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Respect. Patient. Compassionate.

Two Feathers Staff

Two Feathers has a long-standing history of success, improving, shaping and transforming the lives of Native American children and families in Humboldt County. Teaching and guiding youth toward positive indigenous values such as kindness, respect, honor, respect, discipline, patience, gratitude and humility drives our decisions and treatment approaches. Our team of knowledgeable, committed and caring staff drives these treatment approaches. Currently, Two Feathers has clinicians, project managers, family and youth advocates, cultural coordinators, administrative assistants and pays consultants for a variety of services including cultural programming, bookkeeping, IT, and evaluation.
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Dr. Amanda R. Young, Ph.D, MHA Nation and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa

Personal Pronouns: [she/her/ikwe] (What is this?)

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow

Education and Training: I received my Associates of Arts from my home towns tribal college, Turtle Mountain Community College. I continued to receive both my Bachelors of Arts, in Psychology, and my Masters of Arts, in Mental Health Counseling, from University of North Dakota. From there I continued into my Counseling Psychology PhD from Oklahoma State University. To complete my PhD I attended my American Psychological Association (APA) accredited Internship at University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center within their Multicultural/Native American/Rural track working with the San Felipe Pueblo. I graduated with my PhD in Counseling Psychology from Oklahoma State University in August of 2022.

Professional Interests: I have many personal interests, all surrounding bettering the overall wellness of Native Americans/Indigenous communities and individuals. Some of these interests are Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Native American and Indigenous Mental Health, Community Mental Health, Decolonization, with many others.

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: Every action needs to be done with the next seven generations in mind. Live life humbly and move with a good heart.

What I love about working at Two Feathers: Family orientated environment dedicated to bettering the overall wellness of communities.

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Amy Mathieson

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job Title: Program Manager, Leadership Development & Advocacy

Education and Training: BA in Psychology from Humboldt State University, MSW from Humboldt State University, Associates of Social Work

Professional Interests: Working with youth and families to help them achieve health and wellness in all areas of their lives. Supporting youth and families as they navigate personal and systemic challenges. Help youth and families identify their goals and dreams and walk beside them as they achieve those goals and dreams. 

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: All people have inherent value and they have the ability to grow and connect and it is within relationships that change is most transformative. 

What I love about working at Two Feathers: Two Feathers as an organization doesn't just look at individuals, families, communities, and systems for what they are and what they have been, but imagines with them what they can become through connection and relationship. Two Feathers dreams big and applies creativity to overcoming barriers.

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Brittany Johnson - Lakota Sioux, Chumash

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job Title: Intake and Billing Coordinator

Education and Training: Human Services Technician, Associates of Applied Science in Human Services - Lake Area Technical College, Watertown SD

Professional Interests:  I find my passion in building strong relationships with both my team members and the families I serve. I look forward to continuing to connect with others within our community as we support youth and their families in reaching their goals. 

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: Choose the life you want to live. 

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I'm thankful to be part of a team that proactively works to provide the best, overall care and support to youth and their families as a whole. You can see and feel the passion throughout the organization as we work together for our community. 

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Brooke Wahlund

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job Title: Family Support Coordinator

Education and Training: Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University, Master's Degree in Counseling and Psychology from University of San Francisco.

Professional Interests: I am very passionate about working youth and their families to address systemic challenges so that every individual can thrive.

Spoken Languages: English 

Life Philosophy: "Vulnerability is the essence of connection and connection is the essence of existence."

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I believe that, in order to create meaningful change, we must acknowledge the various factors that impact our overall wellness. I appreciate that Two Feathers supports the youth and families that we work with from this holistic approach.

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Charlena Luna, Hupa

Job title: School Outreach Advocate

Professional Interests: Advocacy work for our children and families. 

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: You never really know the true impact you have on those around you. You never know how much someone needed that smile you gave them. You never know how much your kindness turned someone's entire life around. You never know how much someone needed that long hug or deep talk. So don't wait to be kind. Don't wait for someone else to be kind first. Don't wait for better circumstances or for someone to change. Just be kind, because you never know how much someone needs it. -Nikki Banas.

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I love that I work for an organization that genuinely cares for our families and community. 

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Danielle Anderson-Reed, Ponca

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job title: Early Childhood Cultural Coordinator

Education & Training: B.A in Child Development, Humboldt State University 

Professional Interests: I am passionate about supporting families, especially those with babies and young children, in tapping into our inherent strengths in order to be attuned and connected in a good way to our little ones, ourselves, and our communities. It is particularly important to me to support families in understanding the way stress and trauma can impact our relationships, bodies, and spirits in order to support healing and wellness. 

Spoken Languages: English 

Life Philosophy: Sing about it!

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I love working with so many people I know and genuinely love, who are so deeply connected and committed to their place and community. I am constantly inspired by this team's passion for serving youth and their families in culturally responsive and creative ways. 

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Donald Moore, Yurok

Personal Pronouns: [he/him] (What is this?)

Job title: Youth Mentor

Education & Training: Currently finishing Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies (Native American Indigenous Studies minor) at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.

Professional Interests: Working with our local Native youth, specifically teaching them about culture and food security practices.

Spoken Languages: English, Yurok 

Life Philosophy: Everyday is a new day

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Ernie Albers, Yurok

Personal Pronouns: he/him (What is this?)

Job title: Cultural Programs Coordinator

Education & Training: Crossfit level 1 and 2, Functional Movement Systems (FMS) level 1, Frederick Stretch Therapy (FST) levels 1 and 2

Professional Interests: To work with native youth and families on building healthy habits and lifestyles while helping create opportunities for them to connect to their culture and heritage. 

Spoken Languages: English 

Life Philosophy: Approach life and its obstacles in a ceremonial way. Be deliberate, mindful, focused, intentional, and come from a place of love, respect, and community.

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I believe in and value the work that Two Feathers does in the community. I look forward to working with like minded people who have a passion for community health and wellness. 

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Henry Lagunas

Personal Pronouns: they/them (What is this?)

Job title: Youth Mentor

Education & Training: AA in Liberal Arts: Fine Arts completed May 2023

Professional Interests: My professional interest focuses on working directly with youth to create moments of joy and happiness that lead to positive relationships.

Spoken Languages: English and Spanish

Life Philosophy: “Do I contradict myself?
                                        Very well then I contradict myself,
                                        (I am large, I contain multitudes.)” - Walt Whitman

What I love about working at Two Feathers: Working at Two Feathers is an amazing opportunity to develop relationships that create a positive impact in the community. I love doing fun outdoor activities and engaging with youth in the hopes to inspire them to become the best version of themselves.

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Jasmine Pedroza, Yaqui, MOWA Choctaw

Personal Pronouns: [she/her/they/them] (What is this?)

Job title: Child & Family Social Worker

Education & Training: B.A. Child Development with Minors in Psych and American Indian Education, Humboldt State University. Masters in Social Work, Cal Poly Humboldt.

Professional Interests: Community outreach and building of relationships with the land and the people. Much of the opportunities I've gotten to be a part of incorporate looking at historical, intergenerational and present day trauma, and reflecting back on culture as a way of healing. Working with our youth and very little ones is where I gain energy and learn so much from our kids. 

Spoken Languages: English & (very little Hiaki)

Life Philosophy:  Tu'i hiapsimake 

What I love about working at Two Feathers: The way the focus is on relationships which aligns with my own personal and professional values. Relationships are what builds us in different ways, and I think always providing learning and growth, and greater healing for our community. .

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Jennifer Oliphant

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job Title: Chekws: Hope For Tomorrow Program Director

Education & Training: Bachelors in Psychology, Masters in Social Work, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Professional Interest: Narrative Therapy, Suicide Prevention, Crisis Response, Social Justice, Community Organizing

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: Kindness, love, justice and equity.

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I love that Two Feathers is forward thinking, social justice oriented, creative and absolutely devoted to promoting the well being of the people it serves.

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Jody Swan

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job Title: Mental Health Clinician

Education & Training: Associate Social Worker. Masters in Social Work and Pupil Personnel Services Credential from Cal Poly Humboldt. Masters of Arts in Teaching from Lewis & Clark College, Bachelor of Arts from Lewis & Clark College. Certified Teacher in Hatha Yoga and Mindfulness. 

Professional Interest: To work with children in a way that promotes harmony and balance in their lives.

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: "There is a voice that doesn't use words, listen." -Rumi

What I love about working at Two Feathers: Working for Two Feathers NAFS is like working with family. The commitment to seeing strengths in individuals exists in the work environment as well as the surrounding communities. It is with great pride to work for such an incredible organization that lives up to its mission and values.

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Kara Clower

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job Title: Director of Operations

Education & Training: Executive Masters in Business Administration from Sonoma State University. Bachelors degree in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education from Humboldt State University (HSU). Completed continuing education in accounting and finance from HSU. 

Professional Interest: Passionate about coaching and working with people, uniting teams, and creating solutions and systems to strengthen focus, accountability, and impact. I am also very interested in sharing strategic thinking and helping others understand the "why."

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: Reflect daily. Reflect on oneself, others, and the situations in which we experience, to create spaces for learning, growth, and understanding. Also, assume positive intent- this is helpful when we don't have enough information and can prevent unnecessary judgements. 

What I love about working at Two Feathers: The people - our team and those in the communities we work with! Our team of people are welcoming, caring, innovative, open minded, funny, and collaborative. I love the relationships our team has with the people we serve. 

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Karen Jean Santos

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job title: Mental Health Clinician

Education & Training: While attending Humboldt State University, earned MSW, minor in Child Development and extended studies in Native American History. While at Two Feathers completed requirements for LCSW.

Professional Interests: Working with children of all ages, to providing a safe place to experience endless hope, self-awareness, self refection, connection to cultural traditions, a healthy mind and spirit. My approach, to name a few; Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, Crisis counseling, Trauma-informed therapy.

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: My well-being, has always been gifted with“Hope”. Hope is the power to believe anything is achievable, hope is the power to believe in others. Hope is like a fresh start, a second chance, or to wish upon a miracle. With hope there is that continual opening of opportunity or new light for reassurance that the possibilities are endless and as long as you believe, anything can happen.

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I love the connection Two Feathers has created for the people we serve, with the openness of all departments within the agency working together as a team to give all and any support to individuals and families as needed, with this connection we are able to meet with individuals and families through their own unique way.

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Kendal Dummer

Job Title: Youth Mentor

Education & Training: Bachelors in Psychology, CSU Monterey Bay

Professional Interests: Crisis response, counselor and First Responder Mental Health

Spoken Language:  English

Life Philosophy: "Worry does not take away tomorrow's troubles but takes away today's peace." Be true to yourself, work hard, fight for what you believe in and inspire people around you.

What I love about working at Two Feathers:  The kindness and passion behind each employee to help each family and kiddo is incredible. I enjoy learning every day from the staff and the students.

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Keoki Burbank

Personal Pronouns: [he/him] (What is this?)

Job Title: Program Manager, Leadership Development & Advocacy

Education & Training: Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from Sterling College.

Professional Interests: Youth development.

Spoken Language: English

Life Philosophy: This is ever changing.

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I enjoy working with the youth and the local communities. I also really enjoy the continued growth and learning opportunities I get from working here.

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Livey Ampudia

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job Title: Clinical Manager

Education & Training: Bachelor of Arts degree from Humboldt State University in Psychology, 2016. Masters in Counseling Psychology from Humboldt State University, 2019.

Professional Interests: Developing deep, meaningful, relationships with all individuals she comes across in life and spreading compassion and empathy in order to make even the smallest difference in a persons’ life. I have a deep love for animals and nature which I  hope to incorporate into future therapeutic practices. 

Spoken Languages: English and Spanish

Life Philosophy: “When I look at a glass, my cup isn’t full or empty. Today it is overflowing. It is overflowing and exuding with positivity.”- Kevin Hines

What I love about working at Two Feathers: One aspect that I love about working at Two Feathers Native American Family Services would be the amount of support and creativity that the agency offers each of their employees. There is never a sense of someone having to do a task on their own without being able to reach out for help and there is always the encouragement to be creative when providing therapeutic services with the children and families we serve. 

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Maymi Preston-Donahue, Karuk, Yurok, Paiute, Pittriver

Job Title: Mental Health Clinician

Education & Training: Masters in Social Work from Humboldt State University. BA from Southern Oregon University. I am currently pursuing licensure toward being a LCSW as an ASW. I am also a Karuk language apprentice under Master Speaker Julian Lang as well as a language teacher in Orleans and Somes Bar elementary schools.

Professional Interests: Native Language revitalization is a long-term passion of mine and I believe it will play a big role in the healing of the People as it has done so much for myself and my family. 

Spoken Languages: English and Karuk

Life Philosophy: Our traditions, language, songs, families, dances, the health of our Rivers, the People on the lands, it all comes together to build us up. We are all connected and I truly believe together we can heal!

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I am so happy to be a part of the Two Feathers team as I see mental health and healing encompasses so much more than just therapy. I value Two Feathers' commitment to Native People and their ability to re-imagine models that truly were not designed to help Native people and to work to heal past differences in order to reach the whole Community. Yootva (thank you)!

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Max Keller

Personal Pronouns: [they/them/she/her] (What is this?)

Job Title: Mental Health Clinician

Education & Training:  Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. Bachelors degree in Studio Arts from Cal Poly Humboldt, Masters in Counseling Psychology from University of San Francisco. Training in Narrative therapy.

Professional Interests: Being at service to local communities, holistic approaches to wellbeing and health, narrative therapy, deconlonizing therapy, and celebration of all identities. 

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: “There are ways to have our acts of resistance be collective and light…sometimes people cry, people keen, people read poems, people talk about the people they’ve lost. We have to create these moments of connection and solidarity with each other. It’s hard work. It’s a practice and you can’t do it alone. This is collective care. “ - Viki Reynolds

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I love working for an organization that is aligned with my personal and political values, one that supports and encourages it’s employees individual wellbeing and is dedicated to serving the community with the support of Native leadership.

 

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Rachel Fusi

Job title: Outreach and Events Coordinator

Education & Training: I have a BA in Child Development from Humboldt State and a MS in Recreation Administration from Sacramento State. I also travelled the world on a Semester at Sea during my undergraduate work.

Professional Interests: I love helping people.  Watching individuals and communities thrive and to know that I had a part in that (even just a tiny part) gives me great joy and motivates me to be better!

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy:  “Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets.  So love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don’t and believe that everything happens for a reason.  If you get a chance, take it!  If it changes your life, Let it. Nobody said that it’d be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.” (unknown)

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I’m still new, but I love the warm welcome that I have received, everyone is so close it feels like home already.

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Rudy Garcia

Job title: Youth Advocate

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Shanley Masten, Yurok

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job title: Child and Family Social Worker

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Shaylynne Masten, Yurok

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job title: Cultural Programs Director

Education & Training: MSW, Humboldt State University

Professional Interests: Reconnecting/Connecting youth and families to culture and mentorship, cultural programming, ICWA (bringing kids home), youth prevention and intervention programming

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: “I am a descendant of survivors and a mother/auntie to the next generation, and I need to walk like it.” 

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I love working for Two Feathers because my position allows for me to continue to grow and become a role model and mentor for the next generation of Native youth.

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Tai Parker 

Personal Pronouns: [they/them/theirs] (What is this?)

Job title: Mental Health Clinician and Queer Programming Coordinator

Education & Training: Double major CRGS: Multicultural Queer Studies/Psychology with a minor in Womxns Studies from Humboldt State University 2016, and a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Humboldt State University 2019. Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Professional Interests: Building community, equity work, queer liberation, mental health, narrative therapy, education 

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: The personal is political and the work I do is directly connected with how I experience the world we live in, and how I conceptualize change for the future. 

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I am fortunate to work with a team that shares my personal and professional values and vision for a better tomorrow through community engagement.

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Tasha Kahoalii

Job Title: Mental Health Clinician

Education & Training: MSW

Professional Interests: Social justice, breaking down systemic barriers and harmful power structures, building strong community, and acting through empathy and compassion without judgment towards others every day. 

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: The Aloha Spirit Law 

A~Akahai- meaning kindness (grace), expressed with tenderness; L~Lokahi- meaning unity (unbroken), expressed with harmony; O- 'Olu'olu- meaning agreeable (gentle), expressed with pleasantness; H~Ha'aha'a- meaning humility (empty) expressed with modesty; A~Ahonui- meaning patience (waiting for the moment), expressed with perseverance. -Pilahi Paki 

What I love about working at Two Feathers: Two Feathers provides a space that nurtures cultural tradition and values, innovative ideas, strengths and resiliency, growth in perspective, community activism, and overall happiness among its employees and in the larger community as well. Two Feathers genuinely cares for the WHOLE person and honors unique characteristics in all people. I love that I have been given the opportunity to work in an organization that actively upholds such humanitarian values!

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Toni Loera

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job title: Mental Health Therapist

Education & Training: Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Humboldt State University with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) which allows me to practice as a school social worker.

Professional Interests: Most days, I find that my personal and professional interests are centered on how to build and sustain meaningful relationships and connections. In particular, I always seek to learn how we can better care for, value, protect, respect, and support one another, the environment, and all our other non-human relations as well. 

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: "...Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting, over, and over, announcing your place in the family of things." Mary Oliver Wild Geese

What I love about working at Two Feathers:  Two Feathers brings me hope. I believe the work being done everyday by this team, the youth, the families, and the community is proof that great power exists when people come together to make change in a good way.  I am endlessly inspired in this work and so grateful to be a part of it. 

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Tracy Ralston, Koyukon

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job title: Administrative Assistant

Education & Training: College of the Redwoods, Business Administration Major

Professional Interests: Passionate supporter of upholding ICWA, community organizing. 

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: "The most profound thing we have to offer our children is our own healing." - Anne Lamott

What I love about working at Two Feathers:  I am excited to work at a family-oriented organization that is directly involved in Native communities.

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Dr. Virgil Moorehead, Yurok & Tolowa

Personal Pronouns: [he/him] (What is this?)

Job title: Executive Director

Education & Training: BA from University of California at Davis  and MA from California State University, Sacramento. Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA in 2015. Completed doctoral internship at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Stanford University. Trained in working with adolescents, youth, and Native American Families. Extensive training and experience with young men of color. 

Professional Interests: Native American Mental Health, Social Entrepreneurship, Public Speaking and Leadership.  

Spoken Languages: English 

Life Philosophy: Be honest with yourself, focus on understanding yourself and others, always strive to do better, think outside the box, be creative, do something that has never been done before, create opportunities and things for others to look forward to, build community, and be down for the underdog.  

What I love about working at Two Feathers: The Challenge of creating something that has never been done before, the opportunity to have a real impact, and the family, community feel that allows me to be myself.

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Wakara Scott, Yurok

Job Title: Cultural Development Specialist

Education and Training: AA Degree in Behavioral and Social Sciences, will be pursuing a BA Degree in Child Development with a minor in Native American Studies at Humboldt State University

Professional Interest: Serving our Native communities, through cultural programming, youth prevention and intervention programming and helping our youth and families reach their goals and achieve health and wellness.

Spoken Languages: English, Yurok, a little Karuk and Spanish

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I am thankful for the connections that I've made, everyone I work with feels like family to me. I have felt very supported and encouraged to grow, achieve my goals and move outside my comfort zone. I definitely love the work we do here at Two Feathers with our Native youth and families and I am very proud to be a part of this organization.

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Yvonne Guido, Karuk Tribal Member

Job title: Native Wellness Counselor

Education and Training: CADC II (Certified substance abuse counselor through California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals) 

Certified Red Road and Motherhood/Fatherhood is Sacred Facilitator 

Professional Interests: Helping the community reconnect with their cultural identity through traditional healthy living and cultural practices. Attending dance ceremonies, gathering and weaving, sweat lodge ceremonies.

Life Philosophy:  ''Never forget where you come from''. As a person in recovery from substances and a person who once was disconnected from my cultural identity, I won't forget what that felt like to have no hope, no confidence, no healthy connections and beliefs. My approach to helping the community is centered around love and acceptance. I think back to the person that trained me as a sweat leader who would say, " I am no different than you. I just happened to have come through the door first". 

What I love about working at Two Feathers: Working with our community, attending cultural events, and mainly our team. 

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Zach Roberts

Personal Pronouns: [he/him] (What is this?)

Job Title: Family Support Coordinator

Education and Training: ASW, MSW (Humboldt State University), BSW (Humboldt State University), Veterans Administration Post Masters Fellowship in Rural Mental Health, Certified Yoga Teacher

Professional Interests: I continue to earn supervised clinical hours towards my LCSW licensure. I am interested in integrating awareness practices and supporting youth and families witnessing them uncover their own balanced wellness and basic goodness.

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: I aspire to remain curious, be of service, and hold people in unconditional positive regard.

What I love about working at Two Feathers: I appreciate the community engagement, teamwork, continual staff development, and congruent values and action.

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Zahra Shine

Personal Pronouns: [she/her] (What is this?)

Job title: Mental Health Clinician

Education & Training: MA in Counseling Psychology 2019 and BA in Psychology 2016 from Humboldt State University. Training in Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Psychodynamic Therapy, Applied Suicide Intervention Training, Family Suicide Intervention, Mindfulness Meditation, Grief Counseling, and Domestic Violence Counseling.

Professional Interests: Trauma-Informed school-based mental health, social justice and equal access to mental health care, strengthening and healing relationships in families and couples, and community and systemic level interventions that improve wellbeing. I am currently earning my clinical hours toward licensure as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.

Spoken Languages: English

Life Philosophy: Live true to your own values and leave the world better than how you found it.

What I love about working at Two Feathers: Working at Two Feathers provides me with opportunities to live by some of my deepest values through my work by being there for others when they need help the most. I have deep compassion and truly care for the children and adults I work with, and it is truly an honor to be able to make a positive impact in my community. Also, I love my work family, they are the best!