Connect Mat-Su was established by the Mat-Su Health Foundation in response to the community expressing a need for access to essential services. The Foundation’s Community Health Assessment, a survey of Mat-Su Valley residents about their needs and experiences, found that despite essential services existing in the Valley, people were not able to find the support they needed.

That’s where Connect Mat-Su comes in: as a conduit between service providers and the people of Mat-Su. It helps residents easily get connected to over 1,752 participating providers, and find services to meet their needs—from healthcare to housing and more.

While the Connect Mat-Su website provides a tool that residents can browse on their own to find services, the Connect team is also on hand to directly help residents find services that are a good fit. The team also supports its large network of providers along the way. It’s a program of and for the people of the Mat-Su Valley, led by passionate community-builders.

Meet the team that makes Connect Mat-Su a reality!

While some members of the Connect-Mat-Su team have been around since the program’s earliest days, there’s also been growth in order to best meet community needs. We’re proud of the people who work so diligently to serve the community.

Ashley Peltier | Connect Mat-Su Director

Ashley directs program staff, oversees operations, and ensures strategic alignment with the Foundation’s mission. Before joining Mat-Su Health Foundation, Ashley worked at various non-profits in the Mat-Su, including Alaska Family Services, Southcentral Foundation, and the American Lung Association. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys entertaining, cooking, fishing, and golfing.

Brian Tiefenbrun | Operations Manager 

Brian leads the operational and technical functions, including managing the community resource database and the Connect Mat-Su website. With 10 years of military service as a Combat Medic and experience in state government and behavioral health, Brian brings a diverse skill set in leadership and project management. He holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology from American Military University and graphic design with a concentration in web development from Southern New Hampshire University. Brian is dedicated to improving the health and welfare of his community through his work and volunteerism. In his free time, he enjoys exploring Alaska’s outdoors with his wife, Amanda, and their three daughters.

Cynthia Norvell | Information and Referral Coordinator

Cynthia brings many years of experience working in the nonprofit social service field.  In the Connect Mat-Su team, her primary role is to conduct follow-up with clients with complex or emergent needs. Her role includes ensuring equity and inclusion in all interactions with providers and to advocate for clients’ needs.  She supports the team to ensure that all Connect Mat-Su clients are provided with timely and easy-to-access information and referrals. In Cynthia’s spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, quilting, arts and crafts, scrapbooking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Benjamin Klippert | Program Manager

Ben leads the direct program staff of Connect Mat-Su to best resource the people of the Mat-Su Valley with information and referral services. Ben has worked with various non-profit organizations in the lower 48 including The Education and Employment Ministry of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Diversion Hub, and the Tacoma Rescue Mission. When not in the office, Ben enjoys spending time in nature with his family hiking and biking.

Lane Gambill | Community Resource Specialist

As part of the direct service team, Lane supports the community through providing information on local organizations and programs. Lane is a Veteran, having served as a medic in the U.S Army. He is also a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist and has a background in EMS and Fire. In his leisure time he enjoys being outside, mountain biking, hiking, and hunting.

Tyler Bowman | Projects and Partnerships Coordinator for Connect Mat-Su

Tyler focuses on building relationships with new and existing partners. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics and economics from George Fox University. Prior to joining the Connect Mat-Su team, Tyler was the Technology and Communications Coordinator at Frontline Mission. He worked on implementing technology solutions such as a customer relationship management database system, accounting systems, and fundraising solutions. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, snowboarding, photography, and experiencing new cultures.

The Foundation is deeply appreciative of what the Connect Mat-Su team continues to do to positively impact our community. With their hard work, our Mat-Su community members are continually able to connect with resources, services, and supports that enhance their lives and well-being.