Cristina Welker was born and raised in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  She completed her undergraduate work at Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education.  In 2010, Cristina earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska, Anchorage.

Ms. Welker began her career in Alaska teaching Kindergarten-4th grade and special education in the rural village of Tetlin, part of the Alaska Gateway School District.  After two years at Tetlin School, she moved within the same district to Tok School as the special education resource room teacher.    

In 2001, Cristina was offered the position of Special Education Coordinator/Itinerant Special Education Teacher for the Yukon Koyukuk School District. This position has expanded over the past 10 years into her current title, Director of Special Education and Student Support Services. 

Presently, as the Director of Special Education and Student Support Services, Cristina oversees multiple programs including; Special Education, Counseling, Health/Nursing, 504, Gifted and Talented, and Records/Registrar. 

Working for the Yukon Koyukuk School District has certainly been enlightening and rewarding for Cristina.  She truly enjoys working with staff and students alike, and looks forward to many more years with YKSD.