Teri Uutu Mahle is a Sugpiaq Alutiiq leader born and raised in Kodiak, Alaska, and a former KEF scholarship recipient. Teri’s service as an educator strengthens our KEF student support system, including: 27 years as Kodiak Island Borough School District’s (KIBSD) Alaska Native and Rural Education Programs Coordinator and a classroom teacher for over ten of those years; eight years as St. Mary’s Catholic Private School’s Principal (preschool-8^th grade); and three years as Sun’aq Tribe’s Alutiiq Language Nest Adminstrator. In fall of 2023, Teri began teaching Alutiiq Language I at Kodiak High School before agreeing to take on leadership of KEF. Her experience educating students spans preschool through college, across classroom settings to remote educational, cultural camps.

Throughout her career, she led teacher professional development trainings, and Alaska’s Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools resource creation. Teri is dedicated to educational advancement for Koniag shareholders and their descendants, while maintaining cultural values and lifeways.

After earning her BA (1987) and MA (2000) in Education from University of Alaska Fairbanks, Teri went on to earn two additional graduate certificates in Educational Leadership from Loyola Marymount University and University of Alaska Anchorage. Her extensive educational career prepared Teri to support students as they navigate their educational journey.

Teri’s leadership extends across our community as a current Director on the Natives of Kodiak Board, a Qik’rtarmiut Language Advisory Committee Member, and a former Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak Tribal Council Member. She is also a ​Koniag, Inc., Shareholder.

Teri’s father Ole Mahle’s family comes from Afognak village and Kodiak. Her mother Becky Mahle, from West Virginia, has lived in Kodiak for 65 years. Teri is the proud mother of three children: Patrick Schneider, a naval officer in Honolulu, Hawai’i; Tatiana Vaudrin, a construction manager in Dayton, Ohio; and Natalia Schneider, an artist, educator, and Alutiiq language speaker.

Sarah Flagg is a Koniag descendant born and raised in Northern California and a former scholarship recipient. Sarah’s passion for education and student support has guided both her personal and professional journey and continues to shape her work supporting Koniag shareholders and descendants as Scholarship Manager for KEF.
Sarah’s service as an educator and student advocate includes work in school counseling, family systems support, educational planning, and scholarship administration. Her educational background reflects her strong commitment to lifelong learning and includes six degrees and certifications: a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, a Life Coaching certification, certification in Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT), a Master’s degree in Education, and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Alliant International University.
Throughout her career, Sarah has been passionate about helping students and families navigate educational systems while building confidence, connection, and long-term opportunity. Her experience across counseling, education, and student support services has prepared her to guide students through many different educational pathways and life experiences.
Sarah’s great-grandmother Dorthy Elizabeth Nelson comes from Kodiak, Alaska area. She is the proud mother of one son and is honored to support students as they pursue their educational goals and future aspirations.