Our Story

Care Built from Loss. Delivered with Purpose.

AfyaGM was founded from both professional experience and profound personal loss — and a deep belief that healthcare can be better.

The GM in AFYAGM - Dr.Smalls mother
Why AfyaGM Exists

A Practice Born from a Mother's Story

Dr. Tamara “Tomi” Small became the primary caregiver for her mother, Gina Marie, after she was diagnosed with a chronic disease.


At 59 years old, Gina Marie transitioned into eternal life due to complications of the condition, complications that more time, education, and consistent, compassionate care might have helped manage better.

"That truth became my purpose — to create a model of care that restores time, trust, and human connection."

The Heart Behind the Name
Afya

(ah-fee-yah) means health in Swahili — a symbol of balance, vitality, and wholeness.

GM

Honors Gina Marie, whose faith, strength, and love continue to inspire the way this practice cares for people.

The GM in AFYAGM - Dr.Smalls mother
Why AfyaGM Exists

A Practice Born from a Mother's Story

Dr. Tamara “Tomi” Small became the primary caregiver for her mother, Gina Marie, after she was diagnosed with a chronic disease.


At 59 years old, Gina Marie transitioned into eternal life due to complications of the condition, complications that more time, education, and consistent, compassionate care might have helped manage better.

"That truth became my purpose — to create a model of care that restores time, trust, and human connection."

The Heart Behind the Name
Afya

(ah-fee-yah) means health in Swahili — a symbol of balance, vitality, and wholeness.

GM

Honors Gina Marie, whose faith, strength, and love continue to inspire the way this practice cares for people.

Dr. Tamara "Tomi" Small

PhD, MSN, APRN, FNP-C • Family Nurse Practitioner & Owner

Dr. Small is a Family Nurse Practitioner, researcher, nurse scientist, educator, and healthcare advocate with more than 25 years of experience. She is passionate about helping patients improve their health through prevention, lifestyle medicine, and personalized primary care.

Education
  • PhD, Occupational Safety & Health — University of Cincinnati (2020)
  • MSN, Primary Care — Indiana Wesleyan University (2013)
  • BSN — Indiana Wesleyan University (2010)
Clinical Expertise
Lifestyle Medicine
Medical Weight Management
Mental Health First Aid
Family & Internal Medicine
Women's Health & Menopause
Occupational Health
Chronic Disease Prevention
Board-Certified FNP-C
Research & Contributions
  • Workplace Violence Prevalence in Home Health Care —
  • Home Health Care Management & Practice
  • Expert panelist, The Joint Commission — workplace violence prevention standards
  • Council Member, Traumatic Injury Prevention Council, NIOSH (current)
  • Mental Health First Aid Instructor, National Council for Mental Wellbeing (current)
  • Certified Instructor, Total Worker Health® Intervention Design (current)
What We Stand For

Our Values

⏱

Time & Trust Matter

We protect the time of every visit and build trust through consistency, honesty, and follow-through.

🌱

Prevention is Powerful

We address concerns early and equip patients with knowledge that prevents problems before they become crises.

🤝

Relationships Improve Outcomes

A provider who knows your story delivers better care. We build relationships that last.

🔬

Evidence-Based Care

Clinical decisions are grounded in research and delivered with genuine warmth and respect.

💡

Transparency & Integrity

Clear pricing. Honest conversations. No surprises. We operate with complete openness.

🧠

Whole-Person Wellness

We look beyond symptoms to understand the full picture — mind, body, and environment.

Your Health. Our Purpose.

Join a practice where you are seen, heard, and fully supported.