About Us
LINKS – Linking Information and Knowledge about Special needs – is a non-profit agency that has served the Mat-Su Borough for more than 20 years. We currently have four programs serving various populations in the borough and statewide.
Mission
To provide information, support and assistance to parents of children and individuals with special needs, seniors, their professional partners and their communities.
Vision
Our vision is that every Mat-Su family and individual with a special need and every senior receives Information, Education, Outreach and Support in a culturally competent environment to empower them to advocate for themselves and their families.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
The Aging and Disability Resource Center promotes health, well-being, and safety for individuals with disabilities, seniors and vulnerable adults and caregivers. Resource specialists help connect people to quality services and support that foster independence, personal choice and dignity.
Community Parent Resource Center
The Community Parent Resource Center advocates and trains parents and caregivers with children with disabilities. Staff use one-on-one meetings and group training sessions to increase parental knowledge, advocacy, and participation in their child’s education.
Veteran Directed Care Program
The Veteran Directed Care Servant2Served (S2S) Program provides increased flexibility for receiving home and community‐based services that enable a Veteran to remain in their home and community rather than receive services in a nursing facility.
Board of Directors
LuAnn Yanusz, President
Cindy Dutton, Vice President
Cheryl Carson, Secretary
Colleen Andrews, Treasurer
Christie Alexander, Associate Member
Amber Harris, Board Member
Leslie Davis, Board Member
Derrick Pennington, Executive Director
Staff
Derrick Pennington, Executive Director
Linda Kupers, Administrative Assistant
Sharon Hein, Operations Manager
Greta Kopperud, Training & Resource Development Specialist
ADRC
Britney Travis, Program Director
Diana Hunter-Carlson, ADRC Specialist
James Lewis, ADRC Specialist
Rob Bashleben, ADRC Specialist
Ron Dennison, IT/ADRC Specialist
Sierra Cozby, ADRC Specialist
Terri Pfister, ADRC Specialist
Veteran Directed Care Program (ADRC)
Thomas Brass, S2S Services Coordinator Lead
Dawn McHendry, S2S Services Coordinator
CPRC
Jennifer Pirtle, Program Director
Taft Johnson, Parent Advocate / Administrative Assistant
HUMS/MDT
Erin Lusk, Program Director
Krista Squire, Lead Community Health Worker
Bryan Adams, Community Health Worker
Christine Hundley, Community Health Worker
Kelsea Irwin, Community Health Worker
Nancy Strahan, MDT Facilitator
How do I start?
Start by contacting one of our advocacy specialists today. Call 907-373-3632 between 9am and 4pm, Monday through Friday for assistance, or to schedule an appointment.
Join our Board of Directors
We currently have Board member seats open – please download the application below to apply to volunteer as a LINKS Board member.
Board of Directors Application
Submit the application with a letter of interest explaining why you would like to join the board to LINKS Board President LuAnne Yanusz through our Contact Page