Trustees

Laura Mulgrew lives in Juneau, Alaska, and is a dedicated teacher. She has served as a PEHT Trustee since 2020 and is committed to protecting affordable, high-quality health care for public educators. Laura believes access to affordable health care is foundational to a successful career and a fulfilling life, and she is dedicated to ensuring the long-term strength and sustainability of these benefits.

Shelby Beck teaches Social Studies and Spanish at Craig City School District. She has a background in volunteer EMS in remote communities and advocates for high-quality health care at responsible costs for our members

Jessica Cook has served as a trustee on the Public Education Health Trust Board for many years, where her commitment to advancing public education health has only deepened. Over the years, she has developed a profound understanding of healthcare challenges and opportunities, striving to enhance initiatives and outcomes. Jessica’s ongoing dedication to learning and adapting has been a cornerstone of her tenure.  She is excited to further expand her knowledge and contribute even more effectively. Jessica looks forward to continuing the vital work of PEHT and making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of the community.

Kari Konrath-Bera has been a teacher and employee for the Anchorage School District for over 24 years. She has served as a special education teacher in intensive needs and resource classroom capacities and is currently a general education elementary classroom teacher.  Kari and her husband have 3 children ranging from elementary to high school, and she has been a participant in various Public Education Health Trust (PEHT) plans over the past two decades. She strongly believes in being an informed healthcare consumer and is committed to providing a clear understanding of PEHT and the options it offers its members.

Michael Robbins serves as Superintendent of Schools for the Bristol Bay Borough School District in Naknek, Alaska. Over the past thirty years, he has worked as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, always focusing on building strong relationships with students, staff, and the communities he serves. Michael believes good leadership starts with trust, accountability, and doing what is best for students. In his career, he has worked to improve graduation rates, strengthen partnerships with families and communities, and support educators in their work.

Monica Southworth has worked at NEA-Alaska as a UniServ Director and now as a Research and Bargaining Specialist for 10 years. She works with NEA-Alaska members statewide on issues related to wages, hours, and working conditions, including health insurance. She has worked with a number of local affiliates in navigating and understanding their health insurance, whether with PEHT, AlaskaCare, or on a self-insured plan. She is originally from Unalaska/Dutch Harbor and now calls Juneau home. For fun, she identifies as an umbraphile, enjoying hiking, fishing, and watercolor painting.