Briefly tell us about your family background/structure? Please explain (for example: single parent or two parent household, number of children, where did you grow up etc.).
Both of my parents are from Montana and are Crow and Cree. My grandma Delia raised me and we grew up very traditional. I was a young mother at the age of 16 and finished high school at 17. I moved to California and put myself through college and got a certificate as an optician back in 2003.

Tell us about the type of success you achieved while on the Shingle Springs Tribal TANF Program. Please explain.
I gained a full-time job at an optometrist’s office. The program and staff have been a huge support system. The program has helped me tremendously with child care, encouragement, and other needs to become self-sufficient.

Who played a significant role or motivated you in your success story? Please explain.
Every person I have ever come across including young, new, and previous friends, both positive and negative. But most of all, my three amazing children. They motivate me every single day. My 15 year old is not shy with words so he expresses his gratitude during the good times, and his worries through the hard time. He is the voice for everything. They are my reasons for everything. We (Cree) people believe our kids are only loaned to us, so keep them safe and protect them.

What were some of the barriers you experienced along the way to your success? Please explain.
An abusive relationship, alcohol, and self-pity were my major barriers. Counseling, AA, and strong case management support has helped me overcome.

What were some of your personal strengths you used to obtain success? Please explain.
Some of the personal strengths I used to obtain my success were acknowledgement, awareness, acceptance, and forgiveness.

What is your future goal/next step in your Family Wellness Plan?
My next step in my Family Wellness Plan is to go to college part time and become a licensed social worker or to get my degree in psychology and help women, men, and children of our background and cases.

What advice can you give to participants on SSTTP?
You can do anything you want to do but you have to want to do it. Anything is attainable.