I am Chiricahua Fort Sill Apache, a registered nurse, and a Research Scientist at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My research is guided by the health and wellness priorities of the Native American partners with whom I collaborate. I have published in peer reviewed journals on cancer pain management and decision-making, telehealth and video conferencing, complementary and alternative therapies for pain management, issues in racial misclassification, and national trends in premature mortality. I always focus my research efforts on the interests of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. I have worked with Indigenous groups throughout New Mexico to address social justice and health equity concerns. I most recently completed a health impact assessment with the urban Native American community in Santa Fe, investigating the health implications of chronic underfunding of the Indian Health Service. I am a frequent speaker at local, tribal, state, regional, and national meetings on Native American health, particularly related to cancer prevention, palliative care, and health promotion. I also have a background in hospice and palliative care nursing. I am passionate about policy change that brings equitable healthcare delivery to all corners of Indian Country. I received my undergraduate degree in music from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and my masters and Ph.D. in nursing from Yale University.