She has an English and American Literature degree and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, both from the University of Arizona in Tucson. A former tribal administrator for the Native Village of Afognak, who also is the founding coordinator of Kodiak's "Esgahluku Taquka'aq"-"Awakening Bear"-a cultural celebration, she is proud to have returned to her home island to work with other Alutiiq people to preserve and honor the Alutiiq culture and heritage. Alisha is currently working as an apprentice with an Alutiiq speaking master teacher, and is a member of the Native Educators of the Alutiiq Region in Kodiak. She is married to Helm Johnson and has two sons.