Arizona Health Zone Tribal Community Specialist
Arizona Department of Health Services

Background

I am an enrolled member of the Navajo tribe. I was raised in Chinle, Arizona, which is located on the Navajo Reservation. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition (Human) with a minor in Integrative Health from Arizona State University. I have a strong interest in oral health and advocacy. 

NDSU Specialization 

American Indian Public Health 

How did the NDSU MPH prepare you for the workforce? 

The NDSU MPH program prepared me to be more strategic in my efforts to support tribal and underserved communities in their efforts to reach optimal health, such as utilizing community assets and reshaping current efforts to fit those of the community being served. Additionally, I was able to strengthen my ability to utilize my voice to be a stronger advocate and leader for improved health and health care services. 

Current position

I am the Arizona Health Zone Tribal Community Specialist with the Arizona Department of Health Services, in which this program is Arizona's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed)

How are you impacting the health of your region? 

I am involved with many changes to our programming to ensure it is more fitting, appropriate, and inclusive for our tribal communities receiving SNAP-Ed programming across the state. I utilize many of the skills, concepts, and knowledge I learned and was exposed to during the MPH program, so it is very exciting for me to bring a unique perspective and skillset to this program and take the lead on various projects, such as identifying what resources or aspects of the program can have cultural modifications or starting the conversation of tribal evaluation.