Rocky Mountain Family Practice of Leadville
719-465-0510
Dra. Lisa Zwerdlinger
A legacy of caring.
“I have been practicing medicine for 27 years. I believe that health care is for the patient. It should be delivered where the patient needs it at the time that they need it, and at a price they can afford. In our current healthcare environment, insurance companies and health systems get in the way of the doctor-patient relationship. With Rocky Mountain Family Practice of Leadville, you will have access to the health care provider you have come to know and trust when you need me and not just when it is convenient for the system. It has been my pleasure and my privilege to care for you and your family for decades. I look forward to continuing that journey together.”
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.
Claudia Vargas serves many essential roles at Rocky Mountain Family Practice. She is Dr. Lisa’s right hand. Her passion for patient care and removing barriers for non-English proficient patients is her guiding force.
As a young girl Claudia and her family suffered a tragedy when her mother passed away due to the language barrier between her mother and her caregivers. The tragedy has resulted in Claudia’s inspiration for choosing her career in healthcare.
Claudia loves that at RMFP of Leadville, patient care is not rushed; she can get to know her patients and identify how to help them take care of themselves through their treatment plan and by connecting them to resources as needed.
Claudia graduated as a Medical Assistant in Sept 2009 from Intellic College in Grand Junction, CO. She has worked in healthcare since 2011. She moved to Leadville in 2015 and fell in love with the healthcare providers and the community in Lake County.
Claudia has 1 daughter and 1 son and 2 stepchildren with her husband. The family enjoys cooking and hiking together. A favorite summer pastime is picking strawberries at Turquoise Lake.
Karen Casey, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) brings decades of experience in managing specialized diets and addressing a wide range of dietary needs. Throughout her career, she has developed innovative, practical strategies to support clients coping with food allergies, medical conditions, and culturally specific dietary practices. One of her key strengths lies in creating therapeutic meal plans tailored to medical requirements, always delivered with compassion and a personalized touch.
Karen also has extensive expertise in sports and fitness nutrition. She excels in optimizing
calorie intake and macronutrient balance to enhance performance, support recovery, and promote overall well-being. Her guidance is rooted in the latest nutritional science, ensuring evidence-based recommendations that deliver measurable results.
Her academic background is equally impressive. Karen holds an M.S. in Mathematics, a B.S. in Mathematics and Counseling, and has completed both a Dietetics certificate (DPD) and a comprehensive clinical and food-service internship (DI). She is a credentialed Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR). By blending analytical precision with a deep
understanding of human behavior and health, Karen delivers data-informed, client-centered care.
Karen is passionate about helping individuals navigate complex dietary challenges with
creativity, clarity, and empathy. Whether managing food sensitivities or working toward health, wellness, or athletic goals, she empowers her clients with personalized nutrition strategies designed to help them thrive.
“It is wonderful to partner with Dr. Lisa and Rocky Mountain Family Practice of Leadville. We share a commitment to patient-centered care and to improving quality of life through health and nutrition,” commented Karen.
A proud member of the Lake County community for nearly 20 years, Karen is excited to offer dietary counseling at Rocky Mountain Family Practice—where her deep connection to the region and its people makes her a natural fit.