Our team is comprised of experts in small business development and finance, working to address rural economic development challenges in Southeast Alaska. We have roots in Southeast, we live here, and we care deeply about the region's people, ecosystems, and communities.
alana peterson
Spruce Root
Executive Director
Alana’s Tlingit name is Gah Kith Tin, from Diginaa Hit, Luknahadi. She grew up and currently lives in Sitka, a small island community in Southeast Alaska. Professionally, Alana earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration at Charleston Southern University. After graduating from college she joined the Peace Corps where she served as a Small Business Development volunteer for two years on the southern coast of Peru. She obtained her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Northern Arizona University. She has continued to work in economic development in her current role as Executive Director at Spruce Root.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? The strong sense of community and lifestyles that are closely tied to the land and natural resources. It's not easy to find that anymore…
Aaron Ferguson
Spruce Root Deputy Director
Aaron Ferguson is the Deputy Director of Spruce Root. In this role, Aaron facilitates organizational strategy, ensures effective and efficient programing and operations, develops business opportunities, and supports efforts to finance community and regional priorities. Prior to his current role, Aaron served as the Community Investments Director and Regional Catalyst for Sustainability for the Sustainable Southeast Partnership. After growing up in East Asia, Aaron earned a degree from the University of Washington in Geography with a concentration in International Development, spending a year in Sichuan, China, to complete a public health research project. Aaron has worked with a variety of nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies around the U.S. and earned a Masters of Public Administration with concentrations in Strategic Planning and Environmental Policy, also from the University of Washington. He lives in Juneau.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? Too many things to choose one: mountains, forests, water, culture, pace of life, snow, good friends.
Laurel Stark
Spruce Root Finance Manager
Laurel Stark is the Finance Manager at Spruce Root. After growing up in Juneau, Laurel studied Political Science at the University of Victoria. She earned an MS and MA in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and Mediterranean Security from George Mason University and the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in Malta before returning to Juneau to study shared transboundary resource governance in the Pacific Northwest. Laurel enjoys exploring new communities and vistas across Alaska.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? The relationships that people have with the environment and each other. And the amazing trails.
Aldyn Brudie
Spruce Root Administrative Coordinator
Aldyn Brudie is the Administrative Coordinator at Spruce Root. Aldyn was fortunate to grow up in Juneau, and after spending the past decade living in Portland, South Africa, France, Indonesia, and Sweden, she has happily returned to her misty mountain home. She has a BA in International Development Studies and French from Portland State University and an MSc. in International Development and Management from Lund University in Sweden, where her master’s thesis explored entrepreneurship and the creative economy in Indonesia. She is excited to contribute to Spruce Root’s mission of supporting entrepreneurs and localized economies in Southeast Alaska.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? Being able to find the beauty in all seasons, and being surrounded by people who also love where they live.
Leslie Jackson
Spruce Root Grants Manager
Leslie Jackson is the Grants Manager for Spruce Root. In this role, Leslie assists the organization by managing the existing inventory of grants, improving and streamlining reporting processes, as well as seeking out new funding opportunities. Originally from Texas, Leslie earned a B.S. in Geography, specializing in Urban and Regional Planning from Texas State University. She moved to Ketchikan in 2005 and has worked in both the private and public sector in the capacity of community planner, grant coordinator and finally as the manager of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough's transit system. Leslie is passionate about community and economic development in Southeast Alaska. Her family owns and operates a vacation and boat rental business in Ketchikan.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? Definitely the courageous, industrious people and the strong sense of place (each community is incredibly unique). Also, the amount of rain we receive here is awe-inspiring and necessary to support this extraordinary ecosystem. It makes everyone appreciate when the sun comes out!
Abbey JaNes
Assistant to the Executive Director
Abbey grew up in southwest Michigan and moved to Juneau the moment she graduated from Michigan State University. She has a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences and a diverse career history including but not limited to: tuning pianos, assisting hospital and homebirth, sampling bycatch on commercial trawlers in the Bering Sea, longlining, and most recently serving for six years in an administrative support role at the Alaska State Legislature. She is thrilled to be bringing her administrative prowess to the Spruce Root team as the Assistant to the Executive Director.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? The proximity of mountains and saltwater, accessibility to wild space, and incredible people to enjoy it all with.
Tripp J crouse
Spruce Root Communications Specialist
Tripp (they/them/she/her) is an enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Growing up in the Midwest, they lived and worked there until 2016 when they moved to Juneau. Tripp has worked in media and as a journalist for more than 20 years, including in KTOO in Juneau and as news director of KNBA, the Native-owned and -operated public radio station in Anchorage. After working for four years in Anchorage, she will return to Juneau in the role of Communications Specialist for Spruce Root. They previously served a three-year term on the Station Advisory Committee for Native Public Media, serving as chair there for two years, and on the board of the Native American Journalism Association. She is thrilled to support Spruce Root and its mission – and to return to Southeast Alaska.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? The intersectionality of culture, ecology, food, history, stewardship, and knowledge shared by Indigenous peoples. The smell of mountain air, trees, moss, and water – all intermingling during a walk in the woods.
Michael Ching
CDFI Director
Michael is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, a school devoted to Native Hawaiian education and is the first in his family to graduate from college. His early success was in corporate data networks systems which he parlayed into a 20-year family-owned business that earned national accolades for culinary innovation and factory efficiency. Michael affirms his victories and defeats instill insightful client connection based on a deep respect and understanding of the barriers and hurdles that confront developing businesses. Prior to joining Spruce Root as its CDFI Director, Michael was responsible for the life cycles of lending and capitalization of multi-million Community Development Financial Institutions portfolios active with cultural economic development, small business acceleration, affordable housing, farming, food aggregation and workforce development programs. In 2022, Michael received the coveted distinction of the SBA District Director Honoree (Pacific Region).
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? The opportunity to participate in developing economic platforms grounded in recovery and rediscovery of Native perspectives, insights, and cultural respect and reverence of mother nature.
Ashley Snookes
Program Director for Technical Assistance
Ashley grew up in Sitka, Alaska where her experiences with Sitka’s rich cultures prompted her interest in international economic development. Driven by her passion for delivering quality technical assistance and education, she takes pride in crafting award-winning entrepreneurship programs. Ashley Snookes is experienced in program management, curriculum development, coaching, and leadership. Additionally, Ashley is highly skilled in facilitating collaborative events for diverse audiences focused on relationship building, and in financial management. Ashley has been recognized for her contributions to the Alaska State Debate program, and is a nationally-ranked debater herself. She is also the mother of two feisty young children, wife of a very supportive husband, an advanced scuba diver, and an avid runner. She has lived in four countries and has an M.A. in International Security and Development and a B.S. in Political Science and International Relations. Ashley is Spruce Root’s Program Director for Technical Assistance.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? The family friendly vibe you feel in every small corner of our stunning region.
Izzy Haywood
Program Manager for Events and Facilitation
Izzy is the Program Manager for Events and Facilitation at Spruce Root. In this role, she supports the Spruce Root team and partners in hosting engaging events and also manages the Path to Prosperity Business Competition. She grew up along the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland fishing, sailing, and crabbing. She went on to study microbiology and French at Barnard College in New York City. During her time in school, she escaped the big city to study biodiversity and natural resource management in Madagascar. Prior to her current role, she worked as Spruce Root’s Communications Manager and the Community Economic Development Fellow through the Alaska Fellows Program.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? The abundance of moss and mushrooms as well as the vibrant sense of community and deep connections that people have with the land.
Michael Mausbach
Regional Catalyst and Program Manager for Workforce Development
Michael grew up on traditionally Coast Salish land in Washington State. They earned their undergraduate degree in global studies and international relations with a focus on diplomacy. Michael moved to Southeast Alaska that same year and has since worked in both the non and for-profit sectors managing business and grant programs in education and fisheries. Michael is excited to apply their background in commercial fishing, education, and project management in their role as the Regional Catalyst and Program Manager for Workforce Development.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? The character, spirit, and resilience of our communities.
Marc Wheeler
Program Manager for Technical Assistance
Marc is the Program Manager for Small Business. In this role he provides coaching and business training to entrepreneurs across the region, and brings robust experience in both small business and non profit management to the role. Marc grew up in Louisiana and came to Juneau as an Americorps volunteer in 1995. His heritage is Acadian French, Croatian, and English. In Alaska, he’s worked in conservation, local government, and positive youth development, where he helped grow Big Brothers Big Sisters in seven communities across Southeast Alaska. Along with his wife, Jessica Paris, Marc owned and operated a coffee and ice cream shop for the past nine years in Juneau, where they participated in the Path to Prosperity competition during their first two years of operation. He credits P2P for anchoring their business in triple bottom line principles, which were core to their success. Marc and Jessica recently sold their business to one of their longtime staff members, someone committed to maintaining the company’s core values moving forward.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska: Whenever I step out of the airport after a trip away, I take a deep breath of Juneau’s intoxicatingly fresh air and know that I am home. The natural world here is amazing, but what sets our region apart is the people and our deep and genuine hospitality.
Lisa Nelson
Spruce Root ResilienCE Circles Director
Lisa Nelson is the Resilience Circles Director at Spruce Root. Lisa graduated from Evergreen State University with a degree in psychology. Driven by her passion for creating positive change within communities, Lisa continues to hone her expertise in addressing trauma, particularly in Native communities, where she strives to promote healing and growth. With her work, she empowers individuals to overcome adversity and build resilience. Lisa finds immense joy in her role as a mother to two beautiful daughters and currently calls picturesque Juneau, home. She loves the outdoors and being on the water brings her tranquility.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? The rugged beauty and close sense of land and place
Marina Anderson
Program Director, Sustainable Southeast Partnership
Marina is from Prince of Wales Island where until recently she was the Tribal Administrator for the Organized Village of Kasaan. Marina’s clan is Taakw.aeneidi from Heenya Kwaan. She got started in tribal politics initially through her involvement growing up with the Alaska Native Sisterhood where she learned from the elders around her. As the Sustainable Southeast Partnership Program Director, Marina focuses on understanding community needs and addressing them with sustainable solutions that are based on traditional (ecological & social) knowledge and values. Networking and creating avenues of success that are supported by local partners and resources are ways Marina ensures the longevity of the overall community success.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska? My favorite part about Southeast Alaska is the ecosystem and how interconnected the lands, waters, people, plants, and animals are - there is nothing that separates us living things since we are all integral pieces of the mechanics that make this place prosper.
Shannon Stevens
Deputy Director, Sustainable Southeast Partnership
Shannon serves as deputy director of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership. As Shannon progresses through her third year as a Southeast Alaskan resident, she continues to seek opportunities that contribute directly to furthering the values that enrich our land and our communities. Shannon believes in the importance of pursuing pathways for development that bring together traditional Alaska Native values with a pursuit of sustainability, and strive to play a meaningful role in helping shape this work and building this future.
Shannon’s professional background includes over a decade of experience in the media industry, growing teams, creating custom solutions, engaging with partners, and implementing strong project management workflows to keep projects on track and on budget. Before that, Shannon pursued a graduate degree in International Business, and had the opportunity to study economic development in various regions, such as South Africa, Northern Mexico, and Czech Republic. Today, as a resident of Haines, Shannon serve on the Southeast Alaska State Fair Board of Directors, and volunteer as a radio host at KHNS serving Haines, Klukwan and Skagway.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska: I love that being a part of the Southeast Alaska community has taught me to more sustainably garden, forage, subsistence fish, and participate in the year-round process for sustainable food harvest. I am invested in continuing to listen, learn, and amplify the voices and values of this region, and am honored to translate the spectrum of my career toward strengthening cultural, ecological, and economic resilience across Southeast Alaska.
Kaylah Duncan
Development Manager
Kaylah is Tlingit and a child of the Dakl’aweidí clan. She carries the name S’eiltín and was raised in the territory of the Áak’w Kwáan (Tlingit communities of the Auke Lake region). Kaylah graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Environmental Policy and a minor in American Indian Studies. She spent two summers interning with Barnacle Foods as a Kelp Management Intern and Marketing Intern. Upon completion of her internships, Kaylah joined the Spruce Root team as the Communications Catalyst for the Sustainable Southeast Partnership, but later transitioned to Development Manager in 2024. As Development Manager she is excited to uphold the mission of the Seacoast Trust in conjunction with Spruce Root, contributing to the growing movement that centers Indigenous values in the stewardship of the coastal temperate rainforest of Southeast Alaska.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska: The mountains, ocean, lands, and community. There’s no shortage of beauty or incredible things to do in Southeast Alaska and the culture and people that live here are unmatched. Berries, seafood, game, and traditional plants keep the heart and body full.
Brooke Leslie
Rural Economic Development Catalyst, Spruce Root and Sustainable Southeast Partnership
Brooke carries the name Wooshkeeká. She is Haida, Yaklaanas, double fin killer whale, a grandchild of the L’uknax.adí, and from the Scottish clan Leslie. She was raised in the territory of the Shtax’ Heen Kwaan in the community of Wrangell. She grew up practicing a subsistence way of life and is now raising her daughter with these practices, values and traditional foods. Growing up in the family business that still operates in Wrangell today, small business has been a way of life for Brooke. She attended the University of Idaho for Accounting and Musical Theatre. Her passion for her culture led her back to Wrangell to learn from her late Grandfather & ‘Lingit elder. Staying in Wrangell, she worked under a CPA before rejoining the family business as a manager and later a partner. Brooke recently transitioned out of family business and is excited to join forces with Spruce Root and the SSP as the Rural Economic Development Catalyst. She has served her Tribal and local community through sitting on committees, councils and assemblies. She looks forward to working with our regional rural and Tribal communities in the space of economic development and further exploring how we can catalyze indigenizing the way we do business in Southeast.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska: Summers, sunsets and harvesting. The resilience of the people, our relationship with the land and water, and the revitalization of our cultures.
Shaelene Grace Moler
Communications Catalyst, Sustainable SOutheast Partnership
Shaelene Grace Moler (she/her) grew up in Ḵéex̱’ Ḵwaan, the community of Kake. Her Tlingit name is Sgweín and she is of the Tsaagweidí, the split-finned killer whale clan, from the yak’s lits’eix̱i hít, the house that once anchored the village. She now lives in Sitka working for Spruce Root as the Sustainable Southeast Partnership Communications Catalyst. Shaelene graduated from the University of Alaska Southeast with dual bachelor of arts degrees in English and environmental studies emphasizing in creative writing. She grew up hunting, fishing, and harvesting on her ancestral lands and is a lifelong storyteller through her experiences in writing, editing and photography on various publications statewide. Prior to becoming the Communications Catalyst, she worked for Spruce Root as a community economic development fellow, a First Alaskans Magazine Writing Fellow, Sustainable Southeast Partnership storytelling and engagement intern, and as an editor on the regional literary and arts journal Tidal Echoes.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska: The strong sense of community in people and place. Everything in this region is so interconnected and it is magical to meet these connections wherever I go.
Haley Armstrong
Program Manager for Financial Wellness
Haley Armstrong currently lives in Craig, where she was raised. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in communications and sociology from Western Oregon University. After graduating, she spent time traveling, then eventually living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, Haley returned home to Prince of Wales and has since been working in the nonprofit sector. As the Program Manager for Financial Wellness at Spruce Root, Haley is responsible for providing technical assistance to individuals looking to improve their financial literacy.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska: The resourcefulness of the people in our small communities, we have a way of coming together to make things happen.
Ashley R. Guthrie
Client Services Coordinator
Ashley (she/her) is Inupiat and Aleut. She was born in Sitka and has lived in Southeast Alaska all her life and currently calls Juneau home. Ashley is happily married to her Tlingit/Tsimshian husband Shaun and together they have a beautiful, unique, blended family with six kids. Ashley holds 14 years of administrative experience within the healthcare field. She enjoys coffee, creative literature, poetry, canvas art, traveling, do-it-yourself projects and spending time with her close friends and family. Ashley is passionate about helping individuals elevate and transform themselves through empowerment and emotional support. She is excited to bring her strong and dedicated set of work ethics to such an impactful organization like Spruce Root.
Favorite thing about Southeast Alaska: The salty sea air, majestic mountain peaks, and abundance of trees that is everywhere you look. The rich culture, strong sense of community and connection that is so genuine and feels like home. The moody rainforest weather that I always find solace in.