Philip Licht

Executive Director

Philip has a powerful testimony and passion to see others set free from addictions. He was ordained as a minister in 2005 and has spent the last 11 years helping others. He is skilled at establishing relational networks, building infrastructure, and developing systems that facilitate agency growth, community involvement, and personal freedom. In 2008, he became the Executive Director of Set Free Alaska and has been instrumental in its formation and current success.

As a statewide leader, Philip serves in a leadership capacity for several organizations. He is the Board Chair for the Governor’s Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Philip serves as a steering committee member for ROCK Mat-Su (an effort to increase family resilience and decrease child maltreatment), and Recover Alaska (a statewide initiative to end the devastating impact of excessive alcohol use. He was recognized by Governor Sean Parnell as one of the “Great Alaskans” of 2012 for his work in the substance abuse field. He enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his wife Cheryl and their five children; Brayden, Evan, Kaelin, Nathan, and Anna.

Amanda Zeppa, LCSW

Operations Clinical Director

Amanda earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of South Carolina in 2006, and is a Professional Counselors Board Approved Supervisor. Her experience includes: therapy with children and teens in the residential treatment setting, community based mental health and substance abuse treatment, and crisis intervention for children and families.

Alli Madison, BA

Program Manager-Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient

Alli was born and raised in Seattle, WA and moved to Alaska in 2011 to pursue a full-ride athletic scholarship.  She received her BA in psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage, and is currently working on her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health counseling.  She enjoys working out daily. Spin Class, HIIT workouts, and hot yoga are some of her favorites.  She also enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their amazing French bulldog Kratos.  She continues to work in the field of counseling and enjoys witnessing and being a part of the life changing experience treatment can provide. She loves watching a person’s confidence, self-awareness, and overall life turn a complete180. It just warms her heart.

Brandy Tolosa, BS

Clinician

Brandy has a desire to care for people both clinically and holistically.  She believes in healing the body, mind and spirit for those struggling with addiction.  She has a BA in Behavioral Science, MS in Mental Health Counseling; and a certification in Theories in Addictive Behavior.  Brandy previously worked as a massage therapist for 15 years before transitioning in to counseling.  Brandy has the desire to follow where God leads her and feels honored to be in a place to walk with clients in their struggle.

Shawn Culp

Counselor

Shawn began working for Ser Free Alaska in June of 2017 as a Substance Abuse Counselor.  Shawn has a heart to see Alaskan’s experience healing and freedom from addiction, and has worked in this field since 2013.  He is married with three children and enjoys playing the guitar, raising animals on his mini farm, and being active in his local church.

Chris Hassen

Counselor

Chris has as strong desire to see healing from addiction in our community. Because she has been touched by substance abuse in her own life, she wants to see others set free. Chris has lived in the Valley since 2000, and has spent 11 years working in the social service field as well as working with individuals with mental health needs and disabilities. Chris was also contracted by the Department of Public Assistance to help individuals with substance abuse in the prisons and in the Mat Su Valley community. She holds a degree in Human Services and has a certificate as a Chemical Technician.

Izaak Downing

Counselor

Izaak and his family moved to Alaska in 2017 from Eugen Oregon where he was the Dean of Students at a Christian College.  Izaak has a passion to see individuals set free from their addictions. Because of his past substance abuse issues, he understands how difficult it can be to find sobriety. Izaak graduated from New Hope Christian College in 2014 with a bachelor of science degree, and is also licensed minister.

Kristine S. Johnson, MSW, CDC I

Counselor

Kristine was born and raised in Anchorage, AK. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hawaii Pacific University, her Masters in Social Work from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and her Chemical Dependency Certification I. She believes strongly in partnering with people in their journey to be the best versions of themselves by reinforcing their right to self-determination and building their sense of empowerment. She is passionate about the field of social work and enjoys its daily challenges and joys. She feels that learning doesn’t ever stop, because there is always something to learn about ourselves, our practice, and the world we live in. She is blessed with a loving and kind husband, family, and friends. Kristine finds that she can be most connected to the best version of herself when she is enjoying time with her loved ones, on trails in the mountains, challenging herself physically and mentally, experiencing new things and places, reading, and a warm cup of tea.

Candice Wiggs, MA, Psychology

Clinician

Candice was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Alaska in July 2018. She has always had a passion to see people reach a point where they feel strong and confident, and can believe in themselves. Candice has a BS in Psychology, and an MA in Psychology from Westfield State University in Westfield, Massachusetts. She is married with three children and enjoys traveling, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. Candice feels honored to be part of a team that brings such positive change to the community.

Hunter Richards, CDC1

Counselor

Hunter has a strong desire to walk beside others and help them find freedom in their lives. He was born and raised in the Valley and has a desire to serve his home community.  Hunter has a BA in Psychology, as well as a Master of Divinity degree. Hunter loves spending time with family, playing hockey, and being outdoors. Hunter serves as an assistant pastor at his local church and has a passion for sharing God’s love and forgiveness with others.

Michelle Reiman, CT

Case Manager/Peer Support

Michelle is a proud graduate of our Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program at Set Free. Since her completion of our program in 2017, Michelle has dedicated herself towards helping others in their personal journey out of alcohol abuse and drug addiction. Michelle has gained experience and education through the RADACT Academy in Anchorage to become a Counselor Technician and continue working towards her goal of certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor. Michelle serves the community as a volunteer through the local ministry of Celebrate Recovery and has a passion for sharing her story of recovery from substance abuse and the victory she has found in Jesus.

Joy Stein

Chief Financial Officer

Joy has worked in the accounting field since 1983; and obtained her Bachelors in Business with an Emphasis in Accounting from the University of Phoenix in 2014.  Throughout her career, Joy has worked in all aspects of accounting including the positions of Comptroller for many privately owned companies serving customers in engineering, construction and delivery services.  Joy most recently worked as the Finance Officer for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council since 2014.  Joy and her husband Tom have also facilitated personal finance and budgeting training through Financial Peace University for the last eleven years.  Her passion is to see the captives set free so they can enter into their God given destiny and thrive!

Sherry Hill

Operations Director

Sherry is committed to Set Free Alaska by supporting the agency’s donor management and marketing efforts. Sherry has over thirty years’ experience in the telecommunications industry where she gained experience in both Project Management and Marketing, with proven managerial and leadership abilities. Sherry is currently married with two children and a grandson. Her Christian faith and life experiences have led to her deep seeded passion for the broken-hearted and her overall commitment to Set Free Alaska.

Lisa Hilty

Office Manager

Lisa is a dynamic leader who has extensive experience in administration and office management.  Lisa’s carries the spirit of excellence that Set Free holds as a core value.  She is skilled at process improvement and is incredibly innovative in her problem solving abilities.  As well as being a manager, Lisa has been married for twenty seven years and has four children. Lisa has a heart to see people’s lives change and move forward in victory.

Heather Archer, CDC II, BHC II, NCAC I

Clinical QA and Compliance Manager

Heather is a lifelong Alaskan and mother of three, who has a gleaming sense of humor and positive attitude. She is a certified and experienced Chemical Dependency/Behavioral Health Counselor, which gives her the clinical knowledge to provide quality assurance oversight for the clinical team.  She has over 20 years of combined work, experience and education in the field of human services and over five years of administration.  Heather’s organizational skills and attention to detail have helped her move well into the role of QA and Compliance Manager, overseeing Set Free Alaska’s Integrity Program.

Cassi Sheppard

Administrative Assistant

Cassi went to school for accounting where she obtained certificates in Bookkeeping, Payroll, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable. She was also the Vice President of the Student Government Association at her school. Cassi has over 6 years’ experience in the customer service field and enjoys working with a diverse group of people. In her spare time she pursues photography and is slowly building recognition in the field having two of her photos published. Cassi enjoys working on her jeep and would like to begin restoring jeeps as well.

Tabitha Hotchkiss

Receptionist

Tabitha carries a heart for the broken and creates an atmosphere for our clients that is both warm and welcoming.  Her expectational skills with details and organization make her a perfect fit for our agency.  Tabitha strives to create an experience for clients of providing excellent service which is one of our core values.

Nancy Ramos

Receptionist

Nancy loves helping our new clients through the admissions process, and to continually see the healing and growth through their journey. Nancy moved to Alaska in 2006 from Springfield Missouri; and is married with three beautiful children.  Nancy carries with her our vision of all Alaskans experiencing God’s love and freedom from addiction.

Kim May

Accounting Assistant

Kim was born and raised in Malaysia.  She married her husband Gary in 2004 and became a United States citizen in 2010.  Kim is currently working on her BS in Accounting with Liberty University online classes.  Kim most recently worked as QA & Billing Coordinator for Youth Advocates of Sitka since 2010. Her passion is to serve God, to see every Alaskan experiencing Christ’s love, being set free from addiction and having a victorious life.

Alicia Campbell

Accountant

Graduating from Palmer High School, Alicia has a strong connection to Mat-Su Valley and chose to raise her children here. Alicia has numerous years of experience in Accounting and Business Administration.  Alicia obtained her Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration Business and is currently completing her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with an emphasis in Accounting. Alicia most recently worked as the Business Development Executive for an accounting software organization. Alicia has a strong desire to work within the community and finds that focusing on the greater good of the community motivates her every day.