Galena Interior Learning
October 2016 NewsHello from the Ptarmigan Hall Dorms!
We are so excited about how well the school
year has kicked off! We have a great group of
students and have had so many fun events in
just the first month that students have been
here. We want to show you what we have
been up to, and introduce you to each of the
staff members that are here for the year to
care for your student. It has been a
refreshing start to the year, and we are thrilled
about all of the new staff and new students . Each
person has so much to offer the dorms as well as
Galena as a whole. Thank you for sharing your student with us for the school year!
Contact
Us
Mailing Address:
Student Name
PO Box 359
Galena, AK 99741
Dorms Front Desk:
(907) 656-2112
Community Showdown
We had a fantas c Community Showdown on
September 16. During this annual event we have the
students placed into their “community” for the year.
Their communi es are there to be a support group
throughout the year, and provide each student with
one specific Resident Advisor who they can go to for
support. Once the students are in their communi es
we have community compe on. The boys and the
girls had a blast. They competed in tug
of war, ma ress racing, ping pong
dances, amazon man compe on and
balloon launching.. There was lots of
mud, water and paint involved. The
night ended with a massive bon-fire
and music to dance the night away.
The Yukon Jamboree
Each year the Community of Galena puts on the Yukon
Jamboree, a musical fes val celebra ng sobriety. It
consists of tradi onal fiddle music and dancing. This year
we had a Joel West Headline for the Jamboree. He is
Na ve of Bri sh Colombia, Canada. His pla orm for
singing is based around sobriety and healthy life
choices. He did a fantas c job providing
entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
The Yupik Dance Team performed at the Jamboree
and we also had a group of students prac ce some
modern swing dance and line dances to showcase
and perform for the Community. We had invita onal
dances as well. The students did a fantas c job
represen ng the GILA school and community. The
Community was impressed by their skills and their
willingness to par cipate in the Yukon Jamboree.
First-Year Experience
This year we have almost half of our students as first year
students. 102 new students total. It’s been a fun transi on to
dorm life. They have been placed in groups that meet on a
weekly basis. We have gone over things such as budge ng
me, goal se ng, homesickness, conflict resolu on, healthy
rela onships, goal barriers (how to overcome stumbling
blocks) and bullying.
During the first few weeks we have gone through team
building ac vi es and we have talked a lot about dorm life
and homesickness. We will be focusing some of our First Year
Experience groups on personal responsibility, social interacons and helping the students enjoy their life here at GILA.
Some things to know
As it is ge ng colder here, we are only reminded of the
extreme temperatures that Galena experiences in the
winter. It can get as cold as –60 degrees Fahrenheit, so
we ask that you make sure your student is prepared with
warm winter gear. In the extreme cold, we require snow
pants, winter coat, hat, gloves, and boots. Please send these items
here to your student so they will stay safe and warm as we head
into the winter months.
Other items that we sell here at the dorms or at the local store that
might be cheaper if you send them in the mail: laundry pods,
feminine hygiene products, packing tape, shower products, and
snacks.
We have fun events coming up this next month: Home Volleyball
games, Riff@nhook music fes val, a Haunted House,
Trick-or-Trea ng, a couple of dances, bonfires, theatre
produc ons, and so much more!
These are the Staff that work with your Student every day in the
Hello, my name is Liza Ashley. I have been at GILA for 3 years working with our
students. I am na ve Hawaiian and enjoy working with another na ve culture
much like my own. Teenagers are my favorite peeps…they are on the verge of
coming into their own and I love seeing the transforma on. I learn something
new every day from them. They teach me pa ence and test it every day!!!
Go a love teenagers!
RA Liza Ashley
My name is Doug McClure. I am a Resident Advisor here at GILA. I live in
Galena with my wife, Heidi and my son, Nikita. We have been here for three years
and enjoy it very much. I was a carpenter for 25 years before coming to Alaska
and ge ng this opportunity to do what I love, which is working with and shaping
the lives of young people. I am so excited for this year and very grateful that you
have trusted us with your student.
RA Doug McClure
Hi! My name is Hannah, I’m a recent college graduate who grew up in
Anchorage, AK. I love traveling, pain ng and being outside. I hope to share some
of these interests with your kids this year. I have already loved ge ng to know
them, and I’m excited for the rest of the year with them!
RA Hannah Karlberg
My name is Lowen Kanani Ashley and I'm Na ve Hawaiian, Filipino and Caucasian. I'm from Wai'anae, Hawaii on the island of O'ahu. I've been in Alaska for a
li le over 2.5 years now and I've been enjoying this amazing place and the Na ve
culture here. I look forward to another great school year here with your student.
RA Lowen Ashley
My name is Craig Hibl and I'm a RA here in the dorms. I'm from Montana
originally and moved to Alaska four years ago with my wife. We both
enjoy living here on the Yukon river and call Galena home. I look forward to the
2016-2017 school year here.
RA Craig Hibl
My name is Robyn Redford and I am a Resident Advisor here at GILA. I was born in
Anchorage, Alaska, and lived there for most of my life. My father was born down
states and my mom was born in Bethel. With my mom being full Yupik, I was able
to grow up with some na ve culture which has been a big part of my life. Some
things I enjoy doing are cra s, playing Ul mate Frisbee, watching movies, and going on long walks. I am looking forward to ge ng to know the students and hope
to make their me here as memorable and
beneficial as I possibly can.
Ra Robyn Redford
My name is Megan and I was raised in Alaska. This is my second year as an
RA and I am super excited to get to know all the new students and to get to
know the returning students be er this year!
RA Megan
Hello! My name is Cait McCann and I am a Resident Advisor. This will be my third
year here in Galena. I am originally from Michigan and earned a B.A. in Fine Arts
from Western Michigan University. My favorite things to do in my free me include hun ng, snow machining, pain ng and playing piano. I can't wait to con nue sharing in these interests with your student this year!
RA Cait Mccann
I was born and raised in Willow, Alaska. I am now 27 years old and in my 5th year
at GILA. I originally planned on spending just 1 year in Galena, but
working with the high school students here has been too rewarding to leave. My
favorite things to do with the students include sports, weightli ing, and playing
the best game in the world, Super Smash Bros. I am looking forward to another
great year with these young adults.
RA Karl THistle
Charles grew up in Northern Montana, and moved to Alaska in 2007
originally. Most recently he spent a year learning glass blowing in southern Oregon, but returned to Galena to work with students again. He is really into the
photography opportuni es that Alaska presents. A big hobby is
photographing the aurora borealis, and other moments in nature.
RA Charles Peterson
My name is Elizabeth, but everyone has called me Bizzy since I was li le. I grew up
in a small town in NW Oregon for 21 years before I moved to Galena in 2014.
Since being here, I have enjoyed photography, nature, collec ng rocks, and riding
my bike around town. Most of all, I enjoy working in the dorms with your students. Thank you for sharing your students with us.
RA Bizzy Huebert
My name is Nate Campbell, and I’m from Newcastle, California. This will be my
fi h school year living in Galena and working at GILA, but my first as a
Resident Advisor. Some of my favorite things to do are play sports, work out,
spend me outdoors, and cook. I’m looking forward to making this year the best
one yet for our students and staff.
RA Nate Campbell
Hi! I’m Natalie Olender and I direct the Ptarmigan Hall Music and Arts
Program. I get to plan all kinds of fun ac vi es for your students, like theater produc ons, cello lessons, open mic nights, and art compe ons. This is my fourth
year at GILA, where I moved straight from Los Angeles, California. Transi oning to
rural Alaska has definitely been an adventure for me, and I’m looking forward to
another great year!
RA Natalie Olender
RA Lou Karlberg
Lou Karlberg lived in St. Mary’s Alaska for the first three years of his life, while his dad was a teacher and coach there. He then moved to his mom’s hometown of Anchorage, AK, where he graduated from Grace Chris an High School. Lou then a ended college at Moody Bible Ins tute in Chicago, IL and played on the Basketball team. While at Moody, he also met his wife Ellie. Shortly a er
gradua on, Lou and Ellie got married and moved to Galena and began working as RA’s. Lou also
served as the Galena High School Boy’s Basketball Head Coach for three years, as Assistant Coach
for two, and started the GILA Trapping Club. A er two years as an RA, Ellie began working in programming un l their daughter Bri a was born, at which point she decided to stay home and be a
full- me mom. This year Ellie is back working in the dorms, and Bri a is now a very ac ve one year
old girl who loves seeing all the kids in the dorms.
Hi! My name is Elizabeth Karlberg. I grew up on a small farm in
Nebraska and moved to Alaska shortly a er marrying my husband, Lou
Karlberg. We have lived in Galena for 6 years now and love being part of
the community. Our daughter, Bri a, just turned 1! I love being a
mommy and working with all of the amazing students here at GILA.
Ellie Karlberg
Hey y’all! I’m Michaela Matherne and this is my second year in Alaska. I was born
and raised in Southern Louisiana about an hour south of New Orleans. Currently
I’m working towards comple ng my bachelor degrees in Ancient Studies and
Intercultural studies with a minor in Theology. In my free me I enjoy makeup
ar stry, fishing, crabbing, reading, hiking, singing, and canoeing. I’m looking
forward to working with the GILA staff this year and I’m even more excited
about working with your students!
Hi, My name is Daniel Asa Redford Jr and I am 22 years old and a Dorm Aide
here at GILA, but I go by Uli. Uli is short for my Alaskan Na ve name which
is Ul’ruan. I am half Alaskan na ve, and have lived in
Anchorage for most of my life. I have a sister named Robyn Redford who is
dorm staff as well. In my free me, I love to sing and play instruments, and
coffee is my life.
My name is Cora Foster and I am a dorm aide here at Galena Interior Learning Academy (GILA). I am from Buckland, Alaska and I now call Galena my
home because a seed has been planted here when I first came to school in
2011. A er high school, I said that I would come back to be a dorm aide or
resident advisor and I am so very happy to be here working with students
from all over Alaska.
Michaela Matherne
Uli Redford
Cora Foster
Hi! My name is Karlie Guzikowski. I work as a Dorm Aide here in Galena. I'm
from the Chicago suburbs, and I am very proud of where I come from. I
started working with our youth in January of 2015, and that was my first
me ever in Alaska! I enjoy working in the dorms, and I look
forward to a great school year!
Karlie Guzikowski
Nichole hibl
Hi, I’m Nichole Hibl and this is my fourth year at Ptarmigan Hall. My husband Craig and I
moved here from Montana where we were both born and raised. We love Alaska and
we’re so glad that we made the voyage up north to be able to live near the Yukon River
and call the village of Galena our home.. We have a fantas c group of teens here and I
am so glad to be ge ng to know all of our wonderful students. Thank you for sending
your child here to GILA for the school year!
My name is Gunnar Johnson and I have enjoyed Alaska all my life. I have the responsibility of student conduct this year and I look forward to helping your child
learn from their mistakes as part of their educa on here at GILA. I also enjoy taking students on snow machine rides and I hope for a great snow year this winter.
Gunnar johnson
Kailey erickson
Simone thistle
My name is Kailey Jo Erickson, I was raised in Tanana Alaska. I received my bachelor’s degree in health and my master’s degree in exercise science and
pedagogy. I am the RA programmer for student ac vi es. This is my first year
here. Prior to that I was a teacher in Utah at a residen al treatment center, emphasizing my teaching on emo onal and behavioral health. I love to hunt and fish.
I love sports, basketball, cross country skiing and kickboxing being some of my
favorites. I am looking forward to working with all the students here are GILA.
Hello, my name is Simone Thistle, and I grew up in Michigan. I finished my Bachelor’s
degree in Counseling at Moody Bible Ins tute in Chicago in 2012, where I also worked as
a Resident Assistant for two years. That fall I moved from the Chicago city life, to Galena, which was my first me in Alaska. I can’t believe that I am star ng my fi h year here
now! I even met and married an Alaskan man, Karl Thistle, who is a RA here at the
dorms as well. I enjoy hanging out with my husband, and especially all of my nieces and
nephews. I like to travel to see friends and family, hit the gym, dabble in photography,
and play music. I am excited to see what this year holds here in the dorms.
Howdy, Vera Rose Mountain is my name and I hail from the Na ve Village of Nulato. Which is located 50 miles down the Yukon River from Galena. I am an Athabascan Indian and happy to have worked here in the Residen al Hall with students for many years. I enjoy a emp ng to link the students with the community
and Elders of Galena through, taking students to ac vi es at the Elders Center. I
look forward to con nuing to work with Alaska’s youth.
Vera Mountain
My name is Ma hew Conlon, I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. I graduated
from The Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in
Rehabilita on Services. I then went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Educa on with
an Emphasis in School Counseling. I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer where I
did my service in Bulgaria and taught Special Educa on and worked as a Youth
Development Volunteer Developing Youth programs and projects in the City of
Dobrich. I have four years experience working as a High School/ Middle School Guidance Counselor in Inner City Philadelphia. I spent the last three years working as the
District School Counselor/ Tes ng Coordinator for the Yukon Flats School District. I
have a lot of professional and educa onal experience working with at-risk youth in a
varied of different environments from Interna onal, small farm communi es, InnerCity to Remote Rural Alaska. My future plans is gain experience in
Wilderness Therapy and Play Therapy. I someday would like to open my own
residen al treatment center/ school. I am very open to mee ng with students on a
variety of topics and I am always interested to share my interests, hobbies and
talents to meet my students’ needs.
Residence
hall counselor
Ma hew conlon
Ptarmigan Hall Manager
Richard Ramage has worked in residence life for 9 years and is going into his 6th
year working at GILA. He worked in residence life in college at Central Michigan
University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and History. Richard
oversees the day-to-day opera on of Ptarmigan Hall. Originally from Michigan,
Richard came to Alaska looking for adventure and loves working with the students
at GILA and helping them grow into adulthood.
I came to Alaska looking for the great adventure and a place were you truly feel
that you make a difference in a young person’s life. I have found both here in Galena. I was the Residence Life Administrator and Dean of Students from the fall of
2004 to the spring of 2015. I am now the Director of Residence Life and get the
privilege to oversee all aspects outside of the school day.
I originally came to Alaska from Pennsylvania, where I worked with college students and residence life since 1997. I received my undergraduate degree from
Thiel College in western Pennsylvania and my masters degree from Youngstown
State University in Ohio.
Richard Ramage
Director of
Residence
Life
I enjoy the outdoors, sports, weight li ing, mee ng new people, and having a
good laugh.
I really enjoy ge ng the opportunity to work with so many different young adults.
It is a true honor to get to know each of them even if it is a li le bit. The greatest
hope is to make a difference in their lives.
Ben Blasco