Jackie Wallen grew up in a dual military family, one of six children (3 of whom were adopted).  She has lived in 10 different states and two countries (thus far) and she is always on the hunt for new adventures. She earned degrees from Cedarville University, OH and Chicago State University, IL. Prior to joining VOA Alaska, she lived/worked in the Chicago area where she was actively involved in helping the local communities become more trauma informed, focusing on school systems and law enforcement. She served as the Associate Director of Counseling Services at a youth serving, non-profit that works with marginalized youth and families. She was instrumental in helping Cicero PD and Maywood PD develop officer wellness programs in her role as their Department Clinician. Jackie frequently finds herself in the role bridge builder—finding great meaning in helping marginalized individuals/groups and systems work together for the betterment of all. Her favorite part of her job is helping to develop clinicians who are passionate about their work and well equipped to serve young people. When she isn’t working, Jackie loves having camping, traveling, and playing sports with her husband and children—they have a family goal to visit a new country every year.