Tessa Wells graduated from Massage Therapy school in 2009. She served residents of Bristol Bay, Alaska for nearly 10 years.  She recently moved to the Copper River region where she is proud to share her skillset as she personally works to fulfill the CRNA promise.

Sonya Smith has been a massage therapist since 2010. Sonya has practiced under chiropractic clinic oversight throughout the last 12 years. Sonya’s career has focused on chronic/acute injury treatment, sports massage, orthopedic massage, pre/postnatal massage, pre/post-surgical therapies, and most recently Graston Therapies.  Sonya has lived in the Copper River Basin for the last 2 years and loves to camp, hunt, fish, and explore the region.

Sheila Hurst has overeen the Tobacco Prevention and Control program for over a decade. Additionally, she works at the state level on policy work to help protect community members from second-hand smoke.  Her passion lies in helping her community with tobacco cessation, so they can quit tobacco and live healthier lives. She loves archery, hunting and the great outdoors of Alaska.

Elaine Sanford is the administrative assistant for the Wellness department. Originally from the Village of Northway, She helps maintain office operations and patient scheduling. Outside of the office Elaine can be found beading, skin sewing, knitting and crocheting.

Dr. Christina Savel graduated from Creighton University as a Doctor in Occupational Therapy. She previously served as a full-time school-based occupational therapist, widening her scope of practice in assistive technology, functional behavior assessment, and fine motor development. Dr. Savel has worked with Easter Seals as a birth to three early interventionists, creating family-based goal plans helping families through the process of child development. Born and raised in Glennallen, she joined Copper River Native Association in January of 2021.

Dr. Garrett Hussion has been practicing chiropractic care for over 7 years.  He obtained his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2014 at Northeast College of Health Sciences in Seneca Falls, NY.  Dr. Hussion and his family recently relocated back to the Alaska road system following 5 years of serving the community of Bethel.

Breana Krier has worked at CRNA for over five years, and as the Wellness Department Administrative Assistant for the last three years. Originally from Kenny Lake, Breana is enjoying raising her family in the Copper River Valley.

Abi Nagengast serves as the Wellness Department practice manager and has been a licensed massage therapist for 11 years. She loves providing health services that bring patients joy. Outside of work, Abi loves to travel, learn new arts/crafts, and spend time with her family. She has resided in the Copper River Basin for over 6 years.