Leadership

We Guide an Exceptional Team on Stable, Consistent, Experienced Leadership

AXIS Neuromonitoring’s leadership team is focused on providing the highest quality of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) to the state of Texas. It is the goal of AXIS’ leadership team to educate the industry on the benefits of IONM, improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of care due to re-operations, reduced recovery times and rehabilitation, and litigation. The leadership team has more than a combined 60 years of experience in the IONM industry, and because of this expertise is able to offer a unique perspective to their surgeon and hospital clients.

It is of the utmost importance to the leadership team that they are able to differentiate AXIS Neuromonitoring from other IONM companies. They strive to make a difference by developing a trusting relationship with surgeons, hospitals, and insurance payors; by being transparent, making sure they are in compliance, and by always adding value.

Meet the Team:

Bryan Cheairs

President

Bryan Cheairs is an accomplished healthcare operations executive with extensive experience leading organizational growth, operational strategy, and business performance across complex healthcare environments. As President of Axis Neuromonitoring, LLC and APEX IONM SOLUTIONS, Bryan oversees enterprise-wide operations and strategic initiatives focused on strengthening organizational infrastructure, optimizing financial and operational performance, and supporting sustainable long-term growth.

Bryan brings a multifaceted operational leadership background with deep expertise in healthcare administration, organizational development, financial oversight, and process optimization. Throughout his career, he has partnered closely with executive leadership teams to implement strategic operational plans, improve financial performance, streamline workflows, and build scalable operational structures that support continued expansion. Prior to serving as President, Bryan held the role of Executive Practice Manager, where he led operational functions across HR, Finance, IT, administrative operations, and revenue cycle support initiatives while helping strengthen organizational processes and cross-functional collaboration.

Before joining Apex and Axis, Bryan helped found and build the Texas Ear & Vestibular Institute from the ground up, contributing to its successful growth and operational development. As Practice Manager and Director of Operations, he launched new clinical programs, expanded service offerings, and established a strong physician referral network.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Bryan brings mission-driven leadership, operational resilience, and a strong focus on people development. He is passionate about building high-performing teams, mentoring future leaders, and creating sustainable operational frameworks that promote growth, accountability, and long-term organizational success. Bryan graduated Magna Cum Laude from Norwich University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business, concentrating in Leadership.

Outside of work, Bryan enjoys spending time working around his ranch, taking the boat out on the lake, playing golf, and watching a wide variety of sports.

Joseph Raymond

Chief Executive Officer

In a company known for innovation in the neuromonitoring healthcare industry, Joseph Raymond is the type of leader who sets an example for others by striving to live up to high personal goals with integrity and drive. Leading by example, Joseph encourages AXIS team members to exceed even the highest expectations and to set new standards for ultimate customer service.

As CEO of AXIS Neuromonitoring, Joseph sees an opportunity to enhance patient care and reduce healthcare costs by educating physicians, hospitals and other clinicians on the benefit of having an elite and highly educated group of intraoperative neuromonitoring technologists working as an integral part of the team in the operating room.

With more than 21 years in the intraoperative monitoring industry, Joseph has seized the opportunity to make a difference for patients and caregivers, by focusing on healthcare compliance, education, quality, policy and procedures, and driving ultimate customer service. Joseph was responsible for the completion of the process for one of the first intraoperative monitoring companies in the U.S. to achieve Joint Commission accreditation. From patient care to back-end office systems, Joseph has worked to improve and standardize processes and procedures that allow intraoperative neuromonitoring companies to achieve quality measures that positively impact patient care.

Besides being a leader in the IONM industry, Joseph is also an experienced Certified Neurophysiological Intraoperative Monitoring technologist (CNIM), Certified in both Healthcare Compliance and HIPPA Compliance and holds an MBA.

Dr. James Blaylock

Chief Operations Officer

With nearly two decades of experience in intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, Dr. James Blaylock, COO at Axis Neuromonitoring, has built a career defined by precision, progress, and purposeful leadership. Since entering the field in 2007, he has combined deep technical expertise with strategic insight to advance operational excellence, refine clinical standards, and drive innovation across the IONM landscape.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Blaylock has played a pivotal role in shaping technical operations, contracting, and daily clinical performance. His leadership journey includes serving as Technical Director for Houston (2015–2017), West Texas (2017–2022), and now in his current role as Vice President of Clinical Operations since 2022, where he continues to guide Axis Neuromonitoring’s clinical teams toward new levels of quality and efficiency.

Among his professional accomplishments, Dr. Blaylock helped pioneer complex craniotomy development and advancement within Axis and made history by monitoring the company’s first reverse total shoulder procedure—a landmark case that earned ASNM Publication of the Year (2020). His work reflects a commitment not only to improving surgical outcomes but also to elevating the standards and recognition of neurophysiological monitoring as an essential element of modern healthcare.

Approachable, passionate, and deeply dedicated to patient care, Dr. Blaylock leads with both vision and humility—empowering teams to grow while ensuring the highest level of clinical performance and integrity.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, James is a devoted husband of over twenty years and proud father of three. Outside the operating room, he finds balance through weightlifting, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and family activities like road trip adventures—pursuits that mirror his lifelong dedication to discipline, curiosity, and connection.

Dr. Kathryn Overzet Jaquez

Chief Clinical Officer

In a company that continues to define excellence and innovation in the field of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, Dr. Kathryn Jaquez exemplifies the combination of scientific rigor, clinical leadership, and compassion that drives Axis Neuromonitoring forward.

As Chief Clinical Officer, Kathryn leads with vision and collaboration—bridging science, education, and patient care. She inspires Axis team members to uphold the highest standards of clinical quality, professional growth, and integrity in every operating room they serve.

With a career rooted in neuroscience, Kathryn earned her master’s degree through research on hippocampal neurobiology and the effects of antioxidants on protein synthesis, followed by a Ph.D. focused on neurophysiology and algorithmic optimization of motor evoked potential analysis. Her research reflects a lifelong passion for advancing how data and analytics can strengthen surgical outcomes and elevate the role of neurophysiologists in the healthcare continuum.

Beyond her leadership at Axis, Kathryn serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Texas at Dallas and contributes nationally as a Board Member and Chair of the Research Committee for the American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring (ASNM), where she was honored with the ASNM Service Award for her commitment to advancing research and professional excellence in the field.

Despite her many professional accomplishments, Kathryn considers her greatest title to be “mom”—to her daughter and son—who continue to inspire her dedication to improving the lives of others through science, education, and compassionate leadership.

Laura Trotter

Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Financial Officer for Axis Neuromonitoring and Apex IONM Solutions, Laura Trotter leads with vision, strategy, and a deep understanding of what drives both people and performance. She oversees the full revenue cycle for Axis and ensures Apex’s partner organizations operate at the highest levels of efficiency and integrity.

Apex has seen exceptional growth under Laura’s leadership, with multiple client organizations quadrupling revenue in just two years. Her focus on leadership development, process improvement, and alignment around shared goals has strengthened both outcomes and culture. By combining data-driven strategy with a people-centered approach, Laura continues to elevate the company’s reputation for operational success and trusted partnership.

Laura built her career in healthcare operations and performance management. She began as a technical writer before moving into healthcare administration, serving as an IVF lab and surgery center administrator where she developed a taste for complex out-of-network billing. She joined Axis Neuromonitoring in 2018 to undertake denial management, later advancing to Director of Operations at a national RCM firm. After successfully scaling that company’s client base, she returned to Axis to lead Apex’s next stage of growth, becoming Vice President in 2025.

A graduate of Abilene Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a concentration in Organizational Development, Laura is also a certified medical coder. Her leadership blends empathy with decisive vision, fostering trust, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose across her teams.
When she’s not driving organizational transformation, Laura enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with her family and dogs.

Sabena Miller

Accounting Controller

Sabena Miller is a finance and operations leader with extensive experience in financial management, revenue cycle operations, and organizational performance strategy within the healthcare industry. As Accounting Controller for Axis Neuromonitoring, LLC, Sabena leads financial strategy, planning, and reporting initiatives that support executive decision-making, operational scalability, and long-term business growth. She oversees budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and multi-entity financial operations while driving process improvements that enhance reporting accuracy, operational visibility, and financial performance.

Throughout her career, Sabena has focused on building KPI-driven financial frameworks that strengthen forecasting accuracy, improve cash flow management, and provide leadership teams with actionable operational insights. She partners closely with cross-functional stakeholders to align financial strategy with organizational objectives, support cost optimization initiatives, and improve operational efficiency across business functions.

In addition to her financial leadership responsibilities, Sabena also serves as Director of RCM Education & Training for APEX IONM SOLUTIONS, where she supports organizational development through education, training strategy, and operational enablement initiatives within revenue cycle management operations. Her combined experience in finance, operational leadership, and workforce development allows her to bridge financial strategy with practical operational execution to support sustainable organizational growth.

Sabena is recognized for her analytical approach, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to continuous improvement. She is passionate about developing scalable financial processes, empowering teams through education and training, and helping organizations build strong operational foundations that support long-term success.