Executive Staff
Philip Licht
Executive Director
In December of 2000 after 11 years of drug and alcohol addiction Philip became a Christian and began his journey into recovery. In 2003 Philip celebrated his first complete year of sobriety. Philip has a powerful testimony and passion to see others set free from addictions. He was ordained as a minister in 2005 and spent two years as the Director of Northwind School of Ministry. Philip has also been a public speaker traveling the State of Alaska bringing a message of hope, life, and freedom.
Email Philip
(907) 373-4732
Clinical Supervision
Shelly Thomas, LMFT
Clinical Director
Shelly has over 20 years experience in the fields of education, counseling, and health care. Along with being a licensed marriage and family counselor, she also has experience in grief, chemical dependency, and sexual addiction counseling. Shelly has a heart of gold for the people of the Mat-Su and the State of Alaska. She is easy to talk to and carries the love of God for those she helps. Her kindness and compassion make her a valuable asset to our team.
Email Shelly
(907) 373-4732
Rae Ann Hendrickson, LPC, CDC II
Clinical Director
Rae Ann has over 12 years experience in the field of counseling She is not only a licensed professional counselor, but also has been recognized by the State of Alaska as a Chemical Dependency Counselor II. Rae Ann has worked extensively with women, teens, and others struggling with addiction. Counseling is just one of Rae Ann’s many gifts. She is an excellent administrator, with a vast amount of knowledge in many different areas. Her joy and desire to help others stands out to all who meet her.
Email Rae Ann
(907) 373-4732
Kimberly Stephens, M. Ed, MAM, CDC II
Clinical Director
Kimberly is a retired Army Warrant Officer with over twenty years’ experience in the field of organizational and personnel management. After military service, Kimberly pursued her passion of working with hurting people by providing counseling and program administration in the areas of youth and family services to include emergency stabilization; time limited family reunification, family preservation, residential treatment, and outpatient substance abuse services. Kimberly has her Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from the University of Alaska. She also holds certifications as a Chemical Dependency Counselor II and NAADAC National Certified Addiction Counselor I.
Email Kimberly
(907) 373-4732
Counselors
Lauren Marquez, MA, NCC
Assessment Counselor
Lauren has been working in the field of counseling since 2007. She is a National Certified Counselor and has experience addressing counseling issues with children, adolescents and adults in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Her prior work experience includes several years with Teen Advisors, a peer counseling organization, and work cross-culturally with university students in South America. Lauren is a military spouse who appreciates her time in Alaska and the opportunity to help others as they take steps towards overcoming addiction and substance use issues.
Email Lauren
(907) 373-4732
Paul Bossart, MS CDC1
Counselor
Paul came to us with experience in counseling, business and the military. Paul has his Master’s degree in Professional Counseling and has degrees in Business Administration and Business systems. He has worked as a counselor for a long-term residential treatment facility where he gained experience working with dual diagnosed clients. Paul also has worked as a counselor helping clients with mental health issues for a local private practice, managed a business and is retired from the U.S. Air Force with 20 years of service to our country. Paul’s professional and life experiences combine to increase his ability to help those who are struggling with addictions.
Email Paul
(907) 373-4732
Mark Girmscheid
Counselor
After recently completing his internship with Set Free Alaska, Mark joined the staff as a counselor. Mark is pursuing his CDC1 and bachelor’s degree. Mark has owned and operated a business for years in Alaska and brings his business and professional experience, along with his compassion for others to all that he does.
Email Mark
(907)373-4732
Jerry Valley, CDC I
Sober Support Specialist
Jerry has been a part of the Set Free team from the beginning. Before coming to our treatment center he was a counselor for True Life Counseling. Jerry’s life experiences have given him wisdom and authority to help others and to understand what they are going through. Jerry leads our Friday Night Freedom sober-support group and provides mentoring and individualized sober support.
Email Jerry
(907)373-4732
Administrative Staff
Lisa Hilty
Case Manager
Set Free Alaska provides services to the Alaska Native and American Indian community through, South Central Foundations Access to Recovery program. As a case manager, Lisa helps her clients find positive ways to maintain their recovery. As well as being a case manager Lisa has been married for twenty seven years and has four children. Lisa has a heart to see people’s lives change and move forward in victory.
Email Lisa
(907) 373-4732
Patty Valley
Administrative Assistant
Patty is a long time Alaskan of 44 years. She has over 35 years of experience in the Reception, Secretarial, and Administrative positions. She loves to serve and meet and greet people where they are at. Patty has a heart of compassion for the wellbeing of our clients. Patty enjoys to knit, travel, and also loves being around her 5 children and 10 Grandchildren as much as possible.
Email Patty
(907) 373-4732
Cassi Sheppard
Receptionist
Cassi went to school for accounting where she obtained certificates in Bookkeeping, Payroll, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable. She was also the Vice President of the Student Government Association at her school. Cassi has over 6 years’ experience in the customer service field and enjoys working with a diverse group of people. In her spare time she pursues photography and is slowly building recognition in the field having two of her photos published. Cassi enjoys working on her jeep and would like to begin restoring jeeps as well.
Email Cassi
(907) 373-4732
Interns
Shannon Harris
Intern
Shannon Harris is our new intern at Set free Alaska. It has always been her heart’s desire to help others struggling with addiction. Shannon has a personal experience with God’s ability to bring freedom and is excited to give back to others. Recently, Shannon went through the RADACT School in an effort to gain her state certification as an addiction counselor. Shannon is very compassionate, loving and kind. She is married to a loving husband and is a mother of five beautiful children.
Email Shannon
(907) 373-4732