Staff

Denise Gleason
Administrative Coordinator

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

Erin Eisel Project Coordinator

I have worked in medical administration for over 15 years, which has been a fulfilling journey. Supporting both clinical and administrative management has allowed me to learn and grow in my career. Currently, I work at the Alaska Family Medicine Residency, where I get to collaborate with many talented and kind people. I see the impact of my work at the residency and feel proud to support such a great team. I have lived in Alaska for 20 years, and during this time, I have developed a love for the outdoors. I enjoy camping and fishing with my family, which allows us to bond and make lasting memories. We also like to explore the town for fine dining and fun activities, such as escape rooms, swimming and golf. Living in Alaska has provided me with many opportunities for both work and adventure, making my life here very rewarding.

Residents and applicants can ask Erin about the following:

• Events Information
• CME Tracking Information
• Purchasing/Reimbursement Assistance
• Concur Training
• Detailed Residency Information
• Technical Assistance

Contact Erin at: erin.eisel@providence.org

Maia Wen Project Coordinator

After being adopted from China, Maia grew up in Anchorage and has found her way back here time and time again. Most of her professional experience comes from non-profit and Alaska Native tribal organizations; this is her first role in the healthcare industry.

She also completed an Americorps Year of Service in Denver and taught English in rural Spain with the Fulbright Program. She enjoys planning, program support, process development and improvement, and using endless spreadsheets and meticulous formatting to achieve those goals. Maia’s favorite part of any job is working with hard-working people with niche interests and good stories. At home she enjoys cooking new Asian recipes, dissociating in the mountains, learning languages (currently on ASL and Mandarin), dreaming about her next trip, creating even more spreadsheets to track personal finances, and trying to teach herself piano for the umpteenth time.

Contact Maia at: maia.wen@providence.org

Tinna Thomas
Project Coordinator

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 at: 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