Meet the Team
Here you can read a glimpse into who your providers are and the incredible staff that will be here!
John Kelly, MD
aka "The Prankster"
Dr. John Kelly was born in Arkansas and trained in Denver bringing a unique journey that includes having a notorious serial killer as a patient during his medical education, who used banana pudding as her weapon of choice. After establishing his career in Cincinnati, he dedicated himself to serving underserved communities in Kentucky. In 2023, he made his long-awaited move to Alaska, and in 2024, he opened Northern Neurology, alongside with his exceptional team. No stranger to jokes and laughter, Dr. Kelly has been known to pull some pretty incredible stunts on his staff - from "fall into ice" challenge to pretending to haphazardly leaving expensive and necessary clinical items outside then "accidentally" running them over leaving his manager, technologist and nurse practitioner to find them the next morning in the parking lot, in the dark (while he laughed gleefully on the other end of his phone awaiting the onslaught of panicked texts from them) There is something to be said for the doctor that can connect with his patients and staff alike in a manner such as laughter and creativity. Always helping to create those new neural pathways!
With the launch of Northern Neurology, came the first and only Multiple Sclerosis Specialty clinic in Fairbanks. Dr. John Kelly is committed to making a meaningful impact in the local communities he cherishes.
Cathleen
Marshall, MD - Pediatric
Cathleen Marshall, MD, is Alaska’s only physician specializing in both pediatric neurology and neurodevelopmental medicine, providing highly specialized care for children and adolescents across the state. She completed her medical degree at University of Maryland School of Medicine, followed by residency training in Pediatrics at University of Maryland from 2013–2016. She then completed advanced post-doctoral fellowship training in Neurodevelopmental Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine from 2015–2019.
Dr. Marshall brings a rare combination of advanced subspecialty expertise and deeply personal dedication to every patient she serves. As the only pediatric and neurodevelopmental neurologist practicing in Alaska, she provides care that many families would otherwise need to travel out of state to receive. Families often note that her commitment extends far beyond the clinic visit—she is known for personally checking in with patients and parents, ensuring questions are answered and care plans remain thoughtful, individualized, and compassionate.
Her practice reflects a genuine investment in children’s long-term development, neurological health, and quality of life. Whether managing complex developmental concerns, neurologic disorders, or long-term care planning, Dr. Marshall is recognized for her calm, attentive approach and the deep trust she builds with families.
Outside of medicine, she has a well-known love for her cats—Goose, Maverick, Ella, and Aurora—who bring balance to a schedule that rarely leaves much room for time off.
Alison Armour, ANP
Alison grew up in Boston. It is still home to her family and she loves to visit but does not love the traffic! She is married to a military veteran and they have lived in a number of places since leaving Massachusetts, however Alaska is by far their favorite place and where they plan to stay. She started her career in critical care then moved to the ER before becoming a nurse practitioner. She spent years working in high intensity environments, and still gets some time when covering hospital call with Dr. Kelly - but has found her true home in Neurology. In her spare time you will likely find her exercising her brain with literature, music, the arts or just being outdoors.
Alison is one of the best parts about our care team of providers and we are lucky to have her!
John Wilcox, APRN, FNP-BC
John Wilcox, NP, is a board-certified nurse practitioner and graduate of Northern Arizona University with a strong passion for improving access to specialty care in rural communities. His background in serving underserved populations led him to neurology, where he values thoughtful care, shared decision-making, and helping patients navigate complex neurological conditions with clarity and confidence.Outside the clinic, John is a father of two and happiest when he is outdoors. He has completed three river trips through Grand Canyon, enjoys backpacking adventures, and can often be found hiking, mountain biking, or skiing Alaska’s backcountry whenever he gets the chance.
Natasha DiTomaso
Manager
aka Chaos Coordinator
Natasha has spent the last five years in neurology administration and has found a field she genuinely loves—because to her, helping patients navigate the complicated side of healthcare is every bit as important as the care itself. Whether she is untangling insurance questions, tracking down resources, coordinating with providers, or simply being the person who listens when someone needs it, she has a way of making complicated things feel manageable
She is known for going above and beyond, often solving problems before anyone else realizes there is one. If there is a challenge in the clinic, Natasha is usually already working on three possible solutions—and probably thinking about how to improve the process next time too. Her enthusiasm for helping people and making systems work better tends to leave a lasting impression.
Family is the center of her world. Her daughter proudly served six years in the United States Navy, and now her son has begun his own journey in the United States Navy too—giving her every reason to be proud and every reason to cheer a little louder!
Alexis Bernier -
Front office Extraordinaire
Lexi has been an absolute gem of our team for almost three years, sprinkling her expertise and sunshine wherever she goes. Her cheerful greetings are like a magic spell, turning our patients' frowns upside down! And let’s not forget her silly side she’s the only one we know who came back from Thailand with a tattoo of the word "potato"! Always ready to help, Lexi embodies teamwork like no other, proving that happiness truly is the best medicine (next to actual medicine, of course)!
Tara Green -
Front office :
Patient Scheduling Coordinator &
Patient Checkout
Tara has called Alaska home since she was seven years old and brings a warm, welcoming presence to every patient interaction at Northern Neurology. As a patient coordinator, she enjoys helping patients and families feel comfortable, supported, and guided throughout their experience with the clinic.
Outside of work, Tara enjoys crocheting, knitting, and cooking, and especially values time spent gardening with her family. She also loves traveling whenever she has the opportunity and appreciates discovering new places and experiences.
Her calm, friendly nature and genuine care for others make her an important part of the Northern Neurology team.
Rene Hourtienne,
Registered
Neuro-Diagnostic Technologist
Meet Rene, a passionate neurophysiology expert who started her journey in Arkansas and made her way to Texas as a teenager. After at the Medical College of Georgia in 1990, she spent years in Texas before moving to the stunning landscapes of Alaska in 2006. When she's not busy monitoring brain waves or conducting nerve studies, you can find her off-roading in the Alaskan mountains, rock crawling in Moab, or dedicating her time to rescuing both humans and animals. As a proud dog mom to five adorable pups, Rene often brings her smallest companion, Dani, a long-haired wiener dog, to the clinic, where Dani has hilariously earned the title of "Employee of the Month!"
Our Nurses
Infusion: Kristi Grobe, RN, BSN
Kristi came to Alaska from Wisconsin as a travel nurse three years ago—and thankfully for us, she decided to stay. She has been part of the Northern Neurology team for the past couple of years, bringing bright energy, steady care, and plenty of smiles to infusion days.
Kristi has a natural way of helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, while also keeping spirits high for everyone around her. Her warmth, humor, and easygoing nature make her a favorite with both patients and staff alike.
Join our amazing team!
Administrative Assistant / Patient Coordinator
​
​
Are you the kind of person who can answer a phone, solve a problem, calm a worried patient, organize three things at once, and still remember where the fax went? If so, you may be exactly who we are looking for 😊
At Northern Neurology, our Administrative Assistant / Patient Coordinator helps keep the clinic moving with warmth, efficiency, and a genuine care for people. This role is part patient guide, part organizer, part communicator, and often the friendly first impression patients remember most.
​
Position Responsibilities
-
Welcome patients and create a positive first impression
-
Schedule appointments and support daily front desk flow
-
Answer incoming calls and assist with patient questions
-
Coordinate forms, referrals, records, and documentation
-
Assist patients with navigating insurance questions and next steps
-
Communicate closely with providers, medical assistants, and clinic leadership
-
Maintain organization of daily administrative tasks and follow-up items
-
Help support smooth clinic operations throughout the day
Ideal Candidate
-
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
-
Excellent attention to detail
-
Comfortable multitasking in a clinical setting
-
Able to learn electronic medical systems quickly
-
Professional, dependable, and team-oriented
-
Prior healthcare or medical office experience preferred, but not required
Compensation & Benefits
-
Competitive hourly wage: $18-$28/hour DOE
-
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
-
Paid time off plus sick leave accrual
-
Paid holidays
-
Supportive specialty clinic environment
-
Opportunities for long-term growth within the practice
Why Applicants Tend to Love This Role
-
Meaningful patient interaction every day
-
Strong team culture
-
A clinic where your work is noticed and valued
-
Variety in your day—no two days look exactly alike
-
A role where kindness and competence truly matter
We are looking for someone who enjoys being the steady person patients and coworkers can count on—someone who notices what needs to happen and helps make it happen with professionalism and heart 💙
To apply, please submit your resume to letstalkbrains@akneuronorth.com along with brief introduction. We look forward to hearing from you!
Medical Assistant's
Olivia Ortega,
Venus DeGuzman and Evan Anderson
Medical Assistants
If the clinic is running smoothly, there is a very good chance the medical assistants are behind it. From rooming patients and preparing charts to sending orders, answering calls, tracking details, and keeping providers one step ahead, they are the behind-the-scenes engine that helps everything stay on track—often while juggling far more than anyone realizes 💙
​
Evan
Evan brings a background in human biology, several years of advanced schooling, and the kind of strategic mind that can usually solve a workflow problem before anyone else has finished describing it. He has quickly earned a reputation as the person who somehow knows exactly how to make medical software cooperate—our unofficial tech whisperer
He has a sharp eye for detail, a calm and personable way with patients, and is always ready to step in wherever help is needed. If something complicated suddenly becomes simple, there is a fair chance Evan had something to do with it.
Olivia
Before joining us, Olivia spent years working in tissue donation and transport, bringing a unique background and a steady sense of purpose to the clinic. Though newer to neurology, she took interest quickly and has built an impressive level of knowledge in a short time—along with a reputation for organization that keeps everything moving exactly where it should
She is quick to respond, quick to learn, and quick to make sure her providers’ patients have every detail covered. If something needs tracking, following up, or double-checking, Olivia probably already has it handled.
Venus
Venus is a nationally certified medical assistant with broad medical knowledge, strong clinical instincts, and the kind of steady presence every clinic hopes for. She is also a mom to a teenage daughter, which means very little surprises her—and somehow, no matter what the day brings, she arrives with a smile that never seems to leave
Her warmth is immediate, her positivity is contagious, and she brings the kind of energy that can brighten even the busiest day. Venus has a way of making both patients and coworkers feel cared for the moment she walks into the room
Pediatric: Miriam Hinther, RN, BSN
Miriam is living proof that it is never too late to do something extraordinary—she earned her BSN and became an RN at age 55, proving determination has no expiration date. When she is not caring for patients, she is likely adding to her legendary fabric collection, which has officially reached “more than the local quilt shop” status. Sewing is her favorite way to unwind, recharge, and create something beautiful. She also brings an incredible story to the team: Miriam has provided care during aeromedical evacuation missions aboard Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Lockheed C-141 Starlifter aircraft, where caring for patients at 40,000 feet became one of the most unforgettable parts of her nursing journey. Around the clinic, Miriam is known for her steady presence, kind heart, and the kind of life experience that always comes with a good story.