Katie Hunsberger (she/her) earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in Political Science at Elmhurst University followed by a master's degree in public policy at Loyola University Chicago, where her research was dedicated to Tribal policy in the United States. Katie has taken many courses abroad to further gain experience in cross-cultural communications. Her internship roles working for refugee and Indigenous non-profits has given her the opportunities to be an advocate for Native culture and peoples. She has spoken at several United Nations events such as the United Nations Civil Society Hearings and NGO CSW Women’s Forums, where she spoke on topics relating to Indigenous non-communicable diseases. Katie has worked closely with Native communities for 10 years on Turtle Island (United States). She has worked in public and private Portland school districts for Indigenous elementary, middle school, and high school students and has built summer camp curriculum based around Native teachings, traditional foods, and mindful meditation. At her tribe, she created a 35 page Foster Caregiver Handbook that was implemented through Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Council.
Katie joined the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board in September 2020 and served the 43 tribes in the Pacific Northwest area as the Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) Program Manager. She has incorporated her knowledge in working in direct services and school systems to provide opportunities and insight into the building of the BHA Education Program. She has contributed to the recruitment of over 75 Indigenous adult-learners, retention of BHAs throughout their 2-year educational journey, and works with the academic institutions to foster program sustainability. Katie is also in pursuit of her Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Postsecondary Education at Portland State University. This degree has contributed to her knowledge of building successful educational programs designed for Indigenous students on Turtle Island. With an emphasis on trauma-informed care, relationality, and cultural connectedness, she hopes to work alongside other Native leaders in transforming educational spaces through restorative justice.
Katie joined the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board in September 2020 and served the 43 tribes in the Pacific Northwest area as the Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) Program Manager. She has incorporated her knowledge in working in direct services and school systems to provide opportunities and insight into the building of the BHA Education Program. She has contributed to the recruitment of over 75 Indigenous adult-learners, retention of BHAs throughout their 2-year educational journey, and works with the academic institutions to foster program sustainability. Katie is also in pursuit of her Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Postsecondary Education at Portland State University. This degree has contributed to her knowledge of building successful educational programs designed for Indigenous students on Turtle Island. With an emphasis on trauma-informed care, relationality, and cultural connectedness, she hopes to work alongside other Native leaders in transforming educational spaces through restorative justice.