Support for the whole family
Our Child and Family Team provides a wide range of behavioral health services from brief counseling to comprehensive wrap-around supports. Our clinicians specialize in trauma-informed and trauma-focused practices, early childhood intervention, intervention with older children and adolescents, and family intervention. We provide a comprehensive array of skill development services designed to enable children and adolescents to thrive in their community. Families are offered training and support to create more successful family communication and healthy home living environments.
For assessment and intake:
If you live in Interior or Northern Alaska (including Fairbanks), please call 907-371-1300.
If you live anywhere else in Alaska (including Anchorage), please call 907-561-0954.
What to Expect at Your/Your Child’s First Appointment
- Please arrive 15 minutes early. This allows time for you and your child to get comfortable, and to make sure all of the necessary paperwork is completed.
- The first appointment is typically a mental health assessment or psychiatric evaluation . At this visit we will discuss what mental and behavioral health needs brought you to our clinic, and determine what services will be helpful to address them.
- The first appointment usually takes about two hours. Your provider will ask many questions at this appointment. Sometimes the first appointment happens in one visit, and sometimes it happens in two (one-hour) appointments. Scheduling this way helps us see you sooner and is often more appropriate for younger children.
- Caregivers of children under the age of 18 must accompany their children to the clinic. There may be a portion of the visit when the provider speaks with the child one-on-one. Caregivers may also have a chance to speak one-on-one with the provider.
- Please check out with reception staff after your appointment to schedule your next visit.
Meet Our Staff
To learn about our psychiatric providers, please visit our Medical Services page.
Child & Family Managers
Joshua Arvidson, MSS., LCSW
Chief Operations Officer
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.
Read BioKristin Mortenson, MS, LPC-S
Director of Early Child and Outpatient Services
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.
Read bioMarissa Hanson, MSW, LCSW
Director of Partial Hospitalization Programs and Wrap-Around Services
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.
Read bioMara Hill, MS, LPC-S
Clinical Manager, Child & Family Anchorage Clinic
Mara Hill, is a Clinical Manager and Clinician with Alaska Behavioral Health. She holds a degree in Clinical Psychology and a certificate in Children’s Mental Health and has been working with children and families at AKBH since 2015. Mara provides trainings on trauma and its impacts as well as on the Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC) framework throughout the state of Alaska. She enjoys eating apples with peanut butter and going outside, often at the same time.
Read bioApril Valentine, LBSW
Program Manager for Wrap-Around Services
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.
Read bioClinicians
Stacie Baker, MS
Anchorage Clinician
Stacie Baker, MS is a school-based Clinician with Child and Family Services’ Wrap Around Program in Anchorage. She graduated from Alaska Pacific University with her Masters in Counseling Psychology and is working towards her LPC. Stacie is an Alaska transplant from the lower-48 and spends her free time playing outside, foraging, and taking in the wonders of the world around her.
Read bioJesse Barrett, LMSW
Fairbanks Clinician
Jesse Barrett, LMSW 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.
Read bioLaurel Brady, MSW
Anchorage Clinician
Laurel Brady, LMSW is a clinician at Alaska Behavioral Health’s partial hospitalization program. She graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from Boise State University after previously working as a CA in Child and Family Services Wrap Around, Little Tykes, and Power Teen Center programs for several years. Laurel enjoys the outdoors where she is most often riding her bike.
Read bioBrighton Brooks, M.Ed.
Fairbanks Clinician
Brighton Brooks, M.Ed., is a clinician with Alaska Behavioral Health Child and Family Services in Fairbanks. Brighton earned their BA in Psychology from University of Alaska Fairbanks as well as their Masters of Education in Counseling. Their special interests include dance/movement therapy and supportive engagement with the queer community. Outside of work, Brighton studies various forms of dance from around the world and travels whenever possible.
Read bioAmber Brownell, LCSW
Fairbanks Clinician
Amber Brownell, MSW, LCSW is a Child and Family Clinician, working with the Aspen Clinic in Fairbanks. Amber works with youth and families within the clinic, as well as with youth in an academic setting. Amber is a transplant from New Mexico, but loves the cold Alaskan weather. In her free time, Amber enjoys reading and geocaching.
Read bioAmber Chambers, PsyD, LPC-S
Anchorage Clinician
Amber Chambers, Psy D, LPC-S has been working with our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (DVSA) program since June 2014. She provides short-term crisis intervention services, individual and group psychotherapy to those referred through partnership with Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC). Amber also provides these services to caregivers of the children we see in our Child and Family Outpatient Clinic who have experienced domestic violence and/or sexual assault. She is a licensed professional counselor in Alaska and Virginia. She has over 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in General Psychology from Fairmont State University, followed by her Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University, Washington, D.C. Campus, and holds a Doctor of Psychology from Alaska Pacific University.
Read bioLindsay Coffey, MS, LPC-S
Anchorage Clinician
Lindsay Coffey, MS, LPC-S is a Clinician at Alaska Behavioral Health. Lindsay provides mental health services to children and families affected by trauma and trains people throughout the state of Alaska on trauma and its impacts. Lindsay is certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy by PCIT International.
Read bioTori Fishburn, LCSW
Anchorage Clinician
Tori Fishburn, LCSW is a Clinician at Alaska Behavioral Health. She graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University after previously working as a CA in the Little Tykes program. Tori is passionate about helping clients work towards achieving their goals and making a difference in the community. When not in the office, Tori loves being outside in the mountains with her dog.
Read bioSaraj Gottstein, MA, LPC
Anchorage Clinician
Saraj Gottstein, MA, LPC graduated with a Master’s in Counseling from Naropa University, in Boulder Colorado in Transpersonal Counseling and Wilderness Therapy. Saraj has a passion for mental health and overall wellness. She loves to work with clients in the community and in the wilderness throughout Alaska. Currently Saraj works as a Clinician for Alaska Behavioral Health in Child and Family services and in our transition age youth programs, Alaska Seeds of Change and Power Center.
Read bioJenna Henchey, MSW
Fairbanks Clinician
Jenna Henchey, MSW, is a Child and Family Clinician working with the Child & Family Clinic in Fairbanks. Jenna works with youth and families within the clinic, as well as with youth in an academic setting. Jenna is a transplant from Louisiana, along with her family of fur babies and spouse. In her free time, Jenna loves kayaking, reading, and crocheting blankets for friends and family.
Read bioGeri Hernandez, M.Ed., LPC-S
Anchorage Clinician
Geri Hernandez, M.Ed, LPC-S is a Clinician with the Little Tykes Therapeutic Services at Alaska Behavioral Health. Geri provides mental health services to children and their families that have been affected by trauma.
Read bioKayla 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.
Read bioAmanda Nalewaja, LCSW
Anchorage Clinician
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.
Read bioPolly Parker, M.Ed.
Anchorage Clinician
Polly Parker, MS, is a clinician at Alaska Behavioral Health working with children, teens, and families. Polly graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and has a Graduate Certificate in Child Psychology. In her free time, Polly enjoys traveling and quality time with her family and dog.
Read bioBrie Pinero, MSW
Anchorage Clinician
Briana Pinero, MSW, is a clinician at Alaska Behavioral Health working with Little Tykes program. Brie graduated from North Carolina State University with a Master of Social Work. Brie provides mental health services to children and their families that have been impacted by trauma.
Read bioSarah Pype, LMSW
Anchorage Clinician
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.
Read bioLauren Rench, MS, LPC
Anchorage Clinician
Lauren Rench, MS, LPC, has a background in early childhood education and clinical mental health. She currently works as a Clinician with Alaska Behavioral Health in Child and Family Services. Lauren utilizes a variety of interventions including ARC, CBT, and motivational interviewing.
Read bioEmma 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.
Read bioClinical Associates
Faitupe A'asa
CA - Anchorage
Tupe A’asa has been working as a Clinical Associate at Alaska Seeds of Change/POWER Teen Center since the start of the global pandemic. Tupe is driven by her desire to see people overcome and defeat every giant that stands in their way. Tupe is pursuing an education in ministerial studies to proclaim the Good News that binds the broken heart and brings freedom to captives. Off the clock, she enjoys spending time with family, playing guitar, and laughing at almost everything.
Read BioBrynn Byam, BSW
CA - Anchorage
Brynn was born and raised in Alaska. She has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Nutrition. Brynn is passionate about working with youth because she believes their perspectives about the world are beautiful and important. She thinks anyone who can work with this age group has a special opportunity to help each individual learn more about who they want to be and what they truly find joy and hope in. She is excited to be a part of Child PHP and cares about approaching client concerns as a team, while providing a loving atmosphere. In her spare time she enjoys running, CrossFit, sipping on a hot cup of tea and adventuring around the great outdoors with her closest friends and husband.
Read bioLiz Dam, BS
CA - Anchorage
Liz Dam, BS is a Clinical Associate with the Little Tykes program. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Psychology of Science in 2014. She has been a part of the Little Tykes team since 2017 and has previously worked as an elementary school teacher and volunteer mentor for the Alaska Military Youth Academy. Liz enjoys getting out in nature with her family, cooking and painting.
Read bioKathryn Fisher
CA - Anchorage
Kathryn Fisher is working towards her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. After her move from Connecticut, she began working as a Clinical Associate at Alaska Behavioral Health during the summer of 2021. Previously, she has worked in an inpatient residential setting with adolescents, and provided in home applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services to adolescents with autism. Kathryn loves spending time in the outdoors, reading, and completing puzzles.
Read bioDanielle Larson, BSW
CA - Anchorage
Danielle Larson, BSW graduated with a Bachelors in Social Work from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2018. She began working as a Clinical Associate at Alaska Behavioral Health at the beginning of 2021. Previously, she had worked as a case manager with children in therapeutic foster care. Danielle supports her clients both individually and in group settings. Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with friends, playing games, and going camping in the summer time.
Read bioCarolyn Loeffler, BSW
CA - Anchorage
Carolyn Loeffler, BSW, graduated in 2021 with her Bachelor’s in Social Work from UAA. Carolyn is a Clinical Associate for the Little Tykes team! She is from South Carolina and moved up to Alaska 5 years ago and loves working with kids. She hopes to continue in the clinical field working with trauma. Carolyn loves to ride her bike, read and be outside!
Read bioCharlotte McCaughin, BS
CA - Fairbanks
Charlotte McCaughin, BS, is a Clinical Associate with Child and Family Services at Alaska Behavioral Health in Fairbanks. Charlotte gained her Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2021 from a school in the UK, where she is originally from. In the UK, Charlotte worked with children in schools, supporting their behavioral and mental health. Since being in Alaska, Charlotte has enjoyed exploring the state and spending as much time as possible outside with her dog.
Read bioTim 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.
Read bioKayleen Norris, LBSW
CA - Anchorage
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McKenzie Polsak, BA
CA - Fairbanks
McKenzie Polsak, BA, is a Clinical Associate with Child and Family Services at Alaska Behavioral Health in Fairbanks. McKenzie is currently working towards her M. Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at University of Alaska Fairbanks. Prior to AKBH, McKenzie worked with children and teens in the school setting. In her free time, McKenzie enjoys curling, cross-country skiing, fly fishing, and being with her dogs.
Read bioMandie Stoll-Tolentino, BSW
CA - Anchorage
Mandie Stoll-Tolentino, BSW, graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2022. She joined the AKBH team in the Fall of 2021 as a student intern and has recently become a Clinical Associate for Child and Family Services after receiving her degree. Born and raised in Hawaii, Mandie decided to trade her flip flops for snow boots in January 2018 to pursue her college education. Mandie became a social worker because she aspires to make a difference in the lives of others and support them along their healing journey. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, spending time with family/friends, and shopping at Target!
Read bioPeer Support/Family Naviagtors
Cynthia Ausick
Family Navigator- Anchorage
Cynthia Ausick: I’m excited to join this team and to share some of the knowledge and experience that I’ve gained through volunteer and paid work in the community and school system, as well as working and learning within my own family. Some of my most rewarding experiences have been helping people through difficult times, being able to make a positive impact and helping them build a more positive future. I’m considered a friend to almost everyone I meet, and always have a story to tell.
Read BioHolly McCamant
Peer Support Specialist - Anchorage
Holly McCamant has worked as Peer Support Specialist at Alaska Seeds of Change/The Power Center since May 2022. Before coming to Alaska Behavioral Health, she worked with asylum seekers in Cyprus. 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.
Read bio
