Kin Support Program – Haa Yatx'u Saani

The Hon. Debra O’Gara

President

I live in Petersburg but my mom and Auntie were born and raised in Mountain Village. Their mother Frances Tamaree Sheppard (Skip) was born in Wrangell and died too young. My Great Grandmother Tillie Paul Tamaree was a civil rights activist and mother to William and Louis Paul. My Great Grandfather William Tamaree was a community leader, carver, and peacemaker in Wrangell. My family has been and continues to be a mixture of fighters and survivors. Multigenerational experience has grounded me and helps me navigate through life’s journey. I have been a lawyer, judge, professor, PhD candidate, weaver, and caretaker for the Teeyhitaan clan At.oow.

Melanie Rodriguez, MPA

Treasurer

Melanie Rodriguez is a public administration professional with more than 15 years of experience advancing child welfare, tribal governance, and family-centered systems. Melanie recently served as a Child Welfare Program Specialist and Senior Regional Strategy Advisor with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she supported federal child welfare initiatives, including programs impacting kinship caregivers, children, and families.

In addition to her professional work, Melanie is a committed community leader, serving as a Trustee for Goldbelt Ancestral Trust, Board Director for the National Urban Indian Family Coalition, and Treasurer for the Tlingit and Haida Washington Chapter. Born and raised in Juneau, Alaska, she is of Tlingit and Philippine descent and belongs to the Kaagwaantaan Kook Hít (Box House) of the Sheetka Kwaan clan.

Jeanette Ness

Secretary

l was born and raised in Petersburg. My late husband Jon and I had two sons and a daughter, and we are now blessed with six grandchildren. I worked for Public Health Nursing for 30 years, then Petersburg Indian Association’s ICWA program.
I have been actively involved with PlA, either as a council member or an employee, for over 40 years. I have also served in the past as a delegate for Central Council Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska and Presdent of
Alaska Native Sisterhood, Camp 16. I am so honored to be a member of the Kin Support Program. I wish to continue to help nourish families and support their
overall wellness. This is my passion!

THANK YOU to our Board Alums Georgiana Hotch, Jeri Museth, and Molly Porter. These former Board Members are near and dear to our hearts and our memories.