We have an excellent team of Physicians and Physician Assistants.

The current team at APG:

Physicians

Willow Monterrosa, MD

John Heimerl, MD

Jodi Elliott, DO

Physician Assistants

Jess Harper, PA-C, IBCLC

Kevin Monahan, PA-C

Shannon Smith, PA-C

 

Jodi Elliott, DO

I grew up in Southern Indiana and at the age of 9 I announced to my family that I was going to live in Alaska when I grew up. The thought of becoming a doctor came much later when my college advisor suggested it! It was one of the best pieces of advice I have ever received.

I attended Southern Indiana University and got my undergrad in biology. I then attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. From there, a rotating internship in Lansing, Michigan. It was obvious from my very first rotation that pediatrics was where I belonged. I graduated from pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit.

I finally made my childhood declaration true when I moved to Alaska in 2006 and joined APG. I live in the most beautiful state that is now my forever home. Observing wildlife is a great passion of mine. I love sitting with grizzlies at Kat Mai, whale watching, seeing moose and eagles on a daily basis and gazing at the beautiful mountains that surround us. I love exploring Alaska: hiking and kayaking. And I LOVE loving on my two big St. Bernards. I am grateful to my patients for making this the best job ever.

John Heimerl, MD

Medicine has always been part of my family as my parents are both nurses. From an early age, I spent weekday mornings at the hospital waiting for preschool to begin and my curiosity around caring for others grew. I chose pediatrics out of my desire for long term continuity with my patients and their families. I enjoy helping families through transitions and witnessing my patient's growth.

I grew up outside Palmer and love most sports and outdoor activities. I attended Colony High School where I swam, cross country skied, ran, and played soccer. Outside of school, I grew to love mountain running, hunting, fishing and scouting. After high school, I attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) where I received my bachelor's degree in biology all while competing on the Nordic ski team. I attended medical school at the University of Washington in the WWAMI program, where I met my wife, and completed my pediatric residency at the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining APG, I was a Pediatric Hospitalist at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.

My family has grown to include my three young children and a wonderful Alaskan Malamute named Eska. When I am not in the office, I love to get outdoors with my family to go hiking, biking, running, skiing, camping, and traveling (when we can).

Willow Monterrosa, MD

I knew from the first day of medical school I wanted to be a pediatrician. I have always loved kids and immediately became excited about pediatric medicine. I love the balance of wellness care, preventative medicine, education, and caring for kids with all types of illnesses and conditions.

I grew up in Colorado and earned a B.A. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. I received my M.D. from the University of Colorado Health Science Center, and completed my pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital of Denver/UCHSC.

While in college I fell in love with a wonderful man from Alaska and, as we started our family, we visited Alaska as often as possible. It was on one such trip in the summer of 2003, driving down from Hatcher Pass, that we made the decision to move here after my residency. It took all of two weeks for me to realize that Alaska is my home. Joining the amazing family that is Anchorage Pediatric Group and moving to Alaska are two of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, watching football, traveling, and spending time with my family. I have three children, two in college and one in high school.

I have the greatest job in the world. It is an absolute privilege to be a part of the lives of my patients and their families.


Jessica Harper, PA-C, IBCLC

My passion for helping families began in 2008, shortly after the birth of my twins. I was fortunate to have the support of a public health nurse/ International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who helped me successfully breastfeed my babies. Motivated by my positive experience, I started my journey as a breastfeeding advocate through the La Leche League (LLL) helping others in Fairbanks, Alaska. 

In 2016 my family moved to Anchorage so I could pursue a master’s degree and become a Physician Assistant (PA). I graduated from the University of Washington Medex Program. Post-graduation, I worked as a PA in Pediatric Psychiatry for about 18 months prior to transitioning back to my work with breastfeeding families and general pediatrics.  I began seeing patients of all ages in the Summer of 2022.

Being in Maternal Child Health for over a decade, I feel fortunate to work with families and kids, whether it be for breastfeeding, general wellness, sick visits, you name it. Kids are the future!

When I’m not working, you can find me spending time with my husband and our four very active children. I enjoy hockey, hiking, knitting, traveling, and trying new things!

Kevin Monahan, PA-C

My journey toward working in pediatrics started in college when I attended Colorado State University. I enjoyed learning about science so I majored in Biology and completed pre-med courses thinking medical school would be my path.

After graduating college, I worked with kids with Type I diabetes and learned that not only did I love working with children and their families but that becoming a Physician Assistant was my path. So, after working in clinic research for four years at the diabetes clinic, I started Physician Assistant school at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. My program emphasized pediatric medicine and confirmed my love for children and families.

I graduated from PA school in 2005 and was looking for an adventure and a change from Colorado so Alaska seemed like a logical choice. I worked at APG for 9 years before moving back to Colorado where I continued to work in pediatrics for the past 6 years.

My family and I could not shake the Alaska bug and were excited to have the opportunity to move back to Anchorage and return to APG. I am excited to be back at APG and continue to not only work with children and families but hopefully assist and guide in the journey of caring for children.

As many Alaskans, my family and I enjoy the outdoors by hiking, fishing, skiing, and traveling. My 14-year-old son loves baseball and skiing. So, we are looking forward to getting roped into the Anchorage baseball scene.

Shannon Smith, PA-C

My history with Anchorage Pediatric Group started when I was a toddler, and a patient of Dr. Tower, one of the founding pediatricians of APG. As I grew in this practice, my pediatrician inspired my love for children and a desire to work in the pediatric field one day.

I grew up in Anchorage and graduated from Service High School. I received degrees from Colorado State University (biology) and completed my PA degree from Alderson-Broaddus University in West Virginia. My first PA job was so rewarding - a rural walk-in family practice clinic that served three counties in WV. I remained in WV for over four years, but the call to return to Alaska was strong. In 2001, my family and I returned home and I’ve been working with APG ever since!

In my free time, I enjoy running and spending time at the cabin with my three children and three dogs. I love helping the wonderful patients of APG and have a special interest in adolescents. It’s exciting and rewarding to see our patients as they grow and mature!