Elder Advisors

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Operations & Skill Development

I was born and raised in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. I grew up traveling to remote villages with my Mother and God Mother who are healthcare providers. I have a dream to build a  cross-cultural bridge through the gift of nature. An indigenous perspective of the world gave me the confidence I needed at Alaska Pacific University to excel in the outdoor studies program (class 2021).  I earned my Bachelor's degree in Outdoor Studies and decided to focus my studies on The Business of Outdoor  Recreation and Alaska Native Studies. I am a Wilderness First Responder. I love to teach a variety of outdoor skills such as; skiing, snowboarding, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, wakeboarding, and more. My passion is to share the outdoors with others. This year I am learning how to fly a single-engine aircraft to earn my Private Pilot license. I also plan to earn my OUPV boat captain's license. In my spare time, I create one-of-a-kind wood-turned objects on my Umma Marji's lathe.

Lead Director & Life Coach

I am of Dena'ina descent with ancestry around Qizhjeh Vena, Iliamna/Pedro Bay, and Stony River. My academic background includes a degree in Anthropology and a Master's degree focusing on my interdisciplinary interests in Dena'ina education and traditional knowledge. My human degree comes from growing up close to the natural world. I have had many visions for projects and programs over the years, often influenced by Native elders, and I have pooled resources to bring these ideas into the world. Funding has been key and the largest sum of funding I brought in was over one million dollars for a non-profit organization. I know from experience, that with vision comes purpose, and with purpose comes connection and inspiration. The vision for this organization is strong and bold and is so needed in a world run by competition. I am deeply passionate about creating an inclusive, coming-home space for all people to experience their natural state through nature. Learning about indigenous knowledge and guidance through ancient values further strengthens those roots.

Outreach & Management

I am of Dena'ina and Koyukon descent. I am from the community of Nondalton. I specialize in Tribal Administration such as human resources, budgets, grant writing, contracts, and grant administration within the tribal organization, I oversee other tribal staff and various programs. I also coordinate tribal meetings and take minutes along with outreach and networking between entities. Other duties include planning and coordinating culture camps, culture weeks at the school, and other planning activities. In my free time, I like to spend time anywhere near the water, which includes kayaking, boating and just sitting next to the lake. Every summer I spend time at fishcamp processing salmon, and in the fall I enjoy berry picking and moose hunting. I have done several solo trips kayaking down the Chulitna River, my next goal is to kayak/raft other rivers in the area. Being outdoors is always a grounding element for anyone needing to reconnect with nature.