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), six Members-at-Large Directors, Federal/State Advocacy Coordinator (FAC), Legislative Chair, Ethics Chair, Continuing Education Coordinator, Alaska Representative to the APA Council of Representatives, and and two APA Graduate Student (APAGS) Representatives.
The board is responsible for setting strategic direction, ensuring financial stability, and advocating for legislation and issues that support our mission.
Board members are elected by the general membership, and may also be 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. The board meets 9 times from September to May and is off the summer months of June to August. Board meetings are currently the second Wednesday of the month from 6:30 pm to 8 pm via Zoom.
Elections to the Board of Directors are held each May for the following session which runs from August 15 through the following August 14. Listed below are the various positions and current members holding them.
Marjorie Kyle, Psy.D. – President/APA Federal Advocacy Coordinator
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.
City: Anchorage
Kevin Tarlow, Ph.D. – VP/President Elect
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?
City: Anchorage
Bekah Villalon, Ph.D. – Treasurer
Dr. Rebekah Villalon is an Iñupiaq psychologist born and raised in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. She earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Alliant International University and is a licensed psychologist in Alaska. She is opening Northbridge Systems Psychology and Consultation, a private practice based in Anchorage, focused on serving Alaska Native people and open to all adults, families, programs, organizations, and agencies statewide.
Dr. Villalon brings over a decade of experience with clinical expertise that centers on addiction, co-occurring disorders, and working with Alaska Native and underserved communities, with a systems lens that extends to couples and families. Her broader clinical experience spans psychological assessment and consultation, grounded in a lifelong commitment to cultural healing and community well-being. She has also taught at the University of Alaska Anchorage’s TRIO Upward Bound program and Iḷisaġvik College.
Her approach is strengths-based, person-centered, and rooted in genuine respect for each client’s identity, culture, and story. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with additional training in Brainspotting and Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and she currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Alaska Psychological Association.
City: Anchorage
Monique Andrews, Psy.D. – Secretary
Dr. Andrews is the owner of A Step Forward Counseling and Consulting, LLC where she provides culturally responsive, resilience focused mental health services. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Alaska Pacific University. She also serves as the chairperson of the Alaska Statewide Suicide Prevention Council and is a member of the Alaska Mental Health Board. Additionally, she is on the Alaska Psychological Association’s Board of Directors.
She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and went on to earn both her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Counseling Psychology from Alaska Pacific University. Her research focuses on resilience and protective factors associated with suicide prevention, with a strong emphasis on integrating culturally informed frameworks and supporting diverse communities.
Dr. Andrews has served as a proud Alaska Army National Guard soldier since 2006 in various prevention roles.
City: Anchorage
Ruddy Taylor, Ph.D. – Past 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.
City: Anchorage
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.
City: Anchorage
Jennifer Burkheart, Ph.D. – CE Chair
City: Anchorage
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.
City: Anchorage
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.
City: Fairbanks
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.
City: Fairbanks
Princilla Usery, MA/CMHC, Member at Large
I am a Mental Health Counselor and moved to Alaska in 2019 and I have a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license in Alaska and Michigan. In Michigan, I was a member of the Michigan Association of Infant Mental Health (Mi-AIMH) beginning in 2013. As a member, I was active and became a member of their Professional Development Board. As such, I have advised and voted on conferences, budgets, and prospective presenters. 2014 I joined the Kalamazoo National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter. I was an active member and helped provide resources and support to families who care for or love someone with a mental health or substance abuse disorder. Rewriting our bylaws and updating the website was one of the major activities I was involved in with KZ-NAMI. These professional associations and organizations are just a few of the ones I have been a member/supporter/and advisor.
City: Fairbanks
Brittany Pope, Psy.D, Member at Large
Dr. Brittany Pope holds a Master’s in clinical rehabilitation counseling (specializing in disabilities) and a PsyD in Counseling Psychology. She specializes in evaluation Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism. Additionally, she provides educational evaluations, diagnostic clarifications. Dr. Britt provides IEP advocacy and Parent Coaching for parents of Neurodivergent children. She is passionate about providing neurodiversity affirming couples counseling. It is important that we are able to understand how our brain impacts our relationship and repair.
Dr. Pope’s practice is LGBTQ+ affirming and neurodiversity-affirming, honoring diverse ways of thinking, processing, and communicating while tailoring care to each client’s strengths and needs.
Licensed in Alaska as a Professional Counselor, a Board-Approved Supervisor, and practicing as a Post Doctoral Trainee (Testing under the supervision of Dr. Kroll and Dr. Horner in Alaska). She offers individual therapy for clients using DBT and IPT to reduce distress, strengthen relationships, and build lasting resilience.
City: Ketchikan
Kendall Ross, Psy.D, Member at Large
Kendall Ross, PsyD, MA, CDCII, is a psychologist currently working toward licensure, living and serving the Fairbanks community, and bringing over a decade of experience in behavioral health.
Dr. Ross holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Paralegal Studies and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She earned both her Master of Science and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Counseling Psychology from Alaska Pacific University. She has worked as a substance abuse counselor since 2013, holds a CDCII certification in the state of Alaska, and has completed 360 hours of specialized education in substance use disorders. She also holds certifications in grief and loss and women in leadership.
Her clinical work is grounded in an integrative approach that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care and patient safety.
Her doctoral dissertation focused on the social determinants of mental health in Alaska, reflecting her goal of strengthening systems of care and improving equitable access to services across the state. She is particularly interested in initiatives that enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, expand service-delivery models, and improve the quality of care across diverse populations.
Outside of her professional work, she is a beekeeper, gardener, and plant enthusiast who enjoys traveling and exploring cultures around the world.
City: Fairbanks
Quyen Tang, Psy.D, Member at Large
Dr. Quyen Tang is currently completing post-doctoral training in pediatric neuropsychology which he began in 2024 at Fuller Diagnostics. He completed his Psy.D. in counseling psychology at St. Thomas University in Minnesota. During his graduate education, he spent one year in a private practice setting conducting neuropsychological evaluations with school-aged children, and two years in community mental health settings with an emphasis on providing therapy to clients from underserved and under-resourced communities. He also served as the diversity and advocacy chair of his graduate psychology student leadership organization and continues to provide mentorship on a quarterly basis to graduate students. Dr. Tang completed his pre-doctoral internship in Anchorage at Providence Family Medicine Center (PFMC) as a behavioral health consultant, where he provided therapy and conducted assessments for patients and their families. At PFMC, he completed rotations in substance use disorder treatment, refugee behavioral health screening, and obstetric psychosocial assessment.
Dr. Tang is originally from Seattle, Washington. He completed his undergraduate education at Seattle University before moving to North Carolina where he was a clinical research coordinator for microbiome and eating disorder research studies. He moved to Minnesota in 2018 for graduate school where he became cold-weather hardened. Dr. Tang has lived in Anchorage since 2022 with his husband and their two cats. In his free time, he enjoys biking, skiing, packrafting, photography, traveling, and spending time with his family.
City: Anchorage
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.
City: Anchorage
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.
City: Anchorage