Meet Our Staff
To learn about our psychiatric providers, please visit our Medical Services page.
Child & Family Managers
Joshua Arvidson, MSS., LCSW
Chief Operating Officer
Joshua Arvidson, MSS., LCSW is the Chief Operating Officer at Alaska Behavioral Health. Joshua is the founder of the Alaska Child Trauma Center and the Director of the Rural Child Trauma Center, both are National Child Traumatic Stress Network Treatment and Training Centers. Joshua has been a licensed clinical social worker for over two decades and is a licensed professional counselor supervisor. Joshua served as the Co-Project Director for two of Alaska’s first SAMHSA-recognized CCBHCs (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics). Joshua serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma and has taught graduate course for both the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Social Work and Clinical Psychology programs. Joshua has published multiple peer-reviewed research and clinical papers in the fields of child and adult trauma treatment, clinical screening, risk prevention and integrated care.
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Kristin Mortenson, MS, LPC-S
Clinical Director
Kristin Mortenson, is the Director of Early Child and Outpatient Services at Alaska Behavioral Health. As part of the Alaska Child trauma Center since inception, Kristin provides mental health services to children and families impacted by trauma and is a nationally certified ARC (Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competency) trainer.
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Marissa Hanson, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Director
Marissa Hanson, MSW, LCSW is a Clinical Director for the Partial Hospitalization Program, Residential Services, and Power Center at Alaska Behavioral Health. She has a Certificate in Interpersonal Trauma Studies and has been working with children and their families who have experienced trauma since 2010. Marissa provides trauma training and clinical consultation throughout Alaska.
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Amanda Nalewaja, LCSW
Clinical Manager, Child & Family Outpatient
Amanda Nalewaja (pronounced nal-ehv-eye-uh) hold degrees in Social Work with a minor in Children’s Mental Health. Amanda works as a Clinical Manager for Alaska Behavioral Health and a Trainer for the Alaska Child Trauma Center. She focuses on the intersecting processes of healing children, families, and communities. When not at the clinic, Amanda enjoys video games and getting out into nature.
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Chioma Iwuoha, BA
Program Manager, Partial Hospitalization Programs
Alaskan born and raised, Chioma Iwuoha comes to Alaska Behavioral Health with a Bachelor of Arts and a minor in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Chioma manages the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for both Child and Family and Adult services. She is dedicated to strengthening and cultivating the ease of access to support individuals on their healing journeys. Chioma enjoys artistic pursuits, reading, being in Alaska's beautiful outdoors and creating memories with friends and family (especially the furry, four-legged ones!)
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Mandie Zarecki, BSW
Program Manager, Intensive Outpatient Programsprograms
Mandie Zarecki, BSW, earned her degree from University of Alaska - Anchorage. As a Clinical Associate Supervisor for Little Tykes and a Clinical Associate for Child Partial Hospitalization Program, Mandie is dedicated to helping kids navigate their emotions—one tiny triumph at a time. She believes in the power of a good laugh (and a good snack) to make the healing process a bit brighter. When she's not at work, you'll find her in the kitchen trying new recipes, lost in a book, or shopping for the latest must-haves. After all, self-care is just as important as care for others!
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Clinicians
Jesse Barrett, LCSW
Fairbanks Clinician
Jesse Barrett, LCSW is a Clinician in Child and Family Services based in Fairbank. Jesse studied social work at the undergrad and graduate levels, with a concentration in mental health and trauma. Jesse is passionate about serving his community. He is a giant nerd and big time animal lover. He has experience in working in mental health, addiction, and developmental disability.
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Savannah Henry, MSW
Fairbanks Clinician
Savannah Henry, MSW, is a Child & Family Clinician dedicated to supporting children and families in the Fairbanks community. Inspired by her own journey of growth and healing, she strives to meet clients where they are, recognizing them as the experts in their own lives while bringing compassion, curiosity, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a strengths-based approach to her work.
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Lauren Hoffman, M.Ed
Fairbanks Clinician
Lauren Hoffman, M. Ed is a school-based clinician with the AK Rises program at AKBH. Lauren attained her Masters in Education with a specialization in School Counseling from Seattle University. Lauren has partnered with children and families to create success for over a decade. As a lifelong Alaskan, Lauren is passionate about serving her community. When not at AKBH, Lauren can be found engaging in any art or craft project, exploring her community, reading, or spending time with family and friends.
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Ali Butler, M.Ed.
Anchorage Clinician
Ali Butler, M. Ed., is a clinician with the Child & Family Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient teams at Alaska Behavioral Health. She earned her Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Alaska - Fairbanks. She enjoys working with children, teens and families as they develop skills and overcome challenges to help them thrive in the present and future. Outside of work, Ali enjoys running, cycling, ice skating, gardening, and supporting Anchorage’s pop-up food markets.
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Jeffry Crews, MS
Anchorage Clinician
Jeffry Crews, M.S., is a Clinician on the AKBH Child and Family Services team. He graduated from UAA with a master’s in clinical psychology. Initially brought to Alaska over 10 years ago by the US Coast Guard, Jeffry has been working with the veterans and their families over at the Cohen Clinic. This work has made Jeffry passionate about helping children and families overcome life’s challenging transitions. In his spare time Jeffry loves to cook, hike and camp with his family. He enjoys playing and snuggling with his 3 cats.
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Sara Hoedel, LCSW
Anchorage Clinician
Sara Hoedel, LCSW, is a clinician at Alaska Behavioral Health in the Little Tykes Therapeutic Services program. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage and provides mental health services to children and families. In her free time, Sara enjoys being outside, especially with her family along for the adventure.
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Hailey Holland, MS
Anchorage Clinician
Hailey Holland (she/her), MS, graduated with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage and in addition, obtained her graduate certificate in children’s mental health. Hailey is a lifelong Alaskan and enjoys all that Alaska has to offer and can’t imagine living anywhere else! She enjoys working with children and their families to help them achieve their goals. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, camping, gardening, baking/cooking, and anything crafting related! Hailey works with the Little Tykes Therapeutic Services Program in Anchorage.
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Mara Jones, LMSW
PHP Clinician
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Sakshi Khurana, MA, EdM
Anchorage Clinician
Sakshi Khurana (MA, EdM) is a clinician in the Child & Family Outpatient Clinic. She utilizes the ARC (Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) approaches in her work with children and caregivers. Sakshi is a doctoral student in counseling psychology at Alaska Pacific University, and completed her master’s in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a master’s in clinical psychology from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India. Outside work and studies, Sakshi enjoys cooking, playing table tennis, and spending time with friends and family.
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Katy Lee, MA
Anchorage Clinician
Katy Lee, MA, is a Clinician on the Child & Family Outpatient team at Alaska Behavioral Health. Katy received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. Katy was born and raised in Alaska and is passionate about serving those experiencing mental health challenges in her community. In her free time, Katy enjoys socializing with her family and friends, cooking/baking, and spending time in nature
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Kayla Mayne, M.Ed.
Anchorage Clinician
Kayla Mayne, M.Ed., is a clinician at Alaska Behavioral Health working with children, teens, and families. Kayla holds a Master of Education in Clinical Professional Counseling from the University of Oklahoma. She enjoys working with children and their families and helping with their healing journey. In her free time, Kayla enjoys traveling, anything outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends. Kayla’s favorite quote is, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind”- Caroline Flack.
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Sarah Pype, LCSW
PHP Clinician
Sarah Pype, LCSW, is a Clinician at Alaska Behavioral Health in Child and Family Services. She graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from Baylor University. She enjoys working alongside children and their families to support them in achieving their goals. In her free time, Sarah loves all things hockey and spending time with her family.
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Fernanda Ruiz, MS
Anchorage Clinician
Fernanda Ruiz, MS, graduated with her Master of Science degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Fernanda completed her internship at Alaska Behavioral Health with the Little Tykes team and is now a clinician on the Child and Family Outpatient team. Fernanda has worked with young children and their families for about five years as a bilingual teacher. Fernanda is passionate about helping children and families overcome battles and barriers when it comes to mental health. In her free time, Fernanda enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and relaxing.
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Cherry Schaffan, LCSW
Anchorage Clinician
Cherry Schaffan, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker; she graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She has more than nine years of experience providing trauma-informed behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and families. She enjoys working with children and their caregivers to help them achieve their goals. In her free time, she enjoys spending time and traveling with her children. Her favorite sports are soccer and swimming
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Emma Steinzeig, LCSW
Anchorage Clinician
Emma Steinzeig, LCSW, is a Clinician at Alaska Behavioral Health and currently works in Child and Family Services. She graduated from UAA with a Master’s in Social Work. Emma is a lifelong Alaskan and can’t imagine living anywhere else! She enjoys working with children and their families and helping them achieve their goals. In her free time, Emma enjoys hanging out with her dog Griffin as well as family and friends.
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Clinical Associates
Tim Martin
CA - Anchorage
Tim Martin has worked as a Clinical Associate at Alaska Behavioral Health since July 2000 in Child and Family Services. He supports clients and their families through individual, group, and family sessions. Tim enjoys spending as much time in the great outdoors and riding his motorcycle. Tim hopes one day to visit his family in Italy.
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Holly McCamant, BA
CA - Anchorage
Holly McCamant started her career as a Peer Support Specialist at The Power Center and is now Clinical Associate for the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Before coming to Alaska Behavioral Health, she worked with asylum seekers in Cyprus. Holly has a BA in Counseling Psychology from Alaska Pacific University. She is passionate about community-oriented change and continually learning more about global and local issues. Originally from rural Minnesota, she adores the outdoor and cultural activities that Alaska has to offer.
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Adren Setian, BA
CA - Anchorage
Adren Setian is a Clinical Associate with the Little Tykes team. Adren graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Anthropology. When not at work, Adren enjoys hiking, reading novels, drinking tea, and baking delicious treats.
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Olivia Sims, BA
CA - Anchorage
Olivia Sims is a Clinical Associate at Alaska Behavioral Health with the Little Tykes team. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood from the University of Alaska Southeast and plans to pursue a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. Olivia worked as a preschool teacher for many years and is excited to start a new career path in mental health. For fun she likes to hike, cross-country ski and spend time with her children.
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Mandie Zarecki, BSW
CA Supervisor - Anchorage
Mandie Zarecki, BSW, earned her degree from University f Alaska Anchorage. As a Clinical Associate Supervisor for Little Tykes and a Clinical Associate for Child Partial Hospitalization Program, Mandie is dedicated to helping kids navigate their emotions—one tiny triumph at a time. She believes in the power of a good laugh (and a good snack) to make the healing process a bit brighter. When she's not at work, you'll find her in the kitchen trying new recipes, lost in a book, or shopping for the latest must-haves. After all, self-care is just as important as care for others!
Read bio