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Diana Abazeed - Billing Office Manager
I'm a single mom to a wonderful four year old boy whom she loves very much.  She was interning  before she was hired full time as the Medical Billing Coordinator. She is a graduate of Everest Institute in medical billing and coding  and will be going to Wayne State University in the fall to study medicine, in hopes of one day becoming a doctor. She loves science and writing music and spending her free time with her little boy doing activities, hanging out, then talk about things like why do ants walk so slowly, and the sound that frogs make. Its been a learning experience so far being with AIHFS and hope to continue being a part of  this organization. Thank you for giving her this time to tell you a little about herself.
 

Jackie Allison, AS - Office Manager
Jackie Allison (Mi'kmaq / Cherokee) is in the process of completing her Associate's Degree of Applied Science in the field of IT Applications Specialist from Macomb Community College with high honors on the Dean's List. Jackie's work experience includes many years as an Administrative Assistant through various companies, and has been a full time Administrative Assistant with AIHFS since March 2009. She is a proud mother of one, Cassie, and grandmother of two, four year old Allie and two year old Kylie. She is also the oldest of four siblings. A life time resident of the Metro Detroit Area, Jackie's family is Mi'kmaq / Cherokee from the Missouri / Kentucky area. In her spare time she enjoys bead work, ceramics, and camping. Jackie is also a traditional dancer and attends every powwow she can, keeping busy with her involvement in many activities throughout the community.

Dr. Marjorie Alvir - Physician
Dr. Alvir earned her medical degree from Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, MI. She also studied physiology at Michigan State and psychology at Wayne State University. In addition, she's held positions as a breast cancer researcher and a physical therapy aide. She includes family medicine, preventative care and care for the entire family as her specialties.



 

Jamie Alvord - Facilities & Youth Program
Hired here as Facilities & Youth Program worker. She currently lives in St. Clair, MI. Member of the Chippewa of the Thames.



 

Rosebud Bear - Healthy Start Outreach Specialist
Rosebud Bear (Ojibwe/Shawnee/Mexican), born and raised in Southwest Detroit.  Rosebud has been part of the Native community her entire life. She has traveled throughout the U.S and Canada to pow wows as a dancer when she was younger.  She is one of the first members of the Dreamseekers youth group here at AIHFS. Now she is a proud mother of two beautiful children, Kateri and Sonny. Her lifelong goal is to teach her children the beauty of connecting the present world with the past, and to live a well rounded healthy life with the knowledge of our ancestral ways. Although her career began in the accounting field, Rosebud feels that her true calling is to work among families, helping any way she can. She is very excited to be working at AIHFS! Rosebud enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling and watching her children grow.

Karen Bellmore - Registration Coordinator
"It gives me great pleasure to work with Native American community. I have always enjoyed working and assisting people as an advocate." Karen began as a Billing Intern in 2006. Upon completion of her internship, she was offered a position at American Indian Health and Family Services and has been at the clinic for four years. Karen wears many hats at AIHFS including assisting patients who are uninsured to apply for insurance, examples: MiChild, Healthy Kids, MOMS and Plan First. She also works with Women's Wellness, assisting patients who are underinsured or uninsured to apply for the BCCCP Program which will assist women to get their yearly exam. "I feel blessed to be able to be a voice or lend a hand. If I am able to assist one person than I have done my job and God bless me if I can help more people." Karen also worked at Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit for 18 years as a Case Coordinator. Her last five years at Goodwill allowed her to work with the persons living with HIV/AIDS who wanted to enter or re-enter the workforce. Karen also facilitated a support group called (POW) Power of Work. Karen also worked with persons living with a medical, mental or physical disability coordinating services and employment. Her hobbies include scrapbooking and crocheting. She has two dogs and one cat that are very special to her.

Scott Bowden - Facilities & Transportation coordinator
Scott began working at AIHFS in July maintaining the facilities. He really enjoys building things and organizing to make AIHFS a beautiful place to work. He is self motivated and energized. Scott enjoys his work because of the people-both the staff and community. Scott is the father of three wonderful, rambunctious boys. The oldest, Anthony, is 6 years old, the middle, Andrew, is 3 and the youngest Hunter, is 2. Scott is happily engaged to Erica (MaChis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama). Scott loves spending time with his family camping, hunting and fishing. He also enjoys working on cars part-time and as a hobby.

Stephanie Boyd - Community Health Representative
Stephanie Boyd works here at American Indian Health as a Community Health Representative (CHR). She is part of the Oneida Nation of the Thames tribe in Canada, as well as Chippewa from the Muncey reservation. She is currently enrolled in school full-time to become a Nurse. She has been working at AIHFS for 2 years. As a CHR, her primary goal is to reach out to the Native community by visiting clients in their homes and attending Pow-Wows or other local Native agencies by offering health screenings. Stephanie enjoys beading, reading books, hanging out with family, going to the movies and to concerts.

Linda Brady - Senior Medical Assistant
Linda has been in the medical field a little over 11 years as a Medical Assistant, working in different specialties such as pediatrics, internal medicine, occupational health, family planning, ob/gyn, ENT (otorhinolaryngology) Head & Neck Cancer and plasmapheresis. Her passion is to educate clients on family planning and HIV/AIDS-STD prevention. Linda has worked for AIHFS for three months. She provides a variety of care to clinic patient, including vitals, EKGs, phlebotomy and immunizations. Linda is also a proud mother of six beautiful children whom she holds close to heart. "Family is so important to me, and I hold onto my family values very strongly," she says. She is also an active member of the Word of Faith International Christian Center, serving as a volunteer with her children in the puppet ministry and the 24-hour prayer line. Linda says she likes to smile a lot because smiling can make difference in someone's day.

Lisa Brunk - ATR Coordinator/Addictions Counselor
"Boozhoo, Nemikigokwe nindizhnikaz, gnu dodem. Katikitegoning miinwa Detroit nindonnjiba." ("Hello. She who is called Thunder Woman is Golden Eagle clan from the 'old garden' and currently lives in the Detroit Metropolitan area.") Lisa Brunk is a Lac Vieux Desert Ojibwa Tribal member from Watersmeet, MI. Lisa is a proud mother of sons TC and Evan, wife of David A. Brunk, Jr., and sister to five brothers and three sisters. As for her education, Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with a double minor in Social Welfare and Native American Studies. Lisa says she began volunteering in the substance abuse field in 1997 with the help of an influential and strong Native woman named Julie (R.I.P.), who directed a residential treatment facility. Without Julies' belief that Lisa could do whatever she put her mind to, Lisa says she would never have become an addictions treatment counselor. Through the years, Lisa has worked at substance abuse treatment facilities across Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She was the Helping Healer for her own tribe, Lac Vieux Desert, an outpatient addictions counselor for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, a volunteer facilities coordinator for the adult residential unit and youth counselor at the Great Lakes Recovery Treatment Center in Marquette, MI. Before coming to AIHFS, she was Cognitive Behavioral Therapist/Substance Abuse Therapist at Macomb County Jail for three-and-a-half years. She is a Jingle Dress Dancer, attends traditional pow wows and ceremonies, and sings with the Four Thunders drum. She has actively protested against the use of Native American mascots as sports team logos, and was the President of two student groups, one at Lake Superior State University, the other at Northern Michigan University (her alma mater) where she helped organize pow wows and ceremonies for the Lac Vieux Desert tribe. Lisa loves spending time with her husband and sons, eating, watching movies and, most of all, laughing!

Sherry Cantrell - Grants Manager
Sherry Cantrell brings 30+ years of Executive Level Management experience in both For-profit and Non-profit industries. Some areas of responsibility she has covered have been: Finance, Grants Management, Fund Raising, Operations, Human Resources and Legal Compliance and Accreditations.  Some of her latest Non-Profit Organizations were with Habitat for Humanity-Detroit for 10 years and she continues with The Therapy Choirs of Michigan for 13+ years on a Volunteer basis in her spare time.  She enjoys working with and seeing communities grow. Throughout her career and life she has worked with a wide variety of people from all walks of life, backgrounds and ages worldwide.  Sherry was hired in June 2010 and thoroughly enjoys working with the AIHFS family.

Turome Chandler - Medical Assistant
I was born on the eastside of Detroit Michigan into a family of five. I moved to Brooklyn New York at the age of 13 with my aunt who took care of me until I decided to move back with my parents in Detroit. In Detroit is where I completed my Certified Medical Assistant Course with honors and completed my internship with AIHFS. During the time of my Internship, the Native Community, as well the staff, made me feel like family of their own, which made AIHFS first choice on my list of places I would love to work. I have a younger brother and sister that are my pride and joy; there are both currently in high school. Just recently we've just moved back from Glendale Arizona to become a part of the AIHFS family of strong health care professionals. I am currently in the Nursing program at Eastern Michigan University while working at AIHFS part-time. On my spare time I love to shop. My brother and sister and I are sneaker fanatics. We're always in the mall buying new sneakers. Currently my favorite sneaker is the Nike N7, a sneaker that Nike makes custom for the Native Community.

Elizabeth Chapleski, PhD - Program Operations and Planning Interim Director
Elizabeth Chapleski, PhD, MSW, has over a twenty year history of service and research with Michigan's American Indian population, as well as over ten years of teaching a Graduate Survey Research Methods Practicum at Wayne State University. Her Long-Term Care Study, funded by the National Institute on Aging, took her to all of the American Indian reservations and agencies in Michigan over a 6 year period, conducting focus groups and training American Indian interviewers and local staff; and the data resulted in numerous journal publications. She has designed numerous needs assessments and survey instruments for this population. She, along with Dr. Sandra Momper, will oversee the design of survey instruments for the Circles of Care project as well as working with the project personnel to evaluate the infrastructure development. Although she is not Native American, she shares the beliefs and values and has made extensive voluntary contributions to the Indian community over the years, including 10 years as a Board Member of AIHFS. Her family includes 3 children, Mark, Scott and Jennifer, who each have 2 children (6 grandchildren in all -- ages 5 to 15). Dr. C's hobbies include reading, writing memoirs, sewing, knitting, needlework, music (piano and singing), and she still loves golf!

Jerilyn Church, MSW - Executive Director
Jerilyn, Miniconjou Lakota, was born and raised on the Cheyenne River Sioux reservation in South Dakota. Her dedication to the health of American Indian families began with her promotion of children's immunization as a former Miss Indian America, (1981). She has dedicated over twenty years to the advocacy and advancement of integrative health practices in the roles of both provider and administrator. Jerilyn graduated with honors from Michigan State University with a BSW and an American Indian Specialization and was a recipient of the National Morris K. Udall Scholarship. She obtained her MSW with a Management in Human Services major from the University of Michigan where she was a Child Welfare Fellow and was awarded internship support from the Nonprofit and Public Management Center for her work with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Health Department. Jerilyn served on the Detroit Neighborhood Health Study Community Advisory Board, and currently serves as a member of the University of Michigan, School of Social Work Alumni Board of Governors, is a Community Engagement Coordinating Council member for the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (MICHR) at the University of Michigan and an Advisory Board member for the Urban Indian Health Institute, a national epidemiology center focusing on the urban American Indian/Alaskan native population. Jerilyn was also one of eight Urban Indian Health Directors nominated by President of the National Council of Urban Indian Health Board of Directors and appointed co—chair to the IHS workgroup established by IHS Director, Dr. Yvette Roubideaux to develop policy recommendations for IHS to confer with urban Indian health programs. Her most recent appointment is to the CDC's National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Office of Tribal Affairs Think Tank for the National Indian Health Board. Jerilyn is a second language learner of the Lakota language, and is the proud and resilient mother of two teenage sons.

Gabrielle D'Angelo, MSW - Interim GLS(suicide prevention) Coordinator
Gabrielle D'Angelo, also called Gabby or Elle, was one of three School of Social Work interns at American Indian Health & Family Services. She did her undergraduate at The University of Michigan, as well. She served AIHFS as an intern, where she worked with the youth group programs, behavioral health department, and seeing individual patients. She is excited about the opportunity to join the team.

 

Keith Dinser - Systems Administrator
Keith brings to AIHFS more than 10 years of experience as a network administrator for small to medium organizations. Keith Dinser has served as the AIHFS network administrator and systems analyst for 5 years and is responsible for maintaining the agency's information systems including workstations, servers, internet connections, firewalls, and any other technical equipment that the agency employs. He is currently a senior electrical/computer engineering major at Oakland University. Keith started with AIHFS as an on call contractor and as AIHFS's technology needs increased he moved into a part time position and then became a full time staff member. In Keith's spare time he enjoys pool and golf.

Nina Eusani, BSN - Healthy Start Coordinator
Nina Eusani graduated in December 2009 from Wayne State University College of Nursing with a BSN. She will become a registered nurse early in the winter of 2010. Since graduating from the University of Michigan with a BA in anthropology in 1998, Nina has worked as a labor and postpartum doula, supporting new mothers and families though the process of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period; as a certified massage therapist; as a registered yoga teacher, trained and certified at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health; and as a certified infant massage instructor, among other roles. She has volunteered with numerous community organizations and nonprofits in Detroit, offering massage therapy and yoga classes to underserved clients from a wide variety of backgrounds. She is guided by a passion for health care that is holistic, integrative, and accessible, and believes that when individuals, families, and communities have control over their health, they transform themselves and the world. In the future, she plans to become a family practice nurse practitioner. She lives in Southwest Detroit, and loves to run, bike, dance, and play outside. Nina is delighted to be joining the staff of American Indian Health and Family Services, and honored to have the opportunity to work with mothers and young children in the community.

Nickole Fox, MA - Health Education and Prevention Director
Nickole (Cherokee/Blackfoot) is a Certified Prevention Consultant with American Indian Health and Family Services. She is a daughter, a sister, an auntie and a new mother. She has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Michigan in Sociology and Native American Studies and a Master's Degree from Marygrove College in Social Justice. She has worked with the youth at AIHFS for more than 5 years and assists with volunteer coordination, multicultural education efforts, gardening, parenting and much more. "Our youth here at AIHFS are brilliant, vibrant young people with so much to offer the community. We are here to nurture and build relationships that will facilitate their growth and wellness." Nickole enjoys spending time with the love of her life, Mike and her baby girl, Chloe. She also loves to garden, bike ride relax and spend time with her family!

Josette French, MD - Physician
Dr. French is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She has worked as a physician at AIHFS since 1998. Dr. French received her Bachelor of Science degree from Yale University in New Haven, CT in 1991 and her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Florida, College of Medicine in Gainesville, FL in 1995. Dr. French completed her family medicine residency at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, MI in 1998 and received her board certification from the American Board of Family Medicine in 1998. She was recertified in 2005. In 2008, Dr. French was awarded the MPRO Pillar Award of Excellence for Reducing Health Disparities. Her clinical interests are diabetes, women's health, pediatrics and preventive medicine. She is blessed with a wonderful husband, three children and a beagle mixed breed dog. She enjoys camping with her family, cooking, sewing, crafting and reading.

Imelda P. Galdamez, MSW - Diabetes Program Coordinator
I recently graduated with my Master's in Social Work from the University of Michigan, and was an MSW intern for American Indian Health last year. I'm the diabetes Program coordinator. As the coordinator, I will help oversee the program and provide diabetes case management services.

Ayesha Ghazi, MSW - Clinic Operations and Quality Assurance Director
I recently graduated from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work program, with a focus in Social Policy Evaluation and minor in Interpersonal Clinical Practice. I graduated from Albion College in 2007 with a B.A. in Political Science, Sociology, and Public Policy. I am passionate about understanding how and why people discriminate, and the ways in which historical oppression of certain groups is perpetuated by societal stigma and inadequate public policies. I am here to expand my knowledge of federal funding programs for nonprofits, to learn about the social and economic needs of the American Indian population that AIHFS serves, and the political obstacles that the American Indian community faces. Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome so far, and I look forward to working with all of you!

Frank Guerrero - Facilities Assistant/Driver
Frank was born in Detroit in 1949; member of Walpole Island First Nations. Married to Linda with 6 children and 15 grandchildren. Vietnam Veteran. Worked for Ford Motor Company for 20 years; later completed Truck Drivers course with a Class A license. Earlier in life enjoyed playing baseball, bowling and golfing; now due to disability am a avid sport watcher, attending sporting events. Love to watch the grandchildren's games. Looking forward to working with the community.

Chantel Henry, BAA - Parenting Coordinator Assistant
Ahnii. Giniwkwe nindizhinikaaz. Myeegun nindoodem. Deshkan Ziibiing ndoojiba. Hello, my name is Golden Eagle Woman, aka, Chantel Henry. I am Wolf Clan from Antler River (Chippewa of the Thames First Nation). I was raised in Southwest Detroit and on the Chippewa of The Thames First Nation reservation in Ontario, Canada, where I am a registered member. I recently moved back from Atlanta, Georgia, and am very happy to be back in my home territory. I have a Bachelor's of Applied Arts in Public Health Education with a Substance Abuse Prevention Minor from Central Michigan University. After graduation, I had a part-time job working in Graphic Design, which turned into a full-time career for the past 12 years. After moving back to Michigan, I started attending and volunteering for various programs within AIHFS. I now work at AIHFS as the Parenting Coordinator Assistant. I am very happy to be working in the industry I originally planned on, and I am especially happy to be working with the Metro Detroit Urban Native community. It has always been my dream to work with my Native American people. I am a mom to 3 beautiful children – a 13-year-old daughter, 8-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter, each of whom participate in the Dream Seekers Youth Group and Healthy Start programs at AIHFS. Family and friends are most important to me, and I love spending my free time with them, especially visiting my reservation and grandparents who, along with my mom, raised me to be the person I am today. Chi Miigwetch. Baamaapii.

Martha Hinojosa - Youth Program Coordinator
"I believe that if I can keep a youth on the red road, sober, it can open up more doors for opportunities-educational and other-that I wasn't able to take advantage of growing up."
Martha (Walpole Island Ojibwe, Crane Clan) is a mother of two and a grandmother of five. She has been a youth prevention educator at American Indian Health and Family Services since 1999. She is also a Certified Prevention Consultant. Her work has included parenting programs, traditional activities, youth prevention programs, fundraising, community gardening, cooking classes, nutrition education and community giving, among other things. Martha's vision is to see an alcohol and drug free future for American Indian families.

Julie Hong Kim, MSW - Behavioral Health Specialist
Julie has her bachelor degrees in Communications and Human Development from the University of California, Davis and her Masters in Social Work at the University of Michigan. She started as an MSW intern in the role of Improving Patient Care Assistant Coordinator and has since been hired on as the Behavioral Health Specialist. Julie is looking forward to meeting and working more with the community, and feels very blessed to be part of the AIHFS family. Julie loves spending time with her family and friends, snowboarding, DIY projects, and eating good food!

Michelle Jackson, AS - CAC/Site Manager
"I volunteer as much as possible, wherever I am needed." Michelle has worked in the medical field for 17 years. She was welcomed back to AIHFS in December of 2008, as a part of the medical team. She has an associate's degree in Science and is a Certified Phlebotomist. She enjoys going to school and learning new things. She also enjoys gardening and spending time with animals (Her family has 5 dogs, 2 cats and 5 Turtles.)She is a mother of four, three daughters and a son. Michelle is very active with her kids and in the community. Michelle is also involved in the Michigan Special Olympics with my youngest daughter. "I like attending awareness walks, Buddy Walk (Down Syndrome Awareness), Breast Cancer Walks, Diabetes walk etc"

Jackie Lajza, BS - CHIPRA Outreach Coordinator

I am the new CHIPRA Outreach Coordinator. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Public Health Education and Health Promotion, and I am dedicated to improving the health and welfare of others. In my free time I love being active, cooking, and traveling. I am looking forward to working at AIHFS.

Harriet Little - Care Team Manager
"It has always given me great pleasure to work with people and if I can make a difference in one life than I am complete." Harriet has been with the American Indian Health family for five years. She feels blessed to be able to work with the Native American community. "This gives me a chance to learn about Native cultures and ways of life." She provides patient care in the clinic including immunizations, making sure all children are up to date on vaccines and get tested for lead. She has worked in the medical field for 25 years, twenty-three of those years at Medical Center Health Care Providers. She worked with specialties (orthopedics, ob/gyn, ped, internal medicine, cardiovascular study and Doppler's). She also worked with another physician on the weekends doing home visits. Harriet attends Rock of Ages Christian Ministry and serves as an honorary trustee. She is very active in her church and visits those who are sick at their homes and in hospitals to encourage them. "Family is very important to me, as well as my friends. My hobbies are bowling and planting flowers. I enjoy life."

Tina Louise, LLMSW - Director of Behavioral Healthcare and Recovery
Tina is a proud member of the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri. She has dedicated her education and career goals to honoring the lives of her ancestors and to the wellness of all North American Indigenous Peoples and their Descendents. She holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work, a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a Bachelors of Science in Women's and Gender Studies from Grand Valley State University. Tina came to us as an MSW intern in the Behavioral Health department in January 2010 with a passion for turning community voiced needs into sustainable behavioral health programming.She now serves our community as the Director of Behavioral Healthcare and Recovery.
To honor her passion for greater community wellness Tina resides in the city of Detroit. As someone who, "Believes in Detroit," she is committed to being an active participant in the city's healing process. She has an extensive background in theatre, music, and creative writing. Her poetry has recently been published in the NASW of Michigan's newest book, The Voice of Social Workers: Poets and Writers. In the warmer Michigan months she loves to camp, ride her bicycle around Belle Isle, go to outdoor Powwows, and cheer for the Detroit Tiger's Baseball team.

John Marcus - Sacred Bundle Program Assistant
John Marcus has family roots in Six Nations, Ontario; Taos Pueblo, N.M. and Sault Ste Marie Band of Chippewa Indians. John is a lifetime metro Detroiter. He has been a part of the Native community most of that time as his parents, Jose Marcus and Dorothy Goeman (Sebastian), met while participating at the North American Indian Association where his Grandparents were active members and board members. Here at A.I.H.F.S. he is working with numerous grants; maintains our website; and compiles our Newsletter. John has met many Native people around the region while Pow wow dancing as a youngster as well as while part of the Blue Lake Drum group, as an adult. "I am grateful for this opportunity to work with our Native Community."

Joe Reilly - Youth Facilitator
Joe Reilly is Cherokee, Irish, and Italian American. He has been part of the Native American community at AIHFS for over a decade. During that time he has enjoyed working with the youth prevention and environmental health programs. Joe is a singer, songwriter, and educator and shares his music with audiences throughout Turtle Island. For the past four years Joe has facilitated talking circles for boys in the after school Dreamseekers Youth Group at AIHFS. Joe's website is www.joereilly.org

Chip Reisdorf, BN - RN Nurse
Charles "Chip" Reisdorf I'm a member of the Pokagon band of Potawatomi Indians near Dowagiac Michigan.  I graduated with a bachelors degree in Nursing from the U of M.  I worked as a Nursing Assistant at the Uof M hospital.  I'm very excited to have this new position at Indian Health and Family Services.  In my spare time I enjoy sailing, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
I look forward to meeting you!

 

Katie Sample, AS - Finance Assistant
Katie received her Associates from Schoolcraft College in 2008. She worked in the finance department at a construction company during 2008-2009, and then in April 2010 started working as the Bookkeeper at AIHFS. Katie lives in Westland with her husband and two children. She attends Walsh College and is working towards a Bachelors degree in Accountancy. She also volunteers time towards the Accounting Aid Society and participates in the Autism Speaks Walk annually. Her hobbies include reading, watch movies, scrapbooking, beading, genealogy, and playing video games.

Charla Sanders, MSW - System of Care Program Coordinator
Charla is a proud Detroiter, born and raised. She holds two degrees from the University of Michigan, including a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Social Work, concentrating in Mental Health and Management of Human Services. Charla has always had an interest in and deep respect for Native American history and culture. She is thrilled to join the AIHFS team and looks forward to finally being able to put her education and varied work experiences to use. In her spare time, Charla enjoys traveling (favorite destination: Hawaii), running half-marathons, going to the movies, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Pinky.

Josh Schuyler, BA - Parenting Support Coordinator
My name is Josh Schuyler (Oneida) and I was raised in the Metro Detroit area. I graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in Psychology. I have spent the last year and a half assisting the community in finding employment, low-income housing and various other resources. It has always been my goal to work with the Native American families, especially in the Metro Detroit area. My hobbies are watching basketball and listening to various types of music.

Christopher Yepez, BA - Information Technology Assistant
Aanii, what's up, como estas, Ishkote Nene nd' izhinikaaz aka Christopher Yepez, my people come from Bkejwanong (Walpole island) in the great lakes of turtle island and I was born & raised in southwest Detroit. I am the Information Technology Assistant which includes creating videos & multimedia arts for the Agency. I graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's of Arts in Telecommunications, Information Studies, & Media Arts Technology. I am also a creator & contributor to our Michigan hip hop culture and produce music & visuals as my artistry. I am honored to work & build with the beautiful people at AIHFS and our surrounding communities of Detroit, looking forward to meeting & sharing a smile with everyone in the community!

Krystyna Yepez - Health Information Coordinator
Aanii, I was born and raised in Detroit. I was a member of the dream seekers from the early 90's until the early 00's. I have been a member of the AIHFS community all my life. I enjoy working with the many programs at this agency including youth group, healthy start, women's circle, Circles of Care. Most recently I've been working with medical reception, and helping out Behavioral Health. All of the programs that I've been working with have given me a great learning experience, not only with work, but with life as well. I am eternally grateful, and have much gratitude for this agency, as well as the community. Chi Miigwetch!!!

BOARD MEMBERS

John Lemire, JD - Chairperson of the Board
John J. Lemire is an enrolled member of the Grand Portage Band, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. He is currently Chairperson of the American Indian Health and Family Services of Southeastern Michigan (AIHFS). John is an attorney and served as a Family Court Referee in Wayne County Michigan for 29 years before retiring. He has served as past Chair of the American Indian Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and is Vice Chair of Michigan Indian Legal Services, associated with Legal Services Corporation, Washington D.C. In this capacity, Michigan Indian Legal Services was instrumental in obtaining Federal recognition for several Tribes in Michigan. As a member of the Board of AIHFS, he is eager to assist Urban Indian individuals and families receive quality health care through modern as well as traditional means. John is has been married to Marlene for over 40 years and they have two children, Genevieve and John Skye.

Jacqueline Livernois
Jacqueline Livernois is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné) and a lifelong resident of the great State of Michigan. Jacqueline earned her B.S. degree in Legal Assisting from Eastern Michigan University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She currently works as a paralegal for malpractice firm in Livonia, Michigan. As a young mother, Jacqueline utilized AIHFS for her newborn son and has first-hand knowledge of the importance of these services. She is excited to serve on the Board of AIHFS and improve the quality and scope of healthcare available to Native American families and other underserved populations in Southeast Michigan.

Marilyn A. Roubidoux, M.D.
Dr. Roubidoux is a Professor of Radiology at the University of Michigan School of Medicine. She completed a Bachelor's Degree at Brigham Young University in 1969, graduated from the University of Utah School of Medicine in 1984, completing a Radiology Residency and fellowship at Duke University Hospital in 1990, and Board Certification in Radiology. She is an enrolled member of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and an AAIP (American Association of Indian Physicians) member for 25 years. She is an author of 83 peer reviewed scientific publications, 180 scientific presentations and she is a funded investigator on NIH grants in Radiology. She serves in the Spirit of Eagles Network for Cancer Control, on the Board of Directors of the American Indian Health and Family Services Clinic in urban Detroit, and is collaborating with the Aberdeen Area Indian Health Service in providing Telemammography to the reservations. She works to improve cancer education, access and research among American Indians and Alaska Natives and to increase the number of Native students into medical school.

Conner Sandefur
As a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation (Oklahoma), I feel obligated and privileged to work toward improving the welfare of all American Indian people. I graduated with a degree in Computer Science from The George Washington University in Washington DC. Currently, I am finishing my fourth year in the Bioinformatics Graduate Program at the University of Michigan (UM). Diabetes is a prevalent disease in American Indian communities; and my hope is that my PhD thesis research in mathematical modeling of insulin maturation will further our understanding of the disease.

During my time at UM, I have become very involved with the local American Indian community, which has given me the strength to be successful in my program. I have been involved in organizing pre-college fairs, powwows, heritage month activities, a mentorship program, and a Pink Shawl workshop to empower American Indian people to learn and share our cultures, celebrate our traditions, and educate others.

Traditional methods of education, such as those that include prayer and sacred teachings, though often underused, can be more effective avenues toward education. I am committed to Indian education and think my experience as a board member at AIHFS will provide me with invaluable experience to apply towards my future teaching career. Gaining more experience in the traditional models of education employed at AIHFS, such as those used during the pink shawl workshop, will help me create more effective teaching styles for American Indian students in my future teaching career. I want to encourage health education and risk reduction among American Indian people of all ages to make our communities strong for many generations to come. I look forward to the opportunity to apply myself, my education, and my experience as a member of the Board of Directors at AIHFS.

Joanne Sobeck, Ph.D.
Joanne Sobeck is the Director of Research and the Center for Social Work Practice and Policy Research at Wayne State University School of Social Work. Prior to joining the faculty, she was on staff at the Addiction Research Institute involved in applied areas of alcohol and drug abuse prevention and program evaluation. Dr. Sobeck has 20 years experience working closely with health, mental health and substance abuse agencies and other nonprofit organizations. She has published her research on risk and protective factors in drug use and abuse, co-occurring disorders, capacity building for community-based organizations, and processes related to policy and program development. She is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and enjoys reading, gardening, fishing and hunting with her family.

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