Alie Ward
I was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, but when I was four, my parents decided to move our family to Anchor Point. They wanted me to grow up away from the hustle and bustle of a big city, and I’m so grateful for that decision. I had an incredible education at Chapman Elementary and Homer High School, and those years really shaped who I am today.
Growing up, I worked with my dad as one of the first female deckhands on a halibut charter boat. That job taught me so much—how to provide excellent customer service, how to connect with people, and the value of hard work. Later, I went to college in San Francisco but eventually found my calling in real estate after buying my first home in Portland, Oregon, in 2001. That experience opened my eyes to how the process could be more exciting and positive for buyers and sellers, and I knew I wanted to make a difference in this field.
For nearly two decades, I helped clients buy and sell homes across Portland. In 2018, my family and I decided it was time to come back to Alaska. Since returning, I’ve earned my GRI and ABR designations and have remained passionate about helping people navigate their real estate journeys.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to grow even more as a leader in my field. I plan to attend the Alaska Realtors Leadership Academy in 2025 and have been elected as the Community Outreach Director for the Kachemak Board of Realtors for the upcoming year. I can’t wait to continue serving my community and making an impact.
Cindy Haakenson
Hi there, my name is Cindy Haakenson and I live down on the Kenai Peninsula. I got into real estate in 2018 when I became an office manager for a large real estate office here. I made the transition, as many do, in the beginning of 2021 and got my real estate license. I then joined Redoubt Keller Williams in Soldotna. Early in 2024 I decided to get my Associate Broker license and as of September 1st became the Broker in Charge of our office.
I’ve been married for 22 years and am the mom of 3 (newly) grown children. Letting those birds fly has been some of the most rewarding and bittersweet experiences. I love to travel- many times to see live music, camp and kayak all over the state. In summer you can find me working from my laptop in my camper!
I am so grateful to have accidentally fallen into real estate and found a career that is so fulfilling and challenging. Education and growth are some of my biggest motivators, so I am both excited and grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Academy!
Jill Gunnerson
My name is Jill Gunnerson. I have lived in the community of Anchor Point since 2006. I became a Realtor in 2018.I have been at Bay Realty in Homer since 2018. I spent years working as a surveyor for my husband's surveying company and I have also worked in the service industry. I bring skills from both of those job experiences to my Real Estate career.
Prior to becoming a Realtor, I did not appreciate the importance of lobbying. My first NAR convention was inspiring. It felt more like movement than a lobbying group. This career has opened my eyes to the importance of local activism in setting the policies that affect the rights of property owners and home ownership. I decided then to be more active in my community and local board.
The trip to Juneau will facilitate me learning more about the opportunities to affect change locally. I look forward to meeting our House Representative Sarah Vance and State Senator Gary Stevens. I am the 2025 KBR President, and I will be reporting back to our board on what is being discussed in Juneau at the legislative level. I have the time and energy to affect change, and I want to learn how to be a better leader.
M J Motta
MJ Motta is the team lead for the Key Realty Group serving clients throughout South Central Alaska. Like many, she was a "military transplant" to Alaska in 2017 and now calls Wasilla her forever home where she resides with her husband and 4 fur babies. As a military "brat" and proud spouse of a Metals Tech in the AK Air National Guard, MJ's focus is on serving those who serve(d).
MJ is also very involved in her community through various organizations including VAREP, the Veterans Association of Real Estate professionals, and has earned her role as the trusted Realtor partner for many military relocation organizations including; Next Move Military, Veteran PCS, Mil-Estate, and the eXp Military Network.
She's also been a 5X ICON agent which recognizes the top 2% of the EXP Brokerage agents world-wide (out of over 85,000 agents!) and is consistently recognized in the top 300 Realtors in Alaska by Alaska Real Producers magazine.
MJ is also proud to have earned many accolades & designations such as; Military Relocation Professional, Graduate Realtor Institute, and Accredited Buyer Representation designations through the National association of Realtors, The Integrity Award voted by her Alaska EXP Realty peers, and the Community Enrichment award voted by her Anchorage Board of Realtor peers. The Key Realty Group team has also been recognized in the top 3 EXP teams year over year!
Lastly, MJ believes in the importance of homeownership rights and serves(d) in many roles to support advocacy such as; Treasurer for the Valley Board of Realtors, RPAC trustee, and engagement to provide education to her industry partners and community.
Preston Penrod
Preston Penrod is a knowledgeable and committed REALTOR® with Jack White Real Estate in Soldotna, Alaska. A resident of Soldotna for 29 years, Preston brings a deep-rooted understanding of the local area and its real estate market. Now in his fourth year as a REALTOR®, he also serves on the board of directors for the Kenai Peninsula Association of REALTORS® (KPAR), actively contributing to the growth and integrity of the profession.
Before entering real estate, Preston built a strong foundation in the construction industry—working in plumbing and heating and gaining hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of the home-building process. His background gives him a unique advantage when helping clients evaluate homes, understand systems, and navigate the buying or renting process with confidence.
Preston works in both the residential and property management markets and enjoys guiding clients in finding the perfect home, whether it's a long-term residence or a short-term rental.
Outside of work, he’s passionate about the outdoors and spends his time hunting, camping, and enjoying a variety of extreme sport.
Sarah Beller
Sarah Beller is a seasoned Real Estate Broker proudly serving Alaska. Originally from Oklahoma, Sarah launched her real estate career in 2005, working in residential sales until 2010. In 2019, she reignited her passion for real estate after relocating to Alaska, where she has become a trusted name on the Kenai Peninsula and beyond.
In February 2024, Sarah opened her own brokerage, Sarah Beller Real Estate, based in Anchor Point, Alaska. She is known for her dedication to professionalism, client advocacy, and leadership within the industry. Sarah currently serves as the President-Elect for the Kachemak Board of REALTORS® for 2026 and has recently earned her Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation, demonstrating her commitment to continued education and excellence in real estate.
Shaun Kraska
I am an energetic and adventurous outdoors woman with a passion for fishing, hiking, gardening, and spending time at our family cabins. Born and raised in Fairbanks, I’ve called this community home for over 50 years. In spring and summer, you’ll find me in the garden or greenhouse. Come fall, I’m hiking, processing fish or moose, and occasionally running or hiking the Equinox. Winter brings me to the ski trails—until the temperatures drop too low! I love all things Alaska and am proud to call Fairbanks home.
As a REALTOR®, I approach every transaction as an opportunity to grow, build relationships, and learn. With 30 years of experience in public education, I bring skills in negotiation, communication, mediation, and advocacy to every client interaction.
Practical and grounded, I find joy in life’s simple pleasures—chopping wood, diving into a good book, or savoring a perfect cup of French roast coffee in the quiet of early morning. I also serve as a board member for a local nonprofit charter school and mentor principals across Alaska.
Driven by an adventurous spirit and a deep dedication to Fairbanks, I strive to foster meaningful connections and make a lasting impact in my community and professional roles.
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Torri Hensley
Torri Hensley is a lifelong resident of Soldotna, Alaska, and has been a licensed real estate professional for six years. A second-generation agent, she has proudly worked with Jack White Real Estate since 2019. In addition to residential sales, Torri owns and manages her own successful Airbnb rentals, giving her firsthand experience in property investment and income generation. She is passionate about helping clients make smart financial moves — whether it's purchasing their first home, investing in multi-family properties, or building wealth through real estate. Torri is committed to showing her clients how to make their money work for them.
Torri’s dedication to her clients and community has earned her several honors, including the 2021 President’s Award from her local association and recognition as a Top Producer in 2024 within her office. She has also served at the state level as an RPAC Trustee in 2023 -2024, further demonstrating her commitment to the real estate profession and advocacy for property ownership rights.