VCU RRTC

Gain insights from Tribal speakers on valued cultural practices and traditions and the important roles of families in planning, decision-making, and sustaining engagement and participation in communities and educational and support agencies.

Objectives:

1. Explore the traditional and contemporary roles of family and understand community support
2. Develop an understanding of the diversity within and across different communities
3. Learn cultural values and practices that impact and influence in accessing services and support.

Biographies:

Veronica Antone:

Veronica Antone is a devoted grandparent raising 10 grandchildren while working two jobs to stay active. As a caring grandmother, she is dedicated to ensuring her grandchildren receive a good education and can live independently in the future. She has also navigated services for family members with disabilities. Veronica is a member of the Tohono O’odham nation. Native and Christian cultures play a significant role in her family's life. Her husband participates in a traditional drum group, performing at various events for different families. The pilgrimage or walk is a cherished O'odham and family tradition. Her advice to her grandchildren who participate in the walk is, "When walking, pray for everyone other than yourself." Veronica is grateful for her grandchildren, saying, "I learn from them just as much as they learn from me."

Darrin Cisco:

Darrin Cisco was born and raised on the outskirts of Ft. Cobb, Oklahoma. Darrin is a member of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma. At an very early age Darrin was taught traditional ways by his elders of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma and elders of neighboring tribes, his mother, father, and relatives. He attends, participates, and conducts countless pow-wows, ceremonies, and other cultural events around the United States, Darrin is the proud father of five boys and five girls in which he passes on the tribal culture and language. He has been working for the Apache tribe of Oklahoma for over Twenty-three years. Darrin is one of the tribe's cultural historians and one of a very few that can speak and teach the Apache language. Darrin has worked for the Apache Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program for nineteen years. At present he is the cultural service coordinator for the Apache Tribe’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

Nerissa Birdsell:

Nerissa Birdsell was an educator for 19 years in a rural public school in Arizona. Her career focus is in special education, leadership, and transition. Nerissa has presented locally and nationally, sharing her work in transition and her experiences working in the Native American community and disability field. She values relationships with families and respects their community, culture, practices, and traditions.

Amanda Holmes:

Amanda is a member of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe located in Charles City, Virginia. She graduated high school second class in her class and moved on to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Longwood University in 2018. She served as a caregiver for her elderly family members for many years which deepened her interest in exploring careers in health care or elder care specifically for the aging members of the Native American community.

Geraldine Patricio:

Geraldine Patricio is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation in Arizona. She is a nurturing maternal figure in her home and a strong support to her family through their traditions and culture. Geri worked for many years at a school where she spent much time in special needs classrooms and she also worked on other job assignments. Geri loves to dance. She had taken part in numerous cultural dance competitions, often coming home with a win.

Treva Roanhorse:

Treva Roanhorse is a member of the Navajo Nation and fluent in the Navajo language with strong values of Navajo traditional culture and the way of life.  Resides in New Mexico. Former President of the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR) and former Director of the Navajo Nation Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services.  Currently, she is an Advisory Council member with Northwest Indian College Tribal Vocational Institute and an advisor to the Finds Their Way Program for Native American Youth Transition with the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities with the University of Arizona. Education is from the University of Arizona and her profession is in vocational rehabilitation, special education, and social work.

Paula Seanez:

Paula Seanez is the Director of the Navajo Nation’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services Program in Window Rock, Arizona. Paula is Navajo (Diné) and has made her career in vocational rehabilitation and special education. She has worked at the Navajo Nation program since 1992 when she returned home to provide a cultural foundation to her children through extended family. She believes in the work of AIVRS programs in providing culturally relevant services unique to each tribal community. She has been a mentor to many individuals who work in the field of disability. She believes in capacity building and served on the CANAR board on advocacy and education efforts in AI/Alaska Native communities. Her clans are Kinlichii’nii and Tó’aheedlini, Honághaahnii, (maternal grandfather), and Ashihi. (paternal grandfather). She has bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Arizona and the University of New Mexico, respectively. Prior to that, Paula worked at the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Santa Fe, New Mexico.