Meet Our Liitfik BHS Providers
Annie Maamak Weyiouanna |
Annie Maamak Weyiouanna
Annie Maamak Weyiouanna is from Shishmaref, where she lives, and loves to live a subsistence lifestyle with her family. Annie also enjoys skin sewing & playing basketball. Annie loves to help people, even if it is just a ride to the store or helping elders with simple tasks, she was taught by her late parents, Ben & Susie Kokeok. Annie joined the Behavior Health Department as a Village Based Counselor in Shishmaref, September of 2023 and is working to obtain her Behavior Health Aide I.
Ali Lopez
Ali Lopez is a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years’ experience working with individuals and families. Originally from Northern California, she received her Master of Social Work from Hunter College in NYC where she lived for 20 years before moving to Alaska in 2021. Ali finds deep joy in supporting people on their healing journey. Ali has several tools in her psychotherapy toolbox, but she has a particular love of working somatically guiding people to a space of integration between the mind and body. When Ali is not working, she enjoys spending time with her pets, foraging plants and making herbal medicine, reading, meditating, connecting to nature, crafting, running, skiing, dancing, and going on adventures big or small, either alone or with friends and family! Ali currently works as a full-time remote clinician.
Audrey Kulowiyi
Audrey Kulowiyi is from Savoonga and a VBC there. She is a mother of three and also has one grandson. She enjoys doing family-oriented activities, including fishing, egging, hunting, gathering, picnics, and watching movies together. She loves watching her sons play basketball and participate in wrestling.
“I love that my family is kind and find ways to help our people when they need help in our community,” she said. “I find peace in people coming in to reach out or simply stopping by to say hello.”
Barrett Hesson
I am Barrett Hesson, newly appointed Clinical Director of Behavioral Health Services. For the past several years I have been working for Norton Sound Health Corporation in the capacity of the SUD Clinical Lead and itinerant clinician to the Village of Gambell. These positions provided me with the opportunity to gain greater understanding of the complexities being experienced by the wonderful people who make up this region. We are working, as a team, to identify, develop, and grow services in the region to address the historical trauma, along with the multitude of maladies which can be linked to it, such as substance use disorders, domestic violence, sexual assaults, and numerous mental health concerns. Our goal is to have a ZERO suicide rate across our region and to reduce the barriers to treatment which have plagued so many when seeking services. We are looking to enhance our village presence by increase village based counselors engagement with the community, providing a greater number of services within the school, community, and clinics. We are looking to link village clinics with individual and group services provided in Nome, to increase engagement and, hopefully, gain greater outcomes for those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. It is our goal to seek Alaska Native hires for clinical positions, those who have the knowledge and life experiences of those we serve, and are able to provide culturally based services which are appropriate to the needs of our region. It is also our hope we will, one day, be able to provide residential treatment services for our clients who struggle with substance abuse, keeping them in-region, and in close proximity to family, elders, and friends of this region, who may provide support during such a difficult time. While these are only a macrocosm of what we hope to achieve, we are excited about the potential and know these goals are not out of reach.
Beda (Bim) Prentice
Beda (Bim) Prentice started her job as Village Based Counselor on March 30, 2010 and is now the Village Based Counselor Supervisor based in Koyuk.
I graduated from the RHS Program August 2013 and the HUMS program May 10, 2018, from University of Alaska Fairbanks with my degree of Associate of Applied Science in Human Services. Last year, I renewed my certification as a Behavioral Health Aide II under the Community Health Aide Program and I have been with NSHC-BHS for 14 years. I recently accepted the Village Based Counselor Supervisor position and am in the process of learning the many extra duties that come along with the new role I am in and am very enthusiastic about how I can help and improve in our great department that works so diligently for our communities. I love helping others work towards wellness using our traditional values, activities in recovery and supporting my community by being a positive person in promoting wellness. Alcoholism, drugs, suicide and making unhealthy choices endanger and take the lives of our people. As individuals or members of families we must take responsibility for nurturing healthy children, families, and communities. By working together, we can restore a culture of wellness in our community. The work that I do is so confidential, I hold confidentiality high to protect myself and clients, I am always reminding those that I work with, so they know it’s a safe place to go, to be heard and to receive the help they need.
Celeste Washington
Prior to working in Nome, Celeste Washington was a Village-Based Counselor for her hometown of St. Michael. She is now a Clinical Associate/Prevention Specialist, working primarily with clients with substance use and also advocates for mental health. She is currently working towards her Associate’s degree with the Rural Human Services program and plans on continuing her education.
Celeste grew up sewing, gathering greens, picking berries, fishing, and hunting with her family in St. Michael. She also spent parts her summers in Emmonak while her father did fishing. Some of her favorite things to do include reading the Harry Potter series to her daughter, beach walking, and doing cultural activities.
Emilie Loran
Emilie Loran, MS, is a psychology student predoctoral intern who moved to Nome in June of 2023. She is a doctoral candidate in Clinical-Community Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where she resided from 2018 until her move to Nome. She grew up in Missoula, MT where all her family continues to reside (so she loves to go visit). Emilie is passionate about helping folks identify and meet their goals and develop the skills needed to live life in a direction that works for them. In her free time, you will find Emilie somewhere outside with her two dogs or curled up with a good book and a (very) hot cup of tea.
Emma Olanna
Emma Irene Olanna was born in Wales, raised in Nome, and has lived in Brevig Mission for the past 31 years. She has been in the BHS field since 2001. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 2012 from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She loves subsistence and gathering food, reading, watching movies, cooking, and baking.
Hannah Newton
Hannah Newton was born and raised in rural Kentucky and spent most of her childhood exploring the woods with her older brother. Hannah lived in Nome previously and is excited to return to the tundra after spending a few years in Florida. She has worked extensively with children and families as a substance misuse case manager and preschool/afterschool care aid. Hannah finds solace in nature and exploring the outdoors. She enjoys photography, writing poetry, and crafting.
Hannah Schnaidt
Hannah Schnaidt was born in Georgia and raised in Michigan. She has been working at Behavioral Health for four years. Starting out as a Clinical Associate/Prevention Specialist, and is now also the Director of Substance Abuse, Prevention and Aftercare (SAPTA) for the region. Currently Hannah is a Behavioral Health Aid I, and working on getting her Behavioral Health Aid II. Hannah travels to different communities in the region offering substance use presentations and prevention kits for individuals. Her goal is to provide more culturally based prevention to promote healing. Hannah enjoys spending time with family and being outside. During the summer she enjoys going on drives, and spending time at Salmon Lake.
Kendra Essim
Kendra Essim is originally from Anchorage, Alaska and moved away after high school to continue her higher education in Texas. Over the past 8 years, she has obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Texas at Dallas. She enjoys working with all populations, but adolescents and kids is where her heart is at. She specializes in issues related to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relational conflicts, life transitions, and life coaching. In her free time, she enjoys working out, trying good food, and laughing. She is super excited to be back in her home making a difference and growing in her career!
Liza Joseph
Liza Joseph, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor hailing from the vibrant city of Miami, Florida, brings a wealth of experience garnered from diverse behavioral health settings. Her journey has taken her from the bustling community mental health clinics to the serene landscapes of rural Alaska, where she has touched the lives of individuals and communities in crisis. From her early years, Liza has been entranced by the complexities of the human psyche and behavior, driving her to delve into the realms of psychology. As she pursued her education and training in Clinical Psychology, her passion flourished, particularly in multicultural settings, where she found purpose in aiding others in overcoming adversities and enhancing their well-being.
For over a decade, Liza has had the privilege of directly serving individuals and communities grappling with mental illness, natural disasters, and the throes of trauma and substance abuse. Her approach is deeply holistic, recognizing each person as a unique entity with their own strengths and challenges. This philosophy not only enhances her professional practice but also enriches her personal life, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with those she serves. As a devoted mother and grandmother, Liza finds strength and support in her loving family. Additionally, she is blessed with a supportive life partner who walks alongside her in her journey of growth and service. Currently, Liza is pursuing her doctoral studies in general psychology with a focus on Industrial Organizational Psychology. Her research endeavors to shed light on the self-care experiences of mental health professionals amid the pandemic, aiming to develop tools and strategies to better support these vital caregivers and ultimately enhance client care. In essence, Liza’s odyssey in the mental health field has been both humbling and rewarding, shaping her into the compassionate and dedicated professional she is today.
Michael Gunnar Foster
Michael “Gunnar” Foster grew up on a Sailboat in the warm waters of Florida and the Caribbean. With two parents and three siblings all crammed on one boat, he spent most of his time outside fishing, catching iguanas, and free diving for lobsters. After moving onto dry land, Gunnar had the wonderful opportunity to work as both a farmhand and a community organizer. Since arriving in Nome Gunnar has taken up baking to pass the winter days.
Michelle Giannoulakis
Michelle Giannoulakis grew up in southeastern Michigan. She received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Anthropology from the University of Michigan – Dearborn in 2020. She then received her MSW from Washington University in St. Louis in 2023 with a concentration of American Indian / Alaska Native and did her internship with the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. She has been on a journey to help others heal for over 25 years, first as a massage therapist, and now as a behavioral health clinician. She has 3 adult children that she loves to spend time with whenever possible. She is also interested in natural health and learning new things. She loves going on adventures, creative writing, dancing, and making people laugh.
Samantha Razzo
Samantha Razzo is originally from Florida, but has been calling Unalakleet, Alaska her home since July of 2020. She has been married to her husband, Abel, for 14 years and together they have 6 children. Samantha’s favorite activities include attending church, cooking, sewing, crocheting, berry picking, and most of all spending time with her family. She has been a Village Based Counselor with Norton Sound Health Corporation since October of 2023 and is working to obtain her Behavioral Health Aide I certification. Samantha is also enrolled in a Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Program and her long-term goal is to become the Clinician for Unalakleet.
Shannon Klescewski
I am originally from Teller; I was a Recovery Coach for the Day Shelter in Nome and have a passion to help advocate for the houseless population in the Region of Norton Sound, which is where most of my motivation comes from when working in this field of Behavior Health. I am now working as a Clinical Associate Prevention Specialist since Sept. of 2020. I have a BHA III and CDC I. I work with Substance Use clients and help facilitate our SUD groups. I enjoy doing our culture activities, whether it be native dancing, craving, sewing or out on the land with our SUD groups. I am currently working towards my associate degree in the Human Services program. My personal mission is to help our people and this region heal from historical and generational trauma and promote healing and wellness through our culture values, traditions, and activities. I am a facilitator of the Alaska Blanket Exercise and I enjoy working with other entities to help promote mental health, wellbeing, and safety. When not working I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend. I enjoy gathering off the land, fishing with my family, Inupiaq dancing as a family and sewing in the winter months.
Ward Walker
Ward Walker is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has lived in Stebbins for seven years. He offers healing talking circles to promote sobriety, and specializes in anger management, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, historical trauma, and grief. Ward enjoys Yupik Dancing, subsistence fishing, woodworking projects, making stained glass, and sailing. He also enjoys his work immensely and is most grateful to be able to serve our communities.
Wendy Nitta
Wendy Nitta was born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii and received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in 2023 from Chaminade University of Honolulu. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting and jiu-jitsu. She has an interest in trauma-focused therapy and is excited to develop the role of VHS Response Clinician to facilitate the wellness of NSHC employees in the Bering Strait Region.
Wendy Osinkosky
Wendy Osinkosky is an LCSW Clinician and VBC Clinical Supervisor who lives in Nome, but spends much of her time traveling to regional villages. After moving between Alberta, New York, and Pennsylvania, most of her family eventually settled in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, where Wendy spent most of her first 30 years in social work. She is a certified trauma clinician who offers EFT and EMDR, along with other counseling techniques. Her preference in practice is to start where the client is and pick interventions that are solution-focused and strengths-based and that meet the individual needs of the person. And, since people are so different, there’s not just one practice style that fits all. She is an advocate for people facing emotional stressors, substance use, and trauma/grief. In her free time, she’s probably out fishing, hiking, gathering sea glass, or spending time with family.
Yuka Ungwiluk
Yuka Ungwiluk is a Village-Based Counselor (VBC) in Gambell. She has been working as a VBC for seven years. She is certified as a Behavioral Health Aid III, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and is currently working on a Master’s in Social Work. She works as a substance use counselor and advocates for people to better mental health services. She enjoys the journey of healing with anyone she encounters. She humbly appreciates the resiliency in each one of us and loves to share the joy of living.
Yuka is originally from Japan and has lived in Gambell for the past 26 years. She is an adopted member of the Native Village of Gambell and holds a 5th-degree black belt in Shotokan-style karate. As one of her outreach services, she teaches karate to anyone of any age at Gambell School. She loves going hunting, fishing, picking greens and berries, and camping with her family.