Birdie Wermy, MPH, Karin Dean, Cortney Yarholar, and Amanda Squiemphen-Yazzie

Birdie Wermy, MPH (Southern Cheyenne) is the Behavioral Health Project Manager at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, where she has worked for 16 years. Birdie has been a part of several successful projects over the years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She’s also an instructor at Mount Hood Community College, where she teaches on alcohol and substance abuse. In her free time, Birdie enjoys being outdoors, running or hiking with her children, bead working, and spending time with her family.

Karin Dean (Puyallup Tribe of Indians) coordinates several of the Behavioral Health virtual trainings for the Indian Country ECHO program at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. Karin has extensive experience in non-profit social services administration, including both living and working in Indian Country. She enjoys activities involving music, being outdoors, and DIY-ing in her free time.

Amanda Squiemphen-Yazzie (Warm Springs, Navajo, Wasco, and Yakama) proudly grew up in Warm Springs, Oregon, and currently resides in the traditional homelands of the Chinook and Cowlitz people. She recently completed her time at Portland State University obtaining her Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Practice and Leadership with Communities and Organizations. In addition, she also holds her Bachelor’s in Social Work with a Minor in Civic Leadership. She volunteers on a variety of committees and boards throughout Oregon and co-wrote A Kids Book about Voting.

Cortney Yarholar (enrolled member of the Sac & Fox Nation, and a descendant of the Muscogee Creek, Pawnee and Otoe Tribes) is a husband and father of two beautiful children whom he learns from daily. He has experience in youth development, education, behavioral health, health and human service and juvenile justice systems. He has had the privilege working at multiple levels of service with American Indian Alaska Native (AIAN) communities, as well as state and national initiatives. He enjoys training and facilitating individuals and groups, and sharing ideas, hopes, and dreams with all those in attendance.