March 2024 – Graduate

Scholarship: Science Post Graduate Scholarship Fund
School: Montana State University
Degree: Indigenous Health – Ph.D.
GPA: 4.0

Community Service

• Wellbriety Movement: Coyote Clan Community Activist
• Guiding Coalition of Traditional Healers and Knowledge Keepers: Advisory Member
• Citizen Coordinating Council Member, BEIPC
• Tribal CASA Program Volunteer
• Tribal Community Firefighter/EMT
• Reserve County Fire Commissioner

I have a master’s in social work from Boise State and am currently enrolled in Montana State University’s Indigenous and Rural Health Ph.D. program. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Advanced Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ACADC), and clinical supervisor, serving as a Behavioral Health/SUD Advisor for Kauffman and Associates.

My passion lies in serving Indian Country as a healer, leader, and health equity advocate by promoting and exercising the inherent rights and sovereignty of our people. Specifically, the right to self-govern and decide the best care options for our people. I was fortunate to be part of establishing the “Wellbriety” program in my own Tribal community, which demonstrates the power of our culture in recovery.

A significant motivator for me has been raising my three younger cousins while working as a firefighter and EMT on the reservation during my undergraduate years. This taught me the importance of family, sacrifice, and consistency. My professional goals align with my commitment to community and culture: cultural healing, land-based health, and cultural immersion in recovery services, addressing barriers to program delivery to Indian Country and working in governmental and Native-serving organizations to effectuate change on a larger scale. I am dedicated to my passion for culture, education, and healing to improve the health of all our relatives across Indian Country.

Want to be our next Student of the Month? Apply here!