Candidates for KWRCC Board of Directors
Thank you for participating in KWRCC's Board Elections!
Please take your time to consider candidates and get to know them and what they bring to KWRCC through their bio's below.
KWRCC is very fortunate to have seven (7) wonderful and qualified candidates for our 2022 Elections.
Please take your time to consider candidates and get to know them and what they bring to KWRCC through their bio's below.
KWRCC is very fortunate to have seven (7) wonderful and qualified candidates for our 2022 Elections.
Name: Amanda Becker
Profession: Kodiak Ferry Terminal Manager, Alaska Marine Highway
Board Status: Challenger
Bio: I am a Kodiak transplant, originally from a small town in Western New York, called Sardinia. I’ve lived here since 2018 and have been working as the Ferry Terminal Manager for the Alaska Marine Highway since arriving. Although my background is solidly in the maritime industry for over 15 years, I also have a strong background with various service organizations. From a young age, my mom (who was a social worker), had us very active within our church, community, and scouts, helping wherever we could. Over the years I have volunteered and fundraised for GLAAD, HRC, The Trevor Project, The Pioneer Food Bank, Catholic Charities – Buffalo, Harvest House, Planned Parenthood, and The Hunger Project. More recently, I volunteered with the Alaska WildBird Rehab center, and I am currently an active member with Kodiak Pride, helping organize events including the Pride Run and coordinating with other Pride organizations throughout Alaska and the lower 48. Harvest House in Buffalo was my first experience seeing just how impactful a resource center like KWRCC can be, and that has stuck with me. Being able to help the most vulnerable within a community is not just critical work, it’s lifesaving. Kodiak has become my home, and as someone who was raised to give back to my community as best I can, I feel strongly about being able to be a part of KWRCC’s mission of advocacy, education, awareness, and creating safe spaces for those who are victims of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse. I feel my maritime background has made me a great communicator and flexible problem solver which when linked to my ties to the 2SLGBQTIA+ community make me an asset to KWRCC. This would be my first time on a board of directors and I greatly appreciate the consideration.
Profession: Kodiak Ferry Terminal Manager, Alaska Marine Highway
Board Status: Challenger
Bio: I am a Kodiak transplant, originally from a small town in Western New York, called Sardinia. I’ve lived here since 2018 and have been working as the Ferry Terminal Manager for the Alaska Marine Highway since arriving. Although my background is solidly in the maritime industry for over 15 years, I also have a strong background with various service organizations. From a young age, my mom (who was a social worker), had us very active within our church, community, and scouts, helping wherever we could. Over the years I have volunteered and fundraised for GLAAD, HRC, The Trevor Project, The Pioneer Food Bank, Catholic Charities – Buffalo, Harvest House, Planned Parenthood, and The Hunger Project. More recently, I volunteered with the Alaska WildBird Rehab center, and I am currently an active member with Kodiak Pride, helping organize events including the Pride Run and coordinating with other Pride organizations throughout Alaska and the lower 48. Harvest House in Buffalo was my first experience seeing just how impactful a resource center like KWRCC can be, and that has stuck with me. Being able to help the most vulnerable within a community is not just critical work, it’s lifesaving. Kodiak has become my home, and as someone who was raised to give back to my community as best I can, I feel strongly about being able to be a part of KWRCC’s mission of advocacy, education, awareness, and creating safe spaces for those who are victims of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse. I feel my maritime background has made me a great communicator and flexible problem solver which when linked to my ties to the 2SLGBQTIA+ community make me an asset to KWRCC. This would be my first time on a board of directors and I greatly appreciate the consideration.
Name: Cassie Keplinger
Profession: Elder Services Director, KANA
Board Status: Incumbent
Number of 3-Year Terms Served: 2
Bio: I have lived in Kodiak for almost 12 years now. I was the Family Services Coordinator at KANA for 9.5 years and joined the KWRCC board in Fall of 2016. I left KANA in July 2021 and worked for Kodiak Island Housing Authority as the Services Program Manager for 1 year, and have recently returned to KANA as the Elder Services Director. In my 6 years as a board member for KWRCC, I have seen the great work the organization continues to do. When I worked as the Family Services Coordinator, I had the privilege to work closely with the KWRCC Shelter Advocate and her staff to help support our victims of DV/SA of the Koniag Region. I am interested in remaining on the board because I truly believe in the mission and the vision of the KWRCC and all the hard work they do for the Kodiak Community. In my new role as Elder Services Director, I hope to bring more insight on protecting our Elders that are enduring DV and/or SA and to help the KWRCC navigate these services. I also greatly enjoy having input on Policies & Procedures and ensuring that employees are compensated for the amazing work they do.
Profession: Elder Services Director, KANA
Board Status: Incumbent
Number of 3-Year Terms Served: 2
Bio: I have lived in Kodiak for almost 12 years now. I was the Family Services Coordinator at KANA for 9.5 years and joined the KWRCC board in Fall of 2016. I left KANA in July 2021 and worked for Kodiak Island Housing Authority as the Services Program Manager for 1 year, and have recently returned to KANA as the Elder Services Director. In my 6 years as a board member for KWRCC, I have seen the great work the organization continues to do. When I worked as the Family Services Coordinator, I had the privilege to work closely with the KWRCC Shelter Advocate and her staff to help support our victims of DV/SA of the Koniag Region. I am interested in remaining on the board because I truly believe in the mission and the vision of the KWRCC and all the hard work they do for the Kodiak Community. In my new role as Elder Services Director, I hope to bring more insight on protecting our Elders that are enduring DV and/or SA and to help the KWRCC navigate these services. I also greatly enjoy having input on Policies & Procedures and ensuring that employees are compensated for the amazing work they do.
Name: Debbie Olson
Profession: Operations Manager, First National Bank of Alaska (Kodiak)
Board Status: Incumbent
Number of 3-Year Terms Served: 3
Bio: I moved to Kodiak in 1978 and am currently the operations manager for First National Bank of Alaska. I started there in 1981. I have 2 sons, Josh, 38 and Jerek, 34. I have been on the KWRCC board for 9 years (three 3-year terms). My reason for being on the board is to help our community support those in need of help through domestic violence to protect the families. I also have family members who were part of domestic violence relationships and marriages they left some unanswered questions as to why my mother put up with it as long as she did. The shelter holds a deep place in my heart.
Profession: Operations Manager, First National Bank of Alaska (Kodiak)
Board Status: Incumbent
Number of 3-Year Terms Served: 3
Bio: I moved to Kodiak in 1978 and am currently the operations manager for First National Bank of Alaska. I started there in 1981. I have 2 sons, Josh, 38 and Jerek, 34. I have been on the KWRCC board for 9 years (three 3-year terms). My reason for being on the board is to help our community support those in need of help through domestic violence to protect the families. I also have family members who were part of domestic violence relationships and marriages they left some unanswered questions as to why my mother put up with it as long as she did. The shelter holds a deep place in my heart.
Name: Kim Sibrel
Profession: Full Time Student in Nursing with UAA/Kodiak College
Board Status: Incumbent
Number of 3-Year Terms Served: 2
Bio: I moved to Kodiak in 2013 to fulfill a life-long dream of living in Alaska, and ended up falling in love with Kodiak. I earned a B.A. in Spanish from California State University Channel Islands. I had a successful career in program management for the Department of the Navy prior to making Kodiak my home. I am currently working towards a B.S. in Nursing at UAA/Kodiak College. I’ve served on the KWRCC Board of Directors for 6 years. This time includes volunteering as the Chairperson of the Nominating and Fundraising committees. I have successfully led the Fundraising Committee in several high-earning fundraising campaigns, including very recently securing a $10,000 community-matching donation from Matson, Inc. for KWRCC’s current Domestic Violence Awareness Month fundraiser. I have professional board training from the Foraker group, and currently serve on the board of directors for 2 other Kodiak non-profit organizations: Kodiak KINDNESS (2 years served) and Women’s Bay Community Council (7 years served). I understand and support the KWRCC mission and feel privileged to be a part of an organization that is integral to creating a supportive environment for all victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. I believe the real work happens when a strong board of directors effectively collaborate to support their Executive Director so the director and the organization’s employees can best-serve KWRCC’s clients and the Kodiak community by providing the necessary support to assist survivors on their journey to healing.
Profession: Full Time Student in Nursing with UAA/Kodiak College
Board Status: Incumbent
Number of 3-Year Terms Served: 2
Bio: I moved to Kodiak in 2013 to fulfill a life-long dream of living in Alaska, and ended up falling in love with Kodiak. I earned a B.A. in Spanish from California State University Channel Islands. I had a successful career in program management for the Department of the Navy prior to making Kodiak my home. I am currently working towards a B.S. in Nursing at UAA/Kodiak College. I’ve served on the KWRCC Board of Directors for 6 years. This time includes volunteering as the Chairperson of the Nominating and Fundraising committees. I have successfully led the Fundraising Committee in several high-earning fundraising campaigns, including very recently securing a $10,000 community-matching donation from Matson, Inc. for KWRCC’s current Domestic Violence Awareness Month fundraiser. I have professional board training from the Foraker group, and currently serve on the board of directors for 2 other Kodiak non-profit organizations: Kodiak KINDNESS (2 years served) and Women’s Bay Community Council (7 years served). I understand and support the KWRCC mission and feel privileged to be a part of an organization that is integral to creating a supportive environment for all victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. I believe the real work happens when a strong board of directors effectively collaborate to support their Executive Director so the director and the organization’s employees can best-serve KWRCC’s clients and the Kodiak community by providing the necessary support to assist survivors on their journey to healing.
Name: Colby Perez
Profession: Mental Health Therapist, KANA
Board Status: Challenger
Bio: Hello beautiful people! I am a transplant, originally from the great state of Texas. I moved to Kodiak in October of last year in the hopes of gaining new insight and experiences in the field of Rural Mental Health. I currently work at KANA as a Mental Health Clinician. Since graduating with my Masters I have worked at a variety of non-profit organizations as a therapist for nearly 10 years. I have served and assisted a variety of clients and diverse populations during that time. As part of my work I have had the privilege in being able to gain extensive knowledge while working with children, teens, and adults. I have specialized in those who have experienced trauma. I am trained in both Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. From a young age and for as long as I can remember I have wanted to help and support people in whatever way I could. It has also been my hope to create an affirming and safe space for all people. I also have a strong passion for social justice issues and being able to serve our most vulnerable populations such as those who have experienced SA or have been victims of IPV. Having a social justice worldview I have recently been able to be an active member with the Kodiak Pride organization. This included planning various community events and being a speaker with other medical and mental health providers in Kodiak.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my fur baby( Lola the French Bulldog), family, friends, and being a life longer learner. Given my background, education, and experience would make me a valuable asset to KWRCC. Thank you for your time and consideration in being able to serve as a possible board member with the wonderful organization that is KWRCC.
Profession: Mental Health Therapist, KANA
Board Status: Challenger
Bio: Hello beautiful people! I am a transplant, originally from the great state of Texas. I moved to Kodiak in October of last year in the hopes of gaining new insight and experiences in the field of Rural Mental Health. I currently work at KANA as a Mental Health Clinician. Since graduating with my Masters I have worked at a variety of non-profit organizations as a therapist for nearly 10 years. I have served and assisted a variety of clients and diverse populations during that time. As part of my work I have had the privilege in being able to gain extensive knowledge while working with children, teens, and adults. I have specialized in those who have experienced trauma. I am trained in both Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. From a young age and for as long as I can remember I have wanted to help and support people in whatever way I could. It has also been my hope to create an affirming and safe space for all people. I also have a strong passion for social justice issues and being able to serve our most vulnerable populations such as those who have experienced SA or have been victims of IPV. Having a social justice worldview I have recently been able to be an active member with the Kodiak Pride organization. This included planning various community events and being a speaker with other medical and mental health providers in Kodiak.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my fur baby( Lola the French Bulldog), family, friends, and being a life longer learner. Given my background, education, and experience would make me a valuable asset to KWRCC. Thank you for your time and consideration in being able to serve as a possible board member with the wonderful organization that is KWRCC.
Name: Jessica Raulwolf
Profession: GS, US Coast Guard, MWR
Board Status: Challenger
Bio: Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jessica Loren Rauwolf. I was born and raised in Kodiak, Alaska. I graduated from Kodiak High School, then attended Alaska Pacific University. I graduated with an Associate in Early Childhood Education and a BS in Behavioral Psychology. After graduation I traveled to Germany and worked as a Victim Advocate for the United States ARMY for 3 years. I returned to Kodiak in 2017 and started working for the US Coast Guard Morale, Welfare, & Recreation (MWR). While working for the Coast Guard I took classes to obtain a Master's Degree. I graduated in 2022 with a MBA in Business Human Resources Management. On a personal note, I am an auntie of 6 nieces & nephews, I love to travel, read, and spend time with my dog, Lizzie. I enjoy advocacy and would very much like to be on this board because I understand it provides help to the community in many ways. I feel that I am qualified as I’ve been on both sides as victim and a survivor. Thank you.
Profession: GS, US Coast Guard, MWR
Board Status: Challenger
Bio: Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jessica Loren Rauwolf. I was born and raised in Kodiak, Alaska. I graduated from Kodiak High School, then attended Alaska Pacific University. I graduated with an Associate in Early Childhood Education and a BS in Behavioral Psychology. After graduation I traveled to Germany and worked as a Victim Advocate for the United States ARMY for 3 years. I returned to Kodiak in 2017 and started working for the US Coast Guard Morale, Welfare, & Recreation (MWR). While working for the Coast Guard I took classes to obtain a Master's Degree. I graduated in 2022 with a MBA in Business Human Resources Management. On a personal note, I am an auntie of 6 nieces & nephews, I love to travel, read, and spend time with my dog, Lizzie. I enjoy advocacy and would very much like to be on this board because I understand it provides help to the community in many ways. I feel that I am qualified as I’ve been on both sides as victim and a survivor. Thank you.
Name: Helen Shepard
Profession: Addictions Counselor, KCHC
Board Status: Challenger
Bio: I have lived in Alaska all of my adult life. I was raised in a family where service to both individuals and community was a given, one in which it was taken for granted that part of adult life would include some facet of involvement with others. Almost all the positions I have held have in one way or another been those in service to other people. My professional life has focused primarily on counseling and treating people who struggle with substance abuse, a profession that I have found to be both enriching and rewarding. I have extensive experience in case management, a facet of my work that requires knowledge of a community, the services available both in the community and in the state, and the ability to structure and access services for both individuals and groups. During the years my children were in school I was active on all the boards and/or committees that pertained to youth and young adults. I have experience with organizing, facilitating and working with complex and varied groups with a variety of needs. At this time, I spend my time researching and investigating resources for varied populations. I feel my background, experience and interests would be an asset were I chosen to serve as a member of the board. Thank you for your consideration.
Profession: Addictions Counselor, KCHC
Board Status: Challenger
Bio: I have lived in Alaska all of my adult life. I was raised in a family where service to both individuals and community was a given, one in which it was taken for granted that part of adult life would include some facet of involvement with others. Almost all the positions I have held have in one way or another been those in service to other people. My professional life has focused primarily on counseling and treating people who struggle with substance abuse, a profession that I have found to be both enriching and rewarding. I have extensive experience in case management, a facet of my work that requires knowledge of a community, the services available both in the community and in the state, and the ability to structure and access services for both individuals and groups. During the years my children were in school I was active on all the boards and/or committees that pertained to youth and young adults. I have experience with organizing, facilitating and working with complex and varied groups with a variety of needs. At this time, I spend my time researching and investigating resources for varied populations. I feel my background, experience and interests would be an asset were I chosen to serve as a member of the board. Thank you for your consideration.