Juris Doctorate
Tanya, an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, grew upon the Lower Brule Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Tanya became a mentor for students transitioning from the St. Joseph’s Indian School to the Chamberlain High School in the 80’s beginning her commitment to advocating for Native Americans. Tanya has been privileged to work with Native Americans and their families for over 30 years. She has experience working with juveniles and adults in counseling, human services, education, law enforcement, health care, and grants management. Tanya’s first job was at an off reservation boarding school for Native American students grades 6-8. She later joined United States Probation Pre-Trial Services and worked on 7 of the 9 reservations in South Dakota. She also worked for Urban Indian Health, Lower Brule Community College, and a tribal non-profit in Lower Brule. Tanya currently works for the South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault as the Cultural Programs Manager and works primarily with tribal partners and our partners serving high populations of Native Americans across South Dakota. Tanya’s son Dalton and daughter Molly are all grown up, so she gets to spend her time reading, gardening and enjoying all things outdoors with her husband Kurt and dog Sully.
