APR 19-21, 2024: Pre-Institute Workshops APR 22-26, 2024: EDUCATION PROGRAM
President, Patrick Trujillo, CAC, SAC (Cochiti/Jemez Pueblo)
Since 2010, Patrick has been the Chief Executive Officer and President Native American Training Institute (NATI).
Patrick currently serves as Cultural Care Provider at First Nations Traditional Wellness Program whose primary focus is on prevention and education in Native American Wellness (Native American Pathway to Healing and Wellness).
As a traditional practitioner, Patrick enjoys working with youth and families promoting cultural and traditional values and health. Patrick has served in facilitation capacities for national organizations such as the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA), University of Oklahoma, Kauffman & Associations and many more. Patrick has attended the University of New Mexico, College of Santa Fe and Arizona State University.
Vice-President, Ramus Suina, BA (Cochiti Pueblo)
Ramus is the Vice-President of NATI and has served on the board since 2010.
He has a BA degree in Psychology and Counseling and continues to advocate for excellence in health & wellness initiatives for Pueblo and Native communities across Indian Country.
Mr. Suina has a passion for promoting mental health programs for Native American veterans by coordinating conferences in conjunction with the NATI educational events. Ramus has served in several capacities on behalf of New Mexico tribes on a state and local level to stimulate economic development and education excellence for tribes.
Secretary, Angel Montoya, LCDC, NCAC, CERT, CDWIA, CAADC, CICRC (Ysleta del Sur Pueblo)
Angel Montoya serves as Secretary of the NATI Board of Directors and is the Substance Program Coordinator at Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo in El Paso, Texas where he supervises and coordinates the program’s treatment and prevention/ intervention programs.
He is responsible for program planning, implementation, and compliance with the fidelity of evidence-based programs.
Angel has served in multiple management capacities as well as lead counselor throughout his career which has led him to be a valued contributor of several national, regional, and state organization including, the Native American Training Institute, the Health Leadership Advisory Council for Paso Del Northe Foundation, Texas Association of Drug Court Professionals, and FEMA’s Mental Health Authority for the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo. Angel received his Bachelor of Arts in Management from the University of Phoenix and an Associate of Arts in Applied Science from El Paso Community College.
Treasurer, Kristina Padilla, LAADC, ICAADC (Apache/Cherokee)
Kristina Padilla is the Treasurer at NATI and has served as a member of NATI’s Advisory board.
Currently, Mx. Padilla serves as Vice President of Education and Vice President of Strategic Development at the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). Mx. Padilla has worked and continues to work in many capacities teaching behavioral health professionals and peers to promote health and wellness.
Mx. Padilla is also an independent consultant traveling the Nation providing training and lectures at conferences as well as in-service training on LGBTQIA2+ Program development & Design, Issues, Services, Counseling, Therapy, Mentoring, Training and Coaching. Mx. Padilla has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, a Master’s Degree in Counseling/Psychology and recently obtained her "Higher Education Teaching Certificate" from Harvard University.
Larry Archuleta, LADAC (Picuris Pueblo/Jicarilla Apache)
Larry Archuleta has worked in the mental health and substance abuse disorders for nearly 40 years with 35 years working within correctional facilities.
Mr. Archuleta believes in good health, both physically and mentally, therefore has dedicated his years to serving New Mexico’s Native American communities, thus becoming a member of the NATI board of directors in 2014.
Larry enjoys his retirement by spending all his free time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Tamara Chavez (Pueblo of Isleta)
Seeing the vision and the passion from the leadership of NATI, has inspired Tammy to dedicate herself and gain knowledge so she may be a vessel to her community as well as her surrounding community.
Hospitality and customer service has been her passion for the last 15 years working for the Isleta Resort and Casino as a sales manager. Prior to hospitality Tammy was an early childhood educator.
Mrs. Chavez was a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Man & Woman of the Year campaign and has sat on boards such as the Southwest Native American Veterans Association and Healing Americas Hero’s and Women’s Housing Coalition.
Tammy has an associate’s degree in Early Childhood education from Central New Mexico Community College.
Dennis Lorenzo CGONA (Pueblo of Acoma)
Dennis Lorenzo comes from the Pueblo of Acoma Nation and has been involved with NATI since its inception in 2010. He has served as a tribal leader in the capacity of an Interpreter for four years. Mr. Lorenzo brings nearly 20-years experience directing and administering alcohol and drug outpatient counseling programs, aftercare counseling program and youth prevention programs. Mr. Lorenzo served as Director of Human Resources for Na’Nizhoozhi Center, Inc. and serving in other capacities as well during his tenure at the Detox Center. Mr. Lorenzo is an independent consultant/trainer and has extensive work experience as a Community Organizer with the Northwest New Mexico Fighting Back, Inc. and Healthy Nations providing consultation and training in the areas of prevention and intervention. Mr. Lorenzo was trained and attained certification as a Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) trainer since its inception and has provided training and facilitation skills training of GONA for Kauffman & Associates as well as Native Aspirations, with focus that is appropriate and culturally relevant to spirituality, team building, wellness and living healthy lifestyles with all age groups and ethnicities in Native American communities and schools.
Mr. Lorenzo has served as Board President of the New Mexico Counselors Association, the NWNMFB Organization, Co-Chair with the Native American Prevention Steering Committee, CARE 66 Board, Treasure (Homeless Program) Planning Committee member for the Native American Training Institute, and currently serving on various health boards and committees. For the last 18 years, Mr. Lorenzo continues to serve as State Coordinator for the New Mexico State Multicultural Red Ribbon Relay Run in its 30th year promoting "Healthy Lifestyles" and creating awareness of the Alcohol/Drug Use and Abuse challenges in our communities. Mr. Lorenzo has received various awards and certificates throughout his work career.
Crystal Tortalita (Jemez/ Santo Domingo Pueblos)
Crystal Tortalita is of the Jemez and Santo Domingo Pueblos. With associates degrees in Human Services Technology and Substance Abuse Treatment from Southwestern Community College in Sylva, North Carolina, and a Certificate in Medical Assisting from Pima Medical Institute, Crystal brings insight of the younger generation of mental health professionals. Ms. Tortalita is currently the Care Manager at Insight Human Services where she specializes in client care management.