Our Team

Nikki Smith, Child Educator

Jeanette Snow, Child Educator

Shauna Bay, Child Educator

Alina Tykalsky, Child Educator

Reina Valley, Admin Assistant

Dana Shrimplin, Child Care/Admin

Ginger Bear, Executive Director
Ginger has worked in the Social Service sector since the late 1980's and  has been with Family Promise Mat-Su since 2017.  A First Class Girl Scout and recipient of a Humanitarian Award, Ginger brings her passion of helping others to meet the needs of struggling families in the Mat-Su community.  Both personally and professionally, Ginger understands the dynamics of homelessness, and was able to begin helping those she identified with when she became Case Manager for Family Promise  of Pulaski County in 2009.   After moving to Alaska in 2016, Ginger found  Family Promise Mat-Su.   Beginning as a van driver in 2017, Ginger soon accepted a  Case Manager position  for transitional housing and diversion.  After the retirement of  the founding Executive Director in July 2019, Ginger  accepted the position of Interim Executive Director.  And, in January 2020, Ginger was offered the Executive Director position.   

Pam Ratliff, Administrator
Pam has been with Family Promise Mat-Su since 2010, serving in multiple roles.  A mother and grandmother, Pam understands and shares her passion for children. 

Jen Nielsen, Program Director
Jen comes to Family Promise Mat-Su with strong skills in Customer Service and Office Administration.  A wife and mother of 4, Jen understands the dynamics of struggling families, and has the compassion to help those who walk through our doors.  

Nancy Retallick, Program Manager
Nancy has 23 years of case management experience. Publisher of Carly Shares Her Story and working on her PHD in Holistic Life Coaching, she has much to offer to our affiliate. Mother and grandmother, we welcome Nancy's expertise as she joins our team working closely with our guest families.

Valinda Brooks, Family Navigator