Valerie Gifford was welcomed in August 2019 by the UAF Student Health and Counseling Center as the new Director.  Originally from Wyoming, Dr. Gifford relocated to Alaska in 1994. The majority of her time in Alaska has been committed to living and providing services in rural communities.  Dr. Gifford earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from UAF, Master’s of Social Work degree from Wurweiler School of School Work at Yeshiva University, and her Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology with a Rural and Indigenous Emphasis from UAF.  In addition to her work with UAF Student Health and Counseling, Dr. Gifford serves on UAF’s faculty for the School of Education’s Counseling Program and the College of Liberal Arts’ Psychology Department. She is licensed in Alaska as a psychologist and clinical social worker.   

Stacey is the Associate Director for Counseling and has been with UAF Student Health and Counseling since 2013. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Washington and obtained her clinical licensure shortly thereafter. Stacey has over twenty years of experience working in the mental health field and is formally trained as a Cognitive Behavior Therapist with a specialty in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She started her career working with incarcerated youth and young adults in Seattle, and later moved on to Harborview Medical Center's inpatient psychiatry. In 2009, Stacey relocated to Fairbanks where she worked with active duty members and their families on Eielson Air Force Base. Believing that the relationship is a fundamental part of therapy, Stacey builds upon strengths and resilience to assist with change and achieving personal goals. She has experience with crisis intervention, mood disorders, anxiety, interpersonal relationships and adjustment concerns. Stacey is holistic in her approach, utilizing self-awareness and mindfulness as a foundation for practice.

Nikki joined Student Health and Counseling in 2022 and is the designated mental health counselor for Student Support Services, an on-campus organization serving students from low income backgrounds, first generation college students, and students experiencing disabilities. Nikki earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from UAF in 2021. She is currently working toward LPC licensure under the supervision of Dr. Valerie Gifford.

Nikki utilizes psychodynamic psychotherapy to assist individuals in understanding their internal psychic structure and the way in which experiences from childhood and adolescence may be carried into adulthood. Through a mutually-trusting, collaborative relationship, Nikki works with individuals to uncover the unconscious drivers of their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, and builds on the inherent resilience of the human spirit, while aiming to reconnect individuals with their inner wisdom. She is particularly passionate about helping clients regain a sense of safety in their physical and emotional experiences, while internalizing a belief in their ability to achieve the meaningful life of their choosing. 

Kiana has been with Student Health & Counseling since 2018 and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Trinity Christian College and her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, IL. Kiana has more than 15 years of experience in the field of mental health and is licensed in both Alaska and California. Kiana most often uses an integrative, eclectic and holistic approach to mental health that focuses on the person in the room and how that person is affected and influenced by the world around them. She also utilizes cognitive behavioral techniques, solution-focused and family systems therapy. Kiana’s biggest passion in counseling is working with those experiencing grief and loss, walking alongside them on their journey and holding space for them to express all the nuances of the grief process. Her interests also include working through college adjustment, relationship issues, self-esteem, life transitions, stress management, supporting and advocating for Alaska Native populations and building resiliency. Kiana was born in Fairbanks and spent her childhood in a small village north of the Arctic Circle. In her spare time, she enjoys interior design, gardening, spending time in nature, music, reading, writing, travel and photography.

Alicia is a new member to the Student Health and Counseling team.  She is the Embedded Counselor at the MBS Complex.  Alicia received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno and then her Master's in Social Work from New Mexico State University.  Alicia has 20 years of experience working in the mental health field with all ages.  She believes that relationships are the key to sustainable change and takes a Person-Centered approach. She often takes a Humanistic perspective and believes in the power of love, joy, and connection as a way to heal and move forward.   She has experience with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, attachment and interpersonal relationships.  In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, their two snow dogs and their very loud tabby cat. 

Sarah Jensen, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), is a Counselor at the Student Health & Counseling Center where she provides individual psychotherapy and counseling to UAF students as well as facilitates a variety of groups and workshops for the UA community. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from University of Rochester and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University. Her areas of interest include phase-of-life transitions and adjustment, identity exploration, anxiety, depression, stress management, and body image concerns. In her clinical work, she utilizes an eclectic approach, often combining aspects of mindfulness, alternative and contemplative practices, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and humanistic therapy. Utilizing a strengths-based perspective with her clients, she aims to provide person-centered, holistic, and culturally-sensitive care. In her free time, Sarah enjoys a great many hobbies but she is most passionate about herbalism, travel, spending time outside, and functional fitness.

Kendall Ross is a new member and counseling intern with the Student Health and Counseling team. She attended UAF years prior and obtained a B.A. and M.A. degree in Criminal Justice. Kendall is a licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II and has spent many years as a Substance Abuse Counselor with experience working in inpatient, outpatient, medicated assisted treatment facilities, and most recently a Court Diversion program. She has loved her work as a SAC, but recently decided she would like to pursue more education to become a better advocate for the population she serves. Kendall is now attending the Alaska Pacific University in pursuit of Doctorate of Counseling Psychology Degree (PsyD). She continues to have an interest in working with clients struggling with substance abuse, severe mental health disorders, suicidality, and case management issues. She focuses on Cognitive Behavioral techniques with a strong understanding of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and skill building. Kendall enjoys creating through various art mediums, gardening, listening to podcasts, reading fiction, and spending time with family and friends.  

Wyatt is a Master’s Degree student in Counseling and a new member of the UAF Student Health and Counseling team (Fall 2022). He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UAF in 2019, and has been working toward earning his counseling degree since Fall 2020. Wyatt was born and raised in Fairbanks, AK and has spent much of his life working and connecting with members in the community. Wyatt practices from an integrative approach, practicing from humanistic and psychodynamic approaches, and utilizes cognitive-behavioral techniques.