Meet Our Trainers

Joshua Arvidson, MSS, LCSW
Chief Operations Officer
Joshua Arvidson, MSS, LCSW is the Chief Operating Officer at Alaska Behavioral Health. Joshua is the founder of the Alaska Child Trauma Center and the Director of the Rural Child Trauma Center, both are National Child Traumatic Stress Network Treatment and Training Centers. Joshua has been a licensed clinical social worker for over two decades and is a licensed professional counselor supervisor. Joshua served as the Co-Project Director for two of Alaska’s first SAMHSA-recognized CCBHCs (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics). Joshua serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma and has taught graduate course for both the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Social Work and Clinical Psychology programs. Joshua has published multiple peer-reviewed research and clinical papers in the fields of child and adult trauma treatment, clinical screening, risk prevention and integrated care.
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Kristin Oberman
Training Director
Kristin Oberman is the Training Director at Alaska Behavioral Health and is responsible for multiple training initiatives with statewide and national impact. She works with an internal team of content experts in behavioral health and external national experts in behavioral health treatment to provide both external facing training (two or more conferences per year, multiple learning communities, several dozen training events) and internal clinical training using an implementation science approach. She supports the ongoing professional development of AKBH staff to implement best practices and evidence-based treatment. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family and pets at home or out and about enjoying all that makes living in Alaska great.
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Marissa Hanson, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Director
Marissa Hanson, MSW, LCSW is a Clinical Director for the Partial Hospitalization Program, Residential Services, and Power Center at Alaska Behavioral Health. She has a Certificate in Interpersonal Trauma Studies and has been working with children and their families who have experienced trauma since 2010. Marissa provides trauma training and clinical consultation throughout Alaska.
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Kristin Mortenson, MS, LPC-S
Director of Early Child and Outpatient Services
Kristin Mortenson, is the Director of Early Child and Outpatient Services at Alaska Behavioral Health. As part of the Alaska Child trauma Center since inception, Kristin provides mental health services to children and families impacted by trauma and is a nationally certified ARC (Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competency) trainer.
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Amanda Nalewaja, LCSW
Clinician/ Social Worker
Amanda Nalewaja (pronounced nal-ehv-eye-uh), LCSW, holds degrees in Social Work with a minor in Children’s Mental Health. She currently works as a Clinician with Alaska Behavioral Health in Child and Family Services where she provides services focusing on enhancing overall wellness of youth and families. When not at the clinic, Amanda enjoys video games and getting into nature.
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Quavon Bracken
Power Center Program Manager
Mr. Bracken currently serves as a Power Center Program Manager at Alaska Behavioral Health. Bringing over seven years of experience in peer support services and three years of management experience, he has also been trained in CPI, Suicide prevention QPR, and ARC. Mr. Bracken has been a facilitator and trainer of the P.H.A.T curriculum research project through the Institute of social and economic research. He has been a part of the National Council for mental health’s' 'CONNECTED' project. He has actively facilitated positive youth development projects using the harm reduction model within the Power Center at AKBH.
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Brandi Salvatore, LCSW
Case Manager
Brandi Salvatore, LCSW, is a Case Manager for the Steven a Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health, where she completed her internship and was hired in April 2022. Brandi is originally from Kentucky, and was brought to Alaska with her military active duty spouse in December of 2021. Brandi holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work.
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Taylor Waldner, BA
Outreach Director
Taylor Waldner was born and raised in Austin, Texas and earned her degree in Communication Studies from Texas State University. In her role, Taylor is responsible for all Outreach Efforts and continues to build strong relationships with our partners across the State of Alaska. Her husband served in the Air Force, father served in the Navy, and brother served in the Coast Guard, along with several uncles who served in the Army and Marines. Her diverse military ties give her a unique perspective when it comes to partnering with all branches of service. She has always been passionate about serving others and is dedicated to reducing the stigma of seeking mental health services. Taylor spends her free time hiking, camping and skiing alongside her husband and mountain dog.
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Sarah Pype, LMSW
Clinician
Sarah Pype, LMSW, is a Clinician at Alaska Behavioral Health in Child and Family Services. She graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from Baylor University. She enjoys working alongside children and their families to support them in achieving their goals. In her free time, Sarah loves all things hockey and spending time with her family.
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Hannah Johnson, M.S., NCC
Clinician
Hannah Johnson, M.S., NCC, graduated with a Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Her clinical focus areas are Child and Adolescent as well as Crisis and Trauma Counseling. She enjoys working with children and their caregivers to help them reach their highest potential. While working with AKBH's school-based mental health services program she provides mental health support to students and staff. In her free time, she enjoys various outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
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April Collins, LBSW
Trainer/Consultant
April Collins, LBSW, started with Alaska Behavioral Health in 2019 as a clinical associate with our wraparound team, before transitioning to managing our partial hospitalization program and then to her most recent role as a clinical trainer. She has been working with children and families for almost 11 years. She enjoys assisting all clients through their journey and celebrating their success. During her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family and friends.
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Skylar Madsen
Training Program Coordinator
Skylar is the Training Program Coordinator for Alaska Behavioral Health. Her key job responsibilities are assisting the Training Director in the creation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of AKBH's training, including logistical support, training promotion, travel organization, and data reporting. Skylar recently moved to Alaska from Minnesota with her boyfriend and their two cats. She is happy to assist with any questions or training needs.
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