Our Team
Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska Board of Directors FY 2025
Darrell Brown
President
I retired from education (Math Teacher, Principal, and District Director) in 2017 after 37 years to care for my wife with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. It was our dream to move to our Alaska property full-time after we retired, so I built my wife an off-grid home with an indoor toilet for the last several years of her life. Alzheimer’s Resources of Alaska was a stabilizing force during those final years as they helped us find a private care assistant, put us in contact with legal services when needed, awarded us grants to make it easier for my wife to live at home and were there when I was having difficulty and needed to talk. My wife, Laura, died in January of 2023, and that following summer I joined the ARA Board of Directors so I could use my administrative and non-profit background to help ensure ARA was able to continue providing the services that benefit those with Alzheimer’s. I use my time teaching bible studies, working with my church, being on the board of ARA, and assisting one other Alaska non-profit, plus I garden and tend to my 20 acres, love to always have a building or mechanical project in process and stay in contact with my three children and nine grandchildren. It is hard being single after 45 years of marriage, but the Lord is with me.
Denise Daniello
Secretary
I have served on the board of the Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) for the last 6 years. I am impressed with this unique nonprofit agency’s quality of service and commitment. With an increasing older adult population in Alaska, ARA is needed now more than ever! With over 25 years of professional experience in Alaska’s senior services, I have held key roles in advocacy, education, and administration at the state and local levels. My passion focuses on improving the lives of older adults, with an emphasis on addressing health challenges that come with age. My journey in senior services began with personal experience as a caregiver for my parents, who both faced dementia in their later years. My father was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, while my mother experienced multiple strokes that led to Vascular dementia. As caregivers, my sister and I witnessed the profound effects of these illnesses, which not only changed their lives but also shaped my purpose. Alaska is fortunate to have the Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, which has been serving seniors and their families since 1984. ARA offers a variety of programs including educational classes, support groups, professional training, and care coordination. ARA helps families navigate the complexities of healthcare and social services. While my own family did not have access to such services, ARA plays a pivotal role in making a significant difference to those impacted by ADRD, by providing hope and help to many in our state.
Jill Simek
Member At Large
Photo and bio are coming soon!
Dr. Tim Kocher
Member
I am a physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, vascular dementia, Huntington’s Disease, and mild cognitive impairment. I also specialize in the management of psychiatric conditions and dementia with behavioral disturbances. I completed my residency in adult psychiatry and fellowship training in behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. I’m a board-certified physician by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I joined the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska because I’m passionate about caring for patients with dementia and helping their families who might be struggling to navigate care resources, education, and information.
Rori VanNortwick
Member
Photo and bio are coming soon!
George Borderieux
Vice President
I am retired after working for the Oil and Chemical Industries for more than 50 years as an engineer and safety consultant. I grew up in the Philadelphia area and have lived in Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, New Jersey, Texas, California and Alaska. I have been in Alaska since 1988 working mainly for the Oil Industry as a process engineer, project manager, engineering manager, safety engineer and consultant. I became associated with Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) when my wife, Janet, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. ARA was very helpful to me as a care provider. They provided me with information and support to enable me to provide better care for Janet. ARA also provided social activities for Janet that improved her quality of life. After Janet passed, I joined the ARA Board and have been a member for the past five years.
Richard Cochinos
Treasurer
Richard Cochinos is Board Treasurer at ARA and a seasoned investment professional with extensive expertise in global financial markets, risk management, and portfolio strategy. With over 19 years of experience, Richard has held senior leadership roles in portfolio management and investment strategy, including his current role as senior portfolio manager at Alaska Permanent Capital Management. He has led high-profile initiatives in fixed income, FX strategy, and pension investment solutions, demonstrating a deep understanding of both traditional and alternative asset classes. In addition to his professional achievements, Richard is actively involved in advancing industry standards and fostering innovation through his contributions on various boards. His commitment to excellence and strategic insight make him a valued leader and advisor in the financial services community. Richard holds advanced degrees in Mathematics and Economics from University of California Santa Cruz and Northwestern University. Additionally he is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designations, reflecting his dedication to continuous learning and professional development.
Sheryl Cook
Member
Photo and bio are coming soon!
Melissa Liebner
Member
I am a proud Alaskan, born and raised in this beautiful state, and I share my life with my husband, Michael, who is also a lifelong Alaskan. Together, we are navigating the rewarding yet challenging journey of parenthood as full-time working parents of three wonderful children. Our family includes a spirited 13-year-old daughter and energetic twins, a boy and a girl, who are about to turn 8. My personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease runs deep. My grandmother was diagnosed with the illness during my middle school years, and I witnessed the profound impact it had on her and our family. Her battle with Alzheimer’s lasted until she passed away in 2017, leaving a lasting impression on my life and motivating me to take action. In 2020, I joined the ARA Board with the hope of learning more about this complex disease and to contribute to the education and awareness efforts in Alaska. I believe that by sharing knowledge and resources, we can help others facing similar challenges and foster a supportive community for those affected by Alzheimer’s. I enjoy going on vacations with the family, creating original rock and metal music, going for walks, painting, and teaching my sons to create their own artwork.
Kara Thrasher-Livingston
Member
I’m Kara Thrasher-Livingston. I have 2 young adult sons who have autism and live with me and my husband at home. I have a brother who experiences intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). We grew up together in the family home. I moved to Anchorage with my husband in 1993 to be closer to family. I volunteered with a service agency for people with IDD and their families. I became a direct care staff there, then worked as a program manager. I earned a Master’s in Adult Education from the University of Alaska. Then I began working for the State of Alaska Department of Health, Senior and Disabilities Services as an educator for community providers doing long term services and supports through Alaska Medicaid. I’ve been lucky to learn, participate and teach about a complicated system involving State and federal regulations, and to bring my experience as an advocate, family member and end user into the conversation. I enjoy helping Alaskans do their best for people and families. My mother was a big influence on me. She kept our family together in times when most people with a severe disability were expected to live in an institution, instead of at home. Because of her, our family was inclusive. She enriched my life with lots of support, showing me how to cook, appreciate the arts, and going camping and hiking. She encouraged me to be a creative person. She lived with Alzheimer’s for the end years of her life. She enjoyed the art program at ARA. I have wonderful memories of doing art with her then. She passed away in 2019. I enjoy going on vacations with the family, creating original rock and metal music, going for walks, painting, and teaching my sons to create their own artwork.
Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska Management Team
Lisa Sauder
Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Sauder is an accomplished leader in the nonprofit sector, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as the Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA). With a remarkable track record in nonprofit leadership, Lisa’s tenure spans over two decades.
Previously, Lisa served as the Executive Director of Bean’s Cafe, a prominent organization in Anchorage dedicated to addressing homelessness and hunger. Her strategic vision and leadership played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s impact and reach within the community. Before her role at Bean’s Cafe, Lisa was the Executive Director for the Alaska chapter of the American Heart Association, where her strategic approach and dedication significantly contributed to the success of the association’s mission to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the impact of heart diseases in Alaska.
Lisa is honored to join the ARA team, recognizing the transformative power of nonprofit organizations. Committed to enhancing the services and support provided by ARA, she is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Her extensive background in nonprofit leadership, coupled with her passion for serving the Alzheimer’s community, positions her well to lead ARA into its next phase of growth and impact.
Lisa works with a diverse board of directors, professional staff, family caregivers, and community partners across Alaska to oversee the organization’s effectiveness by providing strategic, operational, and inspirational leadership that is consistent with the mission, values, and principles of Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska. She resides in South Anchorage and enjoys fishing, hiking, bike riding and cooking for friends and family.
Management Team
Chief Executive Officer – ✉ Lisa Sauder
Operations Director – ✉ Rob Lamano
Development & Communications Director – ✉ April Powers Gunther
Outreach Director – ✉ Kay Papakristo
Education Director – ✉ Yvette Tousignant
Education & Mini Grant Program Manager – ✉ Kevin Silver
Care Coordination Director – ✉ Jennifer Ivory
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