Carrie Urena, PharmD, is the Founder and Pharmacist of Rising Roots Recovery. She is Tlingit, of the Deisheetaan clan, and her Tlingit name is Yikdoosaan. Dr. Urena completed her pharmacy residency with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and brings extensive experience in opioid treatment program operations, medication management, regulatory compliance, and patient-centered care. She has also advocated for policies that expand access to treatment and strengthen the role of pharmacists in caring for people with substance use disorders.

Dr. Urena founded Rising Roots Recovery to provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment grounded in dignity, cultural connection, and the belief that Culture is Medicine. She is especially passionate about improving access to care for Alaska Native people and rural and underserved communities. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, three daughters, and two very spoiled cats.

Dr. Tania G. Hernandez is a board-certified physician in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine and serves as Medical Director for Rising Roots Recovery. She brings extensive experience directing opioid treatment programs (OTPs) across tribal and community health settings, and corrections facilities. Dr. Hernandez holds active medical licenses in both Washington and Alaska and is passionate about expanding access to compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment in underserved and rural communities. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Hernandez is a mother of two who loves traveling, spending time with family, and staying active with HIIT workouts and weight training.

Kellie Rasay, PharmD, is the Clinic Manager of Rising Roots Recovery. She has been married for 22 years and has three beautiful children, two boys and a girl, and two dogs. Dr. Rasay completed her Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Anchorage, AK, and Idaho State University. She brings medication management, regulatory compliance, and patient-centered care while continuing to expand pharmacist’s role in substance use disorder. She has advocated for patients and families dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues.

Dr. Rasay continues to strengthen her role as a pharmacist in caring for people with substance use disorders. She is passionate about improving access to care for all underserved communities and bringing more awareness of SUD and treatments to Alaska.

Diana is a substance use disorder professional with extensive experience in recovery services in Alaska and Arizona. Her work has included medication-assisted treatment, residential treatment, corrections, community-based care, assessments, case coordination, and support for individuals and families navigating substance use disorders. She brings more than 10,000 hours of documented experience in the field and has worked with rural, underserved, and Indigenous communities throughout her career.

Diana is especially passionate about reducing barriers to treatment, meeting people where they are, and creating recovery services that are practical, respectful, and grounded in dignity. She believes that recovery looks different for every person and that effective care begins with listening, connection, and helping people build lives that are meaningful to them. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking and baking.

Jason is a CDC-I and Certified Peer Support Specialist with Rising Roots Recovery and has more than 25 years of experience in mental and behavioral health. He is trained through White Bison/Wellbriety and has supported youth, elders, individuals affected by substance-use disorders, and people with developmental disabilities.

As someone who values family, community, and the healing power of the outdoors, Jason believes culture, connection, and belonging can be an important part of recovery. He is committed to providing compassionate, respectful, strengths-based support that honors each person’s unique path toward wellness.

Kaitlin “Kat” Duplisea serves as Intake Coordinator at Rising Roots Recovery. She brings experience in direct care, helping people build independence, navigate daily challenges, and connect with their communities.

Kat helps welcome new patients and guide them through the intake process, providing support as they access care and work toward their goals. Her approach centers on listening, building trust, and treating each person with dignity. She understands that seeking support can feel overwhelming and values making those first steps feel welcoming and manageable.

Through her work at Rising Roots, Kat helps patients connect with resources and navigate practical needs that support their recovery and well-being.

Cathia serves as Peer Support Specialist and Intake Coordinator at Rising Roots Recovery. She brings experience in peer mentorship, group facilitation, and team leadership, including supporting individuals working toward recovery at Akeela.

Cathia approaches people with compassion, respect, and a commitment to helping them feel heard and supported. She values clear communication and teamwork and is dedicated to continually expanding her knowledge to better serve individuals, families, and our communities. At Rising Roots, she helps patients navigate resources, build connections, and work toward their recovery goals.

Outside of work, Cathia enjoys spending time with family, fishing, outdoor recreation, and travel.

With more than 15 years of experience in medical billing, Heather brings a strong combination of industry expertise, leadership, and dedication to excellence. As an AAPC-certified medical biller for the past 8 years and a Medical Biller Lead, she takes pride in maintaining high standards, supporting her team, and continuously striving for the best outcomes. Heather is passionate about what she does and is committed to bringing professionalism, accuracy, and integrity to every aspect of her work.

Outside of her professional life, she values spending quality time with her family and enjoys the companionship of her cats. Heather shares that these moments keep her grounded and reminds her of the importance of balance, connection, and the things that matter most.