Joshua Arvidson, MSS, LCSW  is an expert in trauma-informed care for children, and established the Alaska Child Trauma Center at Alaska Behavioral Health. He has served 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.

Marissa Hanson, MSW, LCSW is a Clinical Manager and Clinician 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.

Sarah Koogle, M. Ed., LPC-S,  has a master’s degree in clinical community counseling.  She has traveled and lived in many states and countries, but consider Fairbanks home. Sarah enjoys the Alaskan summer and all that comes with that: hiking and exploring lakes and rivers. She has worked with a wide range of mental health issues in both inpatient and outpatient care, with adults and children.  Her passion lies in the community counseling setting.

Dr. Dianna Rehn earned her Doctor of Psychology (Psy D) in clinical psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.  While in graduate school she completed a number of training experiences in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, a partial hospitalization program, an inpatient psychiatric hospital, providing crisis work in an emergency room, and an intensive outpatient program.  Dr. Rehn continued her training through her APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship through the Alaska Psychology Internship Consortium.  Her primary placement was at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute, and she also completed a mini-rotation that involved traveling to Nome, Alaska and learning about behavioral healthcare in rural settings.

After graduating, Dr. Rehn has worked as a forensic evaluator for the State of Alaska and as a senior clinician at Alaska Behavioral Health.  She is a licensed clinical psychologist in Alaska and is a credentialed Health Service Psychologist through the National Register of Health Service Psychologists.  Dr. Rehn is a Board-approved supervisor for masters-level clinicians, and as part of her role provides supervision for licensure.  She also enjoys working with students and supervises masters-level and doctoral-level students completing both practicum and pre-doctoral internships.  In addition to her role supervising students and clinicians, Dr. Rehn performs psychological testing for all ages and provides therapy to clients on the Folker outpatient team.

Tonya Herrera, LBSW, HUMS, ANS, is a 32 year Alaska resident, originally from the Cascade Mountains in Southern Oregon.  She has lived in rural Alaska and experienced village life in the small communities of at the confluence of the Yukon-Koyukuk Rivers and north of Fairbanks in the community of Minto. She is a traditional Native American/Native Alaskan who practices and enjoys many hands-on art-forms; singing, drumming, dancing and gathering for subsistence yearly. She loves helping other people and their families and finding a way to help individuals maintain stability through resource gathering and rebuilding their support system.

Annie Murray serves at our operations manager for the Intensive Case Management and PATH programs. Annie is originally from Texas and moved to Alaska to do a service year after college at a youth homeless shelter and ended up liking Alaska so much she stayed ever since! After working for several years in the homelessness and housing world , specifically with high-acuity chronically homeless adults primarily with SMI, she saw the great connection between the need for mental health care and housing. Annie is excited to be part of community mental health! In her free time, Annie enjoys getting outside and feels strongly that you don’t have to be good at things to enjoy them. For her, this often includes Nordic skiing, hiking, and camping. On rainy days, you can find at the rock gym or cooking a new food (don’t ask her to follow a recipe, that is not her forte!)

Amy Pomeroy, Clinical Operations Manager, has served in the community in various roles from direct care staff to management over the past 14yrs. She enjoys providing individual and group services, specifically supporting adults with co-occurring disorders. Amy also enjoys supporting staff development and helps lead Alaska Behavioral Health’s PQI (Performance Quality Improvement) efforts.

Paul Fergeson has a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Texas Tech University and a Master’s in Psychology from Queens College (City University of New York).  Paul has been in the field of Psychology for 30 years and has worked as a: Health Scientist, Associate College Professor and Mental Health Clinician, in New York City, San Francisco, Texas, Virginia, Vermont and now Alaska.  His scientific work was published in: Journal of Addictions, Biological Psychiatry, Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Alcoholism Clinical & Experimental Research & Archives of General Psychiatry.  Paul’s training in counseling includes approaches from: Client-Centered, Humanism, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Crisis Interventions, Positive Psychology, and Transpersonal Psychology.   Relocating to “The Most Beautiful State of Alaska” and working for Alaska Behavioral Health has been a dream come true for Paul, as he loves all things Alaskan, fishing, hunting, camping, skiing, hiking, snow machining & even berry picking.

Amanda Forsting, M. Ed. is a Clinician in Fairbanks. She started with Alaska Behavioral Health as a Case Manager in 2018 while completing her degree and internships at University of Alaska Fairbanks. She began her journey in mental health in 2014 working on mobile crisis outreach teams in Colorado and eventually moved to Texas where she did the same. After graduating in December 2020, she became a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist Individual (CCTSI) through the Trauma Institute International and plans to continue to specialize in grief and trauma while completing supervision for licensure. She loves to spend time with her family in the summers traveling and sight-seeing around Alaska, camping, boating, fishing, and driving. She also loves reading, photography, music, comedy, and live theater.

Cassie Jackson, BS, is earning her Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Bachelor’s of Science in Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence Education and TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages). Cassie has taught middle school within the Fairbanks North Star Borough for over 10 years. She joined the Alaska Behavioral Health team as a student-intern in August 2021, and will continue as a clinician after she graduates. She loves exploring Alaska and spending time outdoors!  In the winter, she enjoys cross country skiing and snow machining. In the summer, she enjoys gardening, backpacking, paddling, biking and trail running.

Timothy Ledna, MA, MS, NCC, CDC-II has 20 years of experience in non-profit work as an advocate for struggling communities, at-risk college students, the poor, and other under-served populations. Timothy has an Associates of Arts Degree in Spanish from Otero Junior College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the Humanities from Loyola University Chicago, a Master of Arts Degree in Systematic Theology from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He has training in Substance Abuse Counseling, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Critical Incident Stress Management. Timothy currently works with the Mobile Crisis Team.

Timothy is proud to be the father of two adopted children. When not at work, he likes to volunteer for the community; he currently serves on Fairbanks Diversity Council. 

Emily McClelland, MSW has been with Alaska Behavioral Health since May 2020.  She is a life-long Alaskan and enjoys going on walks to soak up the summer sun, reading, and arts and crafts.

Her passion is helping adults with anxiety, depression, substance abuse disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, and other mental disorders to create fulfilling lives. In order to do so, Emily uses a strengths-based approach along with CBT, mindfulness strategies, and other therapies with clients. Emily believes that the most important part of therapy is trust between the clinician and the client so that they can work together towards making positive changes.

Heather Roberts-Kelly, MS, joined the Fairbanks-based Mobile Crisis Team July 2021.  She obtained high school diploma in 1992 by attending a school for at risk juveniles.  After taking time to raise her family, she continued her educations, and obtained Bachelor of Science in Sociology 2011 and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling 2013. She worked as Crisis Team Lead in Colorado before moving to Alaska.  

Heather has four adult children and all live in Alaska. When Heather is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, two dogs, and everything Alaska has to offer.  

Catherine Stallings, LMSW, CA is a clinician with the adult program. Catherine earned her Master of Social Work at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Catherine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Catherine joined Alaska Behavioral Health in August 2021. Catherine is passionate in helping adults with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma, substance use disorders, and other mental disorders with a client-centered approach. Catherine is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness. Catherine is in the process of earning her Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II: Complex Trauma (CCTP-II) certifications.  

Catherine served in the United States Army and shortly after fulfilling her contract move to Alaska with her family. Catherine enjoys the long Alaska summer days and spending time outdoors with her family. Catherine enjoys kayaking, hiking, and seeking new adventures.

Anna Sterner, LMSW, CDCI is a mental health clinician who earned her Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. She has experience working with both children and adults in the mental health setting.  Anna has lived in the Fairbanks area for approximately 10 years and enjoys spending time with family, training her dogs, and traveling.  Prior to working as a mental health clinician, Anna worked as a physical therapist assistant for over 20 years and feels it is important to view the person holistically by taking consideration of the mind and body as well as environmental and social needs. 

Katie Strange earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Tennessee. She has experience working with mental health and substance use disorders in a variety of settings. Katie joined Alaska Behavioral Health in September 2020 and is passionate about providing evidence-based care. Brought to Alaska by the military, she loves to adventure and explore new places.

Danny Earll, LPC-A, received his master’s degree in clinical psychology from Capella University in December 2020 and is currently working towards his licensure to become an LPC. Danny has over 12 years’ experience working with and volunteering for Anchorage’s LGBTQIA+ community and hopes to specialize in communication within relationships, particularly concerning issues around gender and sexuality. In his free time, Danny loves to go on adventures such as camping, kayaking, road trips, horseback riding, bowling, spending time with family, and trying new things with his favorite person – his wife, Liz, who works on the AKBH ICM Team. Danny works with our Adult Residential Team in Anchorage.

Brenda Fowler, MSCP, has her master’s degree in Counseling Psychiatry from Alaska Pacific University.  She has been working as a Clinician on the Adult Services team since 2009.  Brenda is passionate about working with people as they explore personal goals and gain skills to improve quality and satisfaction of life.  She empowers others by providing a safe supportive environment using a holistic, person-centered approach incorporating a variety of treatment modalities to meet the needs of individuals she works with.  

Kristen Hansen, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, graduated from Walla Walla University in 1996.  She has a background in medical social work before transferring to mental health therapy. Kristen enjoys working with underserved cliental employing an evidenced based approach while focusing on a client’s strengths. Her personal interests include reading and history.

Drew is a clinician on the ICM team and enjoys working in the community with clients of all walks of life.  He graduated with his Master’s in Clinical Psychology from UAA in 2018 and is currently working towards licensure.  In his free time he and his family enjoy spending time being active outdoors and eating food indoors.

Nicole Jenkins, MS, LMFT has more than 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field and is finishing her Doctorate in Psychology, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Psychologist. Nicole provides behavioral health services to adults using a variety of treatment modalities to meet the needs of her clients.

Emilie Loran, MS, started with Alaska Behavioral Health as a clinical intern in August of 2020 and joined the team as a clinician in May of 2021. She is passionate about helping folks meet their goals and develop the skills needed to live life in a direction that works for them. Alongside her work at AKBH, Emilie is a doctoral student in Clinical-Community Psychology. When not working or doing school (which is admittedly what she spends most of her time doing), she enjoys hiking, skate-skiing, cooking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

LaShanda McGowan, LMSW, M.Ed. completed her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Nevada, Reno, her Master of Education degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alaska, Anchorage.  Ms. McGowan takes pride in being an African American woman born and raised in the land of Dena’ina. Her unique experience has granted her access to individuals of a multitude of races and ethnicities, making cultural humility key to her work.  Ms. McGowan has more than 25 years of experience in the social work arena with children and adults. Race-based trauma is an area of focus in her clinical work and she utilizes an integrative approach with clients emphasizing Person Centered, Strengths Based, Cognitive Behavioral and Narrative approaches.

Stephanie Morgan, M.Ed., joined the Adult Services Team at Alaska Behavioral Health in May of 2021 after interning on the Child & Family Continuum in 2019.  Her role at Alaska Behavioral Health is an extension of her first career as a research psychologist.  She has taught psychology (mostly statistics and research methods) at Alaska Pacific University for 11 years and returned to school for clinical training three years ago.  She hopes to serve the community by helping people grow by recognizing, developing, and leveraging their strengths.

When not at work, Stephanie enjoys walking, reading, the arts, cooking, and is slowly learning piano.

Luke Offord, MS, attended the University of Alaska Anchorage, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2018 and his Master of Science in Clinical Psychology in 2020. He is a lifelong Alaskan and enjoys serving our population using techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

Sonya Smith, MA, CDC-I joined the AKBH team in June of 2020. She has over 10 years’ experience working with substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and trauma informed care. Military service brought her to Alaska, and she has called it home for over 20 years. Sonya is a proud wife, mother and grandmother who enjoys 4 wheeling, camping, travel, dancing, and karaoke.

Lina Villar, MS obtained a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2017 after retiring from a 24 year career as a Legal Specialist and Logistics Officer in the Army.  Her role as a directing clinician for the Partial Hospitalization Program allows her to continue helping the community she loves.  Lina’s great passion is bringing healing to people who have been through traumatic or stressful experiences and helping them find healthy perceptions of themselves so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, and whole. 

Outside of work Lina considers herself to be a “Jack of all trades, but master of none.”  She is an artist, photographer, potter, and enjoys rock climbing, ice skating, downhill skiing, swimming, hiking, and anything else this beautiful state has to offer.