Our Team

 Greetings! I'm Sean Tomkinson. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alaska and have lived  here since 2009. I'm the owner and  Clinical Director at Passages Alaska. I've been a mental health clinician since 2003. I earned a Master of Social work degree from Walla Walla University. I've worked in a variety of settings including an in-patient psychiatric unit, I've been an emergency room crisis manager, I've worked in community mental health with children and families. My professional love is Outdoor Adventure Therapy. I've been leading therapeutic adventure trips in Alaska for 11 years and have been a involved with formal experiential learning since 2008.  Along the way I have become a Coast Guard certified boat captain and spent a summer working as a salt water fishing guide. I've felt the peace and wonder that Alaska inspires and I'm excited to be able to bring Passages Alaska to both staff and the families that we serve and I'm pleased to introduce our crew 

Field Director

 Also known as Stone Bear, has been helping young people grow for more 30 years. He brings a wealth of culture and woods craft to the Passages team. In addition to the helping profession, he says he's been everything including an FM radio DJ. "He's got the classic DJ voice.  He "came out of retirement" in 2020 to join PA. He's been a great resource while he has put boots on the ground and a paddle in the water. He's explored our operating area from the seat of a canoe and supported groups with a skiff. He has been working hard to develop the culture here that combines the wisdom from the foundations of experiential learning with the cutting edge, person centered approach that fuels the  adventures at Passages Alaska.  

Senior Guide 

Eva came to the passages team in 2020 with a degree in psychology and nutrition. She is a Yoga instructor and Reiki practitioner. Eva proved herself to be a natural talent in the woods, on the water, and while working with the staff and students alike. In addition to her guide and people skills she prepares some of the best trail food on the planet.  She's paddled over 1000 miles, exploring our operating area and and learning the guide craft for three years and  she has moved into a lead guide position for 2023 

 Lead Guide

Kevin is a retired Naval officer that settled on Prince of Wales Island. He's been working with youth on a volunteer basis for many years. It seemed like a natural progression to combine this with his bush crafting and naturalist skills,  to serve the young men at Passages Alaska as a professional guide. He's always up for a challenge and believes in the value of hard work. He and his chocolate lab co facilitator, Squid make a great team.

Guide

Bobby has a broad range of experience that spans all the way from youth mentorship to guiding abroad. He joined the team at Passages Alaska in 2020 .  Bobby brings a sense of calm and safety to an expedition. His knowledge of the water and woods made him an immediate valuable resource to the group.  In addition to his woods wise presence he's a talented musician that never hesitates to share his gifts. 

Head Guide   

Chip is the classic gentle giant. One student gave him the nickname "Chipsquatch" In a addition to his physical presence, Chip has a background that includes working with youth at Mt Edgecumbe High School in Sitka as a resident advisor. Chip joined the crew in 2020 and immediately began crafting camp furniture out of branches. It was obvious his quiet strength and woods sense was going to be an asset to the group and to individual students.  Chip joined us late in the season and Eva was was over heard to say, "where has he been all season?"     

Lisa is our marketing consultant. She has been in the therapeutic program industry to over 30 years and by all reports, "she knows everybody." She has a wealth of industry and market wisdom.  She has been representing Passages Alaska and providing insight and coaching for three years now. She's proven herself to be a solid deck hand on fishing trips and a wonderful co host when we have progam visitors.