Leadership

Hannah brings over 25 years of experience working with Alaskan nonprofits and as a community organizer. Her passion for healthy youth and families  inspires her work with the Coalition. She oversees day-to-day operations, manages grants, and ensures the Coalition’s initiatives move forward efficiently. Hannah’s guiding mantra is that “change happens at the speed of trust.”

Fun fact: Part of her self-care regimen includes cold water immersion, which makes living on Kachemak Bay a joy year-round.

Vision for the Coalition: Building community excitement and engagement around the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM).

Jay, with over 30 years of social service experience, represents South Peninsula Behavioral Health Services (SPBHS). His work aligns with the Coalition’s mission to support individuals, families, and the community on their journeys.

Fun fact: Jay really likes Dr. Pepper. Like, obsessively so.

Vision for the Coalition: Making progress on youth initiatives and fostering collaboration among organizations.

Lindsey, the Executive Director of South Peninsula Haven House, brings nine years of experience in victim services to the Coalition. She is inspired by the resilience of the participants she works with daily.

Fun fact: Lindsey was a cheerleader in junior high and high school.

Vision for the Coalition: Strengthening connections between community leaders to achieve shared goals.

Ahni Cook was born and raised in Homer and strives to be involved in the community. Being a Youth Connector for Where Can I Homer, she works to spread the word about positive activities and environments for young people around the community.

Fun fact: She has Gila monster fascination.

Vision for the Coalition: To see youth becoming more involved in the community, as well as a more widespread knowledge of the healthy environments around Homer.

Jessi has 24 years teaching within the field of Special Education, with 12 years at Homer High School. She also became a volunteer at South Peninsula Haven House in 2015 with the Green Dot initiative and is now employed part time as the UPstander Advocate. Her work aligns with the mission to support our whole community.

Fun fact: Jessi enjoys walks on Homer beaches and Diet Coke.

Vision for the Coalition: To continue developing community connections to achieve shared goals.

Annie is a Homer-grown gal who is passionate about community, wellness, and connection. She is a registered nurse and works as the Community Health and Wellness Educator for South Peninsula Hospital.

Fun fact: Annie is part of Sea Legs Stilt and Puppet Troupe – where she cultivates silliness and joy through interactive art!

Vision for the Coalition: Creating a connected community by providing opportunities for all people to connect, collaborate, and have a seat at the table.

With 28 years of nonprofit human services experience across 10 countries, this new member brings invaluable leadership expertise to the Coalition.

Vision for the Coalition: Strengthening resilience through global and local experience.

Anna has been a member of the Homer community for over 20 years. She has built a home, grown a business, supported and learned from hundreds of adolescents through community work, and she is currently focused on raising her young son.

Fun fact: Anna was born in Soldotna and raised in NY State on a dairy farm before returning to live in Alaska.

Vision for the Coalition: Our community always having this Coalition as the focal point for leadership in youth engagement and support.

Poppy is a college student whose family has lived in Alaska since 1941.

Fun fact: Poppy sometimes acts in local plays held by Pier One Theatre, and has since the age of six (note the pirate hat).

Vision for the Coalition: The coalition helping the community well into the future with the help of a large group of supporters.