Parent Advisory Committee Biographies

Anchorage Parent Leader: Audrey Tate

Rooted in Tradition, Growing with Purpose

Born and raised in Nome, Alaska, Audrey found comfort in the salty air and the subsistence lifestyle that shaped her values of patience, gratitude, and respect. In 2015, she took a leap, moving to Southcentral Alaska to explore new opportunities and challenge herself beyond familiar shores.

Between 2019 and 2021, she became an ACE’s Knowledge Keeper through an 18-month trauma-informed training with CITC, embracing mindfulness and meditation to help others navigate life’s challenges. (let’s be honest, life doesn’t come with an instruction manual, but it should.)

In 2019, Audrey stepped into the world of accounting, seizing every opportunity to grow and earning multiple certifications along the way. Working in a tribal setting allows her to give back to her community in a meaningful way, and while numbers may be black and white, the impact they have is anything but.

Now, as a Parent Lead on the Parent Advisory Committee with OCS, she helps ensure parents have a real voice in shaping programs and services. Advocacy, after all, is just another form of showing up - for her community, for families, and for a future where support is stronger.
A lifelong learner at heart, Audrey continues to embrace curiosity, contribute where she can, and find humor in the journey. Life’s too short not to laugh along the way.

Southcentral Parent Leader: Amber Etageak

Hello, my name is Amber Etageak; I am half Inupiaq, my family is from Unalakleet. I did not have much contact with them, I grew up in McGrath. My mother and stepfather had family in Missouri and Wisconsin. I spent 25 years in Anchorage, which is where two of my OCS cases were. My daughter ended up without guardianship when my mother passed away and was put in a foster home.

I Tribally adopted a son and had another son in 2014, these are my fourth and fifth children. I also was able to Tribally adopt my daughter back. My daughter’s full sibling, a brother, was adopted and lives in Palmer.

I have been clean and sober since February 9, 2012. I have a solid foundation in recovery and have accomplished many things since my journey began. I have my own business, am a homeowner and I love to travel.

I know that working through OCS can be intimidating and stressful. I am humbled that I get to be a part of the Parent Advisory Committee to OCS. I hope that we can help change the path for other struggling parents and their children.

Southcentral Parent Leader: Danielle Zundel

Hello, I am Danielle Zundel. I was born and raised on the Kenai Peninsula and currently live in Nikiski with my husband and two daughters. I work as a Chemical Dependency Counselor for our local impatient treatment facility. I love my job and have always loved helping others overcome adversities.

I have been involved with the Office of Children’s Services in a variety of different roles throughout my personal and professional life.  I have a desire to help build strong families within my community. I believe in building healthy family systems, advocating for parents and children, and creating happy, healthy, and safe communities for future generations.

I am honored to be serving on the Parent Advisory Committee and am excited to see what this journey brings.

Southeast Parent Leader: Tellisha Frankhouser

Hello, I'm Tellisha Frankhouser, I am Tlingit, my family lineage comes from the Kaagwaantaan house in Klukwan. Currently serving as a procurement specialist at Tlingit and Haida, I am deeply rooted in my hometown of Ketchikan. Family is at the core of my life, with two wonderful daughters, Kylie and Kinsley, and a fiancé who works as a welder at Vigor Shipyard.

My journey with the Office of Children's Services (OCS) spans both my childhood and my role as a mother. Drawing from these experiences, I am driven by a strong desire to assist others. My mission is to contribute to the transformation of OCS, fostering family unity and providing essential support. I aspire to be a voice for those parents who may not have a voice, striving to reshape OCS to better serve and empower families.