Stone Soup Group was founded on the principle that it takes the varied experiences and expertise of many to support families caring for children with special needs. Meet the Board and Staff that contribute to the mission of Stone Soup Group every day.

Board of Directors

Stone Soup Group (SSG) is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors, who each brings unique and valuable skills and life experience to the table. If you are interested in becoming a part of this dynamic group of parents, family members, self-advocates and professionals, please contact Mary Middleton, Executive Director for more information.

Anthony Cravalho, President & Parent

Anthony came to Alaska in 1996 when he was stationed at Fort Wainwright while serving in the U.S. Army. Anthony is a father of an adult son with autism and is a Kotzebue resident of 11 years who works as the director of Planning & Development for the Maniilaq Association. He has experience serving as a board member for the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC),  Special Education Service Agency (SESA), and Governor Council for Disabilities & Special Education as well as serving locally on the Kotzebue advisory school council and Lions club board. Anthony, who is an Eagle Scout,  is a graduate of University of Nevada Las Vegas with a B.A. in History and a B.A. in Political Science.

 

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Debbie Brooks, Vice President & Parent

Debbi moved to Alaska from Payette, Idaho in 1980. She attended UAA from 1984 until 1990 and attained two bachelor’s degrees. She has worked for Refrigeration & Food Equipment, Inc. since 1989 in the foodservice equipment industry and became a Project Manager in 2001. She has enjoyed the teamwork with her fellow contractors to build some really beautiful kitchen facilities all over the state. Her new “pet” project is Axel, an 11-month-old lab/golden retriever, who she is training as a service dog to support her son with his transition into adulthood.
Debbi met her husband Rick in Anchorage and they live in Spenard with their son Django (16). She started visiting Stone Soup with her son in 2008 for Wii Club after visiting with a parent navigator for help with Django’s IEP. Django and Debbi can usually be found at Stone soup every third Friday for the Souper Gaming night as they connect with the friends they have made over the years. Debbi is also is involved in the MAP (Mentor Advocate Partner) program and is open to visit with parents about the journey with a special needs child and share her experiences.

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Vacant, Secretary

 

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Lisa Noland, Treasurer & Parent

Lisa has made her home in Alaska for decades now. She has worked in the field of disability since 1990 after getting started professionally in California. Lisa has 2 sons who are teenagers now. Both have experienced certain challenges in a traditional learning environment. This has grown Lisa’s ability to act as a strong advocate from a parental standpoint! The Noland home is expanded with previously homed animals that include a dog, cat, 2 cockatiels and a turtle. She has a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Public Administration. Lisa works for Business Impact NW as the Alaska Women’s Business Center Director. She truly believes that we can work together to make a kinder world and that is why she is thrilled to be on this board for the Stone Soup Group.

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Board Members

Yvonne Biswokarma

Yvonne and her husband Sangram along with their kids Jasmine (12) and Jasper (5) have called Utqiagvik, Alaska home since the spring of 2013. Yvonne works part time as a Physical Therapist at Arctic Therapy and Rehab. She grew up in Canada, attended college in Michigan and California completing her Doctorate of Science in Physical Therapy at Loma Linda University. Before coming to Alaska she worked in California, Washington, Oregon and Nepal. She has experience in a variety of clinical settings and has also taught Anatomy and Physiology. She is currently completing a specialty in Scoliosis management. In additional to orthopedics, her research and professional interests include TBI management, uterine prolapse, Musculoskeletal Ultrasound imaging, and Sensory Enrichment Therapy. As a parent she has been blessed to have received information and resources from SSG that have been very valuable in addressing the communication delays and sensory needs of her son. Yvonne’s hobbies include travel, trekking, reading, and coffee; all of which are best enjoyed with her family and friends.

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Cheri Scott

Cheri Scott is the mother of three adult children, two of whom experience disabilities and grandparent to four teens and pre-teens with a variety of learning and behavioral health diagnoses. She became involved in the area of developmental disability advocacy as the result the challenges she faced trying to meet the complex needs of her birth, foster and adoptive children.

Cheri is a founding member of the Stone Soup Group (SSG), a non-profit organization established in 1992. One of her passions has been providing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) training and support in communities across Alaska since 2000. She has also presented workshops on Family-Centered Care, Developing Family Support Programs, Developing Advocacy Skills, Puberty and Sexuality for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, and Working with Families of Individuals with Deaf-Blindness in Alaska, the lower 48 and in Canada.

In 2011, Cheri retired from SSG and her role as Program Manager of the statewide FASD Parent Support Project funded through the State of Alaska Division of Behavioral Health. In 2019 she renewed her connection with SSG when she was invited to join the agency Board of directors.

She continues to advocate for needed services and supports in a variety of ways, a favorite being the co-teaching she offers on Developing Collaborative Relationships Between Healthcare Providers and Families with her son Justin.

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Laura Tillman

Laura relocated to Alaska in 2017 in what was supposed to be a short five month visit. Originally from South Carolina, Laura completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Psychological Services from Northwestern University, and her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Rush University in Chicago, IL. She made several cross country moves, and eventually became a Nevada resident in 2015. After meeting so many wonderful Alaskans in 2017, she decided this was exactly where she needed to be. Laura is a speech-language pathologist and helps adults and children with a variety of communication deficits (written, oral, and pragmatic) as well as sensory swallowing disorders. She also donates her time to serving as a special education non-attorney advocate for children in need of special education services from the local school district. She achieved the Award for Continuing Education (ACE) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association for her commitment to pursuit of continuing education above the required minimum in 2018. She received the Certificate for Special Education Advocacy from William and Mary Law School in 2019. In 2020, she became a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), where she is able to network nationwide with advocates.
In her free time, she donates her energy to another local Alaskan non-profit organization on the Board of Directors, Forget-Me-Not Service Dogs, which seeks to place service animals with Alaskans seeking to regain their independence. She acquired her year old puppy, who is training to be a facility animal in the future during her therapy treatments. When finally returning to her home, she is met by her 14 year old beagle/bassett hound and her one year old Nigerian Dwarf goat (Nigel), who have formed an unlikely, yet adorable friendship.

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Amy Lacher

Amy was born and raised in the Mat-Su Valley. Her family has been in Alaska since the 1940’s. Amy is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and holds a Bachelors in Child Development and a masters in Exceptional Student Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. She has spent the majority of her career working with and advocating for individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families. In 2020 Amy founded Pediatric Resource Center of Alaska PRCA 501c3 which primarily provides ABA therapy to youth statewide with clinics in Anchorage and the Mat-Su. In 2021 Amy created Thompson Consulting LLC to consult with complex behavior cases across Alaska and provide training to our community stakeholders and direct care support professionals. Thompson Consulting then grew to include Thompson House, a youth residential therapeutic treatment setting to try to maintain instate placements and provide a more appropriate and less restrictive environment for youth. Amy is dedicated to advocating for youth, connecting families with resources, and filling gaps of care within our state.

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Mariah Seater

Mariah Seater, born and raised in Alaska, is passionate about being a catalyst for change and a community connector. As a mom to tiny humans (one who experiences speech delay), she understands the power of relationship building in all communities to lift and support families who love a young person with special needs. Her professional background spans from special education to non-profit management to public health research. She is also a former LEND Fellow through UAA’s Center for Human Development and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health degree in Leadership, Advocacy and Equity from Tulane University. When she’s not engaged in professional endeavors, she enjoys being outside with her family or baking vegan desserts.

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Administrative Staff

Mary Middleton, Executive Director

Mary has been the Executive Director at Stone Soup Group since 2013 and moved to Alaska from Texas in 2001. Growing up an Army brat, she moved frequently and still enjoys exploring to new places. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has worked in non-profit management for almost 30 years. She has two children, including an adult son who experiences autism. Time away from work includes spoiled dogs, hikes and far-away travels.

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Donna Nichols, Administrative Services Manager

Donna Nichols has been with Stone Soup Group since 2003. At Stone Soup Group she keeps us running day-to-day as the Admin Services Manager. She serves as liaison with IT contractor, agency insurance and building manager. Donna is the mother of four children and is the sibling of an adult brother with developmental disabilities.

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Lee Sweeden, Administrative Assistant

Lee is a life-long Alaskan with many years of experience working in horticulture and landscaping. In 2013, Lee decided to move to an office environment after she underwent hip surgery. She has enjoyed the change very much. Lee joined Stone Soup Group in August 2018 as our receptionist and is feeling comfortable and at home.

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Megan Kelley, Communications and Outreach Manager

Megan was born and raised in Alaska. She is a graduate of UAA, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Megan has a professional history working in sales, marketing, and media advertising. In 2018, she brought her skills and desire to serve the greater good to Stone Soup Group. Megan enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, sailing, travel, and learning new things in her free time. The new things she has learned are the ukulele, guitar, crocheting, hand lettering, and Spanish. One of Megan’s two boys is on the autism spectrum.

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Marcus Douglas, Communications and Outreach Specialist

Marcus joined Stone Soup Group as a DDRC Navigator in February 2017. He transitioned to Communications and Outreach Specialist in 2020. Prior to joining Stone Soup Group, Marcus was as a Direct Service Provider for individuals that experience disabilities. Marcus has worked with licensed child care programs and with Anchorage Parks and Recreation. Marcus earned an Associates Degree from UAA in 2016. Marcus was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. Marcus is married with 2 daughters, a cool 10+ year old dog and a “lively” cat. In his free time, Marcus enjoys family time, sports, painting, hiking, chess, board games, grilling/cooking and Lego. 

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Cindy Anderson, Staff Accountant

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Program Staff

Lisa Bennett, Program Director

Lisa is originally from Arizona and moved to Alaska in 2014. For Lisa, moving to Alaska was one of the most exciting adventures of her life. Lisa has over 26 years of experience in providing support services to individuals and families who experience special needs. Lisa proclaims that this is a very rewarding career! Lisa is the proud mother of three young adult children and one fur baby. Her hobbies include hiking, biking, camping, and anything related to water, or being outdoors.

 

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Mandy Link, Parent Navigation Program Manager

Mandy has been a Parent Navigator at Stone Soup Group since 2010. She is a lifelong Alaskan and has two kids with special healthcare needs. Her oldest has a genetic syndrome along with profound deafness and her youngest has ADHD. At Stone Soup Group Mandy is the resident expert when it comes to schools. She has many personal and professional years working with IEP’s, schools, specialist, private therapy and more. Her personal experience has given her a passion for helping families caring for children with special needs navigate when there are “stormy waters”.

 

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Karen Lomack, Parent Navigator

Karen Lomack was born in Anchorage, raised in Akiachak, then moved to Bethel, Alaska in 1995. In May of 2005, Karen moved back to Anchorage and made Anchorage her home. Karen has 5 children that range from 6 to 21-years-old. Karen has experience navigating the system on a personal and professional level. Some of Karen’s interests are beading, going on long road trips, camping, fishing, boating, and, participating in subsistence activities with her family.

 

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Traci Fitka, Parent Navigator

Traci Fitka, a Yupik, Eskimo was born and raised in a village along the Yukon River in Marshall, AK. She spent much of her childhood along the river; commercial and subsistence fishing, ice fishing, bird hunting, and mushing the family sled dogs. Being connected to her culture and traditions that revolve around her culture are important to her. She served a year with AmeriCorps and gave back to her community by doing what she has a passion for, working with children. Traci now lives in Anchorage, where she has lived for 16 years. Her experience as a Foster Care Provider and Therapeutic Foster Care Provider created an interest in counseling. Traci is working to become certified as a Counselor and plans to continue working with families. She volunteers her time every week with Celebrate Recovery and enjoys being a part of that Ministry. One of her favorite quotes is, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt

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Anna Zierfuss, Parent Navigator

Parent Navigator, Anna Zierfuss has lived in Fairbanks over 35 years and has volunteered or worked in social services since she was young when her grandmother introduced her as a nursing home visitor. She achieved her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a LEND Fellowship at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She has extensive understanding of school issues like IEPs, 504s and research into resources from her time as a parent and auntie. Her experience is comprised of assisting seniors, teaching on a wide range of topics and finding resources for people or families with disabilities. In her downtime, Anna listens to audiobooks, crochets and takes pictures of her travels.

 

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Vacant, Parent Navigator

 

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Randy Hart, DDRC Program Manager

Randy grew up and graduated high school in Wasilla. After an eight year break while serving in the U.S. Army, he moved back to Alaska and received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UAA. He has worked as a kayak instructor, Direct Service Provider, Activity Therapist, Care Coordinator, and Bike Mechanic. In his off time he enjoys anything outdoors. His favorite activities are any form of biking and skiing. When he is not on a mountain, river, or trail somewhere, he can be found playing soccer or spending time with his 13-year-old four-legged friend Conan. Randy is also a self-proclaimed pun and dad joke master who is always up to hear a new joke or try to make you laugh.

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Thomas Summers, DDRC Navigator

Thomas was raised in Palmer, Alaska…and has lived in Alaska on and off for 35 years. Before returning to college in 2010, Thomas has worked in several different industries. It was through life experiences that Thomas decided to obtain a BA in Human Services at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Thomas graduated from UAA in May of 2017. Thomas has a passion to help others, and strives to live by the Golden Rule! In his free time, Thomas enjoys spending time with  his son, cooking for friends and family, and just enjoying the beauty that Alaska has to offer!

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Roberta Hovermale, DDRC Navigator

It has been said of Roberta that she excels at connecting people and resources. Roberta loves to partner with individuals and families and assist them to accomplish their priorities. Roberta and her husband have 3 young adult sons whom they love dearly and appreciate the men they have become. She has been working professionally in the Developmental Disabilities field since 2005 as a Service Coordinator for an Early Intervention Program in Colorado. She has done a variety of different positions in the DD field in Colorado and Alaska and is now happily serving in her present position as a DDRC Navigator here at Stone Soup Group. Roberta enjoys being a lifelong learner but most importantly being able to share what she has learned with others.  Some of her interest which are near and dear to her heart are: Spending time with her family, Bible fellowship & research, ceramics, essential oils and aromatherapy, cake decorating and specialty baking.

 

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Jeanette Lucas, DDRC Navigator

Jeanette moved to Alaska in 2006 after she graduated with a bachelor’s degree at Utah State University in Family and Human Development. She lives in Chugiak with her husband and three children. Jeanette’s passion for helping others stems from growing up with her brother who has developmental disabilities. Learning to see life from a different perspective has helped her raise two of her children who have hearing loss. In her spare time Jeanette loves to be creative, hike, kayak and cross-country ski. She is happiest when doing outdoor activities with her family.

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Becky Mannion, DDRC Navigator

Rebecca “Becky” Mannion moved to Alaska in 2021 from California. Before coming to Stone Soup Group, she was a Special Education Aide at an elementary school in the Mat-Su Valley. Most of her life has been spent in some form of childcare field, caring mostly for children with special needs. She has a heart for people and enjoys helping others. She has 2 children and a dog that keep her busy on the off days! She enjoys watching wildlife, walking with her kids and dog, doing cross stitch and embroidery, baking, and spending time outdoors with friends. She is looking forward to all the good things that are to come at Stone Soup Group!

Judi Spry, Intake and Referral Specialist

Judi was raised in Anchorage and graduated from Bartlett in 1982 and continued her education throughout the years attending UAA. Judi’s been married since 1993 and has two grown children, two dogs and two cats, and she still lives in the same house she grew up in. She enjoys walking her dogs, shooting pool and watching the sun set, as often as she can and hopes to make the world a better place by doing as many random acts of kindness as possible! Judi looks forward to learning and growing in the Stone Soup Group and spreading her philosophy with others – kindness matters.