Biography
Tehani is a proud member of the Diné Nation, with both Native Hawaiian and Diné heritage. Her maternal grandmother belongs to the Táchii’nii (Red Running Into Water Clan), and her maternal grandfather is Hawaiian. She joined the Center in December 2024 and currently serves as a Research Associate in Shiprock, NM, where she plays a key role in the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of behavioral health programs, including Hózhǫ́ Horizons and, soon, the Cradleboard Project.
Before joining the Center, Tehani gained extensive experience working with public health initiatives that supported Native American tribes, particularly in the Southwestern Colorado region. She had the privilege of collaborating with various organizations focused on promoting health and wellness in Native communities, which deepened her passion for community health and reinforced her dedication to improving the well-being of Native peoples.
Tehani holds a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Health and Accounting from Fort Lewis College. She is also pursuing a Master’s in Mental Health Science at Johns Hopkins University. In her free time, Tehani enjoys hiking, surfing, swimming, and cooking. She loves to travel and visit her family as much as possible, as they are a central part of her life and the driving force behind her ethics and vision for the future.