Katie Swain is from Hendersonville, North Carolina and rejoined the EmergeOrtho sports medicine team in 2024. She completed her undergraduate studies in athletic training at Western Carolina University. She then completed her master’s in medical science with a concentration in athletic training (with a focus on the adolescent athlete) at the University of South Florida.
Katie is a certified and licensed athletic trainer. Her athletic training education has equipped her with skills in injury prevention, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate care, treatment, rehabilitation and reconditioning, organization and administration, and professional responsibility. Katie serves as an administrative assistant to the sports medicine team and covers per diem at a local boarding school throughout the school year.
Bio Coming Soon!
Lauren Leathers is the Surgery Scheduler for Dr. Boykin’s team at EmergeOrtho, bringing over a decade of experience in healthcare coordination, administrative leadership, and bilingual patient support. Known for her attention to detail and patient-centered approach, Lauren plays a vital role in guiding patients through the surgical scheduling process with compassion, clarity, and efficiency.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Lauren holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Sociology. She has lived in Asheville since 2001 and is deeply committed to serving the local community with care and professionalism.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Lauren excels in supporting diverse patient populations, ensuring effective communication and timely access to care. She has extensive expertise in managing complex scheduling logistics, securing insurance authorizations, and navigating electronic medical records systems with precision and organization.
Before joining Dr. Boykin’s team, Lauren held key administrative roles at ABCCM Medical Clinic and RehabCare, where she led initiatives to expand access to specialty services and coordinated care for medically underserved communities.
Outside the office, Lauren enjoys spending time outdoors, caring for her pets, and nurturing her ever-growing collection of houseplants. She brings the same dedication and thoughtfulness to her personal interests as she does to supporting patients and the orthopedic care team.
Cassie Barkley is a clinical athletic trainer and medical assistant for Dr. Robert Boykin and a clinical team lead for EmergeOrtho: Blue Ridge Division.
Originally from Andrews, NC, Cassie obtained her undergraduate degree from UNC-Greensboro and her Masters in Athletic Training from Lenoir Rhyne University. She began her career as a clinical athletic trainer at Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists/OrthoSC in Myrtle Beach, SC in 2013 before relocating to Asheville in 2020.
When not working, Cassie enjoys nature photography, hiking, college basketball & football, and being with her family & friends.
Cassie loves her position with Dr. Robert Boykin and feels that her knowledge in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine has grown considerably since joining his team. Cassie’s goal is to give the best patient care she can and she looks forward to serving you.
Jennifer Griffith is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Loyola University Chicago and worked as a certified perioperative nurse in the Chicagoland area before attending the University of Michigan, graduating with honors from the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing program. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and North Carolina Nurses Association. Jennifer also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Jennifer joined Dr. Boykin in October 2024 after spending a year working with EmergeOrtho’s Foot and Ankle team. As a former collegiate soccer player who experienced orthopedic injuries requiring specialized care, Jennifer brings a unique background to her role as a healthcare provider. She makes it a priority to listen to patients and understand things from their perspective
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, traveling, watching Liverpool FC, and exploring the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
Education
• Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Loyola University Chicago
• Graduate: Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, University of Michigan
Certifications & Licenses
• Registered Nurse, North Carolina Board of Nursing, 2021 – Present
• Registered Nurse, Illinois Board of Nursing, 2015 – Present
• AGPCNP-BC, American Nurses Credentialing Center Board Certification, 2023– Present
• Nurse Practitioner, North Carolina Board of Nursing, 2023 – Present
• ACLS/BLS Certified, American Heart Association, 2015 – Present
• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR), 2018 – Present
Danielle joined Emergeortho in 2021 and is currently our Sports Medicine Program Manager. She serves as the main contact for the Blue Ridge region high school, middle school and university athletic trainers. She is also present at various community events Emergeortho Sports Medicine sponsors and serves throughout the year. Danielle is a Certified Athletic Trainer, licensed in North Carolina and served in the college setting for 15 years before joining Emergeortho in 2021. She enjoys various sporting events and activities, and this is where her family can be found outside of her workdays.