Jill Valerius, MD, ABOIM, IFMCP, ATC
As a little girl, Dr. Jill Valerius knew she wanted to be a doctor. She told her second grade teacher that was precisely what she was going to do. Jill spent the first four years of her medical career working as a Certified Athletic Trainer with high school and college athletes. Empowering people drove her to complete her medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1998. She completed her residency in family medicine in Duluth, Minnesota. After residency, she worked in several emergency room and urgent care centers prior to moving to Alaska in 2003. Here she practiced full scope family medicine.
She quickly realized that a more holistic approach to medicine was needed to really help her patients achieve optimal health. Training in Functional Medicine was her real ‘aha’ moment in practicing medicine, and she looks forward to helping you reach your health, lifestyle, and activity goals. It is never too late to start living in health.
Areas of Expertise:
Family Medicine
Sports Medicine
Functional Medicine
Favorite Activities Outside of Work:
Biking, Hiking, Running, Reading, Cooking
If you need to know anything about biking in and around Palmer, Jill is your woman. One of the most avid bikers in the community, Jill advocates for more recreational opportunities for bikers across the Valley. Learn more about the community outdoor programs that Jill supports.
Favorite thing about Palmer:
Jill easily fell in love with Palmer when she moved here. When she began to search for where to start her practice, Palmer’s vast recreational opportunities combined with the strong community made it a natural fit. Learn more about what Palmer has to offer.
Aubrey Spangler, APRN, IFMCP
Aubrey Spangler is board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has undergrad degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies from UC Berkeley and Nursing Sciences from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and a Master’s degree in Nursing from Frontier School of Nursing in Hyden, KY. She has completed the educational requirements for the Institute of Functional Medicine and is a fully certified functional medicine provider.
Aubrey has over 15 years of healthcare experience. A career in functional medicine has allowed her to incorporate additional tools she believes are needed to heal the body- including stress resiliency, movement, nutrients, community, a strong microbiome, and a belief that the body can and will heal. Aubrey partners with her patients to find ways for their unique bodies to embrace the wellness and balance they seek.
Favorite Activities Outside of Work:
Aubrey feels deeply connected to nature. When she’s not in the mountains foraging, hunting, hiking, or packrafting, you can find her tending her garden beds or on her yoga mat. Her favorite season is winter, preferably one with lots of snow, and her happy place is on her skis with her husband and children.
Becca Small, Medical Assistant
Becca is passionate about helping others. Working as an EMT in a very busy system led her to seek a more holistic approach to medicine. Her diverse background in emergency medicine and operating room experience makes her an excellent addition to our Now Health staff.
Favorite Activities Outside of Work
She enjoys exploring the outdoors with her Fiancé and dog (Emma), identifying wild plants and mushrooms, fishing, tending to houseplants and knitting.
Qualifications:
Alaska EMT-1
National Registered EMT
National Certified Phlebotomist
BLS CPR Certified
Amber Cave, Medical Assistant
Amber Cave has spent her entire adult life working in the Healthcare field utilizing her passion and strengths to care for the health and well-being of others. She is a caregiver at heart and adamant about her own physical, mental, and spiritual health. She is equally committed to serving others as well.
Favorite Activities Outside of Work
Amber loves spending quality time with her family, enjoying the outdoors, caring for her houseplants, cooking healthy meals, maintaining her fitness goals and is a sucker for a good sci-fi show or movie.
Qualifications:
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
BLS CPR Certified
Gina Herron, Receptionist and Front Office Manager
Gina Herron keeps things running smoothly in our office and she will be your first connection with Now Health. A lifelong Alaskan, Gina puts fitness first, for both herself and her clients. She has always been interested in the healthcare field. She studied exercise and sport science at Oregon State and has worked in various healthcare offices over the last decade.
Favorite Activities Outside of Work
An Alaskan at heart, Gina enjoys spending time with her friends and family and keeping active in our beautiful state.
