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Joel Hanson is the Sitka Program Director at Southeast Alaska Independent Living. Joel has a passion for giving back and helping others which is evident through their work history. Joel has worked as a Volunteer Coordinator, Manager of Community Outreach, Assistant Residence Director, and Teacher’s Assistant. In their previous role as the Manager of Community Outreach for Zambia Gold, Joel accompanied a group of honey farmers in Zambia, Africa which allowed them to receive a steady and fair wage. Joel also served on various committees such as the Fall Training Committee, Social Justice Committee and Social Media and Webpage Committee while they were working as the Assistant Residence Director at Gonzaga University. In addition to their various roles in the workforce, Joel was also a Freestyle Coach for the Mission Ridge Ski Team. Joel’s experience and dedication to helping others makes him the perfect candidate for the Sitka Program Director position.

Joel Hanson attended Gonzaga University for their undergraduate degree in environmental studies with a focus in sociology. Joel then attended Cedar Park Christian School to get their certification in merchant marine captain's license from the USCG Merchant Marine. Afterwards, they got their certification in Standard First Aid, CPR and AED from the ALASKA MARINE SAFETY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. Lastly, they got their certification in Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness/Remote Location First Aid from NOLS Wilderness Medicine.

Their manager is Sierra Jimenez, Assistant Director. Some individuals on their team include Caroline Fenton - Employment Coordinator, Matthew Millado - Sitka ORCA JV. They work with Emma Van Nes - ORCA Coordinator, Janine Allen - VOICE Coordinator, and Janelle Friday - Lead VILA.