All Alaska Pediatric Partnership’s team is comprised of professionals and leaders who are committed to advancing health care priorities for all children and families in Alaska.
All Alaska’s Pediatric Partnership’s Board of Directors are a diverse group of cross-sector professionals, medical providers and parents with experience and knowledge of child and maternal health care and a strong commitment to advancing health care priorities to ensure that Alaska’s children and families reach their full potential and thrive.
Executive Director, Stone Soup Group
Mary J. Middleton is the executive director of Stone Soup Group, a private nonprofit organization supporting families who care for loved ones with developmental disabilities. Ms. Middleton has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management. She is the mother of two, including an adult son who experiences autism. Ms. Middleton is a graduate of Texas A&M and moved to Alaska in 2001.
Financial Advisor, Crosby Wealth Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Damon Darby is a lifelong Alaskan and began his career in the financial services industry in 2008. He received his master’s in business administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Damon brings experience in corporate finance and developing investment strategies. Damon joined the AAPP Board of Directors in 2022.
Partner, Ashburn & Mason, P.C.
Matt practices both litigation and corporate law and represents a wide array of clients across Alaska. He has litigated cases in a variety of settings, including federal and state appellate courts, federal and state trial courts, and has argued twice at the United States Supreme Court. Matt also advises nonprofit entities on matters of corporate governance, strategy, and operations, and has served on numerous nonprofit boards including the Stone Soup Group and the Alaska Center for Collaborative Child Therapy. In addition to serving on the A2P2 Board, Matt is currently Board President of the Alaska Hemophilia Association. Matt is co-chair of the appellate section of the Alaska Bar, and has received awards for pro bono services from both Alaska Legal Services and the Alaska Immigration Justice Project.
Matt and his wife Marjorie Allard have lived in Alaska since 2004 and have two children, both of whom are on the autism spectrum, and their son has severe hemophilia. Matt’s family has extensive experience with the health care system in Alaska and the delivery of disability services. Matt is also an active musician and has played with numerous orchestras and ensembles over the years. He is currently the principal trumpet in the Anchorage Civic Orchestra and has played with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra and Anchorage Concert Chorus Orchestra.
Medical Director of Inpatient Pediatrics and NICU, Tanana Valley Clinic and Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in Fairbanks, Alaska
Dr. Laura Brunner is a pediatrician at the Tanana Valley Clinic and Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in Fairbanks, Alaska. Laura was born and raised in Fairbanks and loves taking care of kids and families in her home community. She trained at Colorado Children’s Hospital and the University of Minnesota. She is the medical director of Inpatient Pediatrics and NICU at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. She is excited to be part of a team focusing on the care of children and adolescents in Alaska.
Dr. Bruce W. Hess completed his pediatrics residency at Keesler Medical Center, Keesler AFB in 2001 after completing medical training at Oklahoma State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, OK. He spent 11 years serving as an active duty Air Force pediatrician in Mississippi and Landstuhl, Germany, before moving to Alaska in 2005. Dr. Hess served four years as Flight Commander of the Pediatric Dept. at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, and it was during this time that he first began working with the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership. Upon completion of his active duty Air Force service, Dr. Hess decided to make Alaska home and joined Ptarmigan Pediatrics in Wasilla in 2009. Throughout his career, Dr. Hess has enjoyed working in collaboration with other diverse groups to improve resources for pediatric patients wherever he has worked, and he developed an appreciation for the complexities of pediatric specialty care in Alaska. He has also served on the board of directors for The Children’s Place since 2016.
Vice President- Specialty Services, Southcentral Foundation, Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage
Dr. Matt Hirschfeld became interested in the Alaska Tribal Health System as a resident at the University of Washington. While there, he met Alaska Native families who were in Seattle to get care that was not available in Alaska. These interactions led Dr. Hirschfeld to become a pediatrician at Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) in 2005. Today, he is the Vice President of Specialty Services with Southcentral Foundation at Alaska Native Medical Center, where he helps to develop services to improve the health and wellness for Alaska Native families from across Alaska.
Chief Community Impact Officer, Matsu Health Foundation
Esther is the Chief Community Impact Officer (CCIO) at Matsu Health Foundation, which is a joint owner of Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Esther believes in building strong collaborative teams who can strategically and synergistically create healthier communities through tactical grantmaking, systems change efforts, and empowering community partners. Esther served in hospital operations for 12 years to include critical access, inpatient, and outpatient leadership roles. Her passion around advocacy for healthier communities and systems, has led to many meaningful partnerships focused on improving outcomes and quality of life for Alaskans. Prior to her leadership in healthcare, Esther worked within the private sector and brings a rich knowledge of operations, strategy, and business development.
Esther received her bachelor’s and MBA with a focus on hospital administration through Capella University and holds several certifications. In her free time, Esther enjoys spending time with her family, hiking in the great outdoors, and catching sunny days in the winter.
Founding member of All Alaska Pediatric Partnership
Private Practice Nurse Practitioner, Former section chief, Women’s, Children’s & Family Health, Division of Public Health
Stephanie Wrightsman-Birch is one of the founding members of the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership. During her tenure, she served in many roles including President, Past President and Treasurer overseeing the development from a community coalition to non-profit entity. As a health professional she has served in various clinical RN roles, led the development of The Children’s Hospital at Providence and served as its first Administrator for 6 years. She also served as the State of Alaska Public Health Section Chief of Women’s, Childrens and Family Health for 12 years, retiring in 2017. She is currently a Family Nurse Practitioner in private practice in east Anchorage, caring for a culturally diverse population from infants to seniors. She continues to serve on other nonprofits boards and is active in both state and federal legislative health care issues.
Tamar joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in 2015 as Executive Director with a background in communication, public relations, journalism, and business development. Early on in her professional career, Tamar traveled extensively throughout rural Alaska as editor and writer for the Arctic Sounder and Dutch Harbor Fisherman weekly newspapers, a role that opened her eyes to the richness of Alaska and to the uniqueness of each of its regions and cultures. Writing the stories of these communities across the Aleutian Chain, the North Slope and Northwest Arctic was a wonderful immersion opportunity that has been immensely valuable to her current role at A2P2. Over the next decade, Tamar worked with her husband to open and run a food business, Urban Greens, in downtown Anchorage, and spent a few years doing public relations and communications work at Thompson & Co. Public Relations.
Tamar was born in Israel and lived there through her mandatory military service in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), after which she moved to the U.S. for an undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin, her parents’ alma mater. What was intended to be a short two-week detour to Seward, Alaska on her way back home to Israel after graduation became a permanent move to Anchorage in 2006, business ownership with her husband Noam, and three Alaskan-Israeli boys.
Carmen Wenger joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in July 2017 as the Program Director for Help Me Grow Alaska. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Earth Science from Dartmouth College a Master of Public Health in International Health and Development from Tulane University and is pursuing a Doctor of Public Health in Leadership, Advocacy and Equity. Carmen has worked in public health and community development in the United States, Latin America and southern Africa. Her work has centered around the development and strengthening of equitable, data-centric local and regional health systems. Carmen’s prior work with children and families include being an Orphan and Vulnerable Child Advisor at Child Welfare South Africa, serving as both the Immunization Information System manager and deputy program manager for the State of Alaska’s Immunization Program, and the director of the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness. She also serves as the CDC’s Act Early Ambassador to the State of Alaska.
Aggie joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in April 2023. Aggie’s background includes community and economic development work with nonprofits participating in the Western Alaska Community Development Quota program. Most recently, Aggie provided strategic planning, administrative, fiscal and advisory services as a management consultant.
Aggie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Originally from Nome, Aggie is a lifelong Alaskan and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two children.
Kelsey joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in October 2022. She was born and raised in Western Alaska in the village named Alakanuk. She loves spending time cooking with her husband, taking walks in the summertime with her dog Coco, watching the beautiful sunrise and sunsets, and taking long car rides. Her hobbies include Yupik Dancing and sharing her culture with everyone she meets.
Reanne joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in February 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Outreach and has spent the majority of her career supporting children, youth, and families in their growth and development together. Reanne is originally from a small farm town in eastern Iowa and moved to Alaska in 2010. She has had the opportunity to travel across Alaska to support the state’s child care efforts. Outside of work, Reanne loves spending time with her family and baking yummy treats to share with those she loves.
Donna joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in January 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development with certifications in Family Studies and Early Childhood. Much of her background has been in early childhood education and non-profit organizations. Donna currently sits on the Board of Directors, as Teams & Training Director, for Rage City Roller Derby, a local non-profit entirely volunteer run. In addition to her seat on the BOD, she also skates competitively on the Rage City All*Star team. She is competitive and driven in nature with a passion to pursue growth and development in everything from individuals to systems.
When not at work or derby, she spends her time with family, tending her chickens, attempting learn-as-you-go home improvement projects, and partaking in adventures. Originally from Washington State, Donna moved to Alaska in 2015 and hasn’t looked back since.
Brooke joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in July 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University and a certification in Mathematics Education through ASPIRE to Teach from the University of Colorado. With a background in education, non-profit, and healthcare administration, Brooke is dedicated to helping children and families and is committed to being a part of systemic change that benefits children. She is originally from Colorado and is excited to call Alaska her new home. In her free time, Brooke enjoys spending time outdoors, mountain biking, skiing, and hiking with her family and dogs.
Sonya joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in May 2022. She is a lifelong Alaskan and has worked with children and families across the state for over 20 years. She enjoys helping families find their way to healing and wholeness through whatever path best suits their needs. Sonya has worked extensively with families in crisis and believes the best way to help children is through promoting health in every aspect of their home and family, whatever shape that may take. As a mother of five, she has an intimate understanding of the many challenges a family may face and finds a great deal of satisfaction in helping parents and children achieve their goals. In her free time, Sonya enjoys exploring all the many wonders Alaska has to offer—whether fishing, hunting, camping, hiking or just enjoying her back yard with her children.
Robyn joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in April 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama in Human Development and Family Studies and a Master’s degree in Education from Liberty University. Robyn’s background is in early childhood education. As a member of a military family, home is where the Army sends. Robyn and her whole family have fallen in love with the state of Alaska and are excited to call it home!
Melanie joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in July 2024. She was born and raised in New Zealand, where she completed a Bachelor of Social Work from Te Pūkenga. Using her background in social work, youth services and direct service work with individuals living with disabilities, Melanie has followed her passion for supporting Tamariki (children) and Whānau (families) through challenging times. Since moving to Alaska in April 2023, Melanie has come to love the state and is grateful to call it home. She takes every opportunity to explore more of the culture and land of Alaska, as she continues to put down roots.
Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi – with my basket and your basket, the people will thrive.
Amanda joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in July 2024. Born and raised in Alaska, Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Children’s Mental Health. Amanda has worked for a non-profit that does projects in rural Alaska to improve health and promote food sovereignty within villages. She has also spent time advocating and navigating the medical and social systems within Alaska for her youngest daughter with special needs (Autism and ADHD) so that she can receive the types of services that Help Me Grow Alaska connects our fellow Alaskans with. Amanda has spent most of her life caring for children in an informal and direct capacity. In her free time Amanda loves to read, play video games with her husband and two daughters, and she does her best to spend as much time outdoors with her family as possible.
Jizel joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in March of 2023. She was born and raised most of her life in Anchorage. Due to her family originally being from the Dominican Republic, she is fluent in Spanish. From 2015 – 2020 Jizel lived in the state of New Jersey where she had the opportunity to work as a Family Specialist for 4 years at a nonprofit organization and helped families get connected to childcare and other resources. She has over 10 years of medical office experience and a background in medical billing. Jizel has a passion for helping others and inspiring them to find hope in difficult situations. When she’s not busy working, she enjoys spending her free time reading, journaling, and hanging out with family.
Tracey joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in March 2023. She is a lifelong Alaskan and has worked with families with children and youth that experience special health care needs across the state for over 30 years providing direct support, in many roles. Her work with families before joining A2P2 included navigation and support to families, seeking neurodevelopmental evaluations through the State of Alaska Rural Outreach Clinic. She enjoys serving families and listening to their stories to help organize a path forward and get them connected to the most available and appropriate service within their community of Alaska. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, cooking, and going on road trip adventures to explore our beautiful state, with her partner and two dogs.
Jessica joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in March 2023. She is originally from Louisiana, but has lived in Alaska for almost 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Human Services from UAA and has a background in social work, care coordination, youth services, and supporting families through crisis. When she’s not working, Jessica enjoys cooking, gardening, and getting outside as much as possible.
Colleen joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in July 2024. She is originally from Texas but has called Alaska home since 2018. She recently relocated to Eagle River after several years in Western Alaska. Her background in law enforcement, social work, family services and community outreach supporting families through crisis. When she’s not working, Colleen enjoys hiking with her daughters, caring for her dogs and crafting.
Aline joined the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership in July of 2024. Seven years ago, Aline came for a vacation to Alaska and never left; she fell in love with the landscape, its way of life and its inhabitants. Since then, she aspires to serve Alaska’s children, especially those in underserved rural areas by using her background in education and psychology. This has led her to manage programs in the Copper River Basin, including an Early Childhood Mental Health Grant and an Early Childhood Development Center. Aline loves supporting families by putting them in touch with resources that will help them thrive. When she isn’t doing that, you can find Aline on the trails, hiking, skiing or mushing with her dogs.
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