Anchorage

We offer services state-wide with offices in Anchorage Wasilla Fairbanks

Copper River & Statewide online support

Anchorage

1750 Abbott Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
(907) 561-3313
Fax (907) 561-3315

Toll-free within Alaska
(outside of Anchorage)

1-800-478-1080

Care Coordination
📞 (907) 677-6789
Fax (907) 561-3315

✉ Send us a message

Anchorage Education Team

Kay
Kay
Papakristo - Education Director

Kay Papakristo, M.Ed. has been an educator and disabilities advocate for over 27 years and is currently specializing in seniors and those living with dementia.

Kay has more than fifteen years of experience in academic program administration and workforce training. She is skilled in program development and assessment, outcomes evaluation, instructional design and technologies.

In her current role as Education Director with Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, Kay oversees the education department, collaborates with state and local partners, and manages multiple grant programs in an effort to educate and support all Alaskan’s impacted by dementia.

When Kay is not working, she enjoys adventures with her family and friends .

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 126]
📠 907-561-3315
kpapakristo@alzalaska.org

Kevin
Kevin
Silver - Interim Education Director

Kevin is our expert on mini-grants and offers support to the Education team. His personal experiences in dealing with dementia make him a valuable resource to those navigating a similar journey.

Specialty: Mini-Grants, COHO

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 122]
📠 907-561-3315
ksilver@alzalaska.org

Shelby
Shelby
Farthing - COHO Director

Shelby moved to Alaska after completing her Masters of Public Health in Health, Services, Policy and Management at the University of South Carolina. She is an Aunt to six nephews and two nieces, and is a ‘Dog Mom’ to her 10-year-old rescued Miniature Pincher named Jake.  When she is not at work, Shelby is pursuing her PhD in Health Education and Promotion at Walden University, and also enjoys hiking and tv shows like New Girl and Brooklyn 99.

COHO Director
Specialty: Dementia Education

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 136]
sfarthing@alzalaska.org

Debbie
Debbie
Chulick - Education Specialist

Debbie excels at providing educational support for people living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, their families, and their care partners.

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 123]
📠 907-561-3315
dchulick@alzalaska.org

Johnathan
Johnathan
Davin - COHO Specialist

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Johnathan moved to Alaska in 2010. He has over 13 years of healthcare and medical experience supporting people of all ages. He has worked to help create activities and programs for mentally challenged adolescents and children and has also worked in the Orthopedic Unit at a local Anchorage hospital.

When he’s not working Johnathan loves to travel, watch football and basketball, and enjoys camping and being in the outdoors.

Specialty: COHO, Dementia Education
Education: Nursing degree
Languages: English, Tagalog

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 105]
📠 907-561-3315
jdavin@alzalaska.org

Anchorage Care Coordination Team

Jenny
Jenny
Church - Care Coordinator

Bio coming soon…

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 145]
jchurch@ccralaska.org

Tami
Tami
Balts - Care Coordinator

Tami graduated from Biola University with a BA in Psychology. Her interest and the majority of her career has been in working with people with multiple challenges: intellectual & developmental disabilities, physical conditions & illnesses, substance abuse, mental health disorders, etc. Tami’s choice of careers was heavily influenced by her experiences with her youngest brother, who was born with a significant birth defect. With her parents’ support and care, he lived with her family the majority of his young life. Tami has seen the power of love and faith in altering someone’s life when doctors had given no hope. When his medical conditions progressed, he moved to a large group home in Anchorage where he was lovingly cared for by staff. She’s witnessed the power of someone’s life who, though very limited in his communication and physical abilities, made a profound impact on those around him. Through her brother’s life, she learned that someone’s life cannot be measured by what they do, but in the essence of who they are. Through Tami’s work as a Care Coordinator, she seeks to tell each person’s story, so their goals, interests & talents, and support needs are known and met through natural supports, community resources, and Waiver services.

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 109]
tbalts@ccralaska.org

Brandy
Brandy
Barnes - Care Coordinator

Brandy has been providing Care Coordination services for 17 years. She has worked with People First of Alaska – Anchorage Chapter as a mentor providing assistance and guidance to the board and members to expand advocacy and disability awareness throughout the state.

Because of undiagnosed Scarlet Fever, Brandy’s cousin lost his hearing at a young age, piquing her interest in deaf culture and giving her an appreciation for the many different ways people can be different and unique.

She graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and an Associate’s in Human Services with an emphasis in Disabilities. She works with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as those who experience mental illness and people with ISB.

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 129]
bbarnes@ccralaska.org

Kelly
Kelly
Bertrand - Care Coordination Project Assistant & Intake Specialist

Bio coming soon…

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 111]
📠 907-561-3315
KBertrand@alzalaska.org

Kamelia
Kamelia
Pinnock - Care Coordinator

Kamelia has 15 years of social service experience, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Healthcare Management from Colorado Technical University. She graduated with honors as Magna Cum Laude. Kamelia is a published author, dedicating her book to the victims of 9/11 and those deployed to Iraq in 2011. Passionate about her role, she focuses on people, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated.

Before joining our Care Coordination team, Kamelia worked in senior care and served individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her experience includes substance abuse and mental health care for both active-duty clients and civilians, providing trauma-informed care and mental health support. Kamelia has worked with ombudsmen, served as an individual counselor, and promoted a caring and safe treatment environment. Her primary goal was to help individuals in addictive, vulnerable, and traumatic states get a second chance at life and sobriety while rebuilding their families.

Kamelia is dedicated to advocating for and providing support to vulnerable individuals, empowering them despite their circumstances. She focuses on person-centered services, valuing face-to-face interaction and connecting with each client individually. Kamelia unique and energetic perspective brings knowledge and experience that benefits families and the overall group.

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 106]
KPinnock@CCRAlaska.org

Denise
Denise
Ammons-Felix - Care Coordinator

Bio coming soon…

 

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 140]
DAFelix@CCRAlaska.org

Administrative Team

Lisa
Lisa
Sauder - Executive Director

Lisa Sauder is an accomplished leader in the nonprofit sector, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as the Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA). With a remarkable track record in nonprofit leadership, Lisa’s tenure spans over two decades.

Previously, Lisa served as the Executive Director of Bean’s Cafe, a prominent organization in Anchorage dedicated to addressing homelessness and hunger. Her strategic vision and leadership played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s impact and reach within the community.

Before her role at Bean’s Cafe, Lisa was the Executive Director for the Alaska chapter of the American Heart Association, where her strategic approach and dedication significantly contributed to the success of the association’s mission to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the impact of heart diseases in Alaska.

Lisa is honored to join the ARA team, recognizing the transformative power of nonprofit organizations. Committed to enhancing the services and support provided by ARA, she is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Her extensive background in nonprofit leadership, coupled with her passion for serving the Alzheimer’s community, positions her well to lead ARA into its next phase of growth and impact.

Lisa works with a diverse board of directors, professional staff, family caregivers, and community partners across Alaska to oversee the organization’s effectiveness by providing strategic, operational, and inspirational leadership that is consistent with the mission, values, and principles of Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska. She resides in South Anchorage and enjoys fishing, hiking, bike riding and cooking for friends and family.

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 120]
📠 907-561-3315
lsauder@ALZalaska.org

Rob
Rob
Lamano - Operations Director

In October 2023, Rob made a bold move from Virginia to Alaska, drawn by the exciting opportunity to become the Director of Operations at Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska. Despite never having visited Alaska before, the job offer inspired him to take the leap. Soon after arriving, Rob not only developed a deep affection for his role but also fell in love with the beauty of Alaska.

Beyond his professional commitment, Rob has a genuine passion for nature and wildlife. During weekends, you’ll often find him hiking, even in the snow and frigid temperatures, embracing the outdoor wonders that Alaska has to offer.

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 104]
📠 907-561-3315
operations@alzalaska.org

April
April
Powers Gunther - Development Director

Bio coming soon

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 107]
📠 907-561-3315
development@alzalaska.org

Rebecca
Rebecca
Noble - Executive Assistant

Rebecca supports office operations and assists with administrative projects.

📞 907-561-3313   [ext 121]
📠 907-561-3315
rnoble@alzalaska.org