Restoring Access to Holistic Wellness

Abraham Bearpaw is an author, motivational speaker and creator of the Walking In Balance wellness program. Mr. Bearpaw is also a cultural activist and shares traditional teachings so that others can live fulfilled lives of wellness. In recovery for over 12 years, Abraham Bearpaw is a living example of the effectiveness of the Walking In Balance program. Through the Walking In Balance program, he has helped many individuals and families in their recovery and wellness journeys.  

Dr. Jennie A Barnes is a licensed psychologist based in Tulsa, OK and within the Cherokee Nation reservation in rural OK. She has worked in the mental health field for 15 years and has a variety of clinical experiences including community health organizations, inpatient eating disorder programs, correctional facilities, university counseling centers, private practice, and tribal/indigenous health facilities. She is also a holistic health educator and develops community health curriculums and programs based on indigenous wisdom and modern science. Her current areas of focus include neurodivergence (specifically ADHD and Autism), complex and generational trauma, and holistic healing/wellness.  

Lily Drywater is the granddaughter of Carolyn and Jimmy Lee Drywater. Born and raised in Tahlequah, OK, she attended Sequoyah HS and went on to spend time at OSU and NSU. She describes herself as a finger weaver, teacher, cultural activist, sister, and aunt. She is also the leader of Tahlequah local discussion and community involvement group 4Next7.

Cynthia M. Ruiz is an Award-winning Professor, Best Selling Author, Native Storyteller, Leadership Expert, and Transformational Leader. She has received over 76 accolades and awards for her leadership and service to the community. Coming from blended cultures Latina and Native American (Mexican & Cherokee), she enjoys a passion for life and a profound appreciation for Mother Earth. Cynthia has decades of Executive-level Experience and her career has placed her in many leadership roles. Cynthia holds a Master of Science Degree in Counseling from California State University Los Angeles and has completed a Leadership Course at Harvard University, John F Kennedy School of Government. She is a registered Cherokee citizen and is a Board Chair for the Cherokees of LA.

Darren Henson is an enrolled member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma (UKB). He is the son of Gwen GoingSnake and the late Jim Mouse, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. After 32 years of military service Darren retired from the USAF in 2017, and went back to school to acquire his Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Redlands and a Masters in Human Resource Management from Golden Gate University at San Francisco. Darren had worked for the Native American Health Center located in Richmond, California. He helped facilitated wellness workshops utilizing culture and indigenous traditional teachings.  

Tonya S. Wapskineh, MPH (Cherokee, Prairieband Potawatomi, Creek &  Seminole) is the project director of the OSU Center for Health Sciences Native American Primary Care Center of Excellence. Her main interests include Tribal health, disease prevention, traditional plant revitalization, food sovereignty, and the revitalization of language and culture. Ms. Wapskineh holds a M.P.H from OU Health Sciences Center in health promotion sciences and a B.S. in health promotion sciences from OSU. As a health sciences practitioner, her work has focused on diabetes prevention, addressing prevention of disease-related complications, supporting AIAN healthcare providers, and aiding AIAN medical student programs.