Hannah Gustafson
SKP Resilience Coalition Coordinator
In addition to serving as the SKP Resilience Coalition Coordinator, Hannah Gustafson has been the MAPP (Mobilizing for Action through Planning & Partnerships) of the Southern Kenai Peninsula Coordinator since 2016. A lifelong Alaskan and graduate of UAA, she spent her 20’s as an organizer and advocate in the environmental field, working seven years as the founding Deputy Director and interim Executive Director of Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP). After the birth of her second child, she took time off to be at home with her two young children. When deciding to rejoin the workforce she started her first consulting business G Squared, and now Elemental Consulting, so she could bring her community organizing skills to a variety of causes and projects. Her experience as a stay-at-home mom and love for community inspired her to apply her organizing skills to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)/Resilience awareness and education. Hannah is thrilled to be engaged in this work in her home community of Homer and across Alaska.
Red Asselin Martin
Leadership Team Member
Red has been a fixture and early childhood advocate in this community since 2003! She has had the great privilege of working as a preschool teacher, community coalition coordinator and, in her current role, as a service provider at Sprout for families with young children. Building resiliency is at the root of social emotional development in young children. Teaching babies, toddlers and preschoolers how to seek comfort, regulate their emotions and problem solve all lead to being more resilient throughout the life span. By being a part of the Resilience Coalition Leadership Team, she is able to continue her work as an early childhood advocate while also learning and growing with a community of individuals and agencies working towards a more resilient Homer.
Anna Meredith
Leadership Team Member
Anna began serving on the Leadership team in 2016. She is involved with the Trauma Informed, Healing Engaged community in Homer and is a History and Hope facilitator. In addition to owning and operating Bridge Creek Birch Syrup with her partner, Jake, she currently loves working with Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula as an Academic Coach in the village of Port Graham. Anna was born here in Alaska and spent the majority of her upbringing being raised on a dairy farm in Western New York State. Her love for animals and nature helps her make strong and meaningful connections with fellow humans. She’s honored to serve on the SKP Resilience Coalition Leadership team. As Anna continues to learn how to navigate with love and curiosity, she feels communication and connection with nature and fellow species is the path forward.
Christine Fontaine
Leadership Team Member
Christine Fontaine has been part of the Southern Kenai Peninsula community since 1994. Christine is a forensic nurse examiner at South Peninsula Hospital. Certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for adults, adolescents, and pediatric patients, She is a member of multidisciplinary teams for the Kenai Peninsula Children’s Advocacy Centers and South Peninsula Sexual Assault Response Team/Domestic Violence Task Force. As a co-leader for the South Peninsula Hospital Trauma-Informed Care team since 2016, Christine uses a trauma-informed approach and is the co-founder of the At-Risk Maternal and Newborn working group. Christine builds community by volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters Alaska as well as serving on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Forensic Nurses Foundation. Through experience as a registered nurse, with a background in victim advocacy and women’s health, Christine works to support resilience in individuals and families by reaching out to others and seeing those who might feel unseen.
Ingrid Harrald
Leadership Team Member
Ingrid Harrald arrived in Homer 18 years ago as a marine biologist studying seabirds. She worked at the local college, KBC as the Science Lab Technician and eventually went back to school to her masters in Social Work. She has worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer, a Mental Health Advocate, and a Social Worker. Ingrid landed her dream job as a mental health counselor at Homer Flex High School in 2015 and has been part of the Resilience Coalition since it began.
Jay Bechtol
Leadership Team Member
Jay has over thirty years of social service experience working with children, adults and families. He has a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles and a Master’s in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino. He firmly believes that everyone has capacity to transform their lives.
Ronnie Leach
Leadership Team Member
Ronnie Leach began her journey at South Peninsula Haven House as a practicum student in 2004. Prior to 2004, she worked with seniors and disabled community members. She was hired as a Shelter Advocate in 2005, and became a Program Manager in 2006. During the interim years at Haven House, she developed and managed many programs including Childcare Assistance, Transitional Housing, Childcare Food Program, Domestic Violence Intervention Programs, basic Homeless Assistance Program, and Child Passenger Safety program liaison for the community of Homer. In 2007 she received her Bachelors of Social Work from the University of Fairbanks. In 2017 she earned her Master’s in Human Resource Management. Shortly after graduation (one day to be exact) she became the Executive Director of Haven House.
