Rising to the Occasion
Hope’s greatest strength has always been its people. From direct support professionals who work one-on-one with people and families, to managers who coordinate programs and ensure quality services, to leadership teams who guide our strategic vision—every employee is part of a shared purpose: to build a more inclusive world. Our teams rise to the occasion again and again. We are grateful—not just for what our staff have accomplished—but for who they are. Each person brings something unique to the work they do, and together, they form a community of compassionate caregivers across the entire state.
Alex Curry, Outstanding Community Volunteer
At the annual Anchorage Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, Hope recognized Alex Curry with an Outstanding Community Volunteer Award. Alex had volunteered at Hope Studios for nearly two years, contributing up to 40 hours each week. Their work included organizing the gallery, assisting with sales, attending events, and collaborating closely with artists. Throughout this time, Alex built meaningful relationships, developed professional skills, and became a valued member of the Art Studio team. Hope expressed deep gratitude for Alex’s dedication and the positive impact they brought to both the Studio and the wider community.
Joseph Sonnier, Top 40 Under 40
In March, Hope celebrated Board Treasurer Joe Sonnier, who was named to the 2025 “Top Forty Under 40” list. This recognition honored Joseph’s leadership, innovation, and commitment to strengthening community life in Alaska. The annual program honors 40 young professionals under the age of 40 who are making a significant impact in the state through strong leadership, professional excellence, and meaningful community service. Recipients come from a wide range of fields, but what they share in common is that they are seen as emerging leaders who are shaping Alaska’s future, improving their communities, and inspiring others around them. Being named to the Top Forty Under 40 is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions for young professionals in the state.
"Juliana" Team
One of Hope’s assisted living homes in Anchorage, known as Juliana, has a unique and meaningful history. It is the only home at Hope where Direct Support Professionals and nursing staff work side-by-side to support the people who live there. This collaborative model has resulted in notable successes for both the team and for Hope as a whole. Recently, the State of Alaska approved the placement of a youth in the Juliana home. While the placement was originally intended to be temporary, it has since become a stable environment where he has formed strong relationships and made meaningful progress toward his goals.
The nursing team has also contributed to Juliana’s success. Their expertise has supported people returning from hospital care, including two who recently required increased medical support—one of whom has now made Juliana their permanent home. The nurses routinely assist with medical needs at another neighboring home known as Arlene, helping to ensure continuity of care and meeting medical needs with compassion and professionalism.
Together, the staff and nurses at Juliana have created an adaptable support model that is opening new possibilities for people who might otherwise need to be sent out of state for care.
Michele Girault's 40-Year Anniversary
In August 2024, Hope proudly celebrated the 40-year anniversary of our Executive Director, Michele Girault, whose leadership has shaped the lives of countless people Hope supports and the organization itself. Michele first joined Hope in 1984 as a Direct Support Professional, for what she thought would be a summer job. Instead, she discovered a lifelong calling to advocate for the rights and inclusion of people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Over four decades, Michele has led with compassion, persistence, and a belief that small, persistent efforts can lead to big improvements in human dignity and quality of life. Her work has helped shift Alaska’s disability services from institutional settings to home- and community-based supports—ensuring people have equal opportunities to live full, meaningful lives of their choosing.
Michele’s leadership has inspired staff, families, and partners across Alaska and beyond. Hope’s Board President, Kendra Sticka shared, “Michele lives the values of Hope. She always brings the individual being served to the center of every discussion and decision, genuinely and authentically engaging with all parts of the Hope community. Over the past 40 years, she has been a part of a massive cultural shift in the world of disabilities. Her collaborative nature and willingness to always put people first have allowed her impact to stretch beyond Hope and into so many other spaces that improve our community and the lives of people who live within it.”
Mercedes Barbaza, Executive Assistant, said, “Michele’s leadership has set a high standard for operational excellence and professional development, strengthening Hope’s core value of growth and innovation. Her dedication and visionary leadership have shaped Hope’s success and its impact on the community.”
Tom Hiratsuka, CFO, added, “Michele displays both compassion and accountability in her interactions with staff while embodying our core values. Her perpetual optimism and creative problem-solving inspire others to look at challenges differently and strive for positive outcomes.”
Sharayah Talarovich, former Chief Workforce and Risk Officer, said, “Michele cares about people first – always. Her integrity and focus on serving people make her incredibly effective. She’s brave and courageous, willing to challenge the status quo and prioritize our mission above other interests. Her heart for people is what truly sets her apart.”
Joe Sonnier, Board Treasurer, reflected, “Michele’s journey from institutional settings to vibrant community life mirrors her colorful, impactful presence at Hope. Her daily practice of kindness, advocacy, and empowerment has inspired countless others. Her extraordinary magic leaves a lasting imprint on our community and our lives.”
We are profoundly grateful for Michele’s vision, heart, and commitment to Hope’s mission. Her legacy continues to guide our shared work toward a more inclusive Alaska for all.
Quotes from Hope Employees
Marilyn Peter
Marilyn has worked for Hope since 2019 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Lead DSP, and has shown exceptional dedication and professional growth. Her commitment to learning and development is evidenced by her completion of the Frontline Leadership certificate program and DSP certification. She is a strong mentor for other staff and as a result was recently promoted to Community Support Supervisor position. Marilyn embraces the values of Hope and brings them into practice each day as she teaches and coaches staff.
Eva Makahilahila-Hefner
Eva, who prefers to go by “Ava,” joined Hope in September 2024, relocating from Las Vegas to help re-open one of our assisted living homes in Wasilla known as Farm Loop following an extensive remodel. Stepping into the role of Resident Manager, she brought years of experience and a person-centered approach. This helped transform the house into a true home. Under her guidance, the women living there settled in, developed routines, and began to thrive. Ava is known for her ability to listen well, support from the heart, and approach challenges with creativity. She has helped make Farm Loop a stable, joyful, and welcoming home, and Hope is proud to recognize her outstanding work in the Mat-Su Valley.
Nicholas Pfaff, Travel DSP
Hope’s Travel Direct Support Professional (Travel DSP) program was created to meet staffing needs and has evolved into one of our most innovative and effective initiatives. Recruited from outside Alaska, Travel DSPs bring an average of 10–15 years of experience in the intellectual and developmental disability field. They fill critical staffing gaps by flying into communities at a moment’s notice to provide care, leadership, and stability—often temporarily managing Assisted Living Homes during vacations, emergencies, or vacancies.
Nicholas Pfaff is a shining example of Hope’s TDSP team. Nicholas consistently demonstrates extraordinary leadership, compassion, and flexibility, stepping into new environments when needed and adapting his support to the unique needs of each home and each person. His approach is very person-centered—he listens, adjusts his care, and ensures that the people he supports feel heard, respected, and autonomous. He works with a collaborative mindset, offers mentorship to new staff, and contributes ideas and solutions that have strengthened the program. While serving as a temporary Residential Manager, he helped develop the home into a place of dignity, self-determination, and personal growth. His leadership has elevated the standard of care and culture where every person’s identity and goals are valued. His positive attitude, energy, and reliability make him a steady source of support across the agency.
Momodou Mboob, Outstanding Professional of the Year
Momodou “Mo” Mboob was awarded the 2025 Outstanding Professional of the Year in the field of Severe Mental Health Illness at the Full Lives Conference in April 2025.
Mo has been with Hope since 2013 and currently leads our team in Utqiaġvik as the Mental Health Resident Manager. To know Mo is to witness compassion in action. He is more than a provider—he is a pillar of strength, a trusted presence, and a fierce advocate in one of the most remote communities in the nation. He brings dignity and empathy to those he serves. Every single day. During his acceptance speech, Mo shared a message that resonated beyond the walls of the conference, “We all have a moral responsibility to bring mental illness out of the shadow. Recovery is possible. Seeking treatment is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness. If we take the theme of this conference seriously—building our shared future together—we can get rid of the stigma and embarrassment, advocate for adequate resources, and take some pain and give people who choose our supports a new sense of hope.” He challenged the audience to join him on this journey, his words a reminder of the work still ahead—and the courage it takes to face it.
No one knows the depth of that courage more than his wife, Jessica Elston, who works alongside Mo as a Mental Health Associate. In reflecting on his moment of recognition, she said, “This award is not just a certificate on a wall; it’s a testament to his tireless commitment to healing hearts and minds in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. Watching him be honored was a moment I’ll never forget. He wasn’t just ‘Mo the [Resident Manager]’ or ‘Mo the provider’—he was a beacon of hope for a community that too often goes unseen. Seeing the crowd rise in applause was a surreal, powerful reminder that even in the coldest corners of the world, warm hearts and healing hands are making a difference."
Those who know Mo know what Jessica meant when she said that he doesn’t just listen—he hears; he doesn’t just speak—he connects.
Working in Utqiaġvik can be isolating. Life there means long winters, a lack of sunlight, limited supplies, and spotty internet—but even in solitude, Mo shows up every day, grounded and present. His impact goes far beyond his office. He mentors young professionals, collaborates with tribal leaders, and advocates for culturally competent care for Arctic communities. Because of him, clients leaders, and advocates for culturally competent care for Arctic communities. Because of him, clients regain strength, families begin to heal, and resilience is reborn.
Jessica said, "This award reminds us that even in the most remote corners of our country, excellence matters—and so does heart. Mo isn’t just doing a job; he’s answering a calling. And for our family, there’s no greater honor than standing beside a man who brings hope where it’s needed most.”
Mo’s leadership is creating real, lasting change. We celebrate not only his much-deserved recognition but also the consistent courage and commitment it represents. Hope's Executive Director, Michele Girault, said, "Mo's commitment to the people he supports, his team, and the community has set a standard so deserving of recognition. He is a humble leader who truly sees beyond the stigma of mental illness to support people to meaningfully contribute and succeed." Our organization and all of Alaska—especially Utqiaġvik—are better because of him.
Human Resources Team
When Alaska voters passed “Ballot Measure 1” in November 2024, the new legislation required all employers in the state to provide paid sick leave. With the law’s implementation deadline set for July 1, 2025—and limited regulatory guidance available—the transition presented administrative challenges for many organizations. In response, Hope’s Human Resources team worked closely with leadership to review the legislation, analyze the potential impacts, and designed a leave structure that meets all state requirements and aligns with Hope’s long-standing commitment to staff. They led the development of a fully compliant policy ahead of schedule, ensuring clarity, consistency, and accessibility for employees. Throughout the process, they were transparent, provided guidance to managers, and listened and responded to employees’ feedback. They worked hard to ensure a smooth implementation that honors both the law and the people who make Hope’s mission possible.
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