Anna Blackwater is the daughter of Renelda and Daniel Blackwater. She is a mother of five and a Gila River Indian Community community member coming from the Gila Crossing Village located in District Six. She received an Associates in Arts and an Associates in General Studies from South Mountain Community College. In which she was honored to be a Student Speaker at the 2019 American Indian Convocation for Maricopa Community Colleges. Anna is currently attending Arizona State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. Anna loves working for her community. Currently as a K-12 Student Advisor she enjoys working for and empowering the youth as she helps the youth to be successful in their high school education. Anna also enjoys traditional O’odham basket dancing along with the women in her family and her eldest daughter.

Phone: (520) 610- 4195
Email: Anna.Blackwater.EDU@gric.nsn.us

Hello, my name is Catherine Zepeda, I am from the small farming town of Stanfield. However my family stems from Gila River in the district 4 area and Tohono O’odham Nation into Mexico. I am an enrolled Gila River member and have worked for the community for over 10+ years, with most years working with families from the Headstart and Child Care program. I have 3 children of my own, 2 daughters 17 and 7 and a son 13. I am currently in college to attain my Associates degree, however I did complete Esthetician school, I am a licensed esthetician and licensed eyelash tech.

Over the years I have built knowledge and resources to better help serve our community and with that I take much pride in helping others. I love talking with the younger generation on their endless possibilities they can achieve, with the good support and positivity they need to feel good about their future. I look forward to working with the students and families.

My name is Ivy Namingha. I am Akimel O’odam/Hopi; I come from the villages of Gu’u Ki (Sacaton), Ush Kehk (Blackwater), and Shungopavi (2^nd Mesa). My mother is Akimel O’odham and my Father is Hopi. I reside in Ush Kehk with my mother and two beautiful children.

I received my high school diploma from Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma. I’ve attended South Mountain Community College, and Chandler-Gilbert Community College for Child Development and Family Life Education. Prior, I worked at the Early Education/Child Care Center for seven years, I had the privilege of teaching and caring for students, aged 0-5 years old. I started working as an Off-Reservation Boarding School Advisor in 2018. Working as a Boarding School Advisor, I’ve had the privilege to work with various students who live on and off-reservation, such as The  El Paso Scholar recipients, Betty Fairfax Freshmen and now serving at Skyline Gila River. I am thankful for every opportunity I had throughout the years working for our Native Youth- to advise and help students and families. Together I have been working for the Tribal Education Department since 2011. Thank you Parents/Students for allowing us to support, and help through the K12 Program.

I am Gene Manuel.  I’m from the Gila River Indian Community from District 3, Sacaton.  I have worked for GRIC Tribal Education for 14 years as a Johnson O’Malley and now K12 Advisor.  Previously, I was a certified teacher and worked for Sacaton Public Schools and then Blackwater Community School.  I currently reside in Sacaton, AZ.

Phone: 520-610-9082
Email: Gene.Manuel@gric.nsn.us

My name is Lynette Q. Hinojos. I was born in Florence, Az., but a lifetime resident of Coolidge Az. My wonderful parents are the late Yolanda Hinojos and the late Raymond Hinojos.  I have one amazing daughter.

I went to school and graduated from the Coolidge High school. After high school I went on to college. During going to college I worked at the Coolidge Public Library for 10 years.

 I was interviewed for the student advisor position and was able to get the job. So here I am and I absolutely love it. I currently work at the Vista Grande High School and Casa Grande Union High School with 9- 12 graders.  I have already gained a lot of AWESOME rapports with students and families. I just love that feeling of helping them and keeping them encouraged. I look forward to working with the students and getting them ready to graduate.

Phone: 520-610-8539
Email: Lynette.Hinojos.TED@gric.nsn.us

Hi, my name is Linda Nyoro, I am Navajo, and married with two children. My Husband is currently a coach at Casa Grande High School.  My children both have left the nest and currently living on their own.  My son graduated from ASU and my daughter graduated from Columbia in New York.  She is planning to go back in the spring to finish her master’s.  

I have been with the Sacaton Head Start for close to 9 years, and have been with two other Head Start agencies.  NACOG from up north and the Pinal Gila Head Start here in Coolidge. I have been a home base teacher for Pinal Gila for 5 years. I have been a Head Start teacher for over 20 years.

I have now joined the K-12 Advisor with the Gila River Indian Community and will be station at the Vista Grande High School, and also be at the Casa Grande Union High school.  I look forward to meeting and encouraging our high school students with their educational and other activities.  

Over the years I have seen children start with their education at 3, 4 and 5 years old and now I get to see them at their high school level on what their future goals will be.  How exciting to be on this end.

Phone: 520-836-8500
Email: Linda.Nyoro.EDU@gric.nsn.us

My name is Jerry Curley.  I started working with Gila River Indian Community in October of 2014.  After 32 years in Education, I retired in 2013 from Tucson Unified School District.  I received my B.S. and M.A. degrees in Education from Northern Arizona University.  I am a member of the Navajo Nation.  I enjoy reading and collecting books.  My collection mostly consists of Native American literature, but do have other favorite authors in my collection.  My personal goal is to instill in each student a desire to do their best in school, inspire them to continue their education beyond high school, and become a better person in the process. 

Phone: 520-610-1260
Email: Jerry.Curley@gric.nsn.us

My name is Richard Blackwater; I am a Gila River K-12 Student Adviser at the Coolidge Alternative Program in Coolidge. I am a GRIC Tribal Member D-2.

I have worked with Tribal Education for 9 years and have enjoyed every minute of my job. My greatest moments are watching my students receive their High school Diplomas.

Phone: (520) 610-3389
Email: Richard.Blackwater@gric.nsn.us