Say Hello to our

Physicians and Staff

You may become a patient by making an appointment yourself or through a physician’s referral. We also welcome the opportunity to provide second opinions.

Our Doctors

At Midnight Sun Oncology, we provide excellent, personalized care for people with cancer and blood disorders who live in the Mat-Su Valley. As Mat-Su Valley residents, our doctors know and work closely with your referring doctors. We are right here in the Mat-Su Valley for you.

Dr. Larry Lawson, MD

Board Certified Oncologist

Dr. Lawson earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the University of California, San Diego and his MD from Ross University School of Medicine. He did his Internal Medicine Residency at the Cleveland Clinic Florida and his Medical Oncology fellowship at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. He passed his board certifications in 2003 and 2005 respectively. He established Midnight Sun Oncology after moving to Alaska in 2005. He and his wife live in Big Lake. They are both avid photographers and love to travel.

Dr. Colleen Kersgard, MD

Board Certified Hematologist/Oncologist

Dr. Kersgard earned her Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and her Medical degree from the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD. She completed her Internal Medicine residency and Hematology/Oncology fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. She recently retired from the United States Air Force after 25 years of service. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology. She loves to exercise, read, bake, and adventure with her husband, Jason, and her labradoodle, Stanley.

Our Nursing Staff

We want every patient and caregiver to feel welcomed and know that when they come to MSO for care we become a part of the support system.

Jessica Tuomi, RN, BSN, OCN

RN Infusion Nurse

Jessica was born and raised here in Palmer. After graduating from high school, she moved to South Dakota on a soccer scholarship and attended nursing school. She has worked with oncology patients since 2009 and obtained her oncology certification in 2012. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and all the outdoor activities that Alaska has to offer.

Teri Tynan, RN, BSN, OCN

RN Infusion Nurse

Teri was raised in Anchorage, Alaska and moved to the Valley in 2003. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in nursing from UAA in 2009, Teri worked as an inpatient bedside nurse until 2012 when she joined the team at Midnight Sun Oncology. She has been a nationally certified oncology nurse since 2015 and finds her work with oncology patients very fulfilling. Teri has two rambunctious boys that keep her busy between sports, school and general mayhem. They enjoy getting outside, camping, bonfires, and spending time with life long friends.

Jenni Nelson, RN, BSN, OCN

RN Infusion Nurse

Jenni was raised in Alaska before moving overseas and graduating high school in Nairobi, Kenya. She attended nursing school in Texas and graduated in 2013. She has worked at both inpatient and outpatient oncology units, as well as palliative care and hospice, both in Missouri and as a volunteer nurse on a hospital ship in West Africa. Jenni joined Midnight Sun Oncology in 2020. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, hiking, cross-country skiing, learning to knit, and volunteering at church. Jenni also enjoys traveling and is an avid stamp collector… in her passport.

Kallie Jones, RN, BSN, OCN

RN Infusion Nurse

Kallie was raised in Moses Lake, WA. She married her high school sweetheart in Chicago during his training for the Navy. She earned her nursing degree in California in 2015 and later earned her Bachelor degree from Brigham Young University-ID. Her first nursing job was in ID on a cardiovascular unit. Prior to coming to Midnight Sun, she worked for 6 years at Providence on the medical oncology unit. When not working, Kallie enjoys spending time with family and stays busy with her 4 children. She loves being in AK and seeing all the beauty it has to offer.

Our Support Staff

We want every patient and caregiver to feel welcomed and know that when they come to MSO for care we become a part of the support system.

Amy Yochum

Lab Manager/Phlebotomist

Amy runs the lab here at Midnight Sun Oncology. She and her husband moved to Alaska from Idaho 15 years ago and have loved it ever since.  Together they have two beautiful daughters, Olive (9) and Eleanor (5).   Amy loves what she does at Midnight Sun and she hopes to make a difference in the lives of her patients and their families, as they have a large impact on hers. 

Melissa Morgan, NCMA

Certified Medical Assistant

Melissa has worked at Midnight Sun Oncology since 2015.  She and her husband are raising 3 wonderful kids in the Mat-Su Valley.  She loves working at Midnight Sun Oncology with her outstanding co-workers.  The highlight of her job is getting to care for & interact with our patients and their families.

Taylor Payton

Front Desk Reception

Taylor joined Midnight Sun Oncology in September 2024. She is originally from the “DMV” (DC/Maryland/Virginia) area, and is stationed in Anchorage with her husband who is in the Coast Guard. Together, Taylor and her husband have two Standard Poodles. Taylor loves to read comic books, watch wildlife, and travel. Taylor is excited to be part of the MSO team, and is looking forward to interacting with all of our patients.

Jenni Martin

Front Desk Reception/Medical Assistant

Jenni has been working in the medical field for over 8 years. Raised in the beautiful town of Palmer. At Midnight Sun Oncology, she works at the front desk and as medical assistant. She and her husband have two feisty daughters that she loves to spend time with. She enjoys the Alaska summers with camping, ATVing and hiking. She loves that with her job she is able to help people even if it is just with a friendly smile.

Our Administration Staff

We want every patient and caregiver to feel welcomed and know that when they come to MSO for care we become a part of the support system.

Corinne Zehnder

Office Manager/Scribe

Corinne worked as a medical transcriptionist for many years at her home office until becoming the office Scribe and manager at Midnight Sun Oncology.  What she loves most about working in this position is interacting with and getting to know patients and their families.  In her free time, she and her husband Rob enjoy spending time fishing, boating, camping, four-wheeling, and snowmachining with their kids and dogs.  

Midnight Sun Oncology

 

 

Monday – Thursday 8 am – 5pm  | Friday – 8am – 4pm

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Plaza I – 2490 S. Woodworth Loop #499 Palmer, AK 99645

Make an Appointment at (907) 746-7771

Fax: (907) 746-7798