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
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.
Read bioMarissa 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.
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 bioAmanda Nalewaja, LCSW
Clinical Operations Manager, Anchorage Wrap-Around Services
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 bioApril Valentine, LBSW
Program Manager for Partial Hospitalization Programs
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 bioCharlotte 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.
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 bioJeremy Boynton, MA
Fairbanks Clinician
Jeremy Boynton graduated with his Master's of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Fox University in Tigard, Oregon. During his time in the Pacific Northwest, he gained experience working with children, adolescents, and families in both outpatient and inpatient settings. He continues to work with this population at the Alaska Behavioral Health Child & Family services clinic in Fairbanks. Jeremy has particular training in individual and family therapy - Offering approaches such as child-centered play therapy and systemic family therapy among other evidenced-based approaches. True to his Alaskan upbringing, Jeremy enjoys the outdoors, fishing, and DIY projects of all sorts. He also enjoys painting, cooking, reading, and organizing
Read bioJesse 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.
Read bioAnjanae Chever-Watson, MS
Children's PHP Clinician
Anjanae Chever-Watson, MS, graduated with her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Hodges University in Fort Meyers, Florida in 2022. Anjanae has a passion for helping others heal and overcome adversity. She has 9 years of experience working with children and adolescents in the school system and 3 years of experience working in the mental health field. She is excited to be apart of the Children’s Partial Hospitalization Program. Anjanae was born and raised in Florida and moved to Anchorage, Alaska in December 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exploring, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
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 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 bioSara 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.
Read bioLauren 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.
Read bioKatie Kurnick, MSW
Fairbanks Clinician
Katie Kurnick, MSW, is a Clinician in Child and Family Services in Fairbanks. Katie earned her BA in International Studies from Ohio State, and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan. She has experience both in interpersonal practice with children and in program management. Katie is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and families and believes we can work together to empower and support the next generation. Katie enjoys baking, reading, painting, and outdoor activities.
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 bioHannah 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.
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 bioKayleen Norris, MSW
Anchorage Clinician
Kayleen Norris, MSW, Graduated with a Masters in Social Work from Boise State University. Kayleen has worn many hats while working at AKBH including completing her BSW internship in Little Tykes, Working as a LBSW Clinician Associate, Completing her MSW internship with Child and Family and now is a School Based Clinician at Williwaw Elementary. In her free time, Kayleen enjoys spending time with her family and pets including her two dogs, Max and Annie and her horse Hooch.
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 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 bioTennae 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 is passionate about serving the Alaskan community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing sports, and spending time outdoors. She works with the Child & Family outpatient team in Anchorage.
Read bioClinical 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.
Read bioAmy Cross, BA
CA - Fairbanks
Amy Cross, BA was born and raised in Fairbanks, AK. She has a Bachelor's in Sociology and minor in Justice from UAF where her studies focused on violence and substance misuse prevention, and restorative practices. In 2023, she received certification as a Chemical Dependency Counseling Technician. She has been working in prevention and intervention services since 2015 and is passionate about her community and working with youth. Outside of the clinic, Amy enjoys coaching competitive cheerleading and spending time with her dogs.
Read bioHannah Denton, BS
CA - Fairbanks
Hannah is a Clinical Associate who was born and raised in Fairbanks. She received her BS in Human Development with a minor in Nutrition and Health from Cornell University. Being from the state, she is passionate about how the Alaskan environment influences development and has experience conducting non-directive play therapy with elementary-age children. She enjoys knitting, rock climbing, skiing, and playing with her dog Bear.
Read bioChioma Iwuoha, BA
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!)
Read bioLindy Ketchum, BA
CA - Anchorage
Lindy Ketchum, BA was born in Alaska but spent the majority of her upbringing living overseas with her family. Lindy graduated from APU with a BA in Counseling Psychology in 2022 and spent a year working in Residential Behavioral Health prior to starting with AKBH. She is very excited to be part of the AKBH Child PHP team and continue learning how to best support clients in their growth! in Her free time, Lindy loves reading, writing, art, music, and being active and curious.
Read bioCaitlin Kucinski, MA
CA - Fairbanks
Caitlin Kucinski, MA, graduated from Swansea University in the UK with a Master's in Developmental & Therapeutic Play and obtained the UK Licensed Play Therapist. She had experiences as a Developmental Psychologist and Play Therapist providing play-based psychotherapy approach. She is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness through workshops and collaborating with well-known organizations and government institutions to support children and families in Thailand, where she is originally from. She has passion about building awareness and creating inclusive communities. She moved to Fairbanks Alaska in July 2023. In her free time, she enjoys the arts and traveling.
Read bioChloe 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!
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 bioAlexa Richardson, MA
CA - Anchorage
Alexa Richardson, MA is a Clinical Associate of the Little Tykes team. Alexa graduated from Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, with a Master of Arts in Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Research. She is interested in continuing her education to soon get her Psy.D. In her free time, Alexa enjoys being outdoors and hanging out with her family and friends.
Read bioAdren 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.
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
