Our Mission is nothing less than realizing the full potential of Alaska's children by ending child hunger with sustainable, grassroots, child-centered strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption throughout Alaska.
Our Team
Milena Sevigny
Executive Director
Milena's diverse career experiences spanning both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, provide her with a unique perspective and exceptional abilities in collaboration, innovation and leadership. With 15 years in the nonprofit sector and expertise in managing Corporate Social Responsibility Programs, her achievements and community recognition as a visionary problem-solver and empathetic leader are well-regarded. In 2021, she received the 'Top 40 Under 40' award from the Alaska Journal of Commerce. She actively participates in advisory committees focused on enhancing food security in Alaska, including the Alaska Food Policy Council, Alaska Food Coalition, and Rebarchek Farm's Regenerative Agriculture Group. Additionally, she founded the Mat-Su Seed Library, which now boasts four locations offering free seeds to promote local food production. In her leisure time, Milena enjoys fishing, foraging, growing her own food, canning, and teaching children how to garden.
Hally Marshall
Admin Manager
Hally Marshall, “The field of Early Childhood Education since 2002 and it continues to excite me. I am deeply inspired by our community of learners, and am grateful to work in an environment that emphasizes a sense of belonging and well-being for all children. It is my belief that strong relationships are essential foundations for optimal learning”.
Operations Manager
Chris Haugom
Chris Haughton father of 3, grandfather of 1. Been working for kids kupboard going on 4 years now. I've been in business management, worked in construction & have never had a job more rewarding than working for kids kupboard. I love what I do, & really enjoy being able to give back to my community. In my spare time I enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking with family & friends. We definitely take advantage of what the Alaska outdoors has to offer.
Chris is highly organized and has excellent leadership skills. He manages staff, works closely with suppliers, volunteers, and partner organizations to ensure that the meals are delivered on time and in the right quantity. He also keeps track of inventory, monitors expenses, and manages delivery schedules to ensure that the program runs smoothly.
Dwayne Shelton
Logistics
Dwayne Shelton is a dedicated individual who works as a logistics coordinator for a non-profit organization that provides meals to children in need. His main responsibility is to ensure that the meals are transported and distributed to various locations efficiently and effectively.
Board Members
Ann Class
Board President
Ann began her dream as an elementary educator in Mission, TX in 1983. When she moved to Alaska in 1984, she fell in love with her students at Tanaina Elementary and stayed there, shaping little minds, until 2008. In 2008 Ann began teaching as part of a STEM curriculum team at Machetanz Elementary. Throughout her tenure as an educator Ann was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” by the Frontiersman, she was nominated as BP’s Teacher of the Year and upon her retirement in 2016 she was honored by the Alaska Legislature for her commitment to Alaska’s children spanning more than 30 years.
Patrick Schoonover
Board Co Chair
Patrick is responsible for helping to develop the organization's strategic direction and long-term goals. He works closely with the executive director and other staff members to identify opportunities and challenges facing the organization and develop plans and policies to address them.
Christian Hartley
Board Member
A second-generation Alaskan who has lived in the Mat-Su Valley for well over half of his life, Christian M. Hartley has dedicated his life to public service and public safety. Currently serving as the fire chief for the City of Houston, he has served on many city, Borough, and State boards and commissions over his tenure. He became involved in Kids Kupboard first as the host of a feeding site and volunteer and then ran for a board seat to provide input from his unique perspective of helping people at the times of their greatest need. He is well-versed in grant writing and donation seeking, and is a proficient writer. Christian is married to his wife Alma, and together they live in Big Lake where they raise their three sons and amateur egg farm.
Diane Firmani
Board Member
Diane Firmani hails from Mishawaka, Indiana. This Hoosier received her B.A. and M.S. in Education from Indiana University. Diane got a wild hair in 1983 and moved to Unalaska to take time off from teaching and work in a cannery. She beelined back to teaching school after that experience and taught in Unalaska for a year, then was hired in the MSBD in 1984. Diane taught 3rd grade and library at Tanaina Elementary for 30 years, then at Larson Elementary for 5 years. She retired in 2018 due to her husband's illness.
Diane stays active with women's hockey, triathlons, and working at the Wasilla Public Library. She is the proud mom of two boys, Chancie Hanson and Cooper Hanson.
Whitny Shields
Board Member
Originally from Arizona Whitny and her large family moved to Alaska from Arizona in 2016 thinking it would be temporary but fell in love with Alaska. Whitny is a mom to 7 amazing children, wife to Nathan, B.A. in Dental Hygiene, photographer and business owner. Kids Kupboard started off being a fun activity for their family and has grown into a great relationship.
Tony Lee
Board Member
52 Year resident of Alaska arriving in May of 1969. Married with 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren. Retired and living in Meadow Lakes. Commercial pilot land and sea, air craft mechanic, master guide and master fishing guide. Board of Directors of APHA for 6 years and 3 years as Vice President.
Robin Ouelette
Board Member
Robin Ouellette’s classroom learning environment always promoted fun, growth, and a sense of family. Her students knew they were important. She told them every day. During her 31 years of teaching students here in the MatSu, Robin has served as a professional development mentor, presented workshops for new teachers, and taken an active role in the community. As an educational leader and proven child advocate, Robin volunteers over 800 hours annually with ours and several other agencies, helping children and families with life skills that are both practical and beneficial in their daily lives.