Our Mission is nothing less than realizing the full potential of Alaska's children by ending child hunger with sustainable, grassroots, child-centered strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption throughout Alaska.
Our Team
Milena Sevigny
Executive Director
Milena's diverse career experiences spanning both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, provide her with a unique perspective and exceptional abilities in collaboration, innovation and leadership. With 15 years in the nonprofit sector and expertise in managing Corporate Social Responsibility Programs, her achievements and community recognition as a visionary problem-solver and empathetic leader are well-regarded. In 2021, she received the 'Top 40 Under 40' award from the Alaska Journal of Commerce. She actively participates in advisory committees focused on enhancing food security in Alaska, including the Alaska Food Policy Council, Alaska Food Coalition, and Rebarchek Farm's Regenerative Agriculture Group. Additionally, she founded the Mat-Su Seed Library, which now boasts four locations offering free seeds to promote local food production. In her leisure time, Milena enjoys fishing, foraging, growing her own food, canning, and teaching children how to garden.
Hally Marshall
Outreach Coordinator
Hally Marshall joins us from Minnesota and brings with her talents that span all aspects of administration, community outreach and the well-being of children. For over a decade, she ran a successful daycare, raised 4 children and was an active part of her community, and for her, FOOD has always been her love language. Hally began with Kids Kupboard by serving on its board and volunteering, and eventually worked her way from Administrative Assistant to Outreach Coordinator. She excels at making the community aware of Kids Kupboard's mission and fosters partnerships that allow the mission to continue forward. Without her, the program would not be possible. For fun, Hally enjoys cooking, hunting, and the great outdoors.
Operations Manager
Chris Haugom
Chris Haugom has dedicated nearly seven years to Kids Kupboard and finds his role to be the most fulfilling of his career. With a background in business management and operations, along with his heart for people and the children of his community, he is the perfect fit for Operations Manager and the leader of the Kids Kupboard commercial Kitchen. Chris oversees both staff and volunteers, collaborates with suppliers and donors, manages food inventory and production, and insures that meals are making it out to those in need, and does it all with a smile. When he takes time for himself, Chris enjoys, hunting and fishing, hiking and bonfires, and fully embracing the beauty of Alaska's outdoors with the family he loves.
Mallory Saltamacchio
Volunteer Coordinator
Mallory's journey with Kids Kupboard began when she met the team at an event in Seward, AK. After relocating to the Valley, she became a dedicated volunteer and now serves as the Volunteer Coordinator while also working in the commercial kitchen. With experience in operations and business, including owning her own ventures and managing children and school buses, she brings a wealth of knowledge in both business and community matters. Her passion for children and commitment to teaching sustainable living, fuels her dedication to advancing the Kids Kupboard mission. In addition to her love for the outdoors as an avid hunter, fisher and survivalist, Mallory enjoys dancing, crafting, and cooking, all while cherishing her time with family.
Board Members
Ann Class
Board President
Ann began her dream as an elementary educator in Mission, TX in 1983. When she moved to Alaska in 1984, she fell in love with her students at Tanaina Elementary and stayed there, shaping little minds, until 2008. In 2008 Ann began teaching as part of a STEM curriculum team at Machetanz Elementary. Throughout her tenure as an educator Ann was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” by the Frontiersman, she was nominated as BP’s Teacher of the Year and upon her retirement in 2016 she was honored by the Alaska Legislature for her commitment to Alaska’s children spanning more than 30 years.
Patrick Schoonover
Board Co Chair
Patrick is responsible for helping to develop the organization's strategic direction and long-term goals. He works closely with the executive director and other staff members to identify opportunities and challenges facing the organization and develop plans and policies to address them.
Christian Hartley
Board Member
A second-generation Alaskan who has lived in the Mat-Su Valley for well over half of his life, Christian M. Hartley has dedicated his life to public service and public safety. Currently serving as the fire chief for the City of Houston, he has served on many city, Borough, and State boards and commissions over his tenure. He became involved in Kids Kupboard first as the host of a feeding site and volunteer and then ran for a board seat to provide input from his unique perspective of helping people at the times of their greatest need. He is well-versed in grant writing and donation seeking, and is a proficient writer. Christian is married to his wife Alma, and together they live in Big Lake where they raise their three sons and amateur egg farm.
Diane Firmani
Board Member
Diane Firmani hails from Mishawaka, Indiana. This Hoosier received her B.A. and M.S. in Education from Indiana University. Diane got a wild hair in 1983 and moved to Unalaska to take time off from teaching and work in a cannery. She beelined back to teaching school after that experience and taught in Unalaska for a year, then was hired in the MSBD in 1984. Diane taught 3rd grade and library at Tanaina Elementary for 30 years, then at Larson Elementary for 5 years. She retired in 2018 due to her husband's illness.
Diane stays active with women's hockey, triathlons, and working at the Wasilla Public Library. She is the proud mom of two boys, Chancie Hanson and Cooper Hanson.
Whitny Shields
Board Member
Originally from Arizona Whitny and her large family moved to Alaska from Arizona in 2016 thinking it would be temporary but fell in love with Alaska. Whitny is a mom to 7 amazing children, wife to Nathan, B.A. in Dental Hygiene, photographer and business owner. Kids Kupboard started off being a fun activity for their family and has grown into a great relationship.
Tony Lee
Board Member
52 Year resident of Alaska arriving in May of 1969. Married with 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren. Retired and living in Meadow Lakes. Commercial pilot land and sea, air craft mechanic, master guide and master fishing guide. Board of Directors of APHA for 6 years and 3 years as Vice President.
Robin Ouelette
Board Member
Robin Ouellette’s classroom learning environment always promoted fun, growth, and a sense of family. Her students knew they were important. She told them every day. During her 31 years of teaching students here in the MatSu, Robin has served as a professional development mentor, presented workshops for new teachers, and taken an active role in the community. As an educational leader and proven child advocate, Robin volunteers over 800 hours annually with ours and several other agencies, helping children and families with life skills that are both practical and beneficial in their daily lives.