TCC Temporary Assistance (TANF)

My name is Roxanne Sourapas, and I am a lifelong resident of Fairbanks, Alaska, with deep family roots in Interior Alaska. I am the daughter of Beverly (Thibedeau) and John Sourapas. My grandmother, Ruth Mayo, was from Rampart, Alaska, and my grandfather, Richard “Shorty” Thibedeau, was from Wisconsin. My family heritage strongly informs my lifelong commitment to service, community, and supporting others.

I have proudly served Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) for more than 17 years. I began my career in the Family Services Division, where I spent seven years supporting individuals and families through essential programs. I later transitioned to the Accounting Division as Lead Travel Coordinator, overseeing travel coordination companywide and supporting staff across the organization.

I am pleased to have returned to the Family Services Division in my current role as TANF Coordinator. In this position, I am dedicated to supporting Tribal members and families by helping them access vital services and resources. I look forward to continuing to serve Tribes and making a positive and meaningful impact in the lives of those TCC serves.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family.

I am a born and raised “Fairbanksian” and I love this state I call home. I remember as a teen wanting to get away but leaving only showed me there’s truly no place like home. It is my goal to give back into my community and I am actively continuing to pursue a higher education to better serve that purpose. Coming from a background in case management and substance use counseling, I find my passion in helping others recognize their strengths and walking alongside them on the journey to self-sufficiency.

Hailing from the Great State of Texas, I began my career with TCC in 2023. During my time here I’ve become familiar with the deep-rooted history of Alaska growing in understanding of how I can better help the Alaskan Native community. My hope is to help my clients achieve their goals and dreams one step at a time. When I’m not being an agent of change, I enjoy time with my loved ones and watching a good Netflix Series.

My name is Christine Cooper‑Esmailka. I am originally from Galena, Alaska, and have lived in North Pole for more than 30 years. I was born in Tanana and raised in Galena, and my family ties run along the Yukon River. I am the daughter of the late Claude Cooper of Georgia and Alabama, and Jean Nollner Cooper Keogh of Galena. I come from a very large extended family and value the strong connections that family and community provide.

I bring decades of experience working with Alaska Native organizations, including Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), Interior Regional Housing Authority, Doyon, Fairbanks Native Association, Healing Native Hearts, NANA Regional Corporation, and the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center. I began my career with Tanana Chiefs Conference in 1994 as a receptionist and, over the years, have held a variety of roles, including administrative assistant, director of a women’s shelter, travel coordinator, executive secretary, and prevention specialist.

I am excited to be back with Tanana Chiefs Conference and look forward to continuing to support and serve Interior families. I am married and the proud parent of three adult children and a wonderful son‑in‑law.

I serve as the Career Resource Coordinator in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) department at Tanana Chiefs Conference. I began my journey with TCC in 2024 and am passionate about empowering individuals as they take their first steps—or their next big leap—toward meaningful careers. My work focuses on helping TANF clients envision their future and map out clear, achievable pathways into careers they are excited about, doing work they truly love.

Before joining TCC, I worked as the Planning Supervisor at Interior Regional Housing Authority (IRHA) and as an Administrative Coordinator at Doyon, Limited. These roles strengthened my love for planning, problem-solving, and supporting communities—skills I now bring wholeheartedly to my work at TCC.

Originally from Allakaket, I grew up there and lived in the community off and on until 2016. My strong connection to my community, combined with my commitment to helping others succeed, fuels my dedication to giving back. I find purpose and joy in guiding others toward opportunity, stability, and hope for the future.