Why did you choose your specific health professional career?
Based on personal experiences and struggles of our people, this became a calling for me to give back to my community and to use the skills and talents that I was given to assist others in achieving success.
What experiences did you have to make sure this profession was right for you?
I have been in this profession for over twenty-seven years. Daily, I see the hope of success in the faces of those who come through our treatment program. There have been bitter and sweet moments, but I know in my spirit this is the right path for me.
Describe any obstacles or barriers to success that you encountered along your health professional career path. How did you overcome them?
I struggled with my own addiction for many years after my discharge from the military and the Vietnam War. In overcoming my addiction, I had tremendous support and love from my family even when I had failed.
What do you do in your current job?
I am the Tribal Liaison for Compass Behavioral Healthcare. I work 24/7 in my field because we lack qualified tribal members and necessary resources to help those in need. I helped create and implement a co-ed Native American Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program called Four Winds Turning Point. I oversee the cultural services for all our clients. I have been on T.V., radio, print media, in addition to speaking at conferences and to the community about education, prevention and treatment.
What advice do you have for American Indian/Alaska Native students who are interested in health careers?
Whatever you are going to do, do it to the best of your ability! Choose your career wisely. Financial gain is not always going to bring satisfaction.
What would you like to see for your tribe’s future?
I would like to see our tribes aggressively confront major chronic health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and chemical dependency. I would also like to see the restoration of families and healing from generational trauma.
Do you practice traditional medicine? If you do, then how does traditional medicine interact with conventional medicine?
We use a combination of traditional and conventional medicine in our treatment program. During the detoxification process we use medical interventions, but we also offer our clients traditional medicine such as smudging, traditional prayer or contemporary prayer.