Champion for Kids

INTERIOR CHAMPION

Desiree’ Macz is a lifelong Alaskan whose deep roots in family and community shape both her life and her work. Born in Anchorage and raised in Fairbanks, she met her husband Kevin while he was stationed at Ft. Wainwright, and together they raised their two children, Tatyana and Xavier. Family remains at the heart of everything Desiree’ does. She treasures time spent with her parents, siblings, son in law, and nine nephews; celebrating birthdays, hosting lively game nights, cheering on sports (especially the Pittsburgh Steelers), camping, and gathering for fall bonfires at her parents’ home. She is especially excited to welcome her first Alaskan niece this April.

Those same values of connection, compassion, and care have guided Desiree’s professional journey. She has dedicated 22 years to the Resource Center for Parents & Children (RCPC), where her passion for supporting families first took root during her time with the Women, Infants and Children program. That passion ultimately led her to Stevie’s Place Child Advocacy Center (CAC), where she has become a steady, trusted presence for children and families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. A trained forensic interviewer and family advocate, Desiree’ is known for her empathy, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to advocacy and support.

In 2020, Desiree’ was promoted to Program Manager of Stevie’s Place CAC after serving three years as Assistant Manager. Under her leadership, Stevie’s Place achieved accreditation through the National Children’s Alliance in January 2023  followed by Stevie’s Place being honored with the 2023 Outstanding Services to Victims in Alaska award. Colleagues know Desiree’ as a hands-on leader who values collaboration, respects her team, and believes in remaining connected to the frontline work that first inspired her career.

Outside of work, Desiree’ enjoys the simple pleasures that keep her grounded: reading, gardening, and taking walks through downtown Fairbanks with her dog, Pirate.

SOUTHEAST CHAMPION

Victoria ‘Tory’ Houser is a child at heart, finding joy and energy with children of all ages.  Tory has lived and worked in the Tongass National Forest for over 20 years and dedicates herself to building youth stewards of Alaska. She believes that connecting children to natural resources in meaningful ways is an investment in our future.

Tory grew up in New Jersey and New York, where she was lucky enough to have loving parents who did their best to channel her endless energy into positive activities like dance, swimming in the ocean, sports, theatre, and lots of time outside. She knows firsthand what it is like to struggle with focus and likes to think of creative ways to help similar students find purpose and opportunity through movement, connection with the environment, and challenge.

Introduced to the concept of growth mindset through her work with T3 (Teaching Through Technology), Tory learned to find success in students’ accomplishments and from their ability to learn, adjust and move forward after failures. She believes in supporting children, giving them the space to experiment, and instilling a lifelong desire to learn, while having fun.  

SOUTHCENTRAL CHAMPION

Born and raised in Denver Colorado.  Received her degrees from Colorado State University in Communication Disorders for her career as a Speech Language Pathologist.  She moved to Alaska in 1995 and began working in Early Intervention for Programs for Infants and Children.  She decided to seek a degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University in Denver, Colorado and became the Executive Director for PIC in 2004.  She continues to serve in this role today, nearly 31 years with PIC providing services for infants and toddlers with disabilities.

Amy has served on many boards including the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education.  She is also an active member of the Interagency Coordinating Council for Alaska and has been advocating for changes to Alaska Statutes so that more children and families have access to valuable Early Intervention services through the Infant Learning Program.  Amy is a member of many early childhood groups and coalitions across Anchorage and the state.  Working together to elevate the need for strong early childhood education programs so that all children succeed.

When not working, Amy enjoys the many wonderful activities Alaska has to offer including hiking, fishing, biking, traveling, and exploring the great state of Alaska.

LIFETIME AWARDEE

Scientist, author, former dog musher, and founding Director of the Alaska Family Violence Prevention Project, Linda Chamberlain worked in the intersecting fields of brain development, stress, and trauma for more than three decades. Her passion has been following the science and translating the latest research into user-friendly tools and resources for diverse communities. Recent breakthroughs on understanding how stress, trauma, and illness affect the nervous system and ways to work through the body to promote healing and well-being were the impetus for Linda to write the children’s book, Howling with Huskies, with the Alaska Children’s Trust. Her free time is focused on sharing evidence-based, mind-body practices including Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) meditation and pursuing the traditional folk art of primitive rug hooking.

Linda taught for the University of Alaska and earned public health degrees from Yale School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is the author of the Amazing Brain Series and Arctic Inspirations, a book about rural microenterprise in the Arctic. Recognition for her work includes a Scientist Scholar with the Fulbright Arctic Initiative, a National Kellogg Leadership Fellowship, an Alaska Women of Achievement Award, and the Inaugural Scattergood Foundation Scholar on Child Behavioral Health.