Resident Support Staff

  • Alex Mayer, C-TAGME - Program Administrator

    Email: amayer@lifespan.org
    Phone: 401-444-5577

    I grew up in Middlebury, Vermont and attended Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana where I majored in Arts Journalism. I have lived in Providence since 2002, where I initially worked as a freelance music journalist, interviewing performers and leaders in the local arts scene, as well as international DJs and producers. As an avid road cyclist, I spent many years enjoying Rhode Island’s scenic bike paths and rural local roads. I have also spent numerous summers section-hiking Vermont’s 270-mile Long Trail, and have recently completed hiking all 67 of New England’s 4,000-foot mountains in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

    I have worked in the Internal Medicine residency program since 2008, becoming well-versed in ACGME accreditation requirements, as well as ensuring that our evaluation management system adapts to meet the needs of our program and ACGME reporting requirements.

  • Jessica Hogan - Internal Medicine Residency Coordinator

    My over 20 years of experience in the medical field began with a dermatology practice, employed for 18 years as their medical secretary/assistant. When the dermatologists retired, I then joined Lifespan working as a patient service representative in the Miriam Hospital’s Center for Weight and Wellness. Sadly, the center closed almost a year ago, but I was fortunate enough to join the Internal Medicine Residency Program as the Training Program Coordinator at The Miriam Hospital. With the switch from direct patient care to working on the teaching side of healthcare, I have developed an even deeper admiration for physicians and the medical industry. I truly appreciate and enjoy supporting and interacting with our Internal Medicine Chiefs as well as the residents, interns, and medical students. When I’m not working with the residents and medical students, I love spending time with family and friends, especially my granddaughter.

  • Rob Houston - Training Program Coordinator

    I joined the team at Lifespan as Training Program Coordinator in July 2022.

    After working for several local community-based organizations for more than 20 years, I was ready to take on new challenges while still being able to help people grow and develop. Working in this role has been a great fit to accomplish those goals.

    While not at work, I love spending time at home with my wife or enjoying the many beautiful golf courses that surround us. I was raised as a diehard New England sports fan, so when it’s too cold for golf, you will find me enjoying the games with friends and family.

  • Joe Pope - Training Program Coordinator

    I am originally from Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!) and completed my bachelor’s degree at St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD. I moved to Providence a little over 10 years ago and am very happy to be able to call Rhode Island my home.

    Prior to joining Lifespan, I worked as a program manager for a nonprofit that provided housing to families with children receiving medical treatment at Boston area hospitals. I have also worked in various roles for an organization that provided services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

    In my free time, I enjoy volunteering at the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island. I assist with animal care at the clinic as well as with rehabilitation of certain species at home. I have always been passionate about conservation and wildlife and was incredibly excited when I first heard about the organization and opportunities to get involved!

    I am very excited to join Lifespan as a Training Program Coordinator and to work with all of the dedicated, hardworking, and fun people that make up the Internal Medicine Residency Program.

  • Javelle Stephens - Project Coordinator

    I was born in New Bedford, MA and have been living in Rhode Island for 3 years. I started working at Massachusetts General Hospital in 2014 where I have had various support staff roles from assisting doctors and nurses on inpatient units, to checking in and scheduling tests for patients. I joined Lifespan as an Administrative Assistant July 2021 and have recently joined the Internal Medicine Residency Program as a Project Coordinator as of August 2023. I will be playing a central role in recruitment, as well as provide administrative support to 3 Program Directors.

    I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music majoring in interdisciplinary music studies.

    A big passion of mine is music. When I am not working you can find me all around New England singing with my band The Party Factor. I enjoy all things art. I love to go out dancing, I like seeing musicals and local shows and I enjoy traveling when I can, but at heart I am a home body. Nothing like being at home under a blanket watching your favorite TV shows.

    I am very excited to be joining such a diverse group of people and look forward to the experience and knowledge I will gain joining this team!

  • Vanna Thlang - Administrative Assistant

    Relocating from California to Rhode Island in 1989 following my marriage marked the beginning of an incredibly rewarding chapter. Over the years, Rhode Island has proven to be the ideal environment for raising my six children. One of the state’s greatest advantages is its unique geography; it offers an abundance of activities and cultural experiences, all within a short, convenient drive.

    Outside of my professional life, I am an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast. My favorite regional getaways include exploring Block Island by moped, sightseeing along Cape Cod, and hiking through the mountains of New Hampshire and Maine. During the summer months, I enjoy spending time at the beach and watching my children boogie board. On the weekends, I prioritize family time, frequently bringing everyone together to share a home-cooked meals.

    I began my career in healthcare serving the Department of Hemostasis and Thrombosis across Hasbro Children’s Hospital (Pediatrics) and Rhode Island Hospital (Adult Oncology) from 2006 to 2010. In 2011, I transitioned to the Division of General Internal Medicine. I am incredibly proud and grateful to work daily with such an exceptional, dedicated team of professionals.

  • Lily Velez - Training Program Coordinator

    I was born in Medellin, Colombia and I have lived in Rhode Island since 1980. I’m a big sports fan and love all the New England teams: Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, New England Revolution, Boston Bruins, etc. I have three beautiful daughters who enjoy sports as much as I do. I couldn’t have asked for a better state to live in and raise my family. I have worked in the medical field for the past 25 years as an administrative assistant. I have been very fortunate to be a part of the Alpert Medical School Internal Medicine Residency Program team for the past 17 years.