JOSHUA GEARY | 32

Foster Care Director

Denali Family Services

Hometown: Wasilla

Current City: Anchorage

Education: Master of Business Administration, concentration in health services administration, APU; bachelor's degree, counseling psychology, APU

Community Work: Alaska Family Services, domestic violence advocate, Youth Mentor; Family Violence Intervention Program, Healthy Relationships Support Group Facilitator; Family Focused Treatment Association, Co-Chair, Alaska Chapter; Denali Family Services, behavioral health associate, Therapeutic Foster Care Director

Family: Wife, Angie Geary; sister, Maria Geary; nephew, Emerson; dog, Garbanzo the Goldendoodle

What is your favorite place in Alaska and why?: I have fond memories of the Motherload Lodge and the surrounding area in Hatcher Pass. While the Motherload Lodge has since burned down, Hatcher Pass is still an important place to my family and I because it was the backdrop for a lot of fun and meaningful moments that were spent together. Hatcher Pass was where my love for nature and standing at the top of mountains started. Plus, Reed Lakes Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Alaska and one that I try to make time to complete each summer.

Name the person you respect and why: My mother passed away in 2017, after a seven-year battle with cancer. She was a fiercely independent person and passed along so many valuable life lessons. From her I learned that you don't need a lot of money to be a great parent and, above all else, love, dedication and consistency are the most important gifts you can provide to your children. Further, she taught me to stay strong and never give up no matter the odds, to be dedicated to what mattered and to be an advocate for justice.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?: Since most of my time spent at work is behind a computer screen or talking on the phone, away from work I enjoy anything that is physically active. My favorite hobbies are going to the gym, walking my dog and hiking. What was your first job?: Between the ages of 16 and 18 I spent my summers mowing lawns and doing general landscaping for a family friend's business.

What has been your most rewarding community service?: I have spent my career dedicated to improving the lives of Alaska's youth and families. The most rewarding experiences have come from overseeing therapeutic foster parents who have dedicated their lives to caring for children with behavioral health needs. Our collective mission is to provide community-based treatment, keeping youth stable and supported, and preventing them from needing out-of-state residential treatment. Witnessing youth overcome tremendous challenges to heal from past traumas and find success in their lives has been incredibly rewarding. These success stories could not be achieved without these incredible foster parents.

In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling?: As a young professional entering the field of behavioral health, I have come to realize how important it was to have close relationships with established professionals who acted as advisors, who I admired and could emulate. This was the groundwork for my development into a leader. As I continue to grow, I am finding myself in the position where I can be that mentor to young professionals. Seeing their development so that one day they too can be leaders who aspire to change the lives of others, whether it be children or other young professionals, is one of the most rewarding things that I do.

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a good worklife balance?: Consider the quality of the time spent outside of work, not just the quantity. Focus your time doing things in your personal life that re-energize you and don't let your work life bleed over into your personal life. For example, checking work emails outside of your set work hours can diminish the quality of your time spent with your friends and family. Put your health first by setting aside a little time each morning and evening to focus on your physical or mental well-being. I have found taking care of myself outside of work is helpful in being my best self at work. Small, consistent habits like going for a walk, going to bed early, prepping meals for the week or going to the gym can go a long way in preventing burnout.