Our board members are a group of Alaskans with diverse experiences who are passionate about EMS education.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Program directorHometown: Wasilla, AK
EMS Education and Experience: I am an Alaska Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic, National Registry Paramedic, and Flight Paramedic Certified with a B.S. in Emergency Medical Care from Western Carolina University. I was first certified as a Paramedic in 1993. I have worked on ground ambulances most of my career as well as a full-time teacher in the university setting. Now, I work as a Flight Paramedic for Norton Sound Health Corporation in Nome, AK.
Why APEC?: Ever since moving to Alaska in 2015, to pursue a full-time career in EMS Education at UAA, I have been learning more and more about the role of Community Health Aides and EMT’s across the state. I am impressed by their dedication and resilience and I see how hard it is for them to get access to high-quality training to grow in their jobs and improve the care they provide to their communities. This was the main issue I wanted to address when starting up the Alaska Prehospital Education Consortium non-profit.
For fun: My family and I love Alaska and we do all the typical stuff. We like cross-country skiing in the winter. My favorite spot is the Government Peak Recreation Area in Hatcher Pass. We also have a boat down in Valdez. We like to cruise around the Valdez Arm and camp-out, fish, and shrimp from the boat. I’m learning Chinese calligraphy in my spare time to wind-down and be more mindful.
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Instructor
Hometown: Wasilla, Alaska
EMS Education and Experience: I am an Alaska Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic, National Registry Paramedic and Critical Care Paramedic. I first got into EMS back in 2001 and got my paramedic license in 2005. Since then I’ve worked in so many different areas of medicine. I've worked for an inter facility ground transport company for a few years, worked for an OB doctor, for a pediatrician and for a family medicine doc for a couple of years each. I worked for a busy 911 system for 10 years as a firefighter paramedic and then worked as a flight paramedic for 11 years. Simultaneously I've worked part time in an ER for 16 years. I have been teaching around the state since 2006 for all the alphabet classes, BLS, ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, medevac escort etc, but also many EMT 1, 2 and 3 classes through lots of Alaskan communities. Currently I work as a full time educator in Nome, Alaska with the responsibilities of teaching EMS education throughout our 15 Norton sound communities and Nome. I educate our regions community health aides, as well as providing education for Nome based hospital staff, flight crew and local EMS.
Why APEC?: I love to teach. I love helping providers get better at patient care. When I was presented with this opportunity to help spread more education to a wider base throughout the state I just couldn’t say no. I knew I had to be involved with this great team that shares my passion for improving EMS education statewide.
For fun: I love to travel. I was born and raised in England and immigrated here to Alaska as a teenager so travel is in my bones. I love exploring different places. In Alaska I love to spend time camping, fishing and kayaking. My family and I love to watch hockey and play endless board games together. We spend much of the winter months chasing our teenager around Alaska as he competes in various football and hockey games. I also love to spend time with our 2 pups and enjoy many different arts and crafts.
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Board MemberHometown: Hinsdale, IL
EMS Education and Experience: I am a Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician currently working at Mat Su Regional emergency department. Completing medical school at Saint Louis University then headed south to Emergency Medicine Residency at the University of New Mexico. I have had the privilege of learning and watching EMS providers work being the medical student in the back of the ambulance in St Louis and on the San Juan Islands. These experiences led to an interest in continuing my work and education with prehospital providers throughout my career. In residency this interest transitioned to the opportunity to support training for prehospital providers in New Mexico and now Alaska!
Why APEC?: Providing better emergency care to the people that live in Alaska is something I am excited to be a part of and prehospital care is the first step! Long transport times, geographically isolated places and providers that work hard and play hard need to be supported in their professional development. I believe that this organization has the ability to improve the quality of care across the state.
For fun: BIkes and boats! I love to be outside however I can and am often out on the water or if the snow ever melts… on my mountain bike with my pups chasing me. Otherwise, I spend a lot of time planning and dreaming and preparing for my next meal. I love food. I often am reading recipes or planning an entire vacation to hit up a great restaurant and head to a spice shop to get the ingredients that you just can't find up here!
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Vice PresidentHometown: Wasilla, AK
EMS Education and Experience: I became a licensed mobile intensive care paramedic in 2017 after receiving my Associates of Science in Paramedic Technologies from UAA in December of 2016. I worked as a 911 paramedic and paramedic educator through UAA for two years while completing my Bachelor of Science. Since then, I have been completing my medical degree at the University of Washington School of Medicine. I will become an Emergency Medicine Physician in July of 2022. I plan to pursue an EMS fellowship with the ultimate goal of functioning as EMS medical director and educator.
Why APEC?: I am passionate about EMS education and feel APEC’s mission of increasing equitable access to high quality education across Alaska aligns with my values and hopes for Alaskans’ futures. I believe focusing on EMS education and systems improvements is an attainable way to improve the health of Alaskans.
For fun: I love hanging out with my two dogs, enjoying the water in Seattle, playing pickleball or tennis, and cooking.
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Board MemberHometown: Juneau, Alaska
EMS Education and Experience: I started my journey into medicine in 2009. My career started in Washington as an EMT and volunteer firefighter and progressed to Paramedic with a Bachelor's degree in Paramedicine from Central Washington University. I started working as a private ambulance EMT and progressed to volunteer firefighter, paramedic, career firefighter, instructor, and administrator. Currently, I work for Capital City Fire Rescue in Juneau, AK.
Why APEC?: Simply to further EMS education and bridge the distance education gap in the state of Alaska.
For fun: I love to camp, watch soccer, hike, fish and spend time with my family.
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Medical Director
Born and raised in Detroit, MI, Dr. Coopes completed undergraduate and medical school Education at Wayne State University, followed by Pediatric Residency and Chief Residency at The Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Eager to try something new, I furthered my training in Pediatric Anesthesia and Critical Care at Harvard’s Boston Children’s Hospital. I established the PICU at Boston City Hospital, joined PICU’s at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, then The Floating Children’s Hospitals, (Boston University, Brown University and Tufts Universities), prior to moving to Alaska’s only Children’s Hospital in 2001, where I served as Medical Director of Inpatient Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care, 2001-2019. I am a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at University of Washington, and I have served as Medical Director of the Paramedic Program, UAA, MATSU Campus.
I have practiced Pediatric Critical Care since 1986, and have extensive teaching experience throughout the country. I serve on State/National Committees to study and eliminate child maltreatment, and serve on Alaska’s Maternal Child Death reviews and Child Fatality Review Teams. the MCDR and CFRT committees. I have served as an expert witness in Child Maltreatment for over 35 years. I have been certified in Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care and Hospice and Palliative Medicines.
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SecretaryHometown: Palmer, AK
EMS Education and Experience: I was a paramedic for 15 years with the Matsu Borough EMS before becoming a Registered Nurse. In that time, I have also spent a few seasons as a remote paramedic in various locations around Alaska: an oil rig, an ice road, and a coal mine exploration camp. I flew with Alaska Regional Life Flight for a few years before becoming an EMS Battalion Chief with the Matsu Borough. I am currently working as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Matsu Regional Medical Center.
Why APEC?: Since my early years, I have been passionate about Alaska, the people of Alaska, and EMS/healthcare. Being a part of this team allows me to be involved in a program that teaches the art of EMS to providers across Alaska and beyond.
For fun: I love spending time with my family and two dogs in my free time. I love to hike, bike, run, and try new recipes to cook at home.
PROGRAM FACULTY
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Lead AEMT InstructorHometown: Wasilla, AK
EMS Education and Experience: My first responder career started in 2014 when I became a firefighter. With a striving interest in medicine I progressed until I reached my goal of Nationally Registered Paramedic and MICP in 2016, graduating with an Associates of Science degree. I worked as a MICP on a 911 ambulance, a fireline paramedic for wildfires nationwide, and an EMS educator at a university. Currently I am a full time firefighter/driver operator for Central Mat Su Fire Department and enjoy serving my community.
Why APEC?: Due to a passion for teaching, I am excited to once again help instruct in prehospital medicine to benefit communities and EMS providers in the state of Alaska.
For fun: Living in Alaska provides many of my favorite summer activities such as kayaking, gardening, fishing and hunting. During the winter I enjoy woodworking and painting. All the while I am growing my library of audiobooks and practicing yoga.
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InstructorHometown: Big Lake, AK
EMS Education and Experience: In the middle of my first career in Air Traffic Control (Anchorage ARTCC 1992-2008) I was invited to join our local ambulance squad as an on-call EMS responder for Matanuska Susitna Borough Department of Emergency Services. I completed my EMT-1 certification in 2003, advanced EMT 2&3 certifications in 2004 and 2005, and took the plunge to paramedic in 2010. I spent the bulk of my years in EMS service as a 911 ground EMT/Paramedic, eventually advancing to full-time Paramedic Shift Supervisor, and Rural EMS Service Chief. I have been a State of Alaska EMS Instructor and Certifying Officer since 2007. I briefly worked as a Critical Care Flight Paramedic in 2015, until 911 ground service leadership called me back to serve for two years as EMS Deputy Director for Matanuska Susitna Borough Department of Emergency Services. I currently work for University of Alaska College of Health as a Certified Simulation Healthcare Educator.
Why APEC? Alaska is an enormous state. I quickly came to appreciate that fact during my ATC career. As a 911 ground EMT/Paramedic, I responded across an area the size of West Virginia. As a call-in EMS instructor I have traveled to communities from the Canadian border to the western coast. In this vast state are many rural and remote communities without any access to advanced EMS training. Alaska Prehospital Education Consortium embodies the vision to bring quality EMS education and career progression to those underserved communities. I was invited and gladly agreed to be a member of this non-profit organization and educational endeavor.
For fun: Golf, woodworking, kayaking, and dog-training. (Not necessarily in that order of preference) I am also a "hobby" farmer with dreams of bigger and better things to contribute to food security, here in the "bread basket" of southcentral Alaska.
BJ Coopes
Medical Director
STAFF INSTRUCTORS
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Instructor
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Instructor
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Instructor SupportHometown: Hollis, AK
EMS Education and Experience: I began my adventures in the EMS world in 2019 when our local EMT was planning to retire and our community had a need for EMS providers. I started out as an ETT and quickly progressed to an EMT 2. In March of 2023, I began the APEC AEMT course, which I completed as a nationally registered AK AEMT in October of 2023. When asked to join the staff of APEC as instructor support, I jumped at the chance. I am the EMS Captain for our service here in Hollis and work as an AEMT for a local service on the island, located in the town of Klawock. I am also an ASHI and Red Cross certified CPR/BLS instructor and an Alaska ETT instructor.
Prior to retiring and getting involved in the EMS community, I spent 10 years working for a small government defense contractor that provided education and consulting services both stateside and in deployed spaces.
In my free time, I am the librarian for our local library and a member of the Southeast Island School District school board. I also enjoy fishing, hiking and enjoying the beauty and adventure that our island provides. I am a life long learner and have a passion for sharing my knowledge with others.
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Instructor
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Hometown: Delta JunctionEMS Education & Experience: I first got into EMS in 2007 and worked as an EMT2 until 2023 when I completed the APEC AK-AEMT program. I work in rural Delta Junction as our department’s pediatric care coordinator and I teach classes throughout the region as an AHA instructor.
Why APEC? I discovered this program when I was searching for an EMT 3 class to take and couldn’t find one that would work for a mom of young children with a full-time job. I was so thankful to find the APEC program because it made it possible for me to get very high-quality training without having to leave home. When I was invited to come on board as an instructor, there wasn’t a question in my mind. I am thankful to be part of such a progressive and exciting team.
For Fun: I love being outdoors with my family here in Alaska. We campout in all seasons, enjoy hiking, quadding, snowmachining and swimming when we can! My two great passions aside from my kids are music and providing emergency healthcare.
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Instructor
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Lead Instructor (AEMT)
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Lead instructor (EMT)
Chase Loehnert
Travis Hoogland
Victoria Anderson
Colt Coady
Jaxon Hayes
Jory Moon
PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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Program Advisory Committee
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Program Advisory Committee
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Program Advisory Committee
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Program Advisory Committee
Hometown: Gig Harbor, WA
EMS Education/Experience: I started volunteering for the Nome Volunteer Ambulance Department in June 2019, after having moved to Nome the year prior. My now Chief stated, "we just need drivers." Fast forward to today. Currently I am one of two full time paid Nome Emergency Services staff for the City of Nome. I maintain the day to day functions of the NVAD and NVFD. I am also a BLS instructor, and make every attempt to help educate my community when asked. Living remotely has its major challenges when it comes to EMS as many of my fellow APEC students will understand. I am grateful to have the privilege to serve my community. Being an Inupiaq woman, I aim to show our youth that there are many fulfilling opportunities to give back to our people here at home. I am truly honored to have been asked to sit on this board. I am in very good company with so much to learn from the rest of the boardmembers.
Why APEC: Besides the stellar instructors and staff of APEC, choosing to enroll was an easy choice. For the busy life I lead, never being able to count on being in the office for any extended period of time, APEC's asynchronous approach has been optimal for me. The breadth of knowledge amongst the instructors and medical direction is seemingly inexhaustible. The content and the manner in which it is presented is straightforward. Absolutely though, my favorite aspect of APEC is the attention paid to how important mindfulness and self care are in this line of work. I look forward to furthering my education through APEC.
For fun: Nome in the summer is hard to beat, when the weather cooperates. My husband and I prefer to be out in the country at our fish camp in Council, where we both have deep family ties to the land. Our three boys (my step sons), each attending Mt. Edgecumbe High School this year, keep us busy during moose and bear hunting seasons. I like to travel as often as possible. Our next travel plans include Europe in March of 2024 for our overdue honeymoon adventure.