Staff
Defileen Abaya
Hello, my name is Defileen, pronounced “Def-Lynn”. I come with over 16 years of dedicated service in the healthcare industry. I’ve found my calling in fostering unity within teams, resolving complex situations, and cultivating common ground. Throughout my career, I’ve discovered that empathy plays a pivotal role in establishing strong relationships and driving successful teamwork. My leadership style is greatly influenced by the diverse stories and experiences of those around me.
I am originally from the Philippines and moved to Cordova, Alaska, when I was ten years old. Since high school graduation, I’ve been working steadily on my professional journey and gaining invaluable experience across various healthcare domains. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in healthcare administration and hope to complete this journey by next year. My career trajectory has seen me contribute significantly to diverse healthcare
areas, from radiation oncology to day surgery, interventional radiology, and the heart and vascular center. Most recently, I undertook the responsibility of managing multiple primary care clinics, enriching my understanding of healthcare operations and patient care.
Venturing into the realm of graduate medical education marks an exciting chapter in my journey. The prospect of delving deeper into this field ignites my passion for continual learning and growth. At the Alaska Family Medicine Residency, I assist residents and faculty with any administrative or program requirements tasks.
Whether it’s navigating through program specifics or addressing any queries, I am the point of contact for both the faculty and residents. I also help with managing grants that come through the residency side. Additionally, I oversee all the residency support staff and am responsible for any operational and strategic trajectory of the residency department.
Beyond the professional realm, I find solace and joy in spending quality time camping and fishing with my family on my days off. These moments amidst nature rejuvenate me for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Contact: defileen.abaya@providence.org
Denise Gleason
Denise Gleason is an Administrative Coordinator at Alaska Family Medicine Residency. Denise brings many years of experience working with all levels of medical professionals.
Her primary responsibilities include overseeing onboarding, monitoring Medical Student schedules, as well as Credentialing for all Residents. Denise is the go-to for assistance with rural Alaskan rotations, ensuring Residents are ready to go from day one.
When Denise isn’t supporting Residents with their rotations, Denise enjoys exploring Alaska herself. She is an avid cook who loves integrating traditional Alaska cuisine with the country style of cooking from her past in Missouri. The joy of finding places to visit never gets old and every year some place new is chosen to “just see what’s out there.” The Alaskan adventure never disappoints.
Contact Denise at: denise.gleason@providence.org
Sydney Torrens
Sydney Torrens is a Project Coordinator at the Alaska Family Medicine Residency. Originally from Northern California, she brings a creative writing background and has a B.A. in Film and Radio Production. Sydney has over six years of experience coordinating projects in education, behavioral health, software, financial tech, and renewable energy.
Sydney loves learning about astrology, watching international films, and playing in the snow with her heeler/lab mix.
Applicants and residents can ask Sydney for…
- Recruitment information
- Detailed residency information
- Technical assistance
- Event updates
- Communications support
Contact: sydney.torrens@providence.org
Jenny Smith
Jenny Smith is our amazing Project Coordinator at the Alaska Family Medicine Residency. Originally from Southern California, Jenny made Alaska her home in 2017. With a B.S. in Health Science, Jenny brings over 7 years of experience in medical administrative support.
Jenny can help residents and faculty with scheduling, learning outcome time requirements, and time away policies. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband and two dogs.
For any scheduling inquiries or assistance, you can contact Jenny at Jennifer.T.Smith@providence.org. She’s here to help keep things organized and
running smoothly.
Tinna Thomas
Tinna is a dedicated Project Coordinator with a specialization in addiction medicine and behavioral health. Her unique journey into this field is marked by extensive, hands-on experience acquired through on-the-job training. Her diverse background, which spans retail, mechanical, and medical sectors, endows her with a multifaceted perspective and strong problem-solving skills.
In her previous role, Tinna played a key part in collaboration with the State of Alaska Epidemiology team. She contributed significantly to the launch of VacTrAK, a statewide system that manages immunization records for Alaskans of all ages. Tinna is deeply passionate about hands-on work and excels in managing house projects and applications. As a tactile learner, she flourishes in environments that offer opportunities for learning and growth alongside others. Her expertise notably includes patient scheduling and operational management, skills she refined during her tenure as a Medical Office Representative (MOR) at the Alaska Family Medicine Residency (AKFMR) clinic.
A native of Anchorage, Alaska, Tinna’s love for its breathtaking beauty and unique lifestyle is deeply ingrained. Having grown up under the midnight sun, she has developed a profound connection to the outdoors. The serene and calming atmosphere of Alaska is not only therapeutic for her but also resonates with her personal and professional ethos.
At AKFMR, Tinna finds a supportive and nurturing environment that perfectly aligns with her values as a caring and empathetic individual. Her various roles have provided her with invaluable insights and a deep appreciation for Alaska, her proud and beloved home.
Contact: tinna.thomas@providence.org
Ruby Matafele
Ruby is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in supporting individuals with mental and physical disabilities, as well as the homeless population. In her previous roles, Ruby worked directly with patients struggling with severe mental illnesses, emphasizing a compassionate approach tailored to the needs of those often neglected by the system. Her commitment to understanding individuals beyond their trauma highlights her deep empathy and dedication to community service.
Ruby’s leadership was instrumental in securing housing for over 385 individuals previously living in encampments. This achievement underscores her belief in the transformative power of conversation and her holistic view of homelessness as a complex issue requiring multifaceted solutions.
Currently involved with HRSA, Ruby focuses on supporting AKFMR’s Behavioral Health, and addiction medicine programs. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology and aspires to combine her passion for justice with her commitment to helping those facing health challenges.
Contact Ruby at: ruby.matafele@providence.org
Sandy Kiggins
Sandy Kiggins is the Residency’s Senior Clerical Assistant. She has lived in Alaska since 1972 and is a wealth of knowledge about Alaska and the residency’s history. Sandy has worked for Providence since 2003 and is in her 12th year at the residency. She looks for the positive side and humor in every situation, embracing the challenge of changes while still clinging to her traditional morals and core values. Sandy’s interests are Camping, fishing, shopping, spending time with her large family and her cats. Her desk is a fun place to stop for a cup of coffee, a piece of candy or a mindful minute with one of her many hands-on toys and a smile.
You can ask her about:
- Kitchen or office supplies
- CME balances and memberships
- Upcoming events
- Policies and procedures
Contact: sandra.kiggins@providence.org