Melinda Freemon has been in health-related leadership positions in Alaska for over 30 years. She has worked as Executive Director in the behavioral health and health care fields, overseeing comprehensive substance abuse and mental health treatment programs, programs for women in transition, permanent supportive housing programs, and public health programs with an emphasis on vulnerable populations. Ms. Freemon has worked extensively in rural and urban Alaska to address health and social service disparities. Ms. Freemon has served as the Executive Director of the Salvation Army Clitheroe Center, the Director of the Supportive Housing Division for RurAL CAP, and the Director of the Anchorage Health Department. She has served on local task forces and statewide commissions working to improve access to health care for all Alaskans. Ms. Freemon began her position at Anchorage Project Access in August 2018.
Ms. Freemon is a recipient of the 2012 YWCA BP Exploration’s Woman of Achievement Award as well as the 2012 Hard-Won Victory Award by the American Planning Association Alaska Chapter. Ms. Freemon has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and is a licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Clinical Supervisor.
Kate Love has worked in leadership in various fields for over a decade. She has a background in consultation and administration as a Lead Consultant for FedEx Office. Kate is a nationally certified Community Health Worker (CHW) and worked as a CHW Manager for Alaska Primary Care Association to develop and implement their CHW Apprenticeship Program. Kate is also a Certified Application Counselor for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace (ACA) and professionally trained to assist with ACA and Medicaid applications. Kate joined the team at APA in 2022.
Ashley Garver began her professional career with HR & Block, where she worked as a tax preparer and accountant for 10 years. She has a background in consultation, administration, and leadership as a Lead Consultant and Assistant Manager for FedEx Office. Ashley is a nationally certified Community Health Worker (CHW) and worked as a CHW Manager for Alaska Primary Care Association to develop and implement their CHW Apprenticeship Program. Ashley is also a Certified Application Counselor for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace (ACA) and professionally trained to assist with ACA and Medicaid applications. Ashley joined the team at APA in 2023.
Originally from Burkeville, TX, Casey served in the United States Air Force for 10 years as a Flight Operational Medicine Technician and is licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician. Casey has received both his Associate’s in Science Health from the Community College of the Air Force, and his Bachelor of Science from Park University in Interdisciplinary Studies. He has worked at multiple hospital locations both in the United States and Internationally, accumulating years of dedicated service and experience amongst a diverse group of patient populations. The recipient of three Commendation Medals for outstanding service while in the military, Casey is honored to continue his journey in the healthcare industry alongside his fellow colleagues at Anchorage Project Access. Casey joined the team at APA in 2023.
Mayerlyn is a native Spanish-speaker from Cali, Columbia. She has been serving the Latino community in Anchorage since 2006. Mayerlyn received her Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Human Services from the University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA) in 2023. She also received Peer Leader Navigator training through the Alaska Literacy Program. Mayerlyn has over a decade of customer service experience, including management. She has worked with Standing Together Against Rape (STAR, Inc.) Alaska as an Advocate Intern and has an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Children’s Behavioral Health from UAA. Mayerlyn is passionate about helping others and is an avid volunteer in her community. Mayerlyn enjoys sharing her cooking, learning about other cultures, and spending time with her family. Mayerlyn joined the APA team in 2024.
Lauryn brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Program Specialist at APA. Her expertise in coordinating services comes from her previous work with multiple APA donating providers’ offices. Lauryn has honed her skills in streamlining operations, healthcare administration and fostering seamless communication. Originally hailing from Auburn, Alabama, Lauryn relocated to Alaska in 2016, where she has thrived both personally and professionally.
Beyond her career achievements, Lauryn’s passions extend to exploring new destinations and cheering on her favorite ice hockey teams during her leisure time. She shares her home with three beloved dogs, enriching her life with their companionship and boundless energy.
Staff
Melinda Freemon, MS, LPC, CCS
Executive Director
Melinda Freemon has been in health-related leadership positions in Alaska for over 30 years. She has worked as Executive Director in the behavioral health and health care fields, overseeing comprehensive substance abuse and mental health treatment programs, programs for women in transition, permanent supportive housing programs, and public health programs with an emphasis on vulnerable populations. Ms. Freemon has worked extensively in rural and urban Alaska to address health and social service disparities. Ms. Freemon has served as the Executive Director of the Salvation Army Clitheroe Center, the Director of the Supportive Housing Division for RurAL CAP, and the Director of the Anchorage Health Department. She has served on local task forces and statewide commissions working to improve access to health care for all Alaskans. Ms. Freemon began her position at Anchorage Project Access in August 2018.
Ms. Freemon is a recipient of the 2012 YWCA BP Exploration’s Woman of Achievement Award as well as the 2012 Hard-Won Victory Award by the American Planning Association Alaska Chapter. Ms. Freemon has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and is a licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Clinical Supervisor.
Direct: (907) 743-6651
Email: mfreemon@anchorageprojectaccess.org
Kate Love, CCHW, CAC
Operations Manager
Kate Love has worked in leadership in various fields for over a decade. She has a background in consultation and administration as a Lead Consultant for FedEx Office. Kate is a nationally certified Community Health Worker (CHW) and worked as a CHW Manager for Alaska Primary Care Association to develop and implement their CHW Apprenticeship Program. Kate is also a Certified Application Counselor for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace (ACA) and professionally trained to assist with ACA and Medicaid applications. Kate joined the team at APA in 2022.
Direct: (907) 743-6650
Email: klove@anchorageprojectaccess.org
Ashley Garver, CCHW, CAC
Dental Health Coordinator
Ashley Garver began her professional career with HR & Block, where she worked as a tax preparer and accountant for 10 years. She has a background in consultation, administration, and leadership as a Lead Consultant and Assistant Manager for FedEx Office. Ashley is a nationally certified Community Health Worker (CHW) and worked as a CHW Manager for Alaska Primary Care Association to develop and implement their CHW Apprenticeship Program. Ashley is also a Certified Application Counselor for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace (ACA) and professionally trained to assist with ACA and Medicaid applications. Ashley joined the team at APA in 2023.
Direct: (907) 743-6621
Text: (907) 931-0058
Email: agarver@anchorageprojectaccess.org
Casey Erwin, BS
Medical Program Manager
Originally from Burkeville, TX, Casey served in the United States Air Force for 10 years as a Flight Operational Medicine Technician and is licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician. Casey has received both his Associate’s in Science Health from the Community College of the Air Force, and his Bachelor of Science from Park University in Interdisciplinary Studies. He has worked at multiple hospital locations both in the United States and Internationally, accumulating years of dedicated service and experience amongst a diverse group of patient populations. The recipient of three Commendation Medals for outstanding service while in the military, Casey is honored to continue his journey in the healthcare industry alongside his fellow colleagues at Anchorage Project Access.
Casey joined the team at APA in 2023.
Direct: (907) 743-6620
Text: (907) 931-0778
Email: cerwin@anchorageprojectaccess.org
Mayerlyn Rojas-Quintero, AAS
Eligibility Specialist
Mayerlyn is a native Spanish-speaker from Cali, Columbia. She has been serving the Latino community in Anchorage since 2006. Mayerlyn received her Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Human Services from the University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA) in 2023. She also received Peer Leader Navigator training through the Alaska Literacy Program. Mayerlyn has over a decade of customer service experience, including management. She has worked with Standing Together Against Rape (STAR, Inc.) Alaska as an Advocate Intern and has an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Children’s Behavioral Health from UAA. Mayerlyn is passionate about helping others and is an avid volunteer in her community. Mayerlyn enjoys sharing her cooking, learning about other cultures, and spending time with her family. Mayerlyn joined the APA team in 2024.
Direct: (907) 743-6610
Text: (907) 931-0056
Email: mrojas-quintero@anchorageprojectaccess.org
Lauryn Owens
Program Specialist
Lauryn brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Program Specialist at APA. Her expertise in coordinating services comes from her previous work with multiple APA donating providers’ offices. Lauryn has honed her skills in streamlining operations, healthcare administration and fostering seamless communication. Originally hailing from Auburn, Alabama, Lauryn relocated to Alaska in 2016, where she has thrived both personally and professionally.
Beyond her career achievements, Lauryn’s passions extend to exploring new destinations and cheering on her favorite ice hockey teams during her leisure time. She shares her home with three beloved dogs, enriching her life with their companionship and boundless energy.
Direct: (907) 743-6603
Email: lowens@anchorageprojectaccess.org