Counselors + Staff

Erica graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris in 2019 with a bachelor’s in liberal arts, majoring in Psychology. Erica was a member of the Equity, Diversity, and Intercultural Program in Morris. She also worked under Heather Peters, Ph.D, as a research assistant conducting research in the development of culturally sensitive interventions and programs to improve the health and wellbeing of people from marginalized cultural groups. She began working at Wil la mootk Counseling Center in the summer of 2016. Erica continued to work over the summers while earning her bachelor’s degree from 2017-2019. During that time, Erica worked in administration, trained as a Behavioral Health Aide (BHA), worked with clients, and had shifts at Wap Gyilks Amaniisgn.

After graduating in 2019, Erica started working full time at Wil la mootk as a BHA. In 2020, she received her certification for BHA III. Erica loves working with the youth and families within Metlakatla. She is passionate about teaching and practicing healthy living skills. She enjoys fitness, hiking with her two dogs, and spending time with her husband.

Megan joined the Wil la mootk team in 2022. Originally from Hawaii, Megan graduated from the University of Washington in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in literature. She moved to Alaska in 2006 and pursued a variety of jobs, including commercial fishing. In 2008, she joined a peer support group, and experienced firsthand the power of psychotherapy to heal and transform lives. She was inspired to pursue a career in mental health counseling, and completed a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at Capella University in 2012. Before moving to Metlakatla, Megan worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor at several agencies in Ketchikan, gaining knowledge and experience especially in working with children in the foster care system and with survivors of domestic violence and other traumas.

Megan is passionate about helping people to see their own innocence and to feel hopeful about their futures. Megan’s greatest joy in life is being a mother to her 10-year-old son. She is grateful to be able to raise him in Metlakatla where he can experience a close-knit community and learn about indigenous culture and values.

Allison Robbins has been serving as a therapist for the past twelve years. She started her internship at Kaiser Permanente working with children and adults who suffered from mental health and substance use disorders. She then worked as a child and family therapist for the following years, until she had the privilege to supervise both a substance use disorder program and mental health program. Allison is excited to now be able to serve and work with the Metlakatla community here at Wil la Mootk Counseling Center. She was trained in evidence-based practices as a therapist and has a strength based approach with a trauma informed care focus.

Allison lived in Ketchikan for 10 years. She and her husband love Southeast Alaska and love hiking with their two dogs and fishing on their boat as much as possible. She looks forward to continuing to work with the amazing team at Wil la Mootk and help guide children and families to feel empowered, heal and make positive changes in their lives.

Nathan has worked at Wil la mootk Counseling Center since February 2022. He is currently floating on a sea of administrative duties (Administrative Floater) for the Wil La Mootk Counseling Center, which includes coordinating with the Executive Director, Business Manager and Wil La Mootk staff with day-to-day operations, policy, quality assurance, and billing.

Nathan has held many positions within the Metlakatla Indian Community over the years including Executive Treasurer for 5 terms, Roads Coordinator, Geographic Information Systems Technician for MIC Forestry, Information Technology Technician for MIC, and Grant Coordinator for Annette Island Packing Co. Training Grant, Technology Upgrade, Tunnel Freezer, and Piling Replacement projects.

Nathan earned an Associate of Fine Arts in 3-D design, focused on metalsmithing and jewelry fabrication, from the Institute of American Arts after transferring from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He also has an Associate of Science in Business Administration and Associate of Science in Computer Science from the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, where he was also a member of the American Indian Science & Engineering Society and Phi Theta Kappa honors society.

Nathan is an avid reader, gamer, concert go-er, traveler, and enjoys bingeing shows with his benevolent kitty overlord, Zubes. Nathan has also volunteered on the Board of Directors and Metlakatla Advisory Committee for the Tongass Federal Credit Union. He is proud to be part of the team at Wil La Mootk providing sustainable services which contribute to the positive mental health and wellbeing of the community of Metlakatla.

Tiffiney graduated from the University of Alaska Southeast in 2012 with a bachelor’s in liberal arts with a concentration in Psychology and Sub-Concentration in Sociology. While completing her master’s degree she worked as a student ambassador and interned with the Housing Authority piloting a social work program for elders. She graduated in 2015 from the University of Southern California with a Master of Social Work and a Concentration in Mental Health and Sub Concentration in Older Adults; and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2020. She went on to earn a graduate certificate in Leadership from Walden University in 2021.

Tiffiney has been with Wil la mootk since 2016. She has worked in every clinical role including Therapeutic Foster Parent, Behavioral Health Aid, Behavioral Health Aid Supervisor, Clinician, Lead Clinician, Acting Director, Interim Director, and finally, Executive Director in 2021. This experience gives her a unique perspective of how the organization functions and how the team can work more cohesively.

Tiffiney has been with her husband for 23 years and together are raising their three sons. Metlakatla is her hometown and the people of the community are her motivation for school, training, and all work activities to increase their quality of life. As a lifelong learner and community member Tiffiney finds her life’s work incredibly fulfilling!

Edith Guthrie has been a hobby sized business owner selling pizza and breakfast bagel sandwiches. During the early part of that business, she noticed Wil la mootk Counseling Center – its great public work in the community and how its presence made “A Place of healing” inviting and comforting. At first, she was asked to cater for the grand opening of the new building, and this began her wish to be more involved.

Edi began her work at Wil la mootk in May 2017 as Administrative Assistant. Happy to become a part of healing in her own hometown of Metlakatla, Alaska, she enjoyed helping every part of Team Wil la mootk “Make It Happen”. In 2019 she became Business Manager and delved deeper into learning policies and procedures for Wil la mootk Counseling Center, CARF, MIC, State of Alaska and Federal regulations.

Edi has a background that includes a certificate in Medical Billing and Office Automation but also a vast collection of job types, her favorites being an Optician and work as a cook & deckhand on the AMHS ferry system. Being a wife and mother is the first part of her life’s work, yet is currently she is working at finishing her bachelor’s degree in business management with a Human Resource Certificate and is also studying to become certified in billing and compliance. Edi’s greatest endeavor is to create awareness and increase opportunities for people to heal in every part of their lives and experience.

Corey has worked at Wil la mootk Counseling Center since September 2022 as Foster Care Case Manager. She also holds the Chair position for the Family Focused Treatment Association for the Alaska Chapter and has held an officer position since 2014 in this association. Corey also is the head of the parent teachers committee for Criag Headstart. Corey is originally from the NY and NJ area, however, spent twelve years living, going to school and then working and volunteering in adult mental health agencies in Tucson. She followed her husband home from Tucson to Prince of Wales, Alaska in 2012 where they later had two children together residing in Craig.

Corey had worked the previous ten years as Foster Care Manager of Community Connections prior to transferring to Wil la mootk and also leading community initiatives to spread awareness of resilience under the Prince of Wales Health Network goals by developing summit and trainings available to communities. Corey received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies Human Development from University of Arizona and currently is working toward her MSW at Walden University. She has also been an officially certified trainer for Pressley Ridge for the past ten years, training the evidenced based curriculum to ensure that best quality care is delivered throughout therapeutic foster families. She enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and helping others in her free time. Coreys main passion is to help children, youth and families and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the communities she serves.

Sean joined team Wil la mookt in December of 2022. He’s a father of 4 and a grandfather of 12. Sean came to Prince of Wales Island in Alaska 14 years ago from Idaho where he grew up on a cattle and wheat farm. Small towns have always been his thing and he graduated with 8 other students in his high school senior class. He took a roundabout way getting into the behavioral health world. His experience includes 10 years in the US Air Force, working in avionics and air traffic control.

After the Air Force, he completed his bachelor of social work degree at Idaho State University, while working for the US Postal Service. He earned his Master of Social Work from Walla Wall University in 2002. He has worked in both direct care and in various supervisory capacities. His experience includes emergency room crisis management, inpatient psychiatric hospital, community mental health, and wilderness therapy. He has a passion for the outdoors and loves using nature as a therapeutic tool. He comments that “healing happens as we mindfully engage in healthy relationships” and that “Nature is the greatest healer of all.”

My name is Jezimay Calf Boss Ribs. I am an enrolled Blackfeet from the Blackfeet reservation in Montana. I have been employed at Wil la mootk counseling center for almost three years. I am a certified Behavioral health aide l through the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium behavioral health aide program. I am a certified Emergency Trauma Technician. I am also an online student in the Bachelor of Social Work program at Grand Canyon University while working towards my Behavioral health aide ll certification.

Sylvia’s passion has always been for children and youth. Her hope is that every individual finds their voice and feels valued and loved.

Sylvia’s primary background is in Early Childhood Education. She loved her 22 year career as a Head Start teacher. Ready for a career change, she wanted to help others. She became an advocate at WISH and supported women and children affected by domestic violence/sexual assault.

Over the years, Sylvia assisted in establishing programs for children and youth in the following organizations: Tlingit and Haida Head Start, Women In Safe Homes, Community Connections Early Learning Program and MIC Early Head Start. Sylvia has also served on the Saxman IRA Council, KIC Native Education Board, T & H Parent Board, Fawn Mountain Education Board, and the WISH Board.

Sylvia continues to love being a Wellness Counselor and has since May 2014. Currently, she is the BHA Lead and holds a Behavioral Health Aide II certification and a Chemical Dependency Counselor I certification. Sylvia considers it an honor to be invited to walk next to our community’s children and youth to offer love and support as each continues on their journey to overall health and wellness.

Nicholas Yliniemi is currently working with TEAM Wil LA Mootk as a the lead fitness attendant at the Wap Gyilks Amaniisgn Fitness Center. Nicholas has a passion for enjoying the outdoors with his family and friends. Working at fitness center has inspired him to improve his fitness to a level that will let him enjoy a life of time of exploring the wilderness with family and friends.

Nicholas is veteran of the United States Army. He also served and led the Metlakatla Police Force for 24 years. He wishing to serve the Metlakatla Indian Community in a different way by helping them reach a level of fitness them will let them enjoy their passions for a long as possible.

Edith Guthrie has been a hobby sized business owner selling pizza and breakfast bagel sandwiches. During the early part of that business, she noticed Wil la mootk Counseling Center – its great public work in the community and how its presence made “A Place of healing” inviting and comforting. At first, she was asked to cater for the grand opening of the new building, and this began her wish to be more involved.

Edi began her work at Wil la mootk in May 2017 as Administrative Assistant. Happy to become a part of healing in her own hometown of Metlakatla, Alaska, she enjoyed helping every part of Team Wil la mootk “Make It Happen”. In 2019 she became Business Manager and delved deeper into learning policies and procedures for Wil la mootk Counseling Center, CARF, MIC, State of Alaska and Federal regulations.

Edi has a background that includes a certificate in Medical Billing and Office Automation but also a vast collection of job types, her favorites being an Optician and work as a cook & deckhand on the AMHS ferry system. Being a wife and mother is the first part of her life’s work, yet is currently she is working at finishing her bachelor’s degree in business management with a Human Resource Certificate and is also studying to become certified in billing and compliance. Edi’s greatest endeavor is to create awareness and increase opportunities for people to heal in every part of their lives and experience.

My name is Albert Guthrie,

I am the youngest of four siblings- born to Leandro A. Sr and Kathleen S Guthrie. I was born in Ketchikan and raised in the beautiful community of Metlakatla. I am currently working on my Third year at the Wil la mootk counseling center as a BHA-trainee. I graduated from Metlakatla High School In May of 1997. I have worked in many fields including Commercial fishing on our families purse seine boat; I’ve worked as a carpenter; my last job was with the State of Alaska and Department of Transportation on our local ferry 2006-19) the Lituya. In my spare time I work along side my wife selling Pizza and other delicious food, I also collect sports cards. I married my beautiful wife in August of 2013. We have two beautiful daughters Myra and Sarah, and two crazy lovable grandpups Huntley and Kaia.

My first goal as a Trainee is to become a BHA-1. The training I’ve started with the ANTHC has been both a pleasure and an experience, that I will appreciate for years to come. I never in a million years would have thought that I would be in this field of work. It has gotten me out of my comfort zone and has let me work with a lot of great people from around the State and clients here in the community. I am thankful and humbled for the chance, I have been given to help our young people of the community.

Albert Guthrie

BHA-Trainee - Wil La Mootk Counseling Center

Alexandra began working with Wil la Mootk Counseling Center in January 2021, and since then she has been working towards receiving her Behavioral Health certification. She has also been working towards a Social and Human Services associate degree and is planning to continue getting her bachelor’s in Social Work. She has the determination and passion of wanting to work and help those in the community of Metlakatla, where she grew up.

She realized that she wanted to work in the Social and Human Services field when she decided to share her story with her high school, and had people come up after wanting to talk about their own experiences. Lexi hopes to help create a healthy environment where kids and people feel comfortable talking, and where they feel heard and listened to.

Dorothy Brendible also known as Doe

I was born and raised in Metlakatla all my life. I am married and have 2 (5) boys and 6 grandchildren. I worked at Metlakatla Indian Community Employment & Training from 1993 to 2012, I worked as a receptionist, case manager for state and federal grants, GED Proctor, State of Alaska Fee Agent, I assisted in grant writing and reporting for State and federal grants, local election judge.

I attended Renton Technical College, Renton, Washington from January 1999 to December 1999 and received my Associates of Applied Science degree (AAS) in Administrative Office Management.

I started work for Wil La mootk in 2020 as a receptionist and was promoted to Foster Care Associate Case Manager. I love working here! I love to see the staff working together to provide behavioral health services to children and families.

Zavier is currently employed through Team Wil la Mootk, as a Gym Attendant at our fitness center, Wap Gyilks Amaniisgn. Zavier is passionate about a few things in his life, the main one is just spending time with his kids. He found the weight room through basketball, which he had played throughout his high school career. The gym became a second “home” to Zavier and he’s been lifting weights ever since. Working at our fitness center has given him the opportunity to really define his way of training and his overall knowledge of fitness as it is not just moving weight but also nutrition, recovery, health and safety.

Zavier is only 25 years of age and has a blank canvas approach to life. He doesn’t know it all but when asked he’ll give his best or tell you he doesn’t know and that he’s sorry, but by tomorrow or the next time you see him, he will not be empty handed. So don’t be afraid, ask for a spot, tips or a different variation for an exercise you’re bored of (that does happen). He’s very pleased to be asked these things.

George B Blandov, is currently working at Willa Mootk as a Gym Attendent at the Wap Gyilks Amaniisgn Fitness Center, George has a great passion for Cooking, and loves to spend time with his Wife and Kids and Grandkids and talk and teach my Kids and Grandkids the things in Life that they need to know.

George has worn a lot of shoes since he started working at age 14, he has worked in the Fishing and Lumber Industry for many years in both, also he has even raised and released Salmon for the Deer Mountain Hatchery for 10 years in Ketchikan, he also worked at the Annette Island School District with Special needs Children, he worked one on one with Children there are so many other jobs that he worked, to many to mention.