OUR TEAM
Luana Rodriguez, DNP, CNM, CCTP
Founder and Executive Director
Taino/Arawak Metis
She/Her/Hers
Dr. Luana Rodriguez is a Certified Nurse-Midwife with over 30 years’ experience in the public, private and federal sectors. She is actively engaged in culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed care practices to support resilience in women of color affected by historical and societal oppression and trauma, with a special focus on the health issues of Native women. Dr. Rodriguez has been certified as an ACE Trainer, Heart Math Trainer and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) to provide guidance for clinicians and community partners in translating the ACEs foundational research into trauma-sensitive practice. Her vision is to help destigmatize the effects of trauma, support self-determination in the health of Native women and break the cycle of transgenerational trauma on future generations.
Roberta Ward, DNP, CNM
Board Co-Chair
Tlingit
She/Her/Hers
Dr. Roberta Ward is passionate in improving the health of women in our country, especially Alaskan Native/Native American (AN/NA) women. Dr. Ward has spent most of her professional career in the service of AN/NA women. She has worked in Alaska, Utah, and Arizona providing care for women in a variety of settings.
Dr. Ward attended school while raising her family of 5 children and working as an RN. It took many years, but her motto was "one foot in front of the other." Currently, Dr. Ward works in a clinic only for a tribal agency. However, when practicing as a Nurse Midwife, she was happy to have helped bring over 1000 babies into the world in attendance of women and their families.
Fredricka Hunter, LCSW
Board Co-Chair
Amskapi Piikuni (Blackfeet)
She/Her/Hers
Fredricka Hunter is a member of the Amskapi Piikuni (Blackfeet) Tribe of Montana. She received her bachelor’s degree in health and human performance from the University of Montana and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah. Fredricka has devoted her career serving Native Americans in the areas of suicide prevention, higher education, foster care, community development and women and infant wellness.
Tashina C. Racine, RN
Maternal/Child Health Nurse/Board member
Amskapi Piikuni (Blackfeet)
She/Her/Hers
