Steve has been a resident of Kodiak since 1998 after a Coast Guard move with his family from Virginia. He and his wife Shelley loved the community of Kodiak so much that Shelley was able to keep her position as the USCG pharmacy officer for 12 years until her retirement. Meanwhile, Steve led the local Boy Scouts as scoutmaster for many years with a passion for Kodiak treks and wilderness survival. After a decades-long technological career, Steve retired in 2016 and now enjoys adventures that include mountain biking and hiking. He also enjoys assisting in local trail maintenance and development. ITN’s mission is a perfect fit.

Sandra came to Kodiak in 1977. Since then she has added plenty of sweat, blood, tears, and skin to many Kodiak trails. This island is her home. These are her people. 

Michelle arrived in Kodiak in 1979. She intended to stay only for the summer but ended up, never leaving. She spent the first 12 years working as a commercial fisherwoman, which gave her the opportunity to explore and fall in love with the Island. In 2004, she transitioned into teaching and taught at St. Mary’s School for ten years until 2014, when she accepted an assignment with the Peace Corps, serving in Guyana, SA for 2 years. She has 2 adult children, Gloria and Dillon; avid hikers. Michelle enjoys gardening, hiking/walking, picking up trash (I don’t know if enjoys is the right verb for this activity) and recently pickle ball.

Ben arrived on the ferry in 1994 with his then-girlfriend Karen. Soon after, they married, had kids, and settled into a house with no desire to leave. He enjoys mountain biking, trail running, hiking, kayaking, and skiing. Ben and Karen raised two kids and a brewery here and have no plans to leave. Ben believes trail use has increased with changing demographics. Kodiak is tough to access and navigate, keeping it wild and wonderful but still impacted by growing backcountry use. Ben aims to expand recreation opportunities while minimizing degradation through planning, design, and maintenance.

Dan worked as a shellfish biologist for both the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the National Marine Fisheries Service but is currently retired. He holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a MS from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Dan has lived in Kodiak for 25 years and really enjoys the opportunities it provides for kayaking, biking, and hiking. Dan lives with his wife Kim, and one dog.

Eric first arrived in Kodiak in 1980 to visit his sister, which turned into an unforgettable experience as he fished the final winter of Kodiak’s king crab and shrimp seasons. Though he returned to Minnesota to pursue a graduate degree, Kodiak stayed in his heart. In 1985, Eric and his wife, Mary, returned to Kodiak to setnet and build their life together, raising two boys and immersing their family in the island’s natural beauty and adventures. With a career split between fishing and teaching, Eric discovered a passion for building mountain bike trails. To this day, his commitment to expanding Kodiak’s trail system reflects his love for the community.

Dayna Brockman is a resident of Kodiak, Alaska, with a diverse background in yoga instruction, Ayurveda, and community involvement. She has been practicing yoga since 1997, inspired by her initial class with Father Joe Pereira, and is a certified Kripafoundation Iyengar Yoga instructor.  Dayna also teaches courses on Ayurveda at Kodiak College, introducing students to the history and practices of this healing tradition.  In addition, she serves as a board member for the Island Trails Network. Dayna is the owner of North Sister Yoga and Ayurveda, reflecting her commitment to holistic health practices.  She is also a mother and enjoys activities such as cooking, hiking, and traveling. 

Katie has lived in Kodiak since 2007 and grown increasingly passionate about making Kodiak a better place for her family and friends. She is a strong supporter and advocate for Kodiak schools and education and serves on the city Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. She recognizes access to recreational areas is an important part of a healthy community.  Her family has a long history of involvement with Island Trails Network, working on trails and marine debris removal. The Keslings have been proud sustaining members to ITN and as a newer director Katie brings her fresh ideas and social media savviness. 

Melissa brings her experience in communication, marketing, research, customer acquisition and retention, and business development. She has lived in a variety of island communities throughout the US and understands the impact distance has on community. Melissa strongly believes in the mission of Island Trails Network and is a sustaining member.