Rachel Valdez
Rachel is a member of the Tohono O'odham Tribe from Southern Arizona. She is a passionate advocate for Native American communities, dedicated to fostering cultural awareness and supporting indigenous rights. She has attended Northern Arizona University where she received a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Masters of Education M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology. She has obtained counseling specialty in Substance Abuse and Addiction from Tohono O'odham Community College and is a Certified Victimologist from Mesa Community College. She has used her education to work closely with various organizations to promote education, sustainability, and community empowerment.
Rachel has worked over 7 years as a Crisis Intervention Therapist. She has worked both on and off reservations. She employs culturally sensitive approaches that honor the unique experiences of survivors, creating safe spaces for them to process their emotions and reclaim their narratives. Her work not only addresses immediate mental health needs but also empowers individuals to reconnect with their cultural identities and community roots.
Rachel, has served as a dedicated ambassador for her tribe, traveling to over 8 different countries and 2 islands with the "Hope Response" organization to provide crucial assistance in the wake of natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, as well as in regions affected by war. She recently spent a month in Ukraine in 2022 aiding many victims of the ongoing conflict. Rachel has worked tirelessly to support affected communities, offering not only immediate relief but also a compassionate presence during challenging times. With a deep commitment to cultural exchange, Rachel passionately educates diverse audiences about indigenous culture and life, sharing the rich heritage and wisdom of her people. Through these transformative experiences, she bridges cultural divides, fostering understanding and solidarity while empowering communities to rebuild and thrive.
Rachel is a dedicated advocate for Native American communities, using her professional experience in mental health to support Indian boarding school decsendants in their healing journeys. With a deep understanding of trauma-informed care, she provides compassionate guidance and therapeutic support to individuals grappling with the lasting impacts of historical injustices.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Rachel enjoys church, practicing archery, camping and hunting, and gathering traditional foods including mesquite beans, Prickly Pear Cactus fruit, Sauguaro Fruit, and growing tepary beans, squash, and chilies. She credits her passion and motivation to life and humanitarian issues to her faith and the Creator.