Meet our Advisory Committee
Arlene Kashata, MA CSAC
An Odawa citizen of the Grand Traverse Band in Peshawbestown, Michigan, Arlene possesses a MA in Educational Leadership/School Principalship and a BA in Psychology with a minor in Indian Studies. In 1989 she received the honor of being chosen the National Indian Student of the Year Award as an undergraduate student.
Arlene is a certified Substance Abuse Counselor with 20+ years’ experience and five years’ administrative experience as a Tribal Department Manager.
She has 20-years’ experience as a TA consultant and educational diversity presenter in educational settings. Arlene’s personal life experiences and childhood challenges have inspired her to assist individuals gain knowledge for changing the outcomes of intergenerational trauma for themselves, their families and their Tribal communities.
Arlene, a Traditional Pipe Carrier for 30 years, integrates Traditional Ceremonies and Teachings to promote healing and growth for Tribal People throughout their journey to sobriety and healing.
Dr. Shirley Rowland
Celina Mahinalani Garza, Kanaka Maoli
Celina is a volunteer Advisory Committee member who specializes in creating meaningful connections as an Indigenous Advocate & Practitioner of Wellness: Mind/Body/Spirit.
Celina’s background includes Mind/Body Transformational Psychology. She is known as an energetic Motivational Facilitator who integrates tradition, spirituality, holistic modalities, motivational interviewing, personal empowerment coaching, healing, wellness, and positivity to motivate people from the inside/out.
Celina travels throughout indigenous communities to facilitate workshops on Communication, Teambuilding, Job Readiness (WIOA), Staff Development, Cultural Exchanges, Talking Circles and Hawaiian Entertainment.
Currently, Celina is the Tribal Liaison and Community Outreach Coordinator for the Strong Heart Study in Phoenix, AZ. She is the coordinator the Strong Men, Strong Communities Study, a health, and wellness program specifically designed for native men held 100% online.
She is the Founder of Native Lifeway and Author of 365 Days of HA.