WINTER 2026 Care for your mental well-being Helping you heal after a hospital stay p4 p6 COMPASSIONATE. PERSONALIZED. HEALTHCARE.
Angela Hinnegan, CPA, MHL, FACHE Chief Executive Officer A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Hello, Central Kenai Peninsula community It’s an honor to introduce myself as the new CEO of Central Peninsula Hospital—though in many ways, stepping into this role feels like returning to familiar ground. I was raised here in the Central Kenai Peninsula and am a proud graduate of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. My connection to this community has been shaped over a lifetime, and it continues to inspire my work every day. My professional journey in health care began right here at CPH, where I spent 15 years in the finance department, from 2002 to 2017. Those years gave me a strong foundation in how our health care system works and helped me grow a deep appreciation for the people who make this organization what it is. Because of that history, I’m able to begin this role focused on strategy and our future direction, rather than spending years learning the organization—momentum that is especially important as health care in the U.S. faces increasing legislative and financial challenges. Before returning to CPH as CFO in August, I served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer at South Peninsula Hospital and also held leadership roles at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. Over the past 23 years, I’ve been fortunate to gain experience in health care finance, operations and executive leadership and to be recognized for a steady leadership style, strong financial stewardship and a deep care for both patients and staff. My core values—caring for people, integrity, collaboration, compassion, empathy and responsible stewardship—align closely with the CPH way: compassionate, personalized health care. That alignment is one of the many reasons I’m grateful to serve in this role. Central Peninsula Hospital has shaped me personally and professionally, and it is meaningful to now help guide its next chapter. Looking ahead, my focus is on providing the highest-quality care, expanding access to primary care and behavioral health, and ensuring long-term stability in an evolving health care landscape. With our population aging and local needs increasing, investing in care close to home and partnering with community stakeholders will be essential. Together, we can continue building a healthier future for the Kenai Peninsula. Thank you for welcoming me into this role. I look forward to listening, collaborating and serving. Photo by Ryan Saliga, MD 2 Central Peninsula Hospital
Welcome, Dr. Burtenshaw! Central Peninsula Foot & Ankle is excited to welcome Ian Burtenshaw, DPM, FACFAS, FABPM, to our growing team. Our clinic is committed to supporting the health and mobility of our community by providing high-quality, person-centered care. We offer comprehensive treatment for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, using both conservative and surgical options tailored to each patient’s needs and goals. Education and experience Dr. Burtenshaw is a dual board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeon with advanced training in foot and ankle care, including total ankle reconstruction and treatment of ankle arthritis. He chose a career in medicine to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and discovered early on that he had a deep passion for understanding how things function—and how to restore them when they don’t. That passion led him to one of the nation’s top reconstructive foot and ankle surgery training programs, where his skills and interest in scientific advancement continued to grow. With more than a decade of experience practicing and teaching in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dr. Burtenshaw brings extensive expertise in treating foot, ankle and lowerleg deformities and injuries. He cares for both adults and children and manages everything from minor injuries to complex trauma. Individualized care Dr. Burtenshaw believes strongly in empowering patients with knowledge. He works to understand the root cause of a problem and then helps individuals and their families learn why it developed and how it can be addressed—whether through conservative care or surgery. He values the trust his patients place in him and treats each person with the same care and respect he would offer his own family. Family and fun Outside the clinic, Dr. Burtenshaw is a devoted husband and father who enjoys Alaska’s great outdoors. He loves camping; hiking; fishing; hunting; and playing football, basketball and baseball with his wife and children. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Burtenshaw to Central Peninsula Foot & Ankle. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our patients and the greater Kenai Peninsula community. PULSE is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of Central Peninsula Hospital, 250 Hospital Place, Soldotna, AK 99669, phone 907-714-4404, website www.cpgh.org. CEO: Angela Hinnegan, CPA, MHL, FACHE External Affairs Director: Bruce Richards Information in PULSE comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please call 907-714-4600 or email marketing@cpgh.org. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Central Peninsula Hospital and its clinics (collectively “CPH”) comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Translation and other services are available to you, free of charge, by calling this number: 907-714-4404. bone & joint center central peninsula For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Burtenshaw, visit foot.cpgh.org or call 907-714-5312. PULSE Winter 2026 3
Your journey to mental wellness begins here What we offer At Central Peninsula Mental Wellness, patients can expect highquality outpatient psychiatric care in a welcoming and comfortable environment. Our services include: Outpatient, non-acute psychiatric treatment— supportive and compassionate care for your mental health needs. Diagnostic expertise— thorough assessments to help identify conditions and guide treatment. Psychiatric medication prescribing— safe, effective and individualized medication management. Central Peninsula Hospital is proud to offer expanded mental health support through Central Peninsula Mental Wellness, which opened in November 2023. The clinic was created in direct response to the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment, where increased access to mental wellness services emerged as one of the community’s top priorities. Our clinic provides care for people of all ages— from young children to older adults. We focus on treating the whole person by offering thoughtful evaluations, compassionate visits and personalized treatment plans. 4 Central Peninsula Hospital
Take the first step Your path to better mental health can start today—right here on the Kenai Peninsula. Central Peninsula Mental Wellness is accepting new patients with a referral. To learn more, visit mentalwellness.cpgh.org or call 907-714-5950. Gus Salazar, PhD— psychology Dr. Salazar is a clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent mental health and is completing his postdoctoral training at Central Peninsula Hospital. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees from Brigham Young University and completed his clinical internship at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Salazar treats anxiety, obsessivecompulsive disorder, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, trauma, eating disorders and behavioral challenges. He also provides comprehensive psychological assessments for autism, learning disorders, ADHD, and mood or behavioral concerns. He uses evidencebased therapies—primarily cognitivebehavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy—and partners closely with families to help young people build meaningful, healthy lives. In his free time, Dr. Salazar enjoys hiking, reading, playing board games and spending time with his family. Kristen Keeley, MD— child and adolescent psychiatry Dr. Keeley is a fellowshiptrained child and adolescent psychiatrist who brings deep experience in developmental neuroscience and youth mental health. Originally from New England, she earned her degree in neuroscience from Northeastern University, in Boston, and worked in pediatric neurosurgery research at Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital before choosing to pursue medicine. She completed medical school and residency training at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by specialized fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry. She provides individualized, evidencebased treatment for children and teens, working closely with families to build plans that may include lifestyle changes; behavior strategies; psychotherapy; medication; and, when appropriate, neuromodulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation. She is passionate about helping young people thrive. Sean M. Costello, MD—adult psychiatry Dr. Costello is committed to serving the mental health needs of Alaskans. He earned his undergraduate degree in natural sciences with a minor in psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage and completed his medical degree through the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) regional medical education program, focusing on the needs of rural and remote communities. He went on to complete his psychiatry residency at the University of Arizona–Tucson. Dr. Costello has experience treating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related conditions and psychotic disorders. He has a strong interest in how the brain and body connect, and he uses this understanding to guide his thoughtful, whole-person approach to care. Having lived much of his life in Alaska, Dr. Costello is grateful to practice close to home. He enjoys foraging, playing hockey and woodworking throughout the year. Getting to know our newest mental health providers To help meet the growing need for mental health services, we are pleased to welcome three new providers to our team. PULSE Winter 2026 5
Helping you recover and stay independent When you’re in the hospital with a serious illness or injury, one of the biggest goals is getting well enough to go home. But sometimes, when it’s time for discharge, you may still need extra help to safely take care of yourself. You might need more physical therapy, help moving around, or support with daily tasks like bathing or dressing. That’s where post-acute care comes in. Post-acute care is the care you receive after a hospital stay, before you are fully ready to return to your normal routine at home. This care helps you continue healing so you can regain strength and independence. Most people need post-acute care for less than 100 days, and it can greatly reduce the chance of returning to the hospital. Depending on your needs, postacute care may take place in a rehabilitation center or a skilled nursing facility. In more rural areas, some hospitals also offer “swing bed” care, which provides short-term skilled nursing services. No matter the setting, the goal is the same: helping you become as independent and safe as possible. Here in the Central Peninsula, our community has a trusted resource for this important stage of healing: Heritage Place. A home for healing and long-term support Owned and operated by Central Peninsula Hospital, Heritage Place is a 60-bed skilled nursing facility that has served local families since 1986. It offers both short-term post-acute care and longterm support for seniors or adults with disabilities who need help maintaining an independent lifestyle. Heritage Place is designed to feel warm and homelike. Residents enjoy semiprivate rooms, cozy gathering spaces and areas for quiet time. Family and friends are always welcome, and residents are encouraged to take part in decisions about their care. Staff members work closely with residents and families to create a plan that supports independence while keeping everyone safe. Care focused on the whole person Heritage Place follows a residentcentered model of care that treats each person with dignity, respect and compassion. Services include: ● Skilled nursing care and a strong restorative therapy program. ● Physical, occupational and speech therapy, including outpatient services. ● A five-star dining program with meals tailored to each resident’s needs. ● Therapeutic recreation, volunteer support and intergenerational activities. ● A “town square” space for socializing. ● On-site barber and beautician services. ● End-of-life comfort care for residents and families. ● Discharge planning to help residents return home safely. Whether someone needs short-term recovery or long-term support, Heritage Place is here to help our neighbors live with comfort, confidence and connection. For more information, call 907-714-5000. Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; National Library of Medicine 6 Central Peninsula Hospital
Your generosity makes a difference Giving from the heart begins with a desire to help others—and when our community comes together to give, the impact reaches far beyond a single moment. Through generosity, we strengthen local health care, support families in need and ensure that vital services remain available close to home. What does the CPH Foundation do? The Central Peninsula Health Foundation plays an essential role in supporting Central Peninsula Hospital by investing in programs, equipment and services that directly benefit patients and families across the Kenai Peninsula. Thanks to generous community donations, the Foundation has helped make lasting improvements, such as: Enhancing programs and activities at Heritage Place. Providing vital medications for patients in need. Offering transportation assistance for medical appointments. Upgrading the Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab Gym with advanced equipment. Installing wheelchair-accessible garden beds at Heritage Place. Purchasing an infant simulator for obstetric training. Providing educational handbooks for breast cancer patients and their partners. Awarding scholarships to high school seniors pursuing medical careers. Adding breastfeeding pods for employees and visitors. Supplying a utility trailer for Safe Kids of the Kenai Peninsula. The Foundation proudly supports Central Peninsula Hospital, Heritage Place, Serenity House and the many individuals who rely on these services every day. Every donation—large or small—becomes part of a circle of care that strengthens our entire community. To learn more or to make a contribution, contact the Central Peninsula Health Foundation at 907-714-4626 or visit www.givingheals.org. Save the date: An Evening By the River At Central Peninsula Hospital, caring for our community means being there when it matters most—and this year’s An Evening By the River fundraiser supports a goal that will make a lasting impact. Join us Friday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m., in the River Tower on the Central Peninsula Hospital campus for an elegant evening of gourmet hors d’oeuvres, live music and meaningful connection. This year, we are working toward an ambitious fundraising goal of $565,000 to purchase a new mammography machine, bringing earlier detection and lifesaving breast cancer care closer to home for the women in our community. Tickets are $100 per person, with all proceeds supporting this critical investment in local health care for Central Peninsula Hospital, Heritage Place and Serenity House. Reserve your seat today at www.givingheals.org. For additional information, call Foundation Director Kathy Gensel at 907-714-4626. An Evening By the River— because early detection saves lives. PULSE Winter 2026 7
Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Your gift can change a life Learn how generosity makes a real impact in our community— and on you. See page 7. More than a stroll Why walking is an easy way to improve your health Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to get the exercise your body needs. Experts recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, and walking is a great way to reach that goal. It doesn’t require special gear, it works for nearly every fitness level and—best of all—it’s free. Health benefits of regular walking Walking on a consistent schedule can make a big difference in your overall health. Some of the benefits include: ● Reduced blood pressure. ● A stronger heart and cardiovascular system. ● Increased bone density. ● Better mental health. Research shows that walking three to four hours per week can lead to major improvements. If 30 minutes a day feels like too much at first, start with a 10-minute walk. Over time, you can combine shorter walks to build up your endurance. Even breaking up long periods of sitting with a short walk can help. Standing up and walking for five minutes every hour reduces the risks linked to staying still too long. Tips for walking more Look for small ways to add steps to your day: ● Keep a pair of sneakers in your car so you’re always prepared. ● Invite a friend to walk instead of meeting for coffee. ● Try using a pedometer or smartwatch. ● Schedule your walks like any important appointment. ● Join or start a walking group. A safe place to walk this winter Alaska winters can make outdoor walking difficult, but there’s a warm, safe place to stay active: the Soldotna Field House. This 54,000-square-foot indoor recreation facility includes a multisport court, a removable turf field and an elevated walking track designed for people of all abilities. Central Peninsula Hospital is proud to partner with the City of Soldotna to offer free access to the walking track for seniors age 65 and older, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon, now through June 30, 2027. This sponsorship reflects our commitment to helping our community stay healthy, connected and moving—one step at a time. The Field House is open: ● Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. ● Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. FREE senior walking is available: ● Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–noon. Whether you’re starting a new fitness routine or maintaining an active lifestyle, the walking track is a great way to stay safe and warm this winter. For more information, visit www.soldotna.org or call 907-714-4665. Together, let’s keep our community active and moving forward. Sources: American Council on Exercise; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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