Nurse Practitioners Strengthen Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute’s Mat-Su Branch
Photo Credit: Alaska Heart and Vascular Institute
The Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute (AHVI) added two experienced advanced practice providers to its Seward Meridian Parkway location in Wasilla.
Monica Lewis
Photo Credit: Alaska Heart and Vascular Institute
Monica Lewis is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She brings a blend of clinical expertise and experience serving remote Alaska communities. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Utica College and a master’s degree from State University of New York Upstate Medical University. Her career began as an emergency medical technician and transitioned to nursing, specializing in emergency medicine at a Level I trauma center. Before joining AHVI, she provided primary, urgent, and emergency care in remote Alaska villages.
Current Issue
October 2025
Geoff Mittelsteadt
Photo Credit: Alaska Heart and Vascular Institute
Geoff Mittelsteadt is an acute care nurse practitioner and certified emergency nurse. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. A retired US Air Force veteran, Mittelsteadt served twenty-eight years as a mentor, educator, and healthcare leader. With seventeen years of experience in intensive care, trauma, and critical care, he was drawn to AHVI’s mission and statewide impact.
Execs Join Mat-Su Health Foundation Leadership Team
Mat-Su Health Foundation promotes Vandana Ingle to Chief Community Impact Officer, the role previously held by CEO Esther Pitts, and Erin Messmer gains the title of Chief Communications Officer.
Healthcare Leaders Call for Cooperation as Medicaid Laws Shift
Healthcare providers in Alaska are adapting to changes in Medicaid, seeing both concerns for coverage and opportunities for overhaul.
Rasmuson Foundation Reorganizes Strategic Leadership
Tasha Pineda is promoted to the new position of Chief Program Officer, and Issa Spatrisano joins the Rasmuson Foundation as a Program Officer.