Meet Your Vuelta Health Team
People. Patients. Providers.
Michael Ryan Brison, AGPCNP-BC
• Provider-Owner •
Meet Ryan
Ryan’s path to healthcare has never been traditional — and that’s exactly what shapes the way he cares for patients today. A disabled Marine Corps veteran (0311 2005-2013, E-5_), former mental health specialist, nurse, and primary care provider, his experiences inside and outside of medicine have given him a deep understanding of resilience, healing, and the importance of feeling truly seen as a person. After facing his own cancer diagnosis and surgery in 2021, his belief in compassionate, patient-centered care became even more personal.
Roots in Community & Connection
Raised in rural Tennessee, Ryan learned early the value of hard work, connection, and community. Before and throughout his medical career, he worked a wide range of jobs — from construction and coaching to cooking and counseling — experiences that helped him connect with people from all walks of life. Patients often describe him as approachable, down-to-earth, and someone who genuinely listens without judgment.
Education & Experience
Ryan earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University with additional studies in neuroscience, anthropology, and biology before completing his Master of Science in Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, where he graduated with Sigma Theta Tau honors. He is board-certified in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and has experience spanning primary care, urgent care, rural medicine, occupational medicine, sleep medicine, mental health, skilled nursing, and preventive health.
The Vision Behind Vuelta Health
Ryan’s goal is simple: create healthcare that feels human again. He believes patients deserve time, honesty, education, and a provider who takes the time to understand not only their symptoms, but the full picture of their life, challenges, and goals. His approach focuses on partnership, prevention, and empowering patients to feel informed and supported in their healthcare journey.
Outside the Clinic
Outside the clinic, Ryan is an avid reader (primarily fantasy, science fiction, folklore, fairy tales, and fables, cultural history/world civilizations, but a little of everything), lifelong (not strictly medical), lifelong learner, outdoor enthusiast, storyteller, and proud family man. He loves quiet mornings, hiking, camping, good food, meaningful conversation, and building strong community connections — values that continue to shape both his life and the care he provides.
Mara Young, MSN-Ed, BSN, RN
• Operations Manager •
Meet Mara
Joining Vuelta Health from the very beginning, Mara brings more than 10 years of nursing experience across Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Case Management, Primary Care and Nursing Administration. Her diverse background gives her a deep understanding of both patient care and the challenges patients often face navigating today’s healthcare system.
Passion for Patient Care
Mara is passionate about creating a healthcare experience where patients feel informed, supported, and empowered to take an active role in their care. She believes compassionate communication, advocacy, and genuine connection are essential to helping patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their healthcare journey.
Education & Experience
Mara earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing in 2014 and completed her Master of Science in Nursing Education at Texas A&M University in 2024. Her experience in both clinical care and healthcare administration helps ensure patients receive thoughtful, organized, and patient-centered support at every step.
Life Outside the Clinic
Originally from Baltimore, Mara moved to Texas as a small child. Mara spent much of her life in San Antonio (Go Spurs Go!) and Houston before moving to New Mexico with her family in 2018. She and her husband, Benjamin, are raising their two elementary-age daughters while building strong roots in the local community. A mediocre pickle ball player and lover of New Mexico winter you can find Mara listening to an audiobook with a Dr. Pepper or Diet Coke in her hand at all times.
Our Professional Philosophy
At Vuelta Health, we believe healthcare should be rooted in people, not profits.
Our mission is to provide competent, compassionate care that prioritizes relationships, prevention, and community over the commercialization of healthcare.
We believe a healthier community benefits those who live and work in it — strengthening families, workplaces, and the Santa Fe community as a whole.
Our approach is inspired by the 7 C’s of Resilience developed by Kenneth Ginsburg, which emphasize the importance of building strong, supported, and empowered individuals:
• Competence
• Confidence
• Connection
• Character
• Contribution
• Coping
• Control
These principles guide the way we care for patients — fostering trust, education, resilience, and meaningful relationships that support long-term health and well-being.
