Speakers

Joshua Arvidson, MSS, LCSW is the Chief Operating Officer at Alaska Behavioral Health.  Joshua is the founder of the Alaska Child Trauma Center and the Director of the Rural Child Trauma Center, both are National Child Traumatic Stress Network Treatment and Training Centers.  Joshua has been a licensed clinical social worker for over two decades and is a licensed professional counselor supervisor.  Joshua served as the Co-Project Director for two of Alaska’s first SAMHSA-recognized CCBHCs (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics). Joshua serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma and has taught graduate course for both the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Social Work and Clinical Psychology programs.  Joshua has published multiple peer-reviewed research and clinical papers in the fields of child and adult trauma treatment, clinical screening, risk prevention and integrated care.

Waldo Winborn is a distinguished professional counselor based in New Mexico, with decades of experience in behavioral health. As a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), Registered Sand Therapist Consultant Trainer, and EMDR Consultant, he specializes in trauma-focused interventions for children and families. His clinical expertise extends to training and consultation, with a particular emphasis on sand therapy, play therapy, EMDR, and attachment-based approaches.
Waldo plays a pivotal role in advancing mental health practices in New Mexico, serving as a consultant for the New Mexico Early Education and Care Department’s SEED program. Additionally, he holds leadership positions in the field, currently serving as the Secretary for the World Association for Sand Therapy Professionals and the President for the New Mexico Association for Play Therapy. His commitment to professional development is further reflected in his status as an approved clinical supervisor by both the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board and the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners.
In 2009, Waldo co-founded Winborn Wellness & Counseling alongside Renee Winborn, LCSW. Under their leadership, the agency has expanded its reach, now providing comprehensive mental health services across four counties in Southern New Mexico. Dedicated to education and mentorship, he frequently facilitates trainings and workshops for mental health professionals, equipping them with trauma-informed and attachment-based therapeutic skills.
A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Waldo brings a deep commitment to supporting individuals impacted by trauma and those who serve as caregivers and professionals in the field. Guided by the belief that "Trauma does not affect just one person; it ripples throughout the constellation in which one lives and impacts all within the system," he remains steadfast in his mission to foster healing and resilience in individuals, families, and communities.
 

Hannah Johnson, MS, LPC, is a Mental Health Clinician with Alaska Behavioral Health's Child and Family team. Her clinical focus areas include Child and Adolescent as well as Crisis and Trauma Counseling. Having worked as both a School-based and Outpatient Clinician, she's developed a diverse skillset to support students and their caregivers while working collaboratively with school and treatment teams. She provides community trainings throughout Alaska on various mental health subjects including the manifestation of trauma symptoms in school and how trauma can impact the brain. Hannah has grown a deep appreciation for training and community outreach over the last few years. Being able to share knowledge and applicable skills to various groups has been a fulfilling part of her role with Alaska Behavioral Health.

Ashley Jensen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over eighteen years of experience serving children and families facing complex behavioral health diagnoses and relational distress. Her clinical specialties include Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, parent coaching, and other evidence-based practices. Ashley has extensive experience as a Clinical Supervisor and Service Director within non-profit behavioral health, overseeing clinic-based services, home-based wraparound programs, and crisis response teams. 

 As the Director of Clinical Practice & Training at Cohen Veterans Network, she is dedicated to fostering creativity in child and family therapy and empowering clinical teams to effectively address the unique needs of military families and their children.

As an educator, therapist and as a human being, I hold the belief that meaningful self-development happens when one is encouraged to explore their subconscious, gaining insight into their personal narratives and the balance between rational and irrational thoughts. My passion is to live, teach, and guide others in this journey of awareness. I am deeply committed to my role as a therapist specializing in Intensive EMDR Trauma work, creating a safe environment for clients to process their past experiences. I advocate passionately for vulnerable populations; sexual, physical and emotional abuse survivors, First Responders, Complex PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Amongst clients, trainees, colleagues, and friends, I am known for my empathetic, creative, and nonjudgmental approach, as well as my dedication to the well-being of my clients and students. My diverse and personal experiences fuel my commitment to healing. I am particularly enthusiastic about combining EMDR with Expressive Arts. This integration allows the individual to connect with their inner voice, explore irrational beliefs, and understand their behaviors and interpretations. I am excited to learn and adapt to better support those seeking guidance, whether they are individuals facing life's challenges or fellow therapists looking to grow.

Amanda Nalewaja (pronounced nal-ehv-eye-uh), LCSW, holds degrees in Social Work with a minor in Children’s Mental Health. She currently works as a Clinician with Alaska Behavioral Health in Child and Family Services where she provides services focusing on enhancing overall wellness of youth and families. When not at the clinic, Amanda enjoys video games and getting into nature.

Sarah Pype, LCSW, is a Clinician at Alaska Behavioral Health in Child and Family Services. She graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from Baylor University. She enjoys working alongside children and their families to support them in achieving their goals. In her free time, Sarah loves all things hockey and spending time with her family.

MaryBeth Goodman is the Executive Director of SMVF Services and has served as Clinic Director at the Cohen Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health since it opened in 2020. Previously, she was a Clinical Director and Therapist working with military families and veterans her entire clinical career.   She is responsible for providing oversight and inspiration to her entire dedicated staff of clinicians, caregivers and warriors.  Other responsibilities include developing and monitoring measurable goals for staff, providing oversight of clinical cases, assuring quality of care and maintaining strong relationships with staff, clients, and external referral sources.   MaryBeth has a background in administrative and clinical leadership and has worked collaboratively with others to achieve program goals in previous employment. She is dedicated to the Cohen Veterans Network philosophical approach and to supporting the clinical team in her role as clinic director. Her passion for direct work with veterans and military families over the years enhances her ability to be connected to the needs of clients and families and to the staff. She has over 20 years of experience as a clinician working directly with active duty military, veterans, and military family members.  She is certified and/or trained in CBT, CPT, EMDR, and PE. MaryBeth received her undergraduate degrees in mathematics, physics, philosophy, and education from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA.  She continued her graduate studies in counseling and psychology at Liberty University, in Lynchburg, VA.   MaryBeth has been fortunate to have worked to help individuals who struggled with PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, divorce, addiction, and sensory integration issues.   She works with adults, children and families.  MaryBeth has worked in the mental health arena for 24 years and has yet to find a corner where hope does not exist. Her message to you is simple, “Be proud of the decision you made to seek treatment and to be proud of the courage it took to desire change.   You are AWESOME.   I look forward to meeting you.”

Roxanne Grobbel, JD, LCSW, RPT-S has an impressive career treating trauma and educating others on trauma treatment as a Certified EMDR Therapist, Consultant, and Trainer; Registered Play Therapy Supervisor and Trainer; and Infant Mental Health Specialist.  She travels nationally conducting workshops and lectures for clinicians on Trauma, EMDR and Play Therapy.  She has been an active advocate for quality services for a diverse range of clients with trauma related disorders.  Roxanne is also a compassionate and highly skilled therapist who helps clients heal from issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, relationship difficulties, and other trauma related problems.  As the owner of Coast to Coast EMDR with offices in Florida, California, and Washington, she and her staff provide EMDR Trauma Intensives for first responders and others from all over the country.  Roxanne brings years of experience as a clinician, Clinical Director, University Instructor, and published author.

Adam Lesser is a licensed clinical social worker, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatric Social Work in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Lecturer at the Columbia University School of Social Work and the Deputy Director of the Columbia Lighthouse Project at the New York State Psychiatric Institute where he assists with all suicide prevention activities related to public health including the international dissemination and implementation of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). He has published, presented internationally and consulted to state and local governments on best practices for suicide risk identification and prevention. His work has been featured in Social Work Today Magazine and on Atlanta National Public Radio, CNN-espanol, Univision and other local print and television media outlets.

Speaker, Consultant and Emotional Intelligence expert Jedd Hafer has been training professionals to keep their cool in intense situations for over 30 years. He has been a national presenter for the Love and Logic Institute® and Behavioral Leadership and has trained educators and other professionals in 47 states & 8 countries. He is a master at teaching skills to avoid power struggles, resolve conflict and prevent escalation.

The best communicators in the world employ very specific skills and strategies. Jedd Hafer’s mission is to share these skills and strategies with a range of professionals in fun and memorable ways (he also performs in comedy clubs and knows the power of laughter and funny stories).

His clientele includes Military Installations, Department of Corrections, Police & Sheriff’s Departments, School Districts, Security Teams and Professional Athletes.

Dr. Michele Mahr, who has a PhD in Rehabilitation Psychology, has a tenacious dedication within the rehabilitation counseling discipline to assist individuals with disabilities. Dr. Mahr is an assistant professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at TTUHSC in the Clinical Counseling and Mental Health Department. Dr. Mahr has recently published three textbooks all related to counseling and rehabilitation, specifically, positive psychology, mindfulness, and substance abuse. Lastly, Dr. Mahr is passionate on teaching others how to implement the power of nature and ecotherapy when assisting individuals during behavioral change. With this intent, she recently has been involved in research related to earthing, mindfulness, and alternative therapies.