’m excited to be a part of shaping what comes next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/NolaCare
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nola_care_health
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ExakKZYXm/
