Our Team

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Millicent Simenson
Arikara/Anishinaabe
Traditional Midwife

Millicent has dedicated her time and passion to projects addressing long standing birth disparities in her community through improving access to Mino-Bimaadiziwin, the Anishinaabe Way of Life. Through these projects and work, she facilitates and supports others by promoting diversity in education, healthcare, and social support services. She is a life learner and participates in women’s circles and Midewiwin ceremonies.
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Natalie Nicholson
Arikara/Ojibwe
Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner & Indigenous Lactation Counselor

Natalie is honored to have the opportunity to work with an all female, Native led organization with Mewinzha Ondaadiziike Wiigaming. My spirit is so happy to be able to co-create our own maternal-child community health clinic: Gaa-giigishkaakaawasowaad “A Place Where Pregnant Women Gather”. I believe it is our time to lead our own health initiatives and I am inspired to do this collectively with our community.

Mewinzha Board

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Michelle Walton-Hawthorne, Consultant

Michelle is passionate about community-led initiatives that lead with strength and resiliency. Michelle’s role at Mewinzha means that she is a helper in finding resources that advance the organization’s mission and vision. She brings a unique set of experiences, including a background working in nonprofit administration, business and finance. In the past, Michelle has worked with several non-profits to secure new funding and resources to support racial, economic, and social equity. She contributes these skills and knowledge to the Mewinzha board.
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Bernadette Gotchie

Asiniiyobiikwe (Bernadette Gotchie) is an enrolled member of the Leech Lake band of Ojibwe, and a lifelong learner of the Anishinaabe culture and traditions. She’s a Knowledge keeper, sister, aunt, elder and grandmother. She has her masters in tribal administrative governance, and a bachelors in the of science of nursing. She has worked in public health nursing for many years. Bernadette enjoys being in the woods and working with medicines.
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Lisa Johnson, BA

Lisa has a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous & Native Nations Studies and is an Indigenous doula. She is passionate about learning the Anishinaabe Culture, creating works of art through her sewing and beadwork, and living the good life. Lisa loves the family atmosphere at Mewinzha Ondaadiziike Wiigaming.
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Roxanne Johnson, RDN, CDCES, LS, ILC

Enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. Registered Dietitian,
Nutritionist since 2003 specializing in diabetes care, maternal child nutrition, lactation, and culinary nutrition. I am passionate about ancestral foodways and indigenous wellness teachings. Roxanne is the Business Operations Specialist and Nutrition Educator. She is
responsible for managing the day-to-day business operations, medical enrollment, and insurance billing. In her Nutrition Educator role, she prepares meals for the group prenatal classes that are based on ancestral foodways and teaches the class nutrition concepts important to optimize nutrients during pregnancy and postpartum. She is also able to provide individualized nutrition counseling and medical nutrition therapy to relatives who need a diet tailored to their lifestyle, preferences, and health.

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Pearl Walker-Swaney, MPH, Doula

Pearl is from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and White Earth Nation. She has a Master’s in Public Health, is committed to practicing cultural values, and views birth work as a way to restore community wellness. She brings her passion for birth work, yoga, parenting, and organizing to the team. Pearl deeply believes in the work of Mewinzha as a way to rebuild family and community wellness and enjoys the opportunity to connect with families.

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Cherylee Sherry, MPH, MCHES

Cherylee brings 40 years of program development and leadership experience in community health and health care to the board. Her strong background in public health contributes to the growth of Mewinzha. Cherylee enjoys supporting the mission of Mewinzha and looks forward to seeing the positive impacts its services have on families.