Staff Directory

Leech Lake Anishinaabe
EHDI Live It!
Program Coordinator

Email: ajohnson@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6352

Aaron has worked in a variety of programs at DIW including: YLDP, be@school, Agindaasodaa! and Healing Spirit’s HTHP program. Prior to his curret position, he worked as the DIW Tobacco Cessation Coordinator, where he worked with community organizations to reduce commercial tobacco use and instill traditional tobacco values within the Twin Cities Native population.

Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin
YLDP
Youth Worker &
Reading Coach

Email: akiel@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6322

Adam's focus is to inspire youth to achieve academic success via culturally-based reading activities and writing exercises.

An avid bicyclist, he can often be seen rolling along the Twin Cities trails.

White Earth Band of Ojibwe
Admin
Maintenance

Email: ahardy@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6329

Al has worked at DIW for almost 12 years. Previously, he worked for Pillsbury and ADM, retiring after 24 years of service.

In his free time, Al is an avid golfer and works as a ranger at Meadowbrook Golf Course.

Lac Du Flambeau Anishinaabe
Admin
Development Officer

Email: amedina@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6325

Ardie came to DIW in November of 2013. She has over 23 years of experience in grant writing and fundraising, working with such organizations as Tubman, Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, and the Loft Literary Center prior to coming to DIW.

White Earth Band Ojibwe
Strong Families
Program Coordinator

Email: rvillebrun@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6380

Beckee was born and raised in South Minneapolis with a passion for helping native families achieve their goals.

White Earth Ojibwe
Be@School
Attendance Liaison

Email: bseidl@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6371

Beth recently graduated from Metropolitan State University with a Bachelors of Science in Human Services. She plans on continuing her education by getting a Masters in Co-Occurring Disorder with a focus on mental health and substance use disorder and Masters in Social Work with a focus in Counseling and Public Policy.

Beth’s passion is to work with unhoused LGBTQIA+ youth and the Indigenous community.

Red Lake & Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Be@School
Attendance Liaison

Email: bjohnsonbobolink@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-722-8722

Breanne started at DIW in August, 2020 with the Be@School Attendance Liaison and has 5+ year volunteer experiences with middle and elementary schools at Keewaydin and Anishinabe Academy. She has served on the Title VI Parent committee for the past 5 years. She enjoys being a part of this spirited community and working with the youth to encourage attendance to help build strong minds.

Nacion Andina
Ninde Doula Project
Lactation Specialist

Email: cvalenzuelapanza@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-276-1502

Camila has been a Ninde Birth Doula for 5 years and has recently joined us full-time as the Ninde Lactation Specialist. She has 2 children who she breastfed for 3 years each and in those struggles, became a passionate advocate for informed consent, and helping families reach their lactating goals and reduce barriers. She also enjoys hiking, sewing, cooking, and dancing. She is currently studying to take the board exam and become an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.

Ponca Tribe, Oklahoma
SFC - Parenting Capacity
Home Visitor

Email: cbuffalohead@diw-mn.org
Phone: (612) 279-6302

Cassie came to Division of Indian Work in 2015. She is a member the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma. She graduated from Augsburg University with a degree in Social Work and American Indian Studies. Cassie previously worked as a case manager with families around meeting basic needs, homelessness prevention, and accessing resources for mental health. She has worked in the parent support outreach program and the family and parenting development program at DIW. Her current role is in the parenting capacity services program. She has experience around trauma informed care, indigenous parenting practices, and child welfare and development.

In her spare time Cassie enjoys being outside, experimenting with cooking, and spending time with friends and family. In addition to having a human child she also has two guinea pigs, Bean & Pinto.

Admin
Development Associate

Email: dnelson@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6321

David’s passion is securing new funding sources for DIW. He explores both corporate and family foundation opportunities, and helps to connect business partners with DIW’s mission.

He also writes our newsletter and leads our LEAP! Into Action! silent auction committee.

David has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from Bemidji State University. He also completed the St. Thomas Fundraising Certificate Series CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) at their Opus College of Business in Minneapolis.

He currently serves on the Development Committee for the Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone, MN. He previously has served on the boards for KFAI-FM in Minneapolis and the Saint Paul Neighborhood Network. (SPNN)

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Traditional Foods Program
Nutrition Coordinator

Email: dnicholas@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-276-1515

Derek has been working with the Native community in many critical ways, including but not limited to work around food security and sovereignty, language revitalization, seed saving, food cultivation, and youth engagement. He published a book, called “Eating with the Seasons” that highlights traditional Anishinaabe foods during each season and features commentary in the Anishinaabemowin language. He has his BA in Economics and Global Business Management from the University of Minnesota Morris.

Red Lake Nation
Nandagikenim
Program Associate

Email: egraves@diw-mn.org
Phone: (612) 279-6315

Elizabeth started working at DIW recently. She has also recently graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris with double majoring in Psychology and Native and Indigenous Studies. Elizabeth plans to continue her education by getting her Master of Social Work soon. She is passionate about helping the community in any way she can, and she has the opportunity to help while being at DIW.

SFC - Parenting Capacity Program
Home Visitor

Email: egobernatz@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6374

Emily has been working at DIW since 2018. She began working in the Family Violence Prevention Program as a counselor/educator but has since become an in-home visitor in the Parenting Capacity Services Program.

Emily attended Minnesota State University Moorhead where she received a BA in Criminal Justice and an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Before coming to DIW, Emily worked in social services as a case manager for youth and a counselor to women experiencing domestic violence. She has experience in trauma-informed care, mental health services, child welfare and development, and domestic violence education and prevention.

When Emily is not working, she enjoys the outdoors, drawing, napping, and petting her (very cute) dog.

YLDP
Youth Worker

Email: fdeal@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6350

Gaa-Zagaskwaajimekaag (Leech Lake) 
SFC - Bami’oonzhewinan Home Visitor
Doula Home Visitor

Email: hgoggleye@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-276-1503

Haley is a practicing Indigenous doula who has just started her birthing journey down the red road and is dedicated to nurturing our women and children with ancestral wisdom and indigenized care. Her passion for making the world a better place shines through in her heartfelt support, laughter, and playful spirit. Every day, Haley is committed to empowering our community and celebrating the new joys of life's journey. 

White Earth Band of Ojibwe
Family Spirit
Associate

Email: ilawrence@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-276-1504

Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate
SFC - Ashoodenim Anishinaabe
Cultural Home Educator

Email: ibuffalohead@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6332

Ira started at DIW in the summer of 2023 as the male Cultural Home Educator. He is a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of SD. He graduated from Augsburg University with a Bachelor of Arts in American Indian Studies & Exercise Science. Ira previously worked as a case manager providing direct services to Native youth and young adults who have experienced or were at risk of experiencing sexual violence or trauma. He is passionate about serving the community and being a positive role model.

In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors, staying physically active, being around friends & family, and watching the Minnesota Vikings let him down every year.

Ho-Chunk Nation
SFC - Ashoodenim Anishinaabe
Cultural Home Educator

Email: jfunmaker@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6379

Jasmine came to Division of Indian Work as a Cultural Home Visitor in February 2024. She has a passion for helping others reach their highest potential and becoming as successful as possible. She is a Certified Perinatal Educator, Indigenous Lactation Counselor, Full Spectrum Indigenous Doula and a Trained Massage Therapist.

Jasmine has previous experience as a Rule 25 Assessor, Case Manager, Certified Early Childhood Educator, Peer Mom and Parenting Coach in the Metro Indigenous Community. She is dedicated to continuing her work here at DIW to help families reach their goals by breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma, stigmas and addiction.

On her free time, you can find Jasmine with her two small children looking for new adventures and experiences. You can also find her in Uptown Minneapolis, healing other women with massage therapy and helping them on their new life journeys.  

SFC - Bami’oonzhewinan Home Visitor
Doula Home Visitor

Email: jbrieschke@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6362

Elder Services
Coordinator

Email: jrivera@diw-mn.org
Phone: 651-366-9549

Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate
Family Spirit
Home Visitor

Email: klafromboise@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-276-1505

Red Lake Nation
SFC
Counselor/Educator

Email: lcloud@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6354

Lailah started at the Division of Indian Work in May 2022. She graduated from Augsburg University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Urban Studies, and Indigenous Studies. Lailah has been involved in different community engagement opportunities and has focused on promoting positive narrative change with the Indigenous community. She is passionate about helping people find and connect to the resources they need to achieve success. When Lailah is not working, she enjoys traveling to pow-wow’s and connecting with her family and friends.

Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation
Women of Traditional Birthing
Program Assistant

Email: ljeanotte@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-276-1507

Linda began working at DIW in Oct. 2023 as the program assistant for the Women of Traditional Birthing Program. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Linda is an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in North Dakota, and is also a descendent of the Turtle Mountain Ojibwe. Linda has experience working with the homeless population, at-risk youth, and with women experiencing domestic violence. She is driven by empowering Indigenous families through healthy practices, utilizing traditional knowledge with a trauma-informed lens.

Leech Lake, Ojibwe
Admin
Administrative Assistant

Email: lsanders@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6312

Linda has worked for DIW going on 12 years. She started as the front desk receptionist and is now an Administrative Assistant. While at the front desk she enjoyed meeting/greeting everyone coming to DIW. She likes her job and staff at DIW.

White Earth Band of Ojibwe
Admin
Executive Director

Email: lmatson@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6370

Louise graduated from St. Olaf College with a BA and later received a teaching license from Concordia College for Grades 1-6. She founded and operated the first Boys & Girls Club located in a school in Minneapolis before being hired at the Division of Indian Work in 2002. She directed the Youth Leadership Development Program before being hired as the Executive Director in November 2014.

Louise served as a mentor for Big Brother Big Sister for over ten years. Louise was a founding board member of Bdote Learning Center, a Dakota and Ojibwe Immersion School located in South Minneapolis. She is Co-Chair of the Phillips Indian Educators group and Vice-Chair of the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors.

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, South Dakota
YLDP
Youth Worker & Reading Coach

Email: mducheneaux@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6371

Madge graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in American Indian Studies. She worked at DIW in the past and returned in September of 2016. She is currently a youth worker in YLDP and helps to plan and facilitate language lessons, cultural activities and arts & crafts lessons. She enjoys being a part of this vibrant community and working with the youth to ensure we have great leaders for the future to come.

Red Lake Band of Ojibwe
Healing Spirit House
Case Manager

Email: mloud@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6333

Mnicoujou Lakota – Cheyenne River
EHDI Live It!
Project Assistant

Email: mmontana@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-276-1518

Molly works as the part-time Live It! EHDI Project Assistant, and started working at DIW November 2022. She is Mnicoujou Lakota and enrolled at Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in SD.

Molly currently attends Augsburg University Full-Time, and will be graduating May 2023 with a Bachelors in Business Management and a Minor in American Indian, First Nations and Indigenous Studies. Molly is passionate about helping our Indigenous communities and has been working within the Twin Cities Indigenous communities for over 14 years now.

When Molly is not working or going to school, she enjoys spending time with her 3 children, nephew and two dogs. During our warmer weather months, she enjoys hiking, roller blading, kayaking and is always open to new adventures.

Admin
Finance & Administration Manager

Email: mcloud@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6355

Monique began working at DIW in July of 2022. She has a BA in an Early Childhood Education field with an emphasis on non-profit organizations.

She has a passion for serving BIPOC communities, especially in providing and advocating for equal education opportunities.

Seneca Nation of Indians
YLDP
Youth Worker & Volunteer Coordinator

Email: erivera@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6323

Started at DIW in May, 2014 with the Youth Leadership Development Program and is involved with the CDF American Indian Freedom Schools.

YLDP
Youth Worker

Email: sallen@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6329

Ho-Chunk Nation - Wisconsin
SRAE Live it!
Coordinator

Email: sgarzon@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-722-6360

Sandra graduated with a Nursing Degree in 2013 and worked in women’s health care for 8 years. She recently graduated from Metro State University with a BS in Social Science and Ethnic Studies.

Sandra is passionate about holistic health care for American Indian communities and women of color.

In her spare time she loves spending time with her children & family, crafting, and being outdoors.

Seneca Nation of Indians
Horizon’s Unlimited Food Shelf
Food Shelf Manager

Email: srivera@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6343

In May 2017 Sandra began working at DIW in Elder Services and in 2019 became the Food Shelf Manager and now serves American Indian Families that are in need of groceries and personal care items.

Sandra has over 25 years of experience working within the community and looks forward to the work ahead within the Horizon Unlimited Food Shelf at the Division of Indian Work.

Leech Lake and Oneida Wisconsin
Admin
Director of Programs

Email: sregguinti@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6353

Before taking over his current position, Shanah came to DIW in September of 2010 to work in the YLDP department leading up the Live It! program for 2 years.

"My passion is to help the American Indian community in any way I can. I try to do something each day that will make tomorrow a little easier for my community."

White Earth Ojibwe
Admin
Director of Programs

Email: scraft@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-276-1553

Shashana came to Division Of Indian Work in November of 2021. She has a Nursing Degree from Breckinridge School of Nursing/ITT-Tech Earth City. She began working in our Strong Families program and Ninde Doula program, and recently was promoted to Director of Programs. Shashana is an Indigenous Doula, Indigenous Lactation Counselor and a certified Perinatal Educator.

STAY In The Community

Email: sflanigan@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-276-1517

Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Program Coordinator

Email: sbenitez@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6301

Sheana is an enrolled band member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe. She has over 7 years working with resource facilitation connecting the dots for those in need through complex systems. She is a graduate of Bethel University obtaining her Business Management and Organizational Leadership degree in 2016.

Sheana is a strong believer in Native American Sovereignty and strengthening our circle from within, and is honored to be given this opportunity to work alongside our elders.

White Earth Band of Ojibwe
Women of Traditional Birthing
Program Coordinator

Email: svillebrun@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6314

Sierra started at DIW in the Spring of 2019 as the Ninde Doula Coordinator, she is now the current Women of Traditional Birthing Coordinator.

Sierra has an Associate’s Degree in Education and a Certificate in American Indian studies from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. She is currently working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Tribal Administration and Governance at The University of Minnesota- Duluth.

Youth Leadership Council
Coordinator

Email: squist@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6305

Susan came to DIW in the Spring of 2013 and worked until the summer of 2017 with the SMART Nations program at Anishinabe Academy, at which time she transferred to work with our HTHP program. Susan has worked for many years with youth in educational and experiential settings, including New Directions, Wilderness Canoe Base, PCYC Alternative School, and Four Directions Charter School. She is a graduate of North High School in Minneapolis, the University of Minneapolis Twin Cities Campus (B.S) and Mankato State University (M.S)

Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe
Ninde Doula Project
Program Coordinator

Email: vzaragoza@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-279-6347

Valentina is an Anishinaabe enrolled member of Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe in ND. Valentina has a background in various helping fields with education and trainings in sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy, addictions counseling and peer support as well as being a doula. Valentina has been working in the Minneapolis urban Indian community for several years and is new to Division of Indian work as our Ninde Doula Coordinator.

Valentina has a passion for helping her community with focus on working with mothers and expecting families. As the Ninde Doula Coordinator her focus will be to strengthen our program and to build more connections and skills for our doulas to better serve our families in the community for healthier birth outcomes and ongoing support.

STAY In The Community
Life Coach

Email: vsanchez@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-276-1517

Maternal and Child Health
Administrative Manager

Email: vmarie@diw-mn.org
Phone: 612-276-1562