Next Regular SCCC Meeting will be for Q3 07/28/2026
Little Dippers 27th Annual, Wine Tasting Fundraiser with Live & Silent Auction
Saturday, August 1st, 2026
5pm-9pm
Location: Alaska360 Dredge Town
About the Skagway Child Care Council
The Skagway Child Care Council (SCCC) is a local, volunteer-led nonprofit that helps keep childcare running in Skagway.
We serve as the governing board for Little Dippers Learning Center and the Saak Outdoor Adventure Summer Program, working to make sure these programs stay open, supported, and sustainable for our community.
What We Do
The SCCC Board focuses on the big-picture pieces that keep childcare programs going—things like budgets, policies, funding, and long-term planning. We apply for grants, support fundraising efforts, and make sure the organization is operating responsibly as a nonprofit.
We don’t run the day-to-day programs—that’s the job of the staff and administrators—but we help make sure they have what they need to do their jobs well.
A Volunteer Board
The SCCC is made up of community members who volunteer their time.
Board members are not paid. We show up because we care about making sure families in Skagway have access to childcare, and because we know how important that is for the whole community.
Why It Matters
Childcare is a big piece of what makes it possible to live and work in Skagway.
When childcare is available:
Families can work,
Businesses can hire and keep employees,
Kids have a safe, supportive place to be,
Access to quality early childcare and learning is also proven to support healthy child development, setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
We’re here to help make sure that continues.
Governance Structure
SCCC operates as a Board of Directors, the standard governance structure for nonprofit organizations. While some organizations use the term “Board of Trustees,” there is no legal or functional difference—both serve the same role in providing oversight, accountability, and long-term direction.
At SCCC, we use the term Board of Directors because it aligns with nonprofit law and clearly reflects our governance responsibilities.
How SCCC Approaches Strong Governance
SCCC is committed to maintaining a strong, balanced Board of Directors that reflects best practices in nonprofit governance. This includes:
A diverse board, including educators, community members, and limited parent representation
Clear conflict of interest policies, with transparency and recusal when appropriate
A strong distinction between:
Board responsibilities (governance, policy, financial oversight)
Staff responsibilities (day-to-day operations and program management)
This approach supports thoughtful, objective decision-making and helps ensure the long-term sustainability of childcare services in Skagway.
Questions?
For questions about Little Dippers or Saak programs, please contact program staff directly.
For questions about board work, policies, or governance, you can reach the SCCC Board at:
skagwaychildcarecouncil@gmail.com
Concern or Incident Report Form
At Skagway Child Care Council, we value open communication and a safe, supportive environment for children, families, and staff. If you have a concern or need to report an incident, please use our
Concern or Incident Report Form.
Skagway Child Care Council
Meet the Board of Directors
Eliza Russell is the Executive Director of Skagway Development Corporation and Skagway Development Corporation – Community Development Services, where she leads initiatives focused on economic development, small business support, housing, and community resilience in Skagway, Alaska. With over 15 years of nonprofit experience, including six years in professional leadership roles, she specializes in program development, grant strategy, and organizational governance. Eliza is deeply involved in advancing childcare and workforce solutions in the community, helping strengthen systems that support local families and long-term sustainability. She has called Skagway home for the past decade, where she is raising her family and enjoys life in Southeast Alaska.
Amanda Mixon: Vice President
Amanda Mixon brings over 20 years of classroom experience and a deep understanding of early childhood development to her work at Skagway City School, where she serves as Preschool Director, Lead Teacher, and Special Education Teacher. Her background spans Pre-K through 5th grade, supporting a wide range of student needs with a strong focus on inclusive, high-quality learning environments. Amanda holds degrees in Elementary Education, Business Administration, and Leadership, and is currently completing a Master’s in Special Education. Since joining the Skagway community in 2022 and the SCCC Board in 2025, she has contributed her expertise to strengthen early childhood programs and support young learners across the community.
Dr. Melanie Hoggan: Secretary
Dr. Melanie Hoggan is the founder of Melanie Hoggan & Co., where she helps businesses strengthen their visibility in search and AI-driven platforms. She holds a doctorate in AI Ethics and specializes in search optimization and digital strategy. Prior to launching her consultancy, she served as a marketing director, leading public relations, brand strategy, and large-scale fundraising efforts.
Since relocating to Skagway, Dr. Hoggan has joined the SCCC as Secretary, bringing her expertise in communications and fundraising to support the expansion of quality early childcare. She is passionate about helping small communities build strong, sustainable systems that support children and families.
