UM Directory

Education

Ph.D.                          The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana: Clinical Psychology

Program (APA Accredited)

                                    Dissertation: Risk and Resiliency Factors in Predicting Recidivism for Native American Offenders on a Montana Reservation. May 2018

M.A.                          The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana: Clinical Psychology

                                    Thesis: Spiritual Practices among Northern Plains Tribal Members as a Protective Factor in the Relationship between Unexpected Deaths and Traumatic Grief. December 2014.

B.A.                            The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana. Major: Psychology

May 2010.

Current Position

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Montana- Missoula. Duties include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, conduct, supervising/mentoring student researchers and publishing research while contributing to Departmental and University services.

Director of Indians into Psychology Program. Duties include overseeing recruitment, scholarships and training for American Indian/Alaska Native students pursuing psychology. The role also including managing program funding from the Indian Health Service and fostering community engagement and service to Native communities

Courses Taught

Psyx 632-Advanced Multiculticultural Psychology 

Teaching Experience

Fall 2025                      Assistant Professor, Advanced Multicultural Psychology, University of Montana. Tasks include course development, instruction, grading of assignments and holding office hours.

Spring 2016                  Graduate Teaching Assistant, Advanced Psychological Statistics II, University of Montana. Tasks included: grading homework and tests, preparing and leading study/review sessions, holding office hours and answering student questions.

Fall 2015                      Graduate Teaching Assistant – Advanced Psychological Statistics I

University of Montana. Tasks included: grading homework and tests, preparing and leading study/review sessions, holding office hours and answering student questions.

Summer 2015              Instructor- Psychology of Learning

University of Montana. Tasks included: course development, grading, management, and moderating online discussions for a group of 35 students.

Spring 2015                Graduate Teaching Assistant – Psychological Evaluation II

University of Montana. Tasks included: preparing and moderating weekly labs, supervising first-year graduate students during interview and administration of psychological testing, and providing feedback and crisis consultation when necessary.

Fall 2014                     Graduate Teaching Assistant – Clinical & Diagnostic Interviewing

University of Montana. Tasks included: preparing and presenting guest lectures, clinical supervision of first-year graduate students in clinical interviewing sessions, and providing feedback and crisis consultation when necessary.

Summer 2014              Instructor – Multicultural Psychology

University of Montana. Tasks included: course development, grading, management, and teaching a group of 30 undergraduates.

Summers 2012, 2014  Instructor – Indigenous Research Methods

& 2017                        INPSYCH Summer Program, University of Montana. Tasks included: course development, management and teaching a group of 10 undergraduates.

Spring 2014                Graduate Teaching Assistant – Multicultural Psychology

University of Montana. Tasks included: grading of papers and tests and providing written feedback.

Research Interests

As an Indigenous scholar, my research approach is guided by service, accountability, and the priorities of tribal communities. Rather than imposing external agendas, I focus on issues identified by Native communities themselves, ensuring that research is both meaningful and accessible to those it is intended to serve. Collaboration and respect are at the heart of my work, and I seek to foster research partnerships that are reciprocal and beneficial.

At the University of Montana, I am in the process of building a research program grounded in strength-based community-based participatory research (CBPR). My goal is to design projects that not only generate knowledge but also provide tangible service, contribute to community well-being, and uplift the voices and experiences of Native peoples.

An important part of my vision is mentoring and empowering the next generation of Native scholars. I strive to create opportunities for graduate students to engage in research that honors community knowledge, advances sovereignty, and highlights the resilience and healing inherent in tribal communities and ways of being.

By combining academic inquiry with community priorities, I aim to shift the narrative of Native peoples in western research toward one that celebrates strength, resilience, and continuity. Graduate students who join my program will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with tribal communities, develop applied and impactful research skills, and contribute to scholarship that supports Indigenous futures.

Projects

Publications

Affiliations

American Psychological Association (2011-present)

Division 45 Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race.

Division 35 Society for the Psychology of Women, Section 6.

Montana Psychological Association (2010-Present)

Society of Indian Psychologist (2010-Present)

Professional Experience

2021- 2025                  Training Director, New Mexico Psychology Internship Consortium,- Northern Navajo Medical Center- Shiprock, Indian Health Service.

                                    Duties include: Primary site supervisor for interns placed at IHS as well as weekly group supervision for all interns. Development, organization and planning for overall program, training and didactics schedule.  

2020-2025                   Clinical Psychologist, Northern Navajo Medical Center, Shiprock, NM 87420.

                                    Supervisor: Dr. Ouida Vincent, MD

                                    Current duties include: Psychological assessment, Telehealth, individual, couples and family therapy, consultation to the emergency department and other medical staff. Developed New Mexico Psychology Internship Consortium (collaborated with two other rural sites and Western Interstate Coalition for Higher Education to develop and recruit interns- APPIC membership and APA self-study application for accreditation.

                                    Committees: Navajo Nation Mental Health Coalition task force, NNMC Bylaws committee, NNMC Wellness Committee, Trauma-Informed Care Committee, Indian Health Service Telehealth evaluation panel/subject matter expert, New Mexico Psychology Internship Consortium development and intern selection committee.

2018-2019                   Post-Doctoral Fellow, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Waianae, HI 96792.

Director of Training: Kristy Sakai-Costigan, PsyD

                                    Year-long rotations included: Adult mental health, Medical Psychology: Serious and Persistent Mental Illness, Crisis response, Journal club & Research.

2017-2018                   Pre-Doctoral Intern, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Waianae, HI 96792. (APA-accredited)

                                    Director of Training: Kristy Sakai-Costigan, PsyD

                                    Year-long rotations included: Adult mental health, Child and Family therapy, Crisis response & weight management, Women’s health, and Assessment & Research.

2014- 2017                  Clinical Practicum Student, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Defender’s; Tribal Behavioral Health, Flathead Reservation, Pablo MT 59855

                                    Supervisor: Michael J. Scolatti, PhD

Provided mental health and chemical dependency assessments as well as crisis counseling, individual, couples, and group therapy for federally recognized Tribal members involved in the criminal justice system.

 2014-2015                   Clinical Practicum Student, Student Advocacy Resource Center; Curry Health Center, University of Montana-Missoula

                                    Supervisors: Drew Colling, LCPC; Cheryl Vandenburg, PhD

Provided crisis intervention and short-term therapy to survivors of sexual assault, rape, intimate partner violence, stalking, and discrimination.

2014-2015                   Student Evaluator, Clinical Neuropsychological Assessment Practicum; Clinical Psychology Center, University of Montana – Missoula

                                    Supervisor: Craig McFarland, PhD.

Conducted in-depth diagnostic interview, full battery of neuropsychological testing, interpretation, diagnosis, and written report for clients presenting with complaints regarding potential cognitive deficits.

2012-2014                   Student Therapist, Applied Clinical Methods Practicum; Clinical Psychology Center, University of Montana – Missoula

Supervisors: Paul Silverman, PhD, Jennifer Robohm, PhD, & Jennifer Waltz, PhD

Provided supervised individual therapy, including case conceptualization, treatment planning, and administering of relevant psychological tests and assessments.

 2011- 2014                Adult Group Home Staff, Winds of Change, Mental Health Services; Missoula, MT

                                    Supervisor: Rosie Jennings, Stacey Wheeler, LCSW

Provided a safe, supervised, and stable environment to support recovery and rehabilitation of adults with severe mental illnesses; followed transitional treatment plan for each client developed by the recovery team; provided immediate crisis intervention including therapeutic de-escalation techniques; supervised and supported daily living activities and assisted with medication routines.

2010-2011                   Community-based Psychiatric Rehabilitation Specialist, Winds of Change, Mental Health Services, Missoula MT

                                    Supervisor: Stacey Wheeler, LCSW

                                    Evaluated and assessed barriers that effect independent living; addressed and built communication and coping skills; helped clients develop a social support system; helped clients adapt and generalize learned skills to home, work, and social environments, and provided immediate crisis management.

2008-2010                   Peer Advocate, Student Assault Resource Center, Curry Health Center

                                    University of Montana, Missoula, MT

                                    Supervisor: Kate Pruitt-Chapin, LCSW

                                    Provided mental, emotional, and educational peer support to survivors of rape, sexual assault, and relationship violence; provided direct support and crisis intervention in campus office and via a 24-hour crisis line; collaborated with other groups on campus to coordinate, organize, fundraise, and facilitate diversity and awareness events.

Honors / Awards

2023-2024                   Indian Health Service National Director’s Award

                                                Washington DC, IHS headquarters                                       

2015-2016                   Psychology Department Graduate Teaching Assistantship

                                                University of Montana – Missoula

2014-2015                   Psychology Department Graduate Teaching Assistantship

                                                University of Montana – Missoula

2011-2014                   Indians into Psychology (Inpsych) Graduate scholarship,

University of Montana – Missoula                            

2008-2010                   Indians into Psychology (Inpsych) Undergraduate scholarship,

                                                University of Montana – Missoula

2007-2008                   Earl & Eva Ogg Memorial Scholarship

                                                North Idaho College