Executive Director:
Tonie Protzman, MS
Tonie Protzman, whose Native name, Yethnhahnilats, means “makes her life strong,” is an enrolled descendant in the Turtle Clan of the Oneida Tribe in Oneida, WI. Tonie grew up and remains in Anchorage, Alaska with her Inupiaq Eskimo daughter, Paisley.
Protzman holds a Master of Science (MS) degree in Clinical Psychology (2012) and a bachelor’s degree in Justice and Psychology (2006) both from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She was accepted to a dual PhD in Clinical and Community Psychology with rural and indigenous emphasis, where she has completed all the classes, just short internship and dissertation. After graduating with her MS, Protzman started her own consulting business, Protzman Consulting, where she has held contracts for both public and private sectors of behavioral health. She currently holds a contract with Cornerstone Recovery, as the Program Administrator and in July 2019, she accepted the Executive Director position with the National Association of Social Workers, Alaska Chapter.
Prior to NASW, Protzman was the Executive Director for the Alaska Psychological Association (AK-PA) for 9 years. In addition to serving in the role of ED with AK-PA, Protzman served in the capacity of the state and federal lobbyist for the Association where she developed long-standing relationships with members of the legislature.
Tonie currently volunteers with the Women’s Power League of Alaska where she mentors young professionals new to the behavioral health field. She is passionate about disseminating information and educating Alaska communities about access to behavioral health services, while reducing the stigmatism of receiving these services. Tonie is an amazingly strong American Native woman who is passionate about Alaska’s behavioral health needs, access to care and the Alaska Native cultures. She has solid business expertise in executive management and fundraising skills, while networked throughout the State of Alaska and globally around the world.