STAFF & BOARD
Our Staff
Jackie Yates
Executive Director
For Jackie, building bridges and fostering connections within Ketchikan is more than just a job – it’s a passion fueled by a deep love for her hometown. Born and raised here, she’s dedicated to making Ketchikan a safe and healthy place for everyone, especially her husband Daniel, and their two daughters, Alyssa and Arianna.
With over 15 years of experience in the criminal justice field, most recently as an Adult Probation Officer, Jackie brings a wealth of knowledge in human relations, supervision, and addressing the complex challenges of mental health, substance misuse, and re-entry. Beyond that, as a small business owner, a PTA president, and a softball coach, Jackie is actively a part of the community.
Jackie’s door is always open for both the tough conversations and the lively ones – she believes that genuine connection is the key to creating real change. Whether it’s a phone call, an email, or a cup of coffee, Jackie is ready to work together to make a positive impact on our community.
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 between the mountains and the sea. Whether I’m in the forest, on the ocean, or watching the rain fall from 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 wonderful, 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, and rooting around in my garden and greenhouse. I am a lover of nature, a believer in magic, and a seeker of mindfulness.
I own Mother Spirit Wellness, where I work as a yoga instructor, certified meditation guide, and life coach focusing on wellness and spirituality. I am passionate about helping people tap into their healing and find inner peace. I continue to find purpose and joy in my work in substance misuse prevention and deeply value my role in enhancing wellness in the community that raised me. I feel fortunate to contribute to the health and stability of the place where my children will grow up.
Stephanie Brissette
Behavioral Health Program Director
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 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 community to continue to flourish, grow, and make Ketchikan the place we choose to live.
Drew Herby
Reentry Program Coordinator
I am a proud transplant to Ketchikan, originally from Wasilla, Alaska. As a recovering addict, I have found my purpose in giving back to others who are walking their own paths of healing and growth. Recovery is not only a personal journey for me; it is a vital part of the health and strength of our entire community. I am deeply committed to supporting individuals both inside and outside the justice system as they work toward rebuilding their lives. Everyone deserves the opportunity for a fresh start, and I strive to be a source of understanding, encouragement, and hope throughout that process.
I am a proud team member of the Ketchikan Wellness Coalition. My professional background has always centered on helping others — from customer service roles to being a personal care assistant for individuals living with disabilities — and I continue to find purpose in compassionate, people-focused work.
Outside of my professional and community involvement, I’m a devoted mother to five wonderful daughters and am happily married to my biggest supporter. I love spending time outdoors with my family, attending sober events, and collecting beach glass along Ketchikan’s shores. My hope is to continue making recovery an achievable and celebrated goal in our community and to give back the same support and love that were 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.
Charlotte Miller
Administrative Coordinator
I was born and raised in Southeast Alaska, and I enjoy spending time with my family on Prince of Wales—especially when we’re outside getting dirty. My children and I tend to make our own rules in the small communities as we run amuck chasing deer and hunting for berries.
This community has a soul of its own—gritty, authentic, and unlike anything “down south.” I knew from a young age that I wanted to help people, and I worked as a social worker for over 20 years. My work has been rewarding but hard, as I have held the hands of many while walking with them through tough times. After these experiences, I began volunteering in hopes of finding a way to make a positive difference. I spent time as a volunteer EMT, worked with local fraternal organizations on food assistance programs, and served as a public advocate through my local unions.
I’ve engaged in a broad spectrum of work across Southeast communities and have found myself drawn more and more to the positive aspects of community engagement—work that ultimately brought me to the Ketchikan Wellness Coalition. The challenges I faced as a social worker, are being addressed here—something that has been incredibly healing for me. I am deeply inspired by the opportunity to contribute.
Ben Holzmeister
Icelandic Prevention Model Program 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.
Bailey Singstad
Reentry Case Manager
Ketchikan has always been home to me. I grew up surrounded by nature, adventure, and family. Now, as a mother of three boys, I’m proud to share the same love for this island that shaped my childhood. From summers at our family cabin to long hikes and fishing trips, this island has always been a part of who I am.
I spent 15 years battling addiction, much of it right here in this community. But through recovery, I found purpose and a deep sense of gratitude. Today, I’m honored to be part of the Ketchikan Wellness Coalition’s Reentry Program, helping others navigate the same challenges I once faced. My goal is to inspire hope and show that lasting change is possible. I am dedicated to supporting individuals as they rebuild their lives and discover their full potential
Anela Morales
Wellness Directory Coordinator
I am a proud Puerto Rican Hawaiian, military spouse, and wellness advocate. With a life journey that’s taken me to over seven different stations, I’ve fallen in love with the richness of diverse cultures.
My passion is empowering individuals to discover their strengths, voice and inner beauty. I am dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and providing tools for success. I’m excited to be part of the Ketchikan Wellness Coalition, inspiring and supporting our community on their journey towards wellness.
Jennifer Bergen
President
I am passionate about addressing social determinants of health and promoting healthy equity!
Day Job: Public Health Nurse Manager
Open Seat
Vice President
Open Seat
Treasurer
Amelia DeLuna-Owsley
Secretary
Austin Otis
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 Street
Erica Steuerwald
Board Member
Day Job: Claims Manager at Oregon Health & Science University
Kimm Schwartz
Board Member
Day Job: District Nurse at Ketchikan Gateway Borough Schools
Chas Allen
Board Member
Day Job: Accounts Manager at Alaska Marine Line
Emily Henry
Board Member
Day Job: Registered Dietitian & Business Owner
Alex Kramarczuk
Board Member
Day Job: Ketchikan District Attorney
Open Seat
Board Member
Open Seat
Board Member
Eva Roskam
Student Board Member
Day Job: High School Student
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!
