Board of Directors
Sean Richardson, Do
Sean Richardson, Do
Sean Richardson, Do
President & Treasurer
James Barry
Sean Richardson, Do
Sean Richardson, Do
Secretary & IT Specialist
Jessie Spencer
Sean Richardson, Do
Jessie Spencer
Vice President
Lead Clinicians
Josephine Barry, Ed.D, LPC-S
Josie is Hats of Wisdom's founder and an expert in the field of mental health and education. She has over 15 years of experience and is well trained with an Educational Doctorate in Community and Care Counseling, a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a BA in Christian Counseling.
She has loved working with kids and adults from all different types of backgrounds, specializing in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression and personality disorders.
We are both proud and honored to have Josie serve as our Clinical Counseling Supervisor overseeing out Paid Internship Program. We know that our Counselor Interns are in the best hands and will become well equipped, highly competent counselors with the help and guidance of Josie.
In her free time, Josie loves to bike ride, read books, and spend time learning about new counseling techniques. She especially enjoys being with her hubby, and two doggies just hanging out at home.
David carr, PMHNP-BC
David is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and is extremely passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health se
rvices to adolescents and adults.
His years of experience in the ER has contributed to his strong clinical skills. David continues to prove his natural ability of building rapport with clients and families. His practice is grounded in evidence-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation, and intuitions that lead to outcomes in the best interest of the client.
Some fun facts about David:
He has a love for reading, watching movies, and all things traveling...
David is a watch enthusiast because of the intricacies and details of how a mechanical watch works, especially how each part has their own responsibility and all the hundreds of pieces have to work together to keep track of time.
David is a very patient person who enjoys practicing his patience with golf and says, "you have to know one thing about golf to succeed (which are most things in life), you will probably not be good at first and you will fail, but swing after swing, you will improve."
Clinical Interns
Patricia Gilson
Trish graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a master’s degree in psychology, where she minored in child development. Trish enjoys living in Alaska and finds peace within the beauty where she calls home. Patricia is of Christian faith and actively enjoys reading her bible, sharing with others, and puts God as a priority in her life.
Specialized in Anxiety, Bipolar II, PTSD, and ADHD, Patricia uses evidence-based techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help you explore and establish coping techniques that will nurture your mental health and foster personal growth.
Working with Trish you will find that she is an expert at encouraging you on your healing journey. Improve your quality of life while Patricia ensures a safe space for wellness that allows you to grow and learn. She is accepting clients and ready to support you!
Victor Downing
Vic is working remotely out of Kodiak, but has consulted throughout Asia, North America, and Western Europe. He brings a broad and deep understanding of “what makes us tick” and how to change things for the better.
Vic specializes in addiction, recovery, conflict resolution, and stress management. He loves helping people learn how to overcoming “impossible” barriers. Vic enjoys learning about and applying theories and research to his practice.
Christine Carstens
Christine Carstens has been living in Delta Junction for over ten years. She came here when a friend requested she move her family up here. She feels very blessed that she took on the challenge and ventured into The Last Frontier.
When she first arrived in Alaska she was greeted by a -50 degree winter with a coat made for more temperate weather. She learned fast how to enjoy the windy winter chill and found beauty in the ice and frost covered trees. The summers made her fall in love with Alaska's vast and stunning landscape.
She decided to substitute teach, since she always enjoyed being around kids, and soon became a paraprofessional for her local public school.
A few years later, she used her undergrad education in child development to work with the school's psychologist. Wanting to further her education, and help the families and children in her community, she went back to school to get her master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in Child and Adolescent Development.
She is interning at Hats of Wisdom and hopes to finish her degree and receive her Marriage and Family Therapy license.
Shambhavi Jasti
Shambhavi holds a degree in Research and Experimental Psychology and specializes in supporting individuals dealing with anxiety. While she primarily works with young adults, she welcomes clients of all ages who are seeking guidance and personal growth.
Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Shambhavi helps clients develop effective coping strategies and foster lasting personal development.
She has a strong passion for animal-assisted therapy and enjoys incorporating animals into the healing process whenever possible. Outside of work, Shambhavi enjoys archery, spending time in nature, listening to music, and reading—activities that inspire balance and mindfulness.
Leadership and Support Staff
Amanda Whittemore
Elena Powers, BSN, RN
Elena Powers, BSN, RN
LEAD ADMINISTRATOR
Amanda was born and raised in Delta Junction, Alaska. She is Hats of Wisdom’s Admin Assistant.
She loves her community and those that keep it going so she can raise her growing family. Her family means the world to her and comes with great pride.
She has an associates degree in General Education from the University of Al
LEAD ADMINISTRATOR
Amanda was born and raised in Delta Junction, Alaska. She is Hats of Wisdom’s Admin Assistant.
She loves her community and those that keep it going so she can raise her growing family. Her family means the world to her and comes with great pride.
She has an associates degree in General Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
While in collage she was the Secretary for English Major Undergraduate, Emu and the Dr. Who club. She founded the Murder Mystery club her Senior year.
This was only that start of her passion for learning and caring for others.
She loves her job at H.O.W and says, “The environment is welcoming and excepting of all. You are valued here as a human being. I love to read inspirational quotes on a daily; here is one that keeps me going. ‘Nothing is permanent in this wicked world – not even our troubles.’ by Charlie Chaplin. When I was at my worst my best friend said this to me. Now I live day to day and it is never easy. However, you are worthy and loved.”
Amanda’s hobbies include crocheting at the knitting Circle, volunteering with community clean up, gaming, board games, Role playing games and reading fantasy, romance or non-fiction books.
The library knows her very well because she donates her crochet projects to the Basket Auction fundraiser and all the books she reads.
Her current season of life is living sustainably and making smarter life choices; yoga, more produce, cooking at home and eco friendly home products.
Elena Powers, BSN, RN
Elena Powers, BSN, RN
Elena Powers, BSN, RN
CARING HEARTS MANAGER
Elena has a special love for Alaska that’s enticed her to make it her home since 2009.
She has served the State of Alaska as a Public Health Nurse for 10 years. She is now semi-retired from nursing and serving as the Project Manager for Caring Hearts and vitals nurse for Hats of Wisdom client's receiving medication ma
CARING HEARTS MANAGER
Elena has a special love for Alaska that’s enticed her to make it her home since 2009.
She has served the State of Alaska as a Public Health Nurse for 10 years. She is now semi-retired from nursing and serving as the Project Manager for Caring Hearts and vitals nurse for Hats of Wisdom client's receiving medication management services.
In her free time, Elena enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking. Making and appreciating art, baking bread, reading are all examples of things you might find Elena doing when she’s not out enjoying nature and the travel opportunities she’s found to love about Alaska. She marvels at the beauty and people she meets during her travels throughout the state. She says that the beauty of the state and people within it are what makes Alaska such a wonderful place to live.
“My faith is my foundation so it is a privilege to work as Client Care Coordinator for Hats of Wisdom and volunteer with the developing Caring Hearts program.” – Elena
Hellen Schwartz
Elena Powers, BSN, RN
Hellen Schwartz
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Hellen found herself drawn to work with HOW due to her love for serving the community and helping others. Beginning as an admin assistant in 2022, Hellen became the Executive Director effective 2025.
She graduated from the American College of Healthcare Sciences with a BS in Integrative Health, with dual specializations
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Hellen found herself drawn to work with HOW due to her love for serving the community and helping others. Beginning as an admin assistant in 2022, Hellen became the Executive Director effective 2025.
She graduated from the American College of Healthcare Sciences with a BS in Integrative Health, with dual specializations in Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy.
She spends much of her time studying Holistic Health & Wellness and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practices, such as Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Ayurveda, and Iridology.
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Hellen is grateful to further assist the community by supporting their mental health needs at Hats of Wisdom.
As Executive Director, she is passionate about creating inclusive, responsive programs that meet individuals where they are. Her vision is to expand access to holistic wellness resources, integrating traditional healing with modern mental health strategies. Hellen believes in empowering people with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive—mind, body, and spirit.
She leads with empathy, transparency, and a deep commitment to service, fostering a collaborative team culture rooted in compassion and respect. Under her leadership, HOW is strengthening partnerships, enhancing outreach, and innovating new ways to serve marginalized communities with dignity and care.
Caring Hearts Volunteers
Karen Tony
Meloney Ashbury
Karen Tony
Volunteering since 2023
Mary Leith
Meloney Ashbury
Karen Tony
Volunteering since 2023
Meloney Ashbury
Meloney Ashbury
Meloney Ashbury
Volunteering since 2025
Darryl Ueeck
Darryl Ueeck
Meloney Ashbury
Volunteering since 2026
Debra Ueeck
Darryl Ueeck
Debra Ueeck
Volunteering since 2026