Jessica Lara, PA-C
Board-Certified Physician Assistant | WorldLink Medical Certified Hormone Therapy Specialist | Serving Denver & Alamosa, Colorado
Book a Consultation Learn MoreAbout Jessica
Jessica Lara is a nationally board-certified physician assistant and the founder and clinical director of Defiance Health. With over 12 years of clinical experience, she specializes in bioidentical hormone therapy, medical weight loss, body composition optimization, and medical aesthetics.
Originally from Oklahoma, Jessica moved to Colorado to pursue her passion for medicine and fell in love with the state. She earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus — one of the top PA programs in the country — and went on to build a career rooted in functional, preventive, and patient-centered care.
After years in traditional healthcare settings, Jessica saw a gap: patients were being treated for symptoms without anyone looking at the full picture. Hormones, metabolism, nutrition, stress, sleep — they're all connected. That's why she founded Defiance Health.
Clinical Expertise
Jessica's practice focuses on helping patients feel and perform at their best through evidence-based, personalized treatment plans.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Expert in BHRT for men and women — estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone optimization for perimenopause, menopause, and andropause.
Learn more →Medical Weight Loss
GLP-1 therapy (semaglutide, tirzepatide), metabolic optimization, and comprehensive weight management programs.
Learn more →Peptide Therapy
Clinically validated peptide protocols for energy, recovery, anti-aging, immune support, and performance.
Learn more →Medical Aesthetics
Advanced aesthetic treatments including injectables, body contouring, facial sculpting, and skin resurfacing.
Learn more →Education & Credentials
Physician Assistant Studies
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
NCCPA Board Certified
Nationally Certified Physician Assistant
WorldLink Medical Certified
Advanced bioidentical hormone replacement therapy
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) — National professional organization for PAs
- Colorado Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA) — State-level professional membership and advocacy
Philosophy of Care
Jessica's approach is built on a simple belief: healthcare should be personalized, transparent, and empowering.
She takes time with every patient — not the 7 minutes you get in a typical office visit, but real time to listen, understand, and build a plan together. No cookie-cutter protocols. No one-size-fits-all prescriptions.
Jessica and Nick launched Defiance Health's first location in Denver, Colorado. As the practice grew, they saw a real gap in access to specialized services like hormone therapy and medical weight loss in rural communities — so they added a southern Colorado location in Alamosa to bring these treatments to the San Luis Valley and surrounding areas. That commitment to reaching underserved populations is core to who she is, and it's part of why Defiance Health also offers telehealth across four states.
Beyond the Clinic
When she's not seeing patients, Jessica is a mom to three kids, a voracious reader, and someone who loves learning — she's constantly studying the latest research in hormone therapy, longevity medicine, and metabolic health to bring better options to her patients.
She lives in Alamosa, Colorado with her family. She's passionate about fitness and an active lifestyle, is an unashamed caffeine enthusiast, and has a soft spot for animals. Her husband Nicholas Lara, MBA, co-founded Defiance Health and serves as CEO — together, they've built a clinic that reflects their shared values: honest care, real results, and treating every patient like family.
Published Content & Media
Jessica regularly writes about hormone therapy, weight loss, and wellness on the Defiance Health blog. Selected articles:
What Is BHRT?
A guide to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy — what it is, who it's for, and how it works.
Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide
A side-by-side comparison of the two leading GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
Am I in Perimenopause?
How to recognize the signs and what treatment options are available.
Hormones & Body Composition
What the science says about how hormone levels affect your weight and muscle.
She has also been featured on the Born Primitive Outdoor Podcast discussing health, wellness, and building Defiance Health.