Kayla Boettcher (bet-cher), M.A. Community Psychology.

Kayla is a careful listener and observer who constantly seeks to understand the complex and diverse social structures that surround individuals and communities. She is a skilled interviewer and meticulous note-taker, and she uses these skills to weave individual perspectives into broader pictures of communities and organizations. Much of Kayla’s work has been focused on the interactions of youth and adults; specifically, how communities have utilized the frameworks of the 40 Developmental Assets and America’s Promise. Her favorite projects have allowed her to interview youth and adults who are involved with or impacted by a particular program or initiative, and use their perspectives to help program leaders better understand how their efforts are being received and perceived. Her innate abilities as an interviewer and conversationalist, her assembled knowledge of youth and community issues, and her keen intuition for navigating through complex social situations offer unique and valuable contributions to the smallstones network.

Kayla also enjoys collaborative work and often catches her spark through a group’s collective energy and wisdom. Whether she is working with teens, community volunteers, social service professionals, or musicians, Kayla draws on their strengths and helps their contributions be known to others.

Although her preference is to stay behind the scene, Kayla is no stranger to the limelight. She is at ease as a performer, public speaker, participatory educator, and meeting facilitator. Kayla is also working to nurture the love of music in young Sitkans by teaching violin and viola lessons. When she is not at work on a project, you can probably find her with a stringed instrument in hand, or on the trails or waters around Sitka.

Highly skilled in managing, assessing and aggregating large quantities of data into concise reports for wide audiences. Skilled in “Social Marketing” – using a variety of media and resources to communicate wellness messages to targeted populations. Recognized ability to conduct key informant interviews and collect anecdotal evidence of program or initiative impacts. In-depth knowledge of youth development and community engagement. Experienced with public speaking, training, and facilitating; navigating inter-agency dynamics; using internet resources and computer applications; operating independently as well as collaboratively; and working with youth, school staff, and community members. Gifted with a sense of humor and a winning smile.