Anita Alves has lived in Alaska since 1986. She graduated from college and law school in California. Anita received a teaching credential from Sacramento State University and taught in a variety of settings, including a migrant preschool in the Salinas Valley, at an elementary school in a combined 1st through 3rd grade classroom, and at a community college infant/toddler lab school as an Early Childhood instructor. She graduated from law school in 1985 with the expressed goal of advocating for children and youth caught up in the legal system.
In 1986 Anita arrived in Alaska to clerk for Judge Russel Holland in Federal District Court. Once her clerkship ended, she moved on to private practice doing corporate and municipality law while volunteering as a Court Appointed Special advocate in the Anchorage CASA program. Anita was hired in November 1990 as an attorney/GAL at the Office of Public Advocacy. Over the years, she has had the privilege of advocating for many children and youth.
Anita has been the supervisor of the Anchorage Child Advocacy section for approximately 15 years. During this time, she has been fortunate to be involved in statewide child welfare issues as a member of statewide committees and other groups impacting child welfare in Alaska.
Anita is married and the mother of three “bonus” sons as well as our youngest son, currently in college. She has one adorable grandson.