IḶISAĠVIK COLLEGE

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

– J.K. Rowling: Albus Dumbledore

Hometown: Utqiaġvik

Current City: Anchorage/Utqiaġvik

Education: Diploma, Barrow High School, 2008; Bachelors of Social Work, UAA, 2012; Masters of Social Work, Western New Mexico University, 2018 Community Work: Prior to working with Iḷisaġvik College, I worked at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, Alaska Youth Advocates, Denali Family Services and within several subsidiaries of the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. Most of my community service has been dedicated to youthserving organizations, such as serving as a Board of Director of Friends of Alaska’s Children in Care, Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska and Field Instructor with UAA’s Social Work Department.

Family: My husband Chad and I have two kids, Jacqueline “Jax” and Archer, and two dogs, Studly and Grizz. My parents are Robert and Kathy Malabed and my in-laws are Allen and Kris Nesteby. My grandparents are Richard and Beulah Williams and Rodolfo and Rosalina Abad.

What is your favorite place in Alaska and why?: I love Cooper Landing, Whittier and Homer - really every place we can easily be on the water

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?: I love fishing and being on the water, reading, listening to audiobooks and playing board/card games.

What was your first job?: First babysitting, then Taco Bell. Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give on maintaining a good work-life balance?: In an attempt to maintain a healthy work-life balance, I think it’s essential to make priority lists and set calendar reminders. Every morning, I list out everything that I need to do for work, then arrange it based on priority. In the evening, I list out things I need to do after the kids are in bed: grade assignments, pack for camping/fishing trips, finish my book club book or maybe just fold what seems like 100 loads of laundry. This helps me to stay tasks focused and gives me the satisfying feeling of checking boxes. I also recommend setting calendar reminders throughout your day to take breaks, get water or stretch. My final piece of advice is to turn off phone notifications for work emails after 5 p.m. If you get work emails sent to your phone, it may be tempting to respond right away. Turning off notifications after a certain time may be helpful in shifting your focus away from work during your downtime.