Who We Are
Founded in 1980, Mat-Su Senior Services is the largest non-profit senior campus in the Mat-Su Valley, serving the widest geographical area of any senior service provider (or agency). In 1983, we became the first senior service Medicaid Waiver (CHOICE) Program provider in Alaska.
Our mission is to help seniors live healthy, independent lives for as long as they can in the place of their choosing by providing them with comprehensive senior services such as transportation, meals, chore, and respite services.
Our senior center is modern and state-of-the-art, featuring a beautiful dining room with large windows for an excellent view of the mountains, one of the largest stainless-steel kitchens in our area, a gift shop, and numerous activity rooms including a library, computer room, and exercise room.
The center hosts many community events through our facility rental program. We have two senior housing facilities conveniently located on campus and within walking distance of all senior activities. We are also the only senior campus in our area to boast a wonderful adult day center right next door to our senior center.
We care deeply about the health and well-being of our seniors and their families. That’s why we work hard to create a strong community on campus, investing in senior health promotion & disease prevention and family caregiver support programs, putting on many events and activities and providing information & referral services for senior resources.
Our staff love their jobs and look forward to supporting and encouraging our community
of seniors every day!
Our Staff
Elaine Phillipps
Chief Executive Officer
ephillipps@matsuseniors.com
Elaine is our wonderful CEO who is passionate about serving our seniors through our array of holistic services that create a life-giving community for everyone involved. She appreciates how every day is radically different. One of her favorite things is to hear laughter coming from our main dining room.
Elaine has worked in the non-profit sector for over 10 years. Prior to leading Mat-Su Senior Services, she was the Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity, where she served for over three and a half years. Elaine has served as the Major Gift Director for United Way of Anchorage, the Executive Director for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and in 2006, she Co-Founded and became the Executive Director for Love INC, an Alaska non-profit mobilizing churches to help people with physical and emotional needs.
Originally from Nikiski, Alaska, Elaine has deep roots in our state. In addition to her local non-profit leadership, she does a lot of volunteer work. She currently focuses her time and efforts on service areas with the greatest impact for seniors, including serving as the Vice-Chair of Mat-Su Council on Aging and a member of AgeNet (Alaska Geriatric Exchange Network), Mat-Su Food Coalition, and attends Mat-Su COAD meetings (Community Organizations Active in Disaster). When not working you will find her fishing, hunting, camping, or enjoying a leisurely ride on a boat. She welcomes you to stop by the Palmer Senior Center building and ask for a tour or share lunch with her.
Beth Westland
Chief Operating Officer
bethw@matsuseniors.com
Beth is our incredible Deputy Director who is passionate about making sure our seniors are not forgotten by bringing them into a community that is like family. She directs the day-to-day operation of all our departments and is responsible for overall program development, management, and evaluation.
Beth has been serving at Mat-Su Senior Services for over 10 years. She started as our Care Coordination Supervisor then became the Manager of our Chore & Respite Department before serving in her current role. Prior to working with us, she owned and operated Angel’s Touch Assisted Living Home. This experience had a significant, positive impact on her and her family. Before this, she was a Medic and the Ambulance Chief for Big Lake Ambulance, another powerful experience in the healthcare sector.
Beth was born in North Dakota and raised in a military family that moved around the country. She has been in Alaska since 1972. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their five children at their cabin. Her family is what keeps her grounded and they are very close-knit.
Amanda Watson
Chief Finance Officer
awatson@matsuseniors.com
Amanda is our amazing CFO who is passionate about creating sustainable, long-term financial plans for nonprofit organizations to propel their missions forward. She oversees all finance and accounting functions at Mat-Su Senior Services.
Amanda has 20+ years of experience in finance, management, and fund accounting. She also has an extensive background in managing federal and state contracts and grant revenue for companies in Alaska and the Lower 48. Amanda has worked as a financial consultant, and she is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
Amanda takes advantage of Alaska’s hiking and fishing whenever possible. Raised in Talkeetna, she enjoys cooking and preserving Alaska’s fish, game, and harvests.
Christopher Koops
chrisk@matsuseniors.com
Adult Day Services
Sarah Weideman
sweideman@matsuseniors.com
Development & Communications Coordinator
Lisa Mecham
lisam@matsuseniors.com
Chore & Respite
Services
Vacant
TBA
Volunteer & Activities Coordinator
Kevin Horstmann
khorstmann@matsuseniors.com
Kitchen
Kendra Swanson
KendraS@matsuseniors.com
Housing
Tim Pettit
tpettit@matsuseniors.com
Transportation & Facilities
Work With Us!
Are you a friendly team player who has a heart for supporting and encouraging our senior community? We would love to hear from you! Learn more about careers and volunteers at the links.
Board of Directors
Elected by Mat-Su Senior Services membership, the Board of Directors volunteer for three-year terms. It is their responsibility for the governance of the organization and to identify organizational goals, participate in strategic planning, provide financial oversight, support and organize fundraisers, establish committees, promote Mat-Su Senior Services to the public, and partner with staff to reach long and short term goals.
Bob Shaw
President
Lisa Smayd
Vice President
Jennifer McCrary
Treasurer
Sally Weiland
Secretary
Dee Brown
Linda Combs
Jo Ehmann
Catherine Hall
Micheal McGinty
Become a Member
Become a member of Mat-Su Senior Services for exciting rewards like the ability to vote and serve on the Board of Directors! Membership also includes a subscription to our monthly newsletter, Senior Chatter, and participation in monthly events and activities. Learn more.
