Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Alaska Psychological Association. The Board is comprised of the Association Officers (President, President-Elect, Past President, Treasurer, and Secretary), Federal/State Advocacy Coordinator (FAC), Legislative Chair, Alaska Representative to the APA Council of Representatives, six Members-at-Large, Continuing Education Coordinator, and an APA Graduate Student (APAGS) Representative.  Most Board members are elected by the general membership, though several are appointed by the President and/or the Board.  In addition, there are a number of appointed ad hoc committees and positions based on current needs of the membership and profession.

Elections to the Board of Directors are held each May for the following session, which runs from August 16 through the following August 15. Listed below are the various positions and current members holding them.

Ruddy Taylor, Ph.D. – President

Ruddy Taylor holds a Ph.D. in Clinical and Community Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned both her Master’s degree in Psychology and her doctorate from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Her clinical expertise focuses on depression, trauma, and addictions, while her research interests include racial microaggressions, social justice, positive aging, and the intersection of spirituality with well-being.

Dr. Taylor has been an active member of the Alaska Psychological Association since 2008, beginning as the APAGS (American Psychological Association of Graduate Students) Representative. She later served as Diversity Delegate Liaison to the APA Practice Leadership Conference and as Chair of the Diversity Committee. From 2020–2022, she represented Alaska on the APA Council of Representatives. She is also a past Chair of the Women’s Caucus and a Division 45 Fellow (2018–2019) through the Council of National Psychological Associations for the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Interest Leadership Development Institute.

Marjorie Kyle, Psy.D.  –  President Elect

Marjorie Kyle, Psy.D., is a Psychologist working in the Integrated Disabilities Evaluation System/Medical Evaluation Board (IDES/MEB) at Fort Richardson, Alaska.  Prior to becoming a Psychologist she worked as a teacher with infants and children with special needs. In addition to her education degrees, she holds a Master of Science degree in counseling psychology from Alaska Pacific University and a Doctor of Psychology degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.  Marjorie completed a pre-doctoral Neuropsychology internship at the Richard and Pat Johnson’s Children’s Hospital St. Mary’s Medical Center West Palm Beach, Florida and a post-doctoral fellowship at Tripler Army Medical Center, HI in Pediatric/Child and Adolescent Psychology.

Marjorie has worked in research, private practice and as a practitioner in the mental health clinics at Elmendorf AFB and Fort Richardson.   Her interest includes the interaction of individuals with disabilities and their families with the larger support systems of the medicine, education and law.

Kevin Tarlow, Ph.D. – Secretary

Dr. Kevin Tarlow is a Licensed Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Dr. Tarlow received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Texas A&M University, Master of Arts and Master of Education in counseling from Columbia University, and doctorate in counseling psychology from Texas A&M University. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in telebehavioral health care at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health. Before moving to Alaska, Dr. Tarlow held a faculty position at Hampton University.

Dr. Tarlow’s research is currently focused on the following two questions: How can the histories of race, class, and capitalism inform the science and practice of psychology? How can telebehavioral health technology and policy increase health equity?

Treasurer: To be appointed

Seth Green, Ph.D. – Past President

Seth Green is a licensed clinical psychologist and he is a Commander in the United States Public Health Service. His clinical work is primarily focused on positive psychology, supervision, and training and education. He worked in a number of states as a psychologist and with two tribal health organizations in Alaska and he is committed to serving the underserved. He also served as the Co-Director of the Alaska Psychology Internship Consortium, an APA accredited training site for psychology interns. Before working with tribal health organizations he worked with the Department of Defense with the US Army Special Operations 75th Ranger Regiment and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment as an embedded battalion psychologist for a number of years.

Joel Wieman, PhD – APA Council Representative

I have been in independent practice for over thirty years and enjoy seeing a wide variety of clients. After receiving my Ph.D. I continued my training in a wide variety of treatment approaches and utilize them in an integrated way that best suits the needs of each individual client. I am experienced and trained in working with those who suffer from depression, anxiety disorders as well at dealing with trauma and life changes. In addition I see a number of couples throughout the week and enjoy that work as well. I have been professionally active supporting psychology in Alaska by serving as the President of the Alaska Psychological association and as the Alaskan representative to the American Psychological association for over six years. After an 18 year break, I will again begin serving as the APA representative in 2026 for my last three year term.

Marjorie Kyle, Psy.D.  –  APA Federal Advocacy Coordinator/AK-PA State Advocacy Coordinator

See President Elect

Jennifer Burkheart, Ph.D. – CE Chair

Ebony McClain, Ph.D. –  Diversity Chair

I have held many positions in the fields of mental and behavioral health in Alaska since graduating with a B.Ed. from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1999. I graduated with an MS in Community Mental Health from Southern New Hampshire University in 2006, earned my Ph.D. in psychology from Capella University in 2012, and received a post-doctoral certificate in industrial organizational psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2013.

I currently serve the community under my solo practice; Ebony Counseling Consulting and Supervision, where I provide therapy to  adolescents, adults, couples, and families with empathy, care, compassion, and a side of humor! In addition, I provide co-parenting facilitation services, divorce coaching, and consulting to local businesses in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and managing employee personality challenges.  I am proud to be a member of the Alaska Psychological Association, serving as the Diversity Chair for its Board of Directors.

Monique Andrews, Ph.D. – Member at Large

Monique serves as AK-PA’s ECP Representative for the Board of Directors

She is the founder of A Step Forward Counseling & Consulting, LLC where she brings a holistic approach to therapy, as well as, to the various trainings/presentations she provides in the community. She works diligently to provide effective interactive presentations to engage the audience. She combines modern research with old age wisdom and tradition to create an environment to nurture the mind, body, and soul.  She has worked in diverse settings including schools, counseling centers, hospitals, community centers, military installations, and corrections.

Monique has been an Alaska Army National Guard Soldier since 2006 where she has worked as a Victim Advocate, Master Resiliency Trainer, Suicide Prevention Specialist, Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist, and is currently the Resilience and Risk Reduction Program Coordinator.  This program focuses on identifying and analyzing trends associated with high-risk behaviors amongst Soldiers and their Families and developing strategies to increase protective factors in an effort to eradicate suicide from the ranks. The program includes the Suicide Prevention Program, The Substance Abuse Prevention Program, and the Resiliency Program.  She is currently a member of Alaska’s Statewide Suicide Prevention Council, Alaska Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and the Alaska Mental Health Board.  Monique is an adjunct instructor at Alaska Pacific University teaching The Psychology of Adjustment and Change; and Diversity and Social Justice. Monique earned a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree from Alaska Pacific University.

Monique has over 20 years of experience working with individuals experiencing interpersonal violence. Monique has presented trainings nationally on Suicide Prevention, Hegemonic Masculinity, and Victim Advocacy for organizations such as the National Organization for Victim Assistance and the Institute on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma.  She has provided trainings and briefings throughout Alaska on Effective Communication, Stress Management, Resiliency, Suicide Prevention, Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace, and Bystander Intervention.

Rebekah Burket, Ph.D. – Member at Large

Meet Dr. Rebekah Burket, a lifelong resident of Alaska, who loves to support mental health resilience for all people who are in Alaska. Rebekah has been providing mental health care and substance use treatment in Fairbanks since 2012. Along the way, she earned a doctorate in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of Alaska in 2017. Rebekah is a licensed clinical psychologist and specializes in mindfulness-based and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Her research focus includes suicide prevention interventions and community based participatory methods. As an integrative therapist, Dr. Burket draws many elements into her practice such as her years of clinical experience and technical training as well as the grit and resourcefulness that she learned growing up on a homestead in the Copper River Valley. Rebekah enjoys supporting compassionate mental health care access for people in Alaska, skiing, playing music and spending time outdoors with family.

Bekah Villalon, Ph.D. – Member at Large

Bekah is Iñupiaq and was born and raised in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. She has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with an emphasis in families and couples and is a Postdoctoral Clinical Trainee at Southcentral Foundation Four Directions. Bekah provides substance use and mental health services to adults with addiction, which includes psychological testing and individual, group, couples, and family therapy. Her clinical interests include addiction, identity exploration, and cultural diversity among couples, families, Alaska Natives, and underserved populations. Bekah utilizes a strengths-based, interpersonal, and person-centered approach to treatment. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, weightlifting, hiking, traveling, and organizing and decorating her home.

Kylie Gore-Hall, PsyD. – Member at Large

Dr. Kylie Gore-Hall is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Alaska. She has been a longtime resident of the Fairbanks community. Since 2021, she has owned and operated Continuing Hope Counseling- a group practice that provides psychotherapy and psychological assessment services to individuals across Alaska. She earned her graduate degree from Alaska Pacific University in counseling psychology and holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in clinical counseling. Her research focus includes best practices for continuing education for psychologists. She has interests in the relationship between mind and body wellness and her professional roles include direct patient care, group practice operations, mental health advocacy, and teaching/continuing education. Kylie’s background includes work in law enforcement and child maltreatment. She continues to serve these populations in her private practice where she focuses on the importance of both physical and mental wellness through use of trauma-informed psychotherapy to assist individuals, couples, and families. Outside of her professional roles, Kylie enjoys running, working outdoors, and traveling with her family.

Princilla Usery, MA/CMHC, Member at Large

Bio to Come

Sovi Rosas, Student Board Member

Sovi Rosas is a graduate student with Alaska Pacific University; and is currently working towards her long-time goal of a doctorate in psychology. She previously worked as a school psychologist in Alaska, Oregon and California and served students who experienced a variety of disabling conditions. Sovi is a proud member of the American Psychological Association and the Alaska Psychological Association. Her current academic interests include researching factors that promote resilience in families experiencing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. When she’s not working or studying Sovi enjoys being in nature with her family, going on long road trips, meditation, and crafting.

Olivia (Vi) Davis (They/Them), Student Board Member

Vi was born and raised in Soldotna, Alaska. They are currently a master’s student at the University of Alaska Anchorage in the Clinical Psychology program and also working towards a certificate in Children’s Mental Health. Throughout their personal and academic life, Vi has channeled their experience with disability into advocacy work, leading them to giving a Tedx talk about their story during undergrad at Montana State University Bozeman. Outside of the master’s program, Vi works with elementary schoolers with high social-emotional needs and plans to specialize in children, especially those experiencing chronic health conditions.Their clinical interests are chronic pain, psychopharmacology, and community mental health. When not in school or work, Vi spends time cooking, painting, and exploring the outdoors.