The Yukon-Kuskokwim Community Team

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Community team serves one of the largest catchments areas in the state, including the community of Bethel, and 52 neighboring villages. Members of the team include Ardyce Turner, Coordinator and Parent Navigator; Vince Chmielarczyk, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner; JoJo Powell, School Psychologist; Dr. Loren Bradbury, Clinical Psychologist; Dr. Eric Noble, MD; Dr. Paula MacIan, DFYS Psychologist; Trina Short, DFYS Permanency Social Worker, Elizabeth Michael, 0-3 Program, and Daniel Bill, Mental Health.

Children from birth to 18 years old are evaluated by the Y-K Team. The referral process to the team usually originates from a parent contacting DYFS, Mental Health, or the team's Parent Navigator. Children are referred to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation's Pediatric Clinic for an FASD evaluation. This initial evaluation includes facial measurement, growth measurements, and information from the parent about alcohol use during pregnancy.

Once evaluated at the Pediatric Clinic, the child's name is added to a list that is reviewed at a monthly diagnostic team meeting. The team determines who will be conducting the psychological evaluation. This meeting also serves as an opportunity to review any completed psychological evaluations and establish a diagnostic code. After the diagnosis, the parent navigator follows up with the parent. The LKSD psychologist follows up with school district staff to ensure that services are provided for the students who have been identified. If a referral is outside of LKSD, Dr. Lorin Bradbury follows up the evaluations. Similarly, if it is a DFYS referral, Dr. Paula MacIan conducts the follow-up.