Alaska Nurse Practitioners Association
Our Vision
Alaska Nurse Practitioners Association is a non-profit medical association dedicated to advancing the practice of nurse practitioners in Alaska. We are committed to promoting excellence in healthcare through education, advocacy, and professional development. Join us in our mission to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes across the vast landscapes of Alaska.
MISSION
At Alaska Nurse Practitioners Association, our mission is to empower nurse practitioners with the knowledge and resources they need to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to diverse communities across Alaska. Through our dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation, we strive to elevate the role of nurse practitioners in shaping the future of healthcare in Alaska.
We are committed to upholding the highest standards of practice while embracing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Alaska's healthcare landscape. Join us in our journey to advocate for the advancement of nurse practitioners and to ensure equitable access to comprehensive healthcare services for all Alaskans.
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Leadership
Meet Our Board Members
Our dedicated board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to guide the strategic direction of Alaska Nurse Practitioners Association. Their collective leadership ensures that our initiatives align with the evolving needs of nurse practitioners and the communities they serve.
Myra Kelly, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
President
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Myra is from Southeastern Kentucky. She works with adults and children, providing primary care. For Alaska Behavioral Health. Her hobbies including cooking, fishing, and spending time with her family.
Lyndsey Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
President-Elect
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Lyndsey is originally from Indiana. She moved to Alaska 10 years ago when her husband was stationed at Fort Wainwright. Her husband recently retired from the Army, but they love Alaska so much that they have decided to stay!
Lyndsey started her healthcare journey as a CNA, then rose the ranks to LPN to RN to NP. Most of her nursing career has been spent in geriatrics and palliative/hospice care.
She currently provides full-scope primary care to all ages as an FNP at Fireside Family Medicine in North Pole, AK. Lyndsey completed her bachelor’s degrees at Austin Peay State University and Indiana State University and her master’s degree at Chamberlain University.
Lyndsey enjoys spending time outside, hiking, camping, being near the ocean, or just being with her family.
Darrel Foister Jr, MSN, FNP-BC
Treasurer
Darrel (D.J.) Foister recently completed his Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MSN program at the University of Alaska Anchorage and has embarked on a new journey as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Capstone Family Medicine. Originally from Soldotna, Alaska, D.J.'s path took him away to serve in the US Air Force before returning home to pursue a healthcare career.
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His journey began as a paramedic, which ignited his passion for medicine and paved the way for his transition into nursing. D.J. is committed to continuous learning and growth in the medical field. His future aspirations include developing innovative healthcare solutions to improve access for patients in his community and advocating for the expanding roles of advanced practice nursing in Alaska. He is a staunch supporter of healthcare workers' rights and aims to contribute to their recognition and support.
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D.J. plans to provide compassionate care within his community while pursuing a doctoral degree. In his free time, he enjoys exploring Alaska through hiking adventures with his wife and daughters.
Jessica McGrath, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Secretary
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Jessica is a psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioner who has worked at the Anchorage ND Systems since February of 2024. Jessica completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington and master’s degrees at Northern Arizona University and University of Cincinnati. She has worked in the mental health field as a nurse practitioner since 2014. Jessica has worked in hospitals, clinics, substance use programs, and correctional settings. She cares for patients of all ages. She provides therapy and medication management that is trauma informed and evidence-based. She joined the ANPA board as secretary in the winter of 2023.