Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Alaska Psychological Association. The Board is comprised of the Association Officers (President, President-Elect, Past President, Treasurer, and Secretary), Federal/State Advocacy Coordinator (FAC), Legislative Chair, Alaska Representative to the APA Council of Representatives, six Members-at-Large, Continuing Education Coordinator, and an APA Graduate Student (APAGS) Representative.  Most Board members are elected by the general membership, though several are appointed by the President and/or the Board.  In addition, there are a number of appointed ad hoc committees and positions based on current needs of the membership and profession.

Elections to the Board of Directors are held each May for the following session, which runs from August 16 through the following August 15. Listed below are the various positions and current members holding them.

Seth Green, Ph.D. – President

Seth Green is a licensed clinical psychologist and he is a Commander in the United States Public Health Service. His clinical work is primarily focused on positive psychology, supervision, and training and education. He worked in a number of states as a psychologist and with two tribal health organizations in Alaska and he is committed to serving the underserved. He also served as the Co-Director of the Alaska Psychology Internship Consortium, an APA accredited training site for psychology interns. Before working with tribal health organizations he worked with the Department of Defense with the US Army Special Operations 75th Ranger Regiment and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment as an embedded battalion psychologist for a number of years.

Hannah Ekstrom, Psy.D. –  President Elect

Hannah Ekstrom is a licensed psychologist and licensed professional counselor. She has worked in community mental health and integrated care settings both in clinical and administrative positions.  She currently works as faculty in the Psychology Department at the University of Alaska Anchorage and serves as the Director of the department’s training clinic, the Psychological Services Center (PSC). In her work as an educator, psychologist, supervisor, and director her areas of interest include health equity, interprofessional and multidisciplinary practice, trauma informed care, program development and evaluation, and working with vulnerable and underserved populations. She appreciates the opportunity to serve the community in AK-PA.

Kevin Tarlow, Ph.D. – Secretary, Ethics Committee Chair

Dr. Kevin Tarlow is a Licensed Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Dr. Tarlow studies telebehavioral health care, suicide, and the influence of White racial identity on mental health care practice. He has also developed single-subject research methods for educational and psychological research. His desire to increase access to affordable mental health resources led Dr. Tarlow to create lowcosthelp.com, a national directory of affordable counseling services, and littlebetterzine.com, a series of pocket-sized guides to mental health coping skills.

Dr. Tarlow received his Bachelor of Science in psychology from Texas A&M University, Master of Arts and Master of Education in counseling from Columbia University, and doctorate in counseling psychology from Texas A&M University. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in telebehavioral health care at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health. Before he moved to Alaska, Dr. Tarlow had faculty positions at Texas A&M University and Hampton University.

Sandra Mitchell, Ph.D. – Board Treasurer

Sandra Mitchell is AK-PA’s current treasurer. Her family and her moved to Anchorage after she completed her post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology in 2013 and made Alaska their forever home. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, and exploring Alaska with her family.

Professionally, she is a clinical neuropsychologist at Providence Alaska Medical Center. She earned her PhD in neuropsychology at the University of Florida. She completed a neuropsychology track internship at the Connecticut VA followed by a rigorous two-year post-doctoral neuropsychology fellowship at the New Mexico VA, where she specialized in cognitive aging, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and a wide range of neurodegenerative conditions.  Although her first love was clinical research, she discovered that she loves helping patients understand their cognitive problems and helping them and their families to manage the day-to-day effects of brain dysfunction.

Ruddy Taylor, Ph.D. – Past President

Ruddy Taylor has a Ph.D. in Clinical / Community Psychology. Her clinical interests are in depression, trauma, and addictions. Her research interest includes racial microaggression, social justice, and positive aging, with an intersectionality of spirituality.

She is an active member of the Alaska Psychology Association, and her membership began as a graduate student (2008), holding the position of American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) Representative. Later she was appointed to serve as the Diversity Delegate Liaison to APA Practice Leadership Conference (PLC) and Chairperson of the Diversity Committee. She represents Alaska on the Council of Representatives (2020-2022). She also currently serves on The American Psychology Association Finance Committee (2019-2021); She is the past chair for the Women’s Caucus and a Division 45 Fellow 2018-2019, Council of National Psychological Associations for the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Interest Leadership Development Institute.   She is a Clinical Licensed Social Worker (LCSW) and earned her Master’s degree in Psychology and her Clinical / Community Ph.D. from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).

Joel Wieman- APA Council Representative

I have been in independent practice for over thirty years and enjoy seeing a wide variety of clients. After receiving my Ph.D. I continued my training in a wide variety of treatment approaches and utilize them in an integrated way that best suits the needs of each individual client. I am experienced and trained in working with those who suffer from depression, anxiety disorders as well at dealing with trauma and life changes.   In addition I see a number of couples throughout the week and enjoy that work as well.   I have been professionally active supporting psychology in Alaska by serving as the President of the Alaska Psychological association and as the Alaskan representative to the American Psychological association for over six years.  After an 18 year break, I will again begin serving as the APA representative in 2023 for another three year term.

Marjorie Kyle, Psy.D. – Federal and State Advocacy Coordinator

Marjorie Kyle, Psy.D., is a Psychologist working in the Integrated Disabilities Evaluation System/Medical Evaluation Board (IDES/MEB) at Fort Richardson, Alaska.  Prior to becoming a Psychologist she worked as a teacher with infants and children with special needs. In addition to her education degrees, she holds a Master of Science degree in counseling psychology from Alaska Pacific University and a Doctor of Psychology degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.  Marjorie completed a pre-doctoral Neuropsychology internship at the Richard and Pat Johnson’s Children’s Hospital St. Mary’s Medical Center West Palm Beach, Florida and a post-doctoral fellowship at Tripler Army Medical Center, HI in Pediatric/Child and Adolescent Psychology.

Marjorie has worked in research, private practice and as a practitioner in the mental health clinics at Elmendorf AFB and Fort Richardson.   Her interest includes the interaction of individuals with disabilities and their families with the larger support systems of the medicine, education and law.

Jennifer Burkheart, Ph.D. – CE Chair

Ebony McClain, Ph.D. –  Diversity Chair

Ebony McClain graduated with a Bachelor’s of Elementary Education degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1999. She began her work in 1999 with AK Child and Family as a psychiatric treatment counselor working with children, adolescents and their families. In 1999 she worked with the Anchorage Community Mental Health as an outpatient clinical associate and intake screener. She worked with both agencies for six years.

In 2006, she graduated with a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. She continued her work in the field as a behavioral health specialist for Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center (ANHC), where she spent time serving as a therapist to a diverse population. While at ANHC, she worked with women in abusive relationships, homeless populations, individuals struggling with opioid dependence and individuals suffering chronic medical illness.

In 2009, she began outpatient practice with Good Samaritan Counseling Center, while continuing her contract with ANHC. In 2010 she joined Bridges Counseling Connection, where she resided for five years. During that five years, she earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Capella University, became an Assistant Professor of Psychology with Alaska Pacific University, and she became a supervisor for Licensed Professional Counselor candidates and a consultant to two non-profit agencies in the Anchorage area.

She is elated to continue to serve the community through her own practice; Ebony Counseling Consulting and Supervision, where she sees adolescents, adults, couples and families with empathy, care, and compassion. She provides traditional talk therapy, EMDR therapy, life coaching and hypnotherapy, as well as co-parenting and mediation services. She is also excited to be a part of the Alaska Psychological Association, serving as the Diversity Chair for its Board of Directors.

Monique Andrews, Ph.D. –

Monique serves as AK-PA’s ECP Representative for the Board of Directors

She is the founder of A Step Forward Counseling & Consulting, LLC where she brings a holistic approach to therapy, as well as, to the various trainings/presentations she provides in the community. She works diligently to provide effective interactive presentations to engage the audience. She combines modern research with old age wisdom and tradition to create an environment to nurture the mind, body, and soul.  She has worked in diverse settings including schools, counseling centers, hospitals, community centers, military installations, and corrections.

Monique has been an Alaska Army National Guard Soldier since 2006 where she has worked as a Victim Advocate, Master Resiliency Trainer, Suicide Prevention Specialist, Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist, and is currently the Resilience and Risk Reduction Program Coordinator.  This program focuses on identifying and analyzing trends associated with high-risk behaviors amongst Soldiers and their Families and developing strategies to increase protective factors in an effort to eradicate suicide from the ranks. The program includes the Suicide Prevention Program, The Substance Abuse Prevention Program, and the Resiliency Program.  She is currently a member of Alaska’s Statewide Suicide Prevention Council, Alaska Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and the Alaska Mental Health Board.  Monique is an adjunct instructor at Alaska Pacific University teaching The Psychology of Adjustment and Change; and Diversity and Social Justice. Monique earned a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree from Alaska Pacific University.

Monique has over 20 years of experience working with individuals experiencing interpersonal violence. Monique has presented trainings nationally on Suicide Prevention, Hegemonic Masculinity, and Victim Advocacy for organizations such as the National Organization for Victim Assistance and the Institute on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma.  She has provided trainings and briefings throughout Alaska on Effective Communication, Stress Management, Resiliency, Suicide Prevention, Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace, and Bystander Intervention.

Rebekah Burket, Ph.D. – Member at Large

Meet Dr. Rebekah Burket, a lifelong resident of Alaska, who loves to support mental health resilience for all people who are in Alaska. Rebekah has been providing mental health care and substance use treatment in Fairbanks since 2012. Along the way, she earned a doctorate in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of Alaska in 2017. Rebekah is a licensed clinical psychologist and specializes in mindfulness-based and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Her research focus includes suicide prevention interventions and community based participatory methods. As an integrative therapist, Dr. Burket draws many elements into her practice such as her years of clinical experience and technical training as well as the grit and resourcefulness that she learned growing up on a homestead in the Copper River Valley. Rebekah enjoys supporting compassionate mental health care access for people in Alaska, skiing, playing music and spending time outdoors with family.

Bekah Villalon, Ph.D. – Member at Large

Bekah is Iñupiaq and was born and raised in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. She has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with an emphasis in families and couples and is a Postdoctoral Clinical Trainee at Southcentral Foundation Four Directions. Bekah provides substance use and mental health services to adults struggling with addiction, which includes psychological testing and individual, group, couples, and family therapy. Her clinical interests include addiction, identity exploration, and cultural diversity among couples, families, Alaska Natives, and underserved populations. Bekah utilizes a strengths-based, interpersonal, and person-centered approach to treatment. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, weightlifting, hiking, traveling, and organizing and decorating her home.

Princilla Usery, MA/CMHC, Member at Large

Bio to Come

Sovi Rosas, Student Board Member

Sovi Rosas is a graduate student with Alaska Pacific University; and is currently working towards her long-time goal of a doctorate in psychology. She previously worked as a school psychologist in Alaska, Oregon and California and served students who experienced a variety of disabling conditions. Sovi is a proud member of the American Psychological Association and the Alaska Psychological Association. Her current academic interests include researching factors that promote resilience in families experiencing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. When she’s not working or studying Sovi enjoys being in nature with her family, going on long road trips, meditation, and crafting.