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Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina

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Tribe opens new optometry program

May 11, 2017

Dr. Will Phillips, right, conducts an eye exam for Ann Haddox in the Dena'ina Wellness Center's new optometry office.

Dr. Will Phillips, right, conducts an eye exam for Ann Haddox in the Dena’ina Wellness Center’s new optometry office.

After years of planning, the tribe has officially opened an optometry program at the Dena’ina Wellness Center.

The program, managed by Dr. Will Phillips, began serving un’ina earlier this year.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to start a new program and help provide a much needed service,” Phillips said. “It’s good to be able to provide the service, and there’s definitely a need for it.”

The program offers examinations, contact lens fitting, disease management, special testing, and surgical referrals.

Phillips said there are two common conditions that affect eyesight – diabetes and glaucoma – that he can help treat.

Glasses are not currently offered in-house, but Phillips said they might be added in the future.

“We’re working on it, but we don’t know how that will take shape,” he said. “There are still a lot of things we are going to figure out.”

The program does offer Medicaid eyewear, giving un’ina access to a basic set of frames that the Alaska Medicaid Program uses. The tribe verifies that the un’ina is eligible and electronically orders glasses through the official Medicaid provider.

Most appointments will last between 30 and 45 minutes, Phillips said, and un’ina are encouraged to bring any glasses or contact lenses they wear. Appointments are available from about 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Phillips, who joined the tribe in 2016, previously worked in private practice in Texas as well as with the United States Army as a civilian employee at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. He attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, before studying at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, Ill.

He encouraged un’ina to schedule annual check-ups, even if their eyes are seemingly healthy.

“It’s really about prevention,” Phillips said. “Eyes are something that if they aren’t causing you issues, they are off the radar. But it’s really important to stay on top of it.”

Phillips’ team completed more than 100 eye exams in February and he said he is happy to be serving un’ina and looks forward to growing the new program.

“It’s satisfying to put everything together,” Phillips said. “The tribe has been great to work with.”

To make an appointment or receive additional information, please call the Dena’ina Wellness Center at 907-335-7500.

Filed Under: Stories

Kenaitze Indian Tribe

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Kenaitze Administration • (907) 335-7200
Dena'ina Wellness Center • (907) 335-7500
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Heidi King, NCAC II, CDCS

Recovery Support Manager/Counselor
Heidi has eight years of experience in the chemical dependency field. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Women’s Studies, from the University of Alaska. She is a nationally accredited Chemical Dependency Clinician, and a state accredited Chemical Dependency Clinical Supervisor.

Heidi has a background in providing residential chemical dependency counseling. She is certified as a Conflict Resolution and Relapse Prevention Trainer with the National Association of Addiction Counselors. She is also a certified Peer Supports Trainer and Supervisor through the Alaska Commission of Behavioral Health Certification.

When she’s not serving un’ina, Heidi teaches yoga as a certified and registered instructor. She also enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time with her child, spouse, and numerous pets, camping all over Alaska.

Heidi provides chemical dependency counseling services in group settings and individual sessions.

Heidi can personally relate to chemical dependency and is passionate about helping those seeking recovery supports. For Heidi, healing is community, and community is an important part of connection with one’s self. She sees the positive ripple effect that healing can provide throughout the community.

Fridrik Rafn Gudmundsson, MSW, LCSW

Recovery Support Manager
Fridrik has earned his master’s degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He studied massage therapy in Iceland, and became fascinated with the mind-body connection. He completed his undergraduate degree in philosophy with a psychology minor.

Fridrik has had the opportunity to live in four countries and to travel to many others. He counts finding and marrying the love of his life and adopting his son among his greatest accomplishments. He is grateful to be able to live in this beautiful and sacred part of the world and to serve the Tribe and un’ina, “those who come to us.”

When he’s not serving un’ina, Fridrik loves spending time with his family, hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, traveling, and having fun. He enjoys learning, listening to music, and taking time for spiritual practice.

Fridrik provides assessments and individual, family and group psychotherapy at Chuq’eya Qenq’a, Birch Tree House.

For Fridrik, coming to the Kenaitze Indian Tribe felt like coming home. The more he learned about the Tribe and its history, as well as the history of the Alaska Native people, the more he knew he had found a place to be of service.

Teresa A. Ford, MSW, LMSW

Behavioral Health Clinician
Teresa earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Limestone University in South Carolina, and her master’s degree in Social Work from Campbellsville University in Kentucky. Teresa’s experience includes serving homeless and other disadvantaged populations, as well as work in outpatient rehabilitation, hospice, chemical dependency, adult and adolescent counseling, and prevention.

Teresa appreciates the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s traditional values. She sees them as a driving force in how we treat ourselves and others, and how we serve those in need of help.

When not serving un’ina, “those who come to us,” Teresa spends her time bonding with her family, creating and traveling. She also enjoys learning about Alaska Native culture, exploring new hobbies, and gardening.

Teresa provides individual, family, and group therapy services. Teresa takes a variety of approaches to therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Teresa has always been a helper at heart. Being able to overcome the things she experienced growing up in South Carolina empowered and inspired her to help others navigate through their life journeys.