Shannon CrossBear

Shannon CrossBear articulates her purpose as “to demonstrate and promote gentle healing”. She expresses her commitment to healing through her work in the world. Her own community and family history propelled her to develop leadership to address disparities that have led to poor outcomes for friends and relatives.  Shannon’s work has included facilitating and consulting with the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, Georgetown University, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, and the University of Montana’s National Native Child Trauma Center. She has worked with Tribal and non-Tribal communities in providing technical assistance to Systems of Care and Circles of Care Initiatives, utilizing traditional interventions and the promotion of culturally congruent and trauma-informed practices.

Shannon has worked in communities throughout the contiguous United States and Alaska, as well as within Canada, to address systemic change for improved outcomes for children and their families. Ms. CrossBear has facilitated and supported practices and services that include the provision of culturally-cemented early childhood, parenting programs, supports for transition age youth and young adults, and families with mental health and substance abuse issues. Ms CrossBear is skilled in trauma-informed community engagement. She has worked to support organizing stakeholder voices and representation at both the local and national level through various behavioral health initiatives.