ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

Christina Ireton, LCSW (she/her), is originally from rural Virginia, relocating to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø in 2011 where she currently resides. She is working as the Field Director at the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, Bachelor of Social Work program where she has taught since 2017. She has been in the helping field for over 15 years and prior to that in early education. She has focused her work in the areas of prevention and outreach, program development, community-based, clinical, and perinatal mental health, as well as social work education and professional development. She owns a private practice in which she provides therapy, mentoring, and consultation.

Christina's own life experiences and work with diverse clients across the spectrum of social work have given her a deeper understanding of the complexity and influence of our experiences as humans. Her teaching philosophy is focused on providing compassionate care to students, and that their experiences and voices belong in the classroom, as we are meant to learn and grow together. 

There is both peace and strength in the outdoors - the mountains, the water, the land beneath our feet - that grounds us as humans and as helpers and connects us to the ancestors who have come before.

A non-traditional social worker, Christian entered the field of social work, working, and eventually supervising, a large youth treatment facility in Salt Lake City. Christian later embraced an opportunity to work and live in UtqiaÄ¡vik, then known as Barrow, Alaska. While working with the Arctic Slope Native Association, and later Ilisagvik College, Christian joined the Rural Human Services (RHS) cohort through the University of Alaska ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. It was in the RHS program, and later in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) cohort program, that Christian was introduced by Elders and culture bearers to Indigenous wellness and healing practices, specifically talking circles. Upon graduating with his Bachelor’s in Social Work, Christian obtained his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with an emphasis on behavioral and mental health. Christian is currently working on his dissertation as PhD candidate in Educational Foundations at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. As an adjunct professor in sociology, social work, and education, Christian, honoring Elder teachings, implemented the talking circles that he was introduced to in Alaska, creating a safe space for them to connect, process, and engage in their own healing and wellness journey within academia. Christian is currently researching the talking circle method of delivery and how the same results might be achieved via distance courses (including video conferencing and asynchronous methods). Christian enjoys working in multicultural spaces and is committed to DEI and student success in academia. Christian is excited to be back in Alaska and lives in Auke Bay (Juneau) with his wife, a clinical social worker, and their three young children.

My teaching philosophy is heavily influenced by critical, indigenous, and dialogic pedagogies. At the height of my priorities as an educator is to create a meaningful experience for everyone participating in the class. From my experience, the best way to do this is through recentering to a more indigenous paradigm. I, respectfully, utilize talking circles to create a safe space for them to develop critical consciousness, connect, process, and engage in their own healing and wellness journey, in particular, as it relates to the course content. Believing that critical dialogue and reflection is essential, in asynchronous online courses, I aim to recreate the essence of talking circles utilizing other creative methods. I believe in sharing power with students. Every student is a teacher. Every teacher is a student. We all learn from each other when we remember to remove our proverbial hats. Finally, I believe connection to be an integral part of any course. A successful course is one where students feel connected to the content and are able to relate it to themselves and the world(s) they live in. 

My name is Carol Renfro and I am the Administrative Professional for the Social Work Program. I’ve been working with the department for over 25 years. I really enjoy the faculty I get to work alongside, and our students are amazing.

I have been married to my soulmate for over 35 years and have 3 grown children, and 2 grandchildren. Alaska is home. I attended Hunter Elementary, Ryan Middle School and graduated from Lathrop High School. I’ve attended the University of Alaska ever since elementary school when I started taking violin lessons from Leslie Salsbury. I played with the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Symphony Orchestra, under Gordon Wright and continued studying violin with
Kathleen Butler (pre -Hopkins). I played on the Lady Nanook Basketball team during college where I met my husband (who played for the men’s team.) Our son also played for the Nanooks for several years.

I credit our strong family foundation to our strong faith. I give all glory and honor to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Whenever you walk into my office you’ll hear my gospel music playing softly in the background.

My other passions, besides my faith and my family are dancing—zumba, line dancing, learning new dance styles—love, love, love! I love walking, hiking, and tennis, just to name a few. I try to be a shining light to others and try to see the positive in every situation I encounter. I strive to be better person day by day and I’m so grateful for the life I’ve been given.