Meet the Alaska Premier Health Team
The team at Alaska Premier Health bases all treatment plans on scientific, medical-based information that is fine-tuned to the individual patient. For over 30 years, we have worked to set the standard for healthy, achievable, long-term success for our patients. We love helping people recapture their health. We take great joy in reversing disease states. We are so proud of our patients, who know they are like family to us.
All patients are welcomed and treated with great respect. Weight loss is a very private issue, often associated with low self-image and declining health. It’s almost miraculous how changing eating and activity behaviors result in better health and happier people. Our team is on a mission to help each and every patient achieve and sustain their healthy life goals.
Your Medical Team
Our medical experts are experienced, highly-trained, and motivational. They will give you the structure needed to stay on track.
Dr. Royal was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine. After graduating from Texas A&M University and the University of Nevada School of Medicine, she returned home to complete her residency at the Alaska Family Medicine Residency in Anchorage. When she’s not working with patients, Dr. Royal enjoys gardening, playing with her chickens, camping, picking berries, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Whynot is Board Certified in Internal Medicine with interests in Bariatrics and Medical Informatics. He holds degrees from Boston College, Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nuclear Medicine, and the University of Massachusetts Medical Schools, and completed his residency at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston. He is a member of the Obesity Management Association.
Dr. Mapes is a 2015 University of Washington Medical School Graduate. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Colorado hospital in Denver, Colorado. She has returned to her home state of Alaska and is in practice with The Alaska Hospitalist Group. Dr. Mapes is happy to be back in Alaska. When not working you will find her enjoying the great outdoors and Alaska’s endless opportunities for adventure.
Allen started with Alaska Premier Health in July 1998. He is originally from Birmingham, AL. Allen graduated from the Army Physician Assistant Program with honors and earned a Bachelor’s from the University of Oklahoma with honors. Allen then completed a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska. He is a retired Army Captain with over 20 years of active duty service.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Kim has had her roots in Alaska for the last 15+ years as both an outdoor guide and medical provider serving remote areas of the state. Kim earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) at Idaho State in 2014 after completing her undergraduate degree at Boise State. Her professional passion revolves around providing her patients with the care they need to live healthy, balanced lifestyles.
Originally from Homer, Felva “Collie” Leamy received her BA degree in 1993 from United States International University. She worked as a nursing assistant and dental assistant before pursuing an MS in Physician Assistant studies from Southern Illinois University. After graduating in 2009, she worked in a rural farming community with the National Health Service Corps. Collie moved back to Alaska in 2013 and practiced primary care until joining Alaska Premier Health in 2018.
Born and raised in Alaska, Kate graduated from Oklahoma City University with her Masters in Physician Assistant studies. She and her husband enjoyed a decade of living throughout the country before making their way back to Alaska, where they plan to stay and raise their kids. Kate’s passion is in helping people live happier, healthier lives. When she’s not working with her patients, you can find her hiking, biking, drinking coffee, or just trying to soak up some Alaska sunshine!
Originally from Montana, Karsen landed in South Central Alaska 15 years ago. After working in EMS as a ski patroller and wildland fire medic, she graduated from the University of Washington with a Masters in Clinical Health Services. Prior to working for Alaska Premier Health, she served the community as a PA in addiction medicine. As a provider, she seeks to empower patients to implement sustainable lifestyle changes that reflect their goals and priorities.
Monica has over 20 years of experience in nursing across a wide range of healthcare settings, and is passionate about providing holistic, patient-centered care. She earned both her MS and BS in Nursing from UAA and completed undergraduate studies in Biology and Nutrition at the University of Texas at Austin. Monica is fluent in Spanish, a proud mom of two teenage daughters, and an outdoor enthusiast. She believes that health is deeply connected to the land, culture, and community—and brings that perspective into every patient relationship.
Your Patient Support Team
Alaska Premier Health is proud to have the best staff in the business. Our office staff will greet you with a smile, cheer you on as you make progress toward your goals, and make your visit as enjoyable as possible!
Laurie started at Alaska Premier Health in 1993. She is a Certified Lifestyle Counselor and has trained at weight loss specialty centers, including the Cooper Institute. She graduated from the University of Washington and has a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Alaska Pacific University.
Amanda is a lifelong Alaskan who began working at Alaska Premier Health in 2011 as a CMA. She became APH’s manager in 2017 and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration in 2022. Amanda loves spending her summers outdoors with her husband and two little girls, enjoying various sports and events. She is especially passionate about motorsports and is excited to pass on her love of racing dirt bikes to her daughters.
Tina started with Alaska Premier Health in November 2006. She is originally from Creswell, Oregon. She retired from active Air Force duty in 2005, where she worked in healthcare administration. She has an Associate’s degree in Instructional Technology from Air Force Community College.
Deb has been involved in healthcare for over 20 years. Her prior positions include EMT and Medical Assistant, providing services in urgent care, internal medicine, pulmonology and orthopedics. She is an avid outdoorswoman who enjoys hiking, skiing and mountain biking.
Kim is originally from Modesto, CA, and was raised in Anchorage, AK. She graduated from Charter College as a Nationally Certified Medical Assistant in 2010 and has provided patient care services for over ten years. In her free time, Kim enjoys the outdoors with her family.
Originally from Idaho, Jami relocated to Anchorage in 2014 and joined the APH family in 2019. In 2021, Jami and her husband moved to Homer, Alaska. Jami provides telehealth consultations to fast-track the new patient process and loves offering clients the information and support they need to start their weight loss journey. When not working, you can find her spoiling her dog with outdoor adventures, gardening, and exploring Kachemak Bay.
Born and raised in Arizona, Jeanette worked at Scottsdale Weight Loss Center for two years and fell in love with helping clients lose weight. She relocated to Alaska in 2019 and enjoys her free time with family and Solo, her Boxer. She loves the medical field as well and making patients feel welcome! We all go through the same struggle in the weight loss journey.
Taylor was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. She loves soaking up Alaskan summers with camping, fishing, and just getting outside. When not outside playing, she loves to travel with her two girls. Taylor’s new to the medical field and excited to be part of a career that involves helping others.
Leila relocated from Homer to Anchorage in 2020 and started with Alaska Premier Health a few months later. She has a background in medical administration and plans to continue in that direction, but is passionate about patient care as well. She loves to spend her free time hiking, traveling, and fishing.
Adam enjoys working with his hometown community to help patients achieve their goals and improve their health. Educated at the University of Wyoming and UAA, Adam has roots as an EMT, personal trainer and Nordic skiing coach. Outside of Alaska Premier Health, you can find Adam out on the trails skiing or biking with a child trailer in tow.
Rachel is a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the AAMA since 2012. Born in Alaska but raised all over, she’s worked in healthcare since 2012, holding various roles including front desk, clinical staff, lab tech, admin assistant, and assistant practice manager. Rachel lives with her husband and their five dogs, all named after Harry Potter characters. She loves fishing, houseplants, and reading. Currently, she’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and Management and is excited to continue furthering her career in the medical field.