Katie Boylan
BSN, MSN, CNP and Owner of CWFM
From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a provider. Growing up in a rural, impoverished area, I was surrounded by both hardship and resilience. Some of my earliest memories are of nursing sick animals back to health on our family farm—experiences that sparked my deep love for science, medicine, and healing.
I worked full-time while pursuing my education and in dreams of practicing medicine. Along the way, I discovered something even more powerful than my fascination with the human body: a love for the people I serve. That realization shaped everything I’ve done since.
Today, I am proud to be a female business owner in New Mexico, running a medical practice that reflects the values I hold dear—compassion, collaboration, and community. I opened Cottonwood Family Medicine to create a space where care is patient-focused, not provider-driven. I believe healthcare should be a partnership. I take the time to listen, to understand, and to work with each patient to build a plan that fits their needs and goals.
Owning my own practice has not only allowed me to serve my community the way I believe they deserve, but also to serve as a role model for others from humble beginnings—especially women—who dream of building something of their own. This journey is deeply personal, and I bring that heart into every interaction, every appointment, every day
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
I have 12 years of experience in different areas of health. My primary focus was intensive care and emergency medicine with a specialty in rural health and family practice.
My medical journey began early. At 17, I earned my Emergency Medical Technician certification through the University of New Mexico while still in high school. During college, I worked in mental health as a suicide prevention counselor and completed an internship in the neuroscience ICU at UNM Hospital.
After graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I served as a full-time ICU nurse in an underserved community, while pursuing my Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Arizona. I also supported medical education as a genetics teaching assistant.
I began practicing as a provider in internal medicine through a nationally recognized high-acuity home care program — a model that’s now under publication for its innovative approach to in-home patient care.
In 2016, I founded Cottonwood Family Medicine to bring compassionate, evidence-based care to the Albuquerque community. I’m AANP certified and committed to national standards in diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care. Just as importantly, I believe in listening closely, empowering patients through education, and creating a welcoming space for every individual and family I serve.
I’m proud to call Albuquerque home and honored to be part of your health journey.
A little MORE about me…..
My clinical interests include autoimmune diseases, mental health, and adolescent care — I especially enjoy working with teenagers and supporting them through critical stages of growth.
Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my family and being outdoors. I stay active through running, working out, fishing, and gardening — and I’m happiest when I’m busy and engaged in life.
Lora Smalley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, Cerebral Solutions Counseling
We are grateful to have Lora Smalley currently work part-time with CWFM.
Since I started working in mental health 29 years ago I have been helping those with trauma and addictions find solutions that worked for them. During that time I learned numerous evidence based approaches that helped those with anxiety, depression, family and interpersonal issues as well as grew in learning about and treating complex trauma and the interactions with compulsion disorders and addictions. I work with individuals over the age of 14 up and families with multiple challenges from integrating the blended family to addressing military deployments and reintegration. I work as an ally for LGBT+ community.
I admire anyone who is willing to take the first step and come to a session, the first step is often the most terrifying but also often a step towards freedom. I deeply admire and encourage the natural resiliency we all have and find daily joy in the small miracles of healing and I am privileged to watch in my clients.
SIERRA LAFEVER
Miss Lafever has been a valued member of Cottonwood Family Medicine for over five years. She began her journey with us as a medical assistant and quickly became a trusted, familiar face to our patients. Her dedication and strong relationships with our community led her to her current role as Practice Manager.
In addition to overseeing clinic operations, Sierra supports patients with billing inquiries, community outreach, and personalized assistance that makes navigating care easier. Her forward-thinking ideas continue to shape the future of our clinic, improving workflows and elevating patient satisfaction. We are proud to have her as a key part of the Cottonwood team..
