Two Feathers Staff







































































Masters in Counseling Psychology, Cal Poly Humboldt. B.A. in Psychology, Humboldt State University. A.A. in Psychology, College of the Canyons.
I am passionate about working within and alongside communities to expand access to mental health care for marginalized populations. My approach integrates culture into clinical practice to foster meaningful, fulfilling connections with natural support systems. I aim to bridge the gap between impactful mental health services and the communities that need them most.
Two Feathers continuously shows a commitment to making meaningful connections with the community and providing our youth and their families with a safe, supportive space for healing and growth. Working here feels like we are breaking down the barriers of the Western psychotherapy. The people here are passionate and determined, they are friendly and supportive of one another, and motivate my growth and passion for the work that we do. My personal review: “The vibes are immaculate. 10/10”.
Judge your success by the degree that you’re enjoying peace, health, and love.

B.A. in Psychology from Humboldt State University, MSW from Humboldt State University, Associates of Social Work
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.
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.
All people have inherent value and they have the ability to grow and connect and it is within relationships that change is most transformative.

Masters in Social Work from Cal Poly Humboldt
Trauma-informed care, cultural safety, and social justice and equity.
Two Feathers does such incredible work in the community. I love that the clinicians meet youth where they’re at. The staff enjoy the work and really want to be here, and the support that everyone gives each other is beautiful.
If love will not swing wide the gates, no other power will or can.
– James Baldwin

Human Services Technician, Associates of Applied Science in Human Services – Lake Area Technical College, Watertown, SD, SHRM-CP
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.
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.
Choose the life you want to live.

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University, Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology from University of San Francisco.
I am very passionate about working youth and their families to address systemic challenges so that every individual can thrive.
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.
Vulnerability is the essence of connection and connection is the essence of existence.

McKinleyville High School
Helping our community and coaching our youth.
Creating relationships with the youth and seeing them grow and achieve their goals.
Live a life you are proud of.

Advocacy work for our children and families.
I love that I work for an organization that genuinely cares for our families and community.
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.

B.A. from University of California at Davis and M.A. 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.
Native American Mental Health, Social Entrepreneurship, Public Speaking and Leadership.
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.
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.

Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American Studies and Child Development, with a minor in American Indian Education, from Cal Poly Humboldt. Associate Registered Clinical Social Worker through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Working with Native American youth within cultural teachings and clinical spaces.
I love working at Two Feathers because of the youth and families that I get to engage with. Two Feathers’ reach is widespread across Humboldt and surrounding areas. I wouldn’t be able to get the same healthy community connections working anywhere else. I also love that I get to work with so many of my friends.
I intend to do the things that make me happy for the rest of my life. Some things that make me happy are visiting with family, exploring our natural surroundings and helping others in my community.

Crossfit level 1 and 2, Functional Movement Systems (FMS) level 1, Frederick Stretch Therapy (FST) levels 1 and 2
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.
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.
Approach life and its obstacles in a ceremonial way. Be deliberate, mindful, focused, intentional, and come from a place of love, respect, and community.

Bachelors of Arts from Cal Poly Humboldt
Over the past year, I have focused my professional interests on process improvement, internal collaboration, and staying up-to-date on emerging financial technologies, looking for ways to streamline workflows, strengthen teamwork, and enhance Two Feathers’ efficiency and innovation. Additionally, I have enjoyed being a part of our youth mentorship program by guiding our young employees in an office atmosphere and opening the doors to professional growth.
I love the workplace culture at Two Feathers. I feel that a significant amount of thought and work has gone into creating a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic environment. Two Feathers continues to foster growth internally and spread wellness to the community, and I have great appreciation for being a part of a great organization.
I believe in perseverance and adaption to challenges as they come, focusing on steady progress and practical solutions.

Working with Youth
The people you work with are like family
You are here to make good things happen

B.A. in Social Work, Cal Poly Humboldt
As a daughter of immigrants, I strive to honor the sacrifices of my parents by acknowledging the disparities they have had to experience in their lifetime and utilizing it as my continual motivation for making changes systematically. I want to be able to create a safe and positive space around me and continue on the journey of showing up, empowering, and advocating for culturally diverse individuals and communities that leads to the promotion of their own strength, resiliency, and understanding.
I love that Two Feathers brings the community together and provides outlets for Native youth and families to embrace and practice culture and healing. Being able to connect with folx during our community events has also been rewarding due to it creating opportunities for engagement in a unique and positive way. I also love that in my role as Access Coordinator I get to advocate for clients, along with coordinating and collaborating with other agencies to best support referred individuals.
Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love.
– Bruce Perry

B.A. Child Development with Minors in Psych and American Indian Education, Humboldt State University. Masters in Social Work, Cal Poly Humboldt.
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.
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.
Tu’i hiapsimake

Youth empowerment and leadership development
I love working with the youth
Everything happens for a reason, just go with the flow, it will work its self out

A.A. in Psychology, College of the Redwoods, where I also pursued certificates in Child Development. B.A. in Psychology and a Masters in Counseling Psychology, both Cal Poly Humboldt.
Areas of interest include Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal/Relational Therapy, expressive arts, somatic and eco (nature) therapy.
I am deeply grateful to work at Two Feathers for many reasons. Two Feathers truly fosters a strong sense of community and connection among both the staff and the families we serve. The organization offers us opportunities to engage directly with the community and encourages continuous professional development through training and learning opportunities.
Just as redwood trees find strength in their interconnected roots, I believe people find healing through their connections with others.
Our local redwoods stand tall despite their shallow roots because they rely on an intricate network of connections to support each other. I strive to be part of that supportive system, helping others grow and thrive. As each person progresses toward health, they inspire those around them to do the same.

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.
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.
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.
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.

St. Bernard’s Academy, Eureka; College of the Redwoods – general studies
Inspiring and encouraging youth, striving to be the person I needed as a teenager growing up and having the opportunity to learn as much as I can to grow as a person and employee.
I love how much of a family it is at Two Feathers. It is an amazingly supportive environment with wonderful, confident, respected people and an unmatched reputation in the community. I hope to be able to be an asset to the team!

Social work and Advocating for Foster Youth
I was once a teen who went to Two Feathers activities so I love being in a full circle moment being able to give back to the community that raised me. Being involved with Two Feathers allows me to not only give back to my community but to mentor our next native leaders. This is the most fulfilling job and makes me grateful to work for such an amazing organization.
Ever Tried. Ever Failed. No Matter. Try again. Fail Again. Fail Better.
-Samuel Beckett

Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from Sterling College.
Youth development.
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.
This is ever changing.

Addiction Studies Certificate, AA in Behavioral & Social Science- College of the Redwoods
I am grateful to contribute to a team that centers around culture, youth empowerment, community and growth. I love being a part of our youth’s journey!
Being on a team of people that genuinely care about the work they are doing is so wonderful. Knowing that Two Feathers reaches far and wide to make an impact on our community is something I deeply value and am honored to be a part of!
Gratitude is my everyday attitude.
Nature heals; go outside as much as possible!

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

Masters in Social Work from Humboldt State University. B.A. from Southern Oregon University. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. 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.
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.
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)!
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!

Finishing AA in Behavioral and Social Science
Fish and Wildlife/ Fish and Game
One thing I love about Two Feathers is being able to impact our youth in a positive way each and everyday as being there for them is what brings me purpose this early in my career.
As a Native person you don’t just walk through this life self-centered, everything you do should be for the people before you and after you as that is our responsibility as a community and a native collective to the ones that fought for us to have our voice.

BA in Biology from UC Santa Cruz (emphasis Ethnobotany), Holistic Health Practitioners Certificate from UC Santa Cruz
Building community connections to nature, culture, education, and resources through project-based learning and community partnerships.
I love being part of the Two Feathers family and the vast network of people who are building community wellness by empowering youth to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.
Even the worst day is full of a multitude of tiny miracles. Don’t forget to appreciate them.

I have a B.A. in Child Development from Humboldt State and a M.S. in Recreation Administration from Sacramento State. I also travelled the world on a Semester at Sea during my undergraduate work.
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!
I loved the warm welcome that I received when I started here; everyone is so close it feels like home already.
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)

Bachelors Degree, Sociology – Sacramento State University
My professional interests are focused on building meaningful relationships rooted in respect, trust and understanding. I strive to show up in an authentic way, with humility and empathy, to build strong relationships with the families I serve and the larger community. I remain open to learning, self-reflection and accepting accountability to become a better person and to best serve our community.
It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of an organization that has such a widespread positive impact in the community. I love how Two Feathers takes a holistic approach to mental health and wellness and places culture as the foundation.
I strongly believe in each person’s capacity to heal, grow and make positive changes in their lives. I recognize and honor the inherent strengths and resiliency of the youth and families we serve. By meeting a person where they are at, I believe we can make the necessary adjustments to adapt and best meet the needs of the community.

I enjoy working with different youth to provide support and opportunities while making connections and bonding with them.
I love how dynamic our work is and how many different communities we are able to serve, providing different events for all.
Being yourself, honest, and just try to be a little better every day.


I received my BASW and minor in Native American Studies from Humboldt Stat University in 2015 and my MSW from Humboldt State University in 2018. I am currently working toward getting my LCSW!
I have a background in ICWA advocacy, youth programming, and cultural programming.
I have many professional interests, to the point where I have wanted to do it all! I love youth programming, cultural programming, and ICWA advocacy. I enjoy being in space with Native youth and learning their stories and helping process things they may have experienced or currently experiencing. I love to create space for our Native youth and community to thrive in in whatever ways I can through my work.
I love working for Two Feathers because they allow for us to do our heart work and advocate for a different way of doing things, that work best for our community.
Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists they become the best they can possibly be
– Rita Pierson

B.S. in Wildlife (Conservation Biology/Applied Vertebrate Ecology), Humboldt State University
One of my main interests is using both qualitative and quantitative data to show the impact Two Feathers has on the community and youth we serve. I am also interested in building efficient, organized systems to support our staff so they are able to focus on spending time with youth.
I love working for Two Feathers because my ideas and input are valued. Everyone joins together and uses their different backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge to create practical and meaningful solutions to problems.
Approach each experience with curiosity.

Helping the youth accomplish goals
Working with the kids.
Flow

Humboldt State University
Masters in Counseling Psychology
Humboldt State University
Undergrad Double Major: Psychology and Critical Race Gender and Sexuality Studies: Multicultural Queer Studies
Minor Womens Studies
Gender affirming care, Community healing, DBT, Community Education and Organizing
I love working with a diverse team of incredible and passionate people. We learn, laugh, and support each other and that is something special.
Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love
– Bruce Perry

CADC II (Certified substance abuse counselor through California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals)
Helping the community reconnect with their cultural identity through traditional healthy living and cultural practices. Attending dance ceremonies, gathering and weaving, sweat lodge ceremonies.
Working with our community, attending cultural events, and mainly our team.
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.

M.A. in Counseling Psychology 2019 and B.A. 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.
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.
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!
Live true to your own values and leave the world better than how you found it.