Isha Twitchell: is Yupik, born and raised in Bethel, Alaska. She moved to the Valley in 2005, where she decided to raise her children. Her passion for Native Education and indigenous values and practices shines through in all her endeavors. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Business Administration. Isha served as a chairperson for the Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee (IEA, PAC) for MSBSD for 10 years. She is a Grant Administrator for the SPF prevention grant at Knik Tribe. Isha participated in the elder engagement and mission and vision teams for the proposed charter school.
Elena Gorovaya: is from the city of Khabarovsk, located in the Far East region of Russia. She has a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. Elena has experience coordinating prevention & facilitating health programs focused on at-risk youth. Elena has two publications printed. She has been employed with Knik Tribe as a Youth and Family Services Coordinator at the Benteh Wellness Center behavioral health program for over a year. She has also been contributing to Knik Tribe's Food Security program. Elena participated in defining and reviewing the social-emotional wellness for the proposed charter school.
Christine Cassidy Itta: Master’s in Museum Education and Bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education. Former classroom teacher, currently working as an educator at the Anchorage Museum. Eight years of experience co-developing culturally responsive curriculum with culture-bearers that center Alaska Native arts and ways of knowing for use at the Anchorage Museum and in classroom settings. Offers regular professional development for Anchorage School District educators on developing culturally responsive curriculum for their classrooms. She married into an Iñupiaq family and works towards better educational experiences for her Iñupiaq nieces, nephews, sister, and future children. Christine participated in culture and instruction and culture and curriculum for the proposed charter school. Originally, from Washington state and South Carolina, she has been living in Alaska for eight years, first in her partner's Iñupiaq home village of Atqasuk, Alaska and now in Anchorage.
Iris O’Brien Caldentey: is an Aleut from Cordova, enrolled in Native Village of Eyak and Chugach Corporation. She is a parent and educator. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in teaching, currently student teaching at Swanson Elementary School. Iris volunteered at CCS Headstart in Sutton, Alaska when her children were enrolled and sat on the parent advisory board. She has been a homeschool teacher for 5 years. Iris participated in culture and instruction team for the proposed charter school.
Karen Don: is Yupik, Eskimo from Akiachak, Alaska. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Karen is a parent. Currently, employed by Matanuska Susitna Borough School District as teacher since 2013. Member of Indian Education Association (IEA, PAC) for MSBSD for 5 years. Has about 19 years of teaching experience mostly early childhood. Karen participated in culture and instruction and mission and vision team for the proposed charter school.
Geraldine Ayonayon: is Koyukon, Athabascan family is from Stevens Village and Talkeetna. Geraldine is a parent of 6. She has an Associate’s Degree in Human Services. Has been employed with Knik Tribe since 2003. She started off as a rural youth worker and has held many positions since. She holds various management positions including education committee coordinator and manages all programs under the education and training department. She has been involved with Knik Tribe Fish Camp for youth for 5 years. Geraldine has participated in the culture and curriculum for the proposed charter school.