Leadership Academy
COHORT 1 / NOVEMBER 19-21, 2024
Melissa Anderson
My name is Melissa Anderson, and I am currently the Behavioral Health Lead Clinician at Kodiak Area Native Association in Kodiak, Alaska. I began my career in criminal justice, earning a master’s in forensic psychology. In November 2015, I returned to my hometown with the goal of helping others. Since then, I have been dedicated to the behavioral health department and have greatly enjoyed working with my community and team. As I embark on my new role as lead clinician, I am eager to develop my leadership skills and acquire the tools necessary to become an effective and efficient leader within my department.
Lacy Carroll
My background is in education, specifically Head Start and JOM. I am from the Sac and Fox Nation. While working with middle school Indigenous youth, I realized I have a passion for mental health. My leadership focuses on mentoring Indigenous youth and supporting Indigenous communities.
Candance Crow Ghost
I’m Candace Eagle, Founder and CEO of NDN Healing Stone and SAVAGE LLC. I’m from Fort Duchesne, Utah, and an enrolled member of the Uintah & Ouray Ute Tribe. My work is deeply enriched by my experience in building relationships across diverse backgrounds. I hold an MBA from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, and am certified in Coaching Native American families in the homebuying process through Sally May. Currently, I’m furthering my knowledge as a holistic practitioner, having completed certifications in Integrative Fascia Stretch in May 2024, Hydrotherapy in April 2024, and financial literacy on May 17, 2024. I’m also focused on gaining expertise in the Federal Medicaid program. My dedication is to support healing for Native American families by addressing disparities and fostering decolonization, promoting healthier, progressive lifestyles that encompass all areas of life.
Monica Chase
I am a Behavioral Health Program Manager at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). I have been working in the healthcare field for the past 7 years, specifically community wellness and behavioral health. I have focused on developing programs that utilize traditional cultural activities to encourage our youth to learn and heal. My 10-year-old son says my experience being a mom counts as key leadership experience and accomplishments! I would share that being in my recent position as a Program Manager has offered the opportunity to use leadership in developing and fine-tuning our programs while focusing on personnel development. I strive to be an individual who is approachable and trusted. Thank you.
My name is Ramah. I am a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana. I am a Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist=CBHPSS. Currently I work as a Peer Support Specialist in Recovery Centers of Montana Women’s Lodge. I facilitate Good Medicine Wellbriety Circle at the Helena Indian Alliance and will be starting a Wellbriety Circle at the women’s Lodge soon. I obtained a certificate of Completion in Community Health Worker Training 2023 semester through the University of Montana, and currently I am finishing up my Associate of Arts in Social Work at Helena College. Through lived experience and my journey through recovery, I can share my experiences with all that I serve. I love the work that I do and have plans to work closely with the tribe to help my relatives who are still suffering from addiction and mental health.
Victoria Molina
Lois enchi ania, Inepo Victoria Molina, greetings my name is Victoria Molina from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. I am currently Certified as a CRSS and CPFSS as a BHPP the Education and Apprenticeship Program. Thru the University of Arizona (College of Medicine) Workforce Development Program. As a mother raising seven children on my own, overcoming my Physical, Mental and Substance Abuse (sober 4years), I was given an opportunity to get certified as a Peer Support and Family Support, not knowing what to expect in this field. I took a chance on the opportunity that was given to me, within that process I found, compassion within myself, to find the person I was meant to be. My accomplishment is finishing high school on time, raising seven children, getting a custodial job, winning the Award of Excellent in 2014 and Team Award of Excellent in 2024, being certified in Peer Support and Family Support, and a Conference to Seattle (NAADAC) in 2024 (First time on airplane far North away from Tucson, Az). I want to further my education on Trauma Inform and one day be on TED Talk.
Helen Shobie Nimsey
Halito! My name is Helen-Pearl Nashoba Malanta Nimsey, but everyone calls me Shobie! I am a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, and a Licensed Professional Counselor for the RISE-GLS Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Program with the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes of Oklahoma. I have spent the bulk of my time as an LPC working with youth and adolescents, with a focus on trauma and addiction. I started out as an intern at a non-profit counseling agency in Moore, Ok. Since leaving Moore I have shifted my focus to working with individuals in my own community. My clinical experience includes facilitating Seeking Safety and other curriculum, as well as leading Talking Circles and other groups that aid in trauma and addiction relief. I have also had the privilege to mentor interns and collaborate with other mental health providers across different communities. I strive to lead by example and feel that anything I learn can be disseminated to anyone who would also like to learn. I am honored and excited to be a part of the Leadership Academy!
Casey Peavy
My name is Casey Peavy and my Inupiaq name is Okroak. My family is originally from the Native Village of Wainwright on the North Slope of Alaska. I am the Peer Support Supervisor for Kodiak Area Native Association on Kodiak Island, Alaska. I have worked for several Alaska area nonprofits with a focus on Tribal environmental management and healthcare. I have been working in Peer Support for almost 3 years. Prior to my current position I worked for our local Tribal Council in various capacities for 5 years. Throughout my career I have served in leadership and management roles while also learning from my mentors. My calling is to help our Native people achieve their highest dreams. Quyana (thank you)!
Sonia Tinoco
I’m originally from Northern California and have lived in Tucson for over 20 years. My mother was from the Comanche Tribe. I earned my bachelor’s in public health at NAU and am a Certified Health Education Specialist and Recovery Support Specialist. Since May 2023, I’ve been working as the Program Assistant and Health Educator at the University of Arizona’s RISE Health and Wellness Center. In this role, I teach classes and provide peer support to program members. I’ve been in the health and wellness industry for over 25 years, including working with two Southwest tribes in Arizona. I served as a Fitness Specialist for the Tohono O’Odham Nation and as a Project Coordinator for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s Diabetes Prevention Program. While with the Tohono O’Odham Nation’s Healthy O’Odham Promotion Program, I collaborated with communities, groups, and team members to assess needs and design programs and curriculum tailored to stakeholders’ goals. From organizing Senior Olympics to developing Community Fitness and Nutrition Classes, Wellness Camps, and launching the first Diabetes Awareness Day, I’ve worked to promote health and wellness. I’m passionate about ensuring quality wellness education and resources are accessible to all tribal communities.
Stacy Yanagawa
Osiyo! My name is Stacy Yanagawa, LPC (she/her). I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and am a member of the Cherokee Nation. I moved to Milwaukie, Oregon last year with my wife, and am happy to maintain a deep connection to my Alaskan roots through my profession. I am a licensed professional counselor at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium’s Behavioral Health Wellness Clinic (BHWC), where I endeavor to provide empathic, evidence-based, and culturally attuned therapy services to tribal health beneficiaries throughout the state of Alaska. Our clinic’s aim is to increase access to high-quality mental health care, particularly for those living in rural and remote areas of the state. I am eager to build my leadership skills and experience within the behavioral health field and am looking forward to engaging in the 7 Generations Leadership Academy!
The American Indian & Alaska Native (AIAN) Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (CoE)