Champion for Kids

INTERIOR CHAMPION

Desiree’ Macz is a lifelong Alaskan whose deep roots in family and community shape both her life and her work. Born in Anchorage and raised in Fairbanks, she met her husband Kevin while he was stationed at Ft. Wainwright, and together they raised their two children, Tatyana and Xavier. Family remains at the heart of everything Desiree’ does. She treasures time spent with her parents, siblings, son in law, and nine nephews; celebrating birthdays, hosting lively game nights, cheering on sports (especially the Pittsburgh Steelers), camping, and gathering for fall bonfires at her parents’ home. She is especially excited to welcome her first Alaskan niece this April.

Those same values of connection, compassion, and care have guided Desiree’s professional journey. She has dedicated 22 years to the Resource Center for Parents & Children (RCPC), where her passion for supporting families first took root during her time with the Women, Infants and Children program. That passion ultimately led her to Stevie’s Place Child Advocacy Center (CAC), where she has become a steady, trusted presence for children and families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. A trained forensic interviewer and family advocate, Desiree’ is known for her empathy, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to advocacy and support.

In 2020, Desiree’ was promoted to Program Manager of Stevie’s Place CAC after serving three years as Assistant Manager. Under her leadership, Stevie’s Place achieved accreditation through the National Children’s Alliance in January 2023  followed by Stevie’s Place being honored with the 2023 Outstanding Services to Victims in Alaska award. Colleagues know Desiree’ as a hands-on leader who values collaboration, respects her team, and believes in remaining connected to the frontline work that first inspired her career.

Outside of work, Desiree’ enjoys the simple pleasures that keep her grounded: reading, gardening, and taking walks through downtown Fairbanks with her dog, Pirate.

SOUTHEAST CHAMPION

Victoria ‘Tory’ Houser is a child at heart, finding joy and energy with children of all ages.  Tory has lived and worked in the Tongass National Forest for over 20 years and dedicates herself to building youth stewards of Alaska. She believes that connecting children to natural resources in meaningful ways is an investment in our future.

Tory grew up in New Jersey and New York, where she was lucky enough to have loving parents who did their best to channel her endless energy into positive activities like dance, swimming in the ocean, sports, theatre, and lots of time outside. She knows firsthand what it is like to struggle with focus and likes to think of creative ways to help similar students find purpose and opportunity through movement, connection with the environment, and challenge.

Introduced to the concept of growth mindset through her work with T3 (Teaching Through Technology), Tory learned to find success in students’ accomplishments and from their ability to learn, adjust and move forward after failures. She believes in supporting children, giving them the space to experiment, and instilling a lifelong desire to learn, while having fun.