STAFF & BOARD
Our Staff
Jackie Yates
Executive Director
Alma Manabat Parker
Health Equity Program Director
I am a sun-loving traveler, rom-com watching fanatic, high functioning multi-tasker, who loves event planning & promotion, crazy dancing with kiddos and fabulously fun friendships.
Born in the Philippines, raised in the rain forest, I have called Ketchikan my home for 40+ years. Working in a position of helping, promoting, and supporting health and wellness for the mind, body and soul is a perfect fit for me!
I am the wife of a retired USMC 1st Sergeant, a mother of two, eldest (and only) sister to two brothers, dance coach to many….and loving them is like food to my soul!
Lisa DeLaet
Crisis Now Community Director
My family and I are happy to be living in Ketchikan for the third time since 2008. With my husband in the US Coast Guard, we’ve moved around the country and keep coming back to Ketchikan. We love this community, the rain, and all that is Alaska. I was born and raised in Minnesota, served in the US Coast Guard for 11 years, and I hold a master’s degree in psychology. I’ve enjoyed working in community mental health and medical centers helping people in time of need.
Tara Taro
Drug Free Communities Program Director
I am a third generation Ketchikan resident, born and raised in this rainforest. Whether in the forest, on the ocean, or watching the rain fall under a blanket with a cup of tea and a good book, there is nowhere else I would rather live than on this wet, beautiful island. I am a mama to two beautiful, wild Alaskan children and an aunt to several more. In my spare time I enjoy playing with my kids, practicing yoga, meditating, snuggling my cat with a good book, or rooting around in my garden and greenhouse. I am a lover of nature, a believer of magic, and a mindfulness seeker.
I own Mother Spirit Wellness as a certified meditation guide and life coach focusing on wellness and spirituality with a passion for helping people tap into their healing and finding inner peace. I am excited to start this new venture with the Wellness Coalition to continue to play a role in enhancing wellness in the community I was raised in and to contribute to the health and stability of the community my children will be raised in.
Stephanie Brissette
Behavioral Health Program Coordinator
How lucky am I to be born and raised on this beautiful island in Alaska? Living in Ketchikan is unlike other communities; you are not just a number here-you are seen, heard, and supported. The outdoor lifestyle is food for the soul. I love to travel and see the world, but I always know where home is.
I own Stephanie Brissette Photography and I continue to be involved in real estate with Coastal KW Realty. On Sundays, you will find me at South Tongass Alliance Church serving with the tech team.
I am excited to be part of the Ketchikan Wellness Coalition team and play a role in its ever-growing community wellness efforts. I want my family and others to continue to flourish, grow, and make Ketchikan the place we choose to live.
Drew Herby
Reentry Program Coordinator
I am a transplant to Ketchikan, after growing up in Wasilla. I am a recovering addict that wants to dedicate my time, love, and support to people overcoming obstacles. I am a mother of five wonderful daughters and happily married to my biggest supporter. Much of my work experience is around helping others; from customer service to being a personal care assistant for the disabled, I find purpose in this compassionate work. I love the outdoors with my family, participating in sober events and finding beach glass. I look forward to making recovery an achievable goal and giving back the support that was so freely given to me.
ERICA FELDMANN
KWC Logistics Coordinator
My family moved around the world while my dad was in the military and settled in Anchorage, Alaska where I lived for over twenty years. After high school my husband and I moved to Fairbanks, where we lived for three years. We had a great opportunity to move to Ketchikan two years ago. I love exploring all the different places that make up Alaska. When I’m not working, you will find me running my photography business, Arctic Aperture Photography or doing anything outdoors including being up in the mountains, running, scuba diving and traveling the world.
I joined the Ketchikan Wellness Coalition because of my passion for helping the community. I am also a board member of the First City Council on Cancer. I am excited to being a member of a team with the same goals of wanting to better the place we love to live!
Erin Traudt
Partners for Success Prevention Program Director
If I am not cheering on my two children with their activities or walking my wily rescue dog, you will find me working towards improving the health and wellbeing of our community. My experience as a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach supports my desire to help people with preventing and reducing chronic disease and ensuring that we have the quality of life we all deserve. Working in the individual prevention realm led me to KWC and expanded my idea of what prevention can be. I am excited to join the team at Ketchikan Wellness Coalition in my new role as the Program Director for the Strategic Prevention Framework- Partners for Success grant.
I enjoy hiking, traveling, and walking my dog. I see Ketchikan as the place I choose to live in with my husband and two children. As a longtime resident of Ketchikan, born and raised, I thrive in spaces that allow me to share varying points of view to create opportunities for dialogue. I believe that KWC is the work environment that creates this space and I invite you to come and learn more about me and our new program.
JD Martin
KTN Drug Prevention Coalition Data Analyst
Moving from the rocky mountains of the US Southwest region to the rainforest of Southeast Alaska in 2017 was only meant to be a one-year adventure. Seven years later, I have fallen in love with the community that I now call it HOME. The work I embrace is one that involves making Ketchikan a strong, inclusive, and thriving community. Ketchikan Wellness Coalition is the perfect match for community change and involvement! My passion for prevention work with youth and bringing visibility and support to the local queer community is an additional asset to the KWC team. After hours, I enjoy spending time with friends and taking my beloved dog Kostas for walks.
My new position as the Data Analyst will further enhance my skills as I work towards my master’s in Psychology. It is important that we further understand the prevention framework to ensure that Ketchikan remains a safe and vibrant place for all, especially our youth.
Ben Holzmeister
KTN Drug Prevention Coalition Community Coordinator
Exploring new beaches and campsites, building forts in our natural habitat, and filling our freezers with what the ocean and forests provide, are the perfect ways to spend my days with my wife and two children. This is easily accomplished in this wonderful community that I get to call home!
My passion is to help the younger generation have the best chance for success. I joined the Ketchikan Wellness Coalition so I can dedicate my experience and time to affect a positive change in the spaces we all love and share. I have a strong passion for prevention model implementation, and I am so excited to be working with the community to build the Icelandic Prevention Model, with the goal of reducing substance misuse in critical developmental stages while promoting social and emotional growth and development. I believe it is our responsibility as a community to collaborate to provide mentors, positive role models, and opportunities to guide our youth on their journey into adulthood.
Czarina Cabillo
Community Health Liaison
I love to dance and surround myself around positive people who help others. As a former three year K-HighLites Dance Team member, Class of 2023, I learned more about teamwork, dedication, and commitment needed to reach a goal. As an immigrant from the Philippines, I know the hardships and barriers people face here in the United States, and that is why I founded Ketchikan High School’s FIL-AM Club, a space where Filipino/Filipino American students can relate and connect to fellow peers who encounter those same experiences.
I am thrilled to be back working under the Sama Sama Tayo sa Kalusugan project again. I have also been working as a cultural dance assistant with the Magsayawan Ketchikan project since summer of 2023. I take great pride in being part of cultural projects that support and recognize Filipinos like me. I look forward to sharing my personal experiences to further enhance these programs and using my fluency in Tagalog to support language access for those who need assistance.
Kristen Van de Geer
Behavioral Health Program Coordinator
I am a world traveler, thoughtful empath, experienced educator, and sunrise-obsessed logistical wizard with a passion for supporting and celebrating the successes of others.
Born in Massachusetts, I have lived in and traveled to many places around the world, even before I became a Coast Guard wife. When not at work, I can be found crocheting stuffed animals, snuggling Maine coon kitties, being the world’s best Auntie, or seaglass hunting on the shoreline with my husband, Jon.
Czarina Cabillo
Office Clerk
I’m Czarina Cabillo, about to be a senior at Ketchikan High School. I’m the kind of person that loves socializing and I would call myself a young leader.
Our Board
Rick Hines
Board President
I believe in KWC’s mission and its purpose to increase the quality of life of our residents. I feel strongly that this organization helps make a more resilient community. Prior to joining the KWC Board, I was impressed will the passion of the employees and their belief in the organization’s mission.
Day Job: Ketchikan Fire Department, Fire Chief
Jennifer Bergen
Vice President
Day Job: Public Health Nurse Manager
Diane Gubatayao
Secretary
Day Job: Volunteer on KGBSD, Soccer Referee
VACANT
Tresurer
Austin Otos
Board Member
I want to help nonprofits collaborate and form strong partnerships with one another!
Day Job: Director at Youth Court; hospitality at The Inn at Creek St
Kris Flora
Board Member
I enjoy working with people who are passionate and committed to helping people in our community.
Day Job: Counselor at Revilla High School.
Erica Caudill
Board Member
Day Job: Clinical Risk Manager, PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
Chris Cummings
Board Member
Life has been tough for me at times. Doing my best to make the journey easier for others makes the struggle worth it. I am excited for the opportunity to serve an organization like KWC, where I hope to use my experience and passion to bring a unique perspective to the board.
Day Job: KGBSD, Paraprofessional
Ivy Rose
Board Member
I have a deep passion for the wellness of my community. Working in Real Estate, I get to see how stability in a home, work, & relationships can be altered in a blink of an eye. Being part of the board and helping make decisions to help programs under the umbrella and resources that Wellness coalition provides, is not only an honor but a pleasure to be a part of.
Day Job: Realtor, Real Broker LLC
Dennis Walsh
Board Member
Rick Hines
Board President
I believe in KWC’s mission and its purpose to increase the quality of life of our residents. I feel strongly that this organization helps make a more resilient community. Prior to joining the KWC Board, I was impressed will the passion of the employees and their belief in the organization’s mission.
Day Job: Ketchikan Fire Department, Fire Chief
Jennifer Bergen
Vice President
Day Job: Public Health Nurse Manager
Diane Gubatayao
Secretary
Day Job: Volunteer on KGBSD, Soccer Referee
Vacant
Treasurer
Austin Otos
Board Member
I want to help nonprofits collaborate and form strong partnerships with one another!
Day Job: Director at Youth Court; hospitality at The Inn at Creek St
Kris Flora
Board Member
I enjoy working with people who are passionate and committed to helping people in our community.
Day Job: Counselor at Revilla High School.
Erica Caudill
Board Member
Day Job: Clinical Risk Manager, PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
Chris Cummings
Board Member
Life has been tough for me at times. Doing my best to make the journey easier for others makes the struggle worth it. I am excited for the opportunity to serve an organization like KWC, where I hope to use my experience and passion to bring a unique perspective to the board.
Day Job: KGBSD, Paraprofessional
Ivy Rose
Board Member
I have a deep passion for the wellness of my community. Working in Real Estate, I get to see how stability in a home, work, & relationships can be altered in a blink of an eye. Being part of the board and helping make decisions to help programs under the umbrella and resources that Wellness coalition provides, is not only an honor but a pleasure to be a part of.
Day Job: Realtor, Real Broker LLC
Dennis Walsh
Board Member
Board Meeting Minutes - coming soon
April 2022
May 2022 – Coming soon!
GET INVOLVED
Donate
You can donate to a specific initiative or as a general donation. These generous donations allow us to continue doing the work we do supporting health and wellness activities. Find out more…
Join a Task Force
Have an issue you care about and want to make a difference? Join an active Task Force or start your own!
Become a Member
Members are the foundation of our Coalition. Everyone can become a member of the Ketchikan Wellness Coalition and actively support our efforts around wellness and health.
Join our Board
Be a leader for the community and contribute your skills, experience, and knowledge to help us reach our strategic goals!
