Biography
Boozhoo! Shayla Manitowabi Huebner nindizhinikaaz. Gaazok nindizhinikaaz Anishinaabemong. Wiikwemkoong ndonjibaa. Mukwa ndoodem. Nindaa Pueblos, Tigua, Piro, Diné, Noochu, and N’de lands.
Shayla R. Manitowabi Huebner (kwe/she/her) Ottawa of Wiikwemkoong First Nation, joined the Center in October 2023 as a Research Associate, continuing her lifelong commitment to uplifting Indigenous communities through health and wellness initiatives. Her role includes coordinating projects related to mental and behavioral health, substance use, suicide prevention, and building resources for Indigenous health equity.
She holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Exercise Science from Northern Michigan University and The University of Texas at Arlington and is currently pursuing a Public Health Training Certificate for American Indian Health Professionals at Johns Hopkins University. In her free time, Shayla enjoys strength training, learning Anishinaabemowin, preparing traditional foods, traveling, playing basketball, powwow dancing, competitive running, and adventuring with her partner Chase, along with her dogs Rahcheen, Lr’ergerh, and Jax, and her cat Makade.