SIX DIRECTIONS
INDIGENOUS SCHOOL
SDIS Staff
Rebecca Niiha has worked extensively as an educator in New Mexico. Rebecca’s classrooms foster authenticity, self-determination, indigenous education, and revolution. As a Pueblo woman (Hopi), who taught students on the sovereign nations of Zuni Pueblo & the Navajo Nation, Rebecca partners with her students to be both co-learners and co-teachers. Her practice centers around students decolonizing their own education and engaging in high-level thinking together as a family. She asserts students must explore how their identities, histories, cultures, languages, and values shape their worldview. Rebecca’s classes mobilize the community around relevant social issues, honoring their people and ancestors, and asserting tribal sovereignty.
Rebecca is a 2017 recipient of Teach For America’s Sue Lehmann Teaching & Learning Fellowship.
Renee Cleveland - Programs Coordinator
Renee has been here since the school started, as a substitute, an E.A and now serves as our Attendance Coach. As such, she is always on top of making sure our students are in good standing with their attendance. If she is not in the office busy, she is the main staff raising funds in our school events or making certain the students have proper meals by cooking the schools lunch herself. Renee also is the main overseer for our Americorps Program, helping our school have all its necessities to properly function.
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Melvin Chico
Navajo Language and Culture Teacher
Ya'at'eeh - Greetings
Welcome to the Navajo Language and Culture Class.
Woshdee' yah iina doo Ya'at'eeh. Shi'ei Dine Bizaad
Mr. Chico ei Ba'olta'i Nishili
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Melvin Chico is my name. My clan is Bitter Water, born for Mexican People. My maternal grandfather is Salt CLan, and my paternal grandfather is Black Sheep. I am married to Elsi, and we reside in the Yahtahey, NM. My degrees are BS in Science and Social Studies, and MS in School Leadership from NAU-Flagstaff, Arizona. Moreover, I obtained Level 1 Licensure to teach Native Language and Culture. I have worked here at Six Directions Indigenous School for six months and enjoy working with the students and staff. ​
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In Navajo Language and Culture teacher, we will be learning about clanship and family relationships and Ke'. Students will learn to formally introduce themselves in their own Dine language. Other topics include Dine character and core values, such as respect, responsibility, and other Dine values. Dine students will be expected to write summaries about what they learned, complete projects and other small activities. I am excited that your student will learn to communicate orally by learning the alphabet, consonants, and vowels. I am hoping each student will have a positive learning and fun experience this school year. Other topics to be covered will be character building, the Four-sacred mountains, traditional foods, symbols, cultural sites and others. High school student topics include the Navajo Nation government, Navajo History-the Long Walk, the Treaty of 1868 just to name a few. Ahe'hee'
My name is Natalie Valadez.
I started as a IEC member at SDIS. I really enjoyed my time then with all the students.
I am starting my 3rd year teaching and really excited to come back at SDIS. I teach English Language Arts and Art. I love painting, drawing, sewing, weaving and knitting. I also enjoy camping, gardening and cooking yummy food for friends and family. I have 3 fur babies, Leo, Xoe and Obi.
Natalie Valadez - ELA & Art Teacher
Dr. Lopez - Science
Name: Jeffrey Roy A. Lopez
clans: Bisaya-Mindanao-Davao Tribe as a Filipino (southern Philippines) knowing the state-imposed language & culture: English, National (Tagalog) and local usage of Indigenous Mother-Tongue Language (Bisaya-Cebuano)
where is home: Mati City, Davao Oriental, Mindanao, Southern Philippine Archipelago
title at the school: Doctor Lopez or Mr. Lopez, Science Instructor
how long you have been teaching/working with students: 18 years overall (In SDIS: this is my second year for 2024)
what you love about sdis/philosophy of teaching or education: American-Indigenous Education and More Student-Friendly & Humane Learning
optional: favorite things to do, hobbies, family, pets, special interests: Sketching (doodling & colored pencil painting), singing, going swimming & picnics in beaches & riverbanks, Asian cooking (sauteing) and learning new things anything about people and sciences.
other work, education, what people will find out doing outside of work: Homebody, silent & shy, Jogging and Exercising, and Singing Videoke
Background: Dr. Lopez (back in the Philippines) has had experiences: school RN-nurse, hospital nurse instructor, medical technology college topics and college teaching in pure & social sciences together & before his highschool teaching
Carrie Nastacio - Zuni Language
Ms. Nastacio teaches Zuni Language and Culture at Six Directions. She emphasizes speaking and listening in addition to cultural lessons that are project-based, hands-on, and fun! Additional bio forthcoming.
Fran Duncan - Administrative Assistant
Ya’ah teeh Shi Ei Franceline Duncan Yinishye. Todi ch’ii’nii Nishti. Kin tichii’nii Bashishchiin. Ma’ii Deeshgiizhnii Ei Dashicheii. Kinyaa’aanii Ei Dashinali. Hello, My name is Franceline Duncan. I am of the Bitter Water Clan/People. I am born for the Redhouse Clan/people. My Maternal Grandfathers are of the Coyote Pass Clan/People. My Paternal Grandfather are of the Towering house Clan/people. My husband's name is Gregory. We have two kids Francisca and TeeJay. I am from Twin Lakes, New Mexico. I was originally born and raised from Greasewood, AZ. I am an Administrative Assistant, here at Six Directions Indigenous School.
What I love about SDIS is that everyday is different. Learning new things and helping my colleagues each day. Meeting New/ Former students, parents, Grandparents, Guardians and colleagues. The most rewarding thing I’ve witnessed since I first started working at SDIS was students' growth.
My favorite thing to do is being around family and friends. I have several hobbies that I obtain. My top 3 would be making all types of products with my cricut machine. Second would be traveling with my husband and DJing.I help him with set up, playing games and controlling lights etc.. Lastly, going camping just being in an outdoor setting and fishing all day.
Austin Ek-Yeh, SkoCode
Cameron Tsosie, Indigenous Educator Corps
Jeremiah Benallie, Indigenous Educator Corps
Monica Benallie, Indigenous Educator Corps
Rodney Dixon, SkoCode
Shantel Benallie, Indigenous Educator Corps
Zachary Lamy, SkoCode​