About Child & Family Services

Child & Family Services:

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.
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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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Mara 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.
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April 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.
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Charlotte McCaughin, BS
Clinic Manager, Fairbanks Child & Family Clinic
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.
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Clinicians

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.
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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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Laurel 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.
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Amber 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.
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Lindsay 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.
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Saraj 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.
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Geri 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.
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Sara Hoedel, MSW
Anchorage Clinician
Sara Hoedel, MSW, 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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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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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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Hannah Malison, M.S.
Anchorage Clinician
Hannah Malison, M.S., 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.. She'll be working with AKBH's school-based mental health services program. In her free time, she enjoys various outdoor activities including hiking and kayaking.
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Amanda 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.
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Polly 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.
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Brie 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.
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Sarah 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.
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Lauren 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.
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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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Tennae Voliva, MS
Anchorage Clinician
Tennae Voliva, MS graduated with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage and recently finished obtaining a graduate certificate in children’s mental health. Tennae enjoys working with diverse populations and am passionate about serving the Alaskan community. In my free time, she enjoys traveling, playing sports, and spending time outdoors. She works with the Child & Family outpatient team in Anchorage.
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Clinical Associates

Brynn 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.
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Dianilee Duckworth Hodge, BA
CA - Anchorage
Dianilee Duckworth Hodge is a Puerto Rico-born Alaskan-raised professional who recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She is an avid reader and outdoors enthusiast, finding solace in the pages of books and the beauty of nature through hiking. When not immersed in academia or exploring trails, Dianilee enjoys the simple pleasures of playing with her beloved dog. Driven by empathy and an analytical mindset, she aspires to make a positive impact in the field of psychology, leveraging her education and personal experiences to support individuals on their path to mental well-being. With a commitment to continuous growth, Dianilee embraces challenges wholeheartedly, striving for excellence in all she undertakes.
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Chioma Iwuoha, B.A.
CA - Anchorage
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 strives to nurture and establish a strong foundation of wellness when working with Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) clients. "It is an honor to have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others and guide them on their journey toward healing and well-being." 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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Chloe Lucas, MC
CA - Anchorage
Chloe Lucas is a Clinical Associate with the Little Tykes Program. Chloe graduated from Murdoch University in Perth, Australia with a Master of Counselling in 2019 and moved to Anchorage in January 2020. In her spare time, Chloe enjoys hiking with her family, fishing, and camping, and is always excited for summertime in Alaska!
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Charlotte 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.
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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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Kayleen Norris, LBSW
CA - Anchorage
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Mandie 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!
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Peer 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.
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Holly 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.
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