About Aspen Ridge Family Practice
We’re a locally owned, independent primary care clinic serving Buena Vista and the surrounding mountain communities. As a Direct Primary Care practice, we’ve stepped away from the red tape of insurance to give you the kind of care we believe everyone deserves: longer visits, better access, and real relationships.
Primary care is the foundation of good health—and having a strong, trusted relationship with your provider makes a real difference. Unfortunately, today’s healthcare system often feels rushed, impersonal, and focused more on billing than on people.
At Aspen Ridge Family Practice, we do things differently. Our mission is to bring the focus back to you. We take the time to listen, understand your health goals, and work together on a care plan that fits your life.
We’re honored to be part of your health journey and look forward to building a lasting relationship with you and your family.
Serving Buena Vista and surrounding mountain communities
Meet Abbey Pikul, MSN, FNP-C
Founder & Family Nurse Practitioner
Abbey Pikul is an AANP board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who has been caring for patients across the lifespan since 2012. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Colorado, where she completed a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on family medicine.
Abbey’s career in healthcare has been broad and hands-on. She spent 13 years working in emergency and trauma medicine at a Level I trauma center with University of Colorado Health, while also spending three of those years in internal medicine gaining invaluable experience in managing complex and chronic conditions.
Since transitioning into family practice in 2017, Abbey has found her passion in the long-term relationships and continuity of care that primary care offers. She is dedicated to prevention, early intervention, and empowering patients to take charge of their health.
Abbey stays continually engaged in learning and innovation, working to integrate the latest evidence-based practices and medical technologies into her care. She also collaborates closely with consultants both locally and across the Front Range to make sure her patients receive thoughtful, well-coordinated support.
Outside the clinic, Abbey enjoys hiking mountain trails, a hot cup of coffee, and spending time with her husband and three children.
Meet Michelle Walsh RN, BSN
Michelle Walsh graduated from Regis University, Loretto Heights School of Nursing with her Bachelors degree in Nursing Science. Her experience includes High Risk Labor and Delivery, Pre-Op ,Post-OP and Post Anesthesia Care, Jefferson County Public Health, and Hospice care. She has practiced as a Nurse for 19 years.
Michelle and her husband have three kids and own a local business. They are active in the community and enjoy “adventuring” with their kids. In alone time, Michelle enjoys running, skiing, hiking and reading.
Meet Michelle Walsh RN, BSN
Nurse Manager
Michelle Walsh graduated from Regis University, Loretto Heights School of Nursing with her Bachelors degree in Nursing Science. Her experience includes High Risk Labor and Delivery, Pre-Op ,Post-OP and Post Anesthesia Care, Jefferson County Public Health, and Hospice care. She has practiced as a Nurse for 19 years.
Michelle and her husband have three kids and own a local business. They are active in the community and enjoy “adventuring” with their kids. In alone time, Michelle enjoys running, skiing, hiking and reading.
Cara Sheherd RN, BSN
Cara grew up in La Jara, Colorado, and earned an Associates in Nursing from Trinidad State Junior College and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University.
She served as a missionary in Southern Spain and is fluent in the Spanish language. She worked for the Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center Emergency Department for 10 years, and for the Buena Vista School District for 3 years. She is currently a CPR instructor for the American Heart Association.
Cara and her husband Matt have been married for over 22 years and have three children: Jenna, Carly, and Kyle. She loves fishing, hiking, 4-wheeling, movies, and spending time with family.
She is a self-described Star Wars addict.
Meet Kim Reese – BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P
Kim is a part-time nurse at Aspen Ridge Family Practice.
Kim is a Colorado native, and has been a licensed Registered Nurse since 1982, earning her Bachelor of Science degree from UCCS Beth-El College of Nursing. She worked at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs for 20+ years in a variety of settings, including specializing in forensic nursing, where she provided care for pediatric and adult victims of sexual and physical violence. She has continued this work in Chaffee and surrounding counties. Kim also has over 20 years of experience working in local Family Practice settings.
Kim and her husband, Ron, have lived in Buena Vista since 1998. They have a daughter and son with growing families of their own who all live along the Front Range.
Why Choose Direct Primary Care in Buena Vista?
We’ve stepped away from insurance red tape to give you the kind of care everyone deserves—personal, accessible, and focused on your health, not billing codes.
Healthcare that actually makes sense
Direct Primary Care isn’t just a different payment model—it’s a return to what healthcare should be.
Instead of rushing through 15-minute appointments dictated by insurance requirements, we take the time to truly understand your health goals and work together on solutions that fit your life.
No more surprise bills, denied claims, or waiting weeks for an appointment when you’re sick.
Just straightforward, relationship-based care that puts you first.
See What’s Included in Your Membership
Direct Primary Care Happy Customer Testimonials
Real stories from Buena Vista families who’ve discovered better healthcare through Direct Primary Care.
Tom Thompson
Buena Vista Resident – 65+
I cannot recommend Abbey Pikul highly enough. In all my years navigating the healthcare system, I’ve never encountered a provider who brings such genuine time, attention, and care to her patients and their families.
Abbey doesn’t just treat symptoms—she listens intently to concerns, questions, and the full context of what we’re going through. Her depth of knowledge is outstanding, and she has a gift for explaining complex information in a way that makes us feel informed, empowered, and confident in every decision.
What truly sets Abbey apart is the way she makes you feel seen, heard, and valued—not just as a patient, but as a whole person. Her compassion, intelligence, and dedication are unmatched.
The direct access model works beautifully with someone of Abbey’s caliber. She is incredibly responsive, thorough, and trustworthy. If you’re seeking care that is personal, comprehensive, and genuinely patient-centered, Abbey is nothing short of exceptional.
Erin F.
Mother of Two
We’ve truly enjoyed being part of Abby’s care. She is exceptional at what she does—thorough, knowledgeable, and incredibly attentive. What stands out most is how much she genuinely cares about her patients.
She pays close attention to the details, listens carefully, and always takes the time to ensure you feel heard and cared for. We would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a thoughtful and dedicated nurse practitioner. You’ll be in great hands!
Mark and Grace W.
Buena Vista Residents and Parents of Two