November 15, 2006
Valerie Thomas, Carolyn Keller, Janice Wassilie, Guy Guy, and Geraldine Okitkun wield the knife in preparation.
Five YKHC scholarship recipients were recognized at a reception hosted by YKHC’s Physician Assistant Scholarship Program and the Area Health Education Center on October 5, 2006.
Guy Guy earned his Master’s in Social Work from University of Alaska Anchorage in 2004, and began working as a Behavioral Health Clinician in Kwethluk. Guy and his family recently moved to Bethel, so he was able to attend the graduate reception this year.
Carolyn Keller graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from University of Alaska Anchorage in May 2006, and is working as a Behavioral Health Clinician. Both Guy and Carolyn are employed in Behavioral Health’s Integrated Outpatient Clinic.
Geraldine Okitkun was awarded a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Alaska Pacific University in April 2006. Geraldine is a Mental Health Clinician at Bautista House.
Additionally, two YKHC employees earned their Bachelor’s degrees in 2006. In July, Janice Wassilie received her Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting from the University of Phoenix. Janice took classes online while continuing to work part-time. She has been hired as a Corporate Accountant for YKHC’s Finance department.
Valerie Thomas graduated from North Park University in Chicago with a Bachelor’s in Business and Economics, specializing in Nonprofit Management. She is now employed as a Finance Trainer, and has been working with employees to identify training needs and help others reach their educational goals.
Physician Assistant Scholarship Committee members Ruth “Wally” Richardson and Lauri O’Brien hosted the reception and welcomed all the graduates. Each graduate shared their story about their educational experience and their motivation that allowed them to complete their program.
Congratulations graduates!