Joshua is an expert in trauma-informed care for children, and established the Alaska Child Trauma Center at Alaska Behavioral Health. He serves on the Steering Committee for SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Network and is the Principal Investigator for the Military Family Child Trauma Program. He’s also on the Editorial Review Board for the Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma and has presented at over 100 conferences on childhood trauma, including the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Joshua serves on the Board of Directors for FOCUS and has designed and taught courses on clinical practice with children and adolescents and childhood trauma for the University of Alaska Anchorage. Joshua has published in the journals, Child Welfare 360, Child Maltreatment, the Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma and Trauma, Abuse and Violence. He’s been recognized by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce as one of Alaska’s “Top 40 Under 40” and has received a Business Achievement Award for Healthcare from the Anchorage Daily News.

Kristin Oberman is the Training Director at Alaska Behavioral Health and is responsible for multiple training initiatives with statewide and national impact. She works with an internal team of content experts in behavioral health and external national experts in behavioral health treatment to provide both external facing training (two or more conferences per year, multiple learning communities, several dozen training events) and internal clinical training using an implementation science approach. She supports the ongoing professional development of AKBH staff to implement best practices and evidence-based treatment. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family and pets at home or out and about enjoying all that makes living in Alaska great.

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.

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.

Amanda Nalewaja (pronounced nal-ehv-eye-uh), LCSW, holds degrees in Social Work with a minor in Children’s Mental Health. She currently works as a Clinician with Alaska Behavioral Health in Child and Family Services where she provides services focusing on enhancing overall wellness of youth and families. When not at the clinic, Amanda enjoys video games and getting into nature.

Mr. Bracken currently serves as a Power Center Program Manager at Alaska Behavioral Health. Bringing over seven years of experience in peer support services and three years of management experience, he has also been trained in CPI, Suicide prevention QPR, and ARC. Mr. Bracken has been a facilitator and trainer of the P.H.A.T curriculum research project through the Institute of social and economic research. He has been a part of the National Council for mental health’s' 'CONNECTED' project. He has actively facilitated positive youth development projects using the harm reduction model within the Power Center at AKBH.

Jen loves everything about her role at AKBH: “A job I don’t even have to think about. I come to work every day to hold space for people trying to find their footing in recovery and empower them to be the changes they wish to see.” From being trained in the inaugural class of peer counselors in Washington state back in 2009 and beginning her career on the Snohomish County ACT team, to advocating for and writing the inaugural peer support professional training in Alaska in 2020, Jen’s heart and soul is all things Peer Support. her training are all filled with her own lived experiences and ambitions of improving the lives of those around her. When she’s not hanging out with her AKBH family, Jen enjoys traveling with her husband, and spending time with family and friends.

Brandi Salvatore is a Case Manager for the Steven a Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health, where she completed her internship and was hired in April 2022. Brandi is originally from Kentucky, and was brought to Alaska with her military active duty spouse in December of 2021. Brandi holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

Taylor Waldner was born and raised in Austin, Texas and earned her degree in Communication Studies from Texas State University. In her role, Taylor is responsible for all Outreach Efforts and continues to build strong relationships with our partners across the State of Alaska. Her husband served in the Air Force, father served in the Navy, and brother served in the Coast Guard, along with several uncles who served in the Army and Marines. Her diverse military ties give her a unique perspective when it comes to partnering with all branches of service. She has always been passionate about serving others and is dedicated to reducing the stigma of seeking mental health services. Taylor spends her free time hiking, camping and skiing alongside her husband and mountain dog.

Hannah Malison, M.S., NCC, graduated with a Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Her clinical focus areas are Child and Adolescent as well as Crisis and Trauma Counseling. She enjoys working with children and their caregivers to help them reach their highest potential. While working with AKBH's school-based mental health services program she provides mental health support to students and staff. In her free time, she enjoys various outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

Sarah Pype, LMSW, 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.

Skylar is the Training Program Coordinator for Alaska Behavioral Health. Her key job responsibilities are assisting the Training Director in the creation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of AKBH's training, including logistical support, training promotion, travel organization, and data reporting. Skylar recently moved to Alaska from Minnesota with her boyfriend and their two cats. She is happy to assist with any questions or training needs.

April Valentine, LBSW graduated with a Bachelors in Social Work from University of Alaska Anchorage in 2018. She has worked in the behavioral health field since 2016. She manages our team of clinical associates for Child and Family Services in Anchorage, supporting clients individually and through group settings. Her favorite part of this job is supporting the clients and watching them make progress.