Everyone has problems and concerns that often require a second opinion or expert advice.   Volunteer members of the Manataka Counseling Assistance Committee come from many walks of life and all are qualified by education, training and experience in their areas of expertise to offer you the guidance needed to negotiate life's sometimes difficult waters.  

Topics are arranged to help you find an advisor that is right for you.  There is no limit on the number of communications you may send or the number of counselors you consult.   Please consider your advisors time as valuable and do not abuse this service.   

You will not be asked for personally identifiable information and all communications are personal and strictly private by email only.  Your email address is confidential and is never place on a list.  Sorry, we do not offer legal advice.

Send the counselor of your choice an email explaining your situation.   Do not expect an immediate reply as some questions may require careful consideration and consultation.  

Addictions

Jim 'Goose' Edmunds (Cherokee) has been a licensed drug abuse counselor in Arkansas for many years and has helped hundreds of clients with addiction problems.  Goose began his training under the famous Joe McQueeny at Serenity Park in Little Rock and is currently an out-patient addiction counselor for Hoover UMC/BCD.   The majority of his clients have experienced multiple relapses.  "I am committed to client-based therapy and the spiritually-based 12 Step program because they work."  Contact Jim 'Goose' Edmunds

Dr. Joel A. Sanders is a certified and licensed alcoholism/substance abuse   counselor with post graduate training in dynamic psychotherapies.   Dr. Sanders is a part-time senior counselor with Forensic Consultants Center for Human Services and is Director of Safety and Personnel with a large industrial company in New York and has a private practice.  "I have worked professionally with individuals and families affected by addictions and emotional problems for over fifteen years.   My efforts in private practice center on teaching basics of mindfulness stress reduction in the treatment of emotional and physical disorders."  In his spare time, Joel is a volunteer firefighter and EMT and counsels with Manataka guests. Dr. Sanders understands stress, pain and illness and can help alleviate the symptoms and causes.   Contact Dr. Joel A. Sanders

Crisis and Suicide Intervention

Tracy Rupp is a licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Ohio and currently serves a community of elderly and severely mentally disabled residents of a long-term care facility.  Previously, Tracy served for a number of years on a crisis and suicide prevention counseling hotline.  She was a volunteer at the North American Indian Cultural Center, providing drug, alcohol and tobacco education through a youth mentoring program.  Tracy also served the Cleveland American Indian Education Center writing articles for the center's newspaper.  In her spare time, Tracy performs women's traditional dance while her daughter does Fancy Shawl dance at powwows. She sang with a southern drum group, the Red Bird Singers.  Tracy's areas of competence and services include:  Counseling, Psychosocial Intervention, Intervention Planning and Evaluation.

Tracy's goal is to work with American Indians on a federal reservation in crisis intervention.  Tracy believes in empowering others through a culturally-based strengths perspective.  Contact Tracy Rupp

Anxiety, Depression, Stress

Fred D. Wilcoxson, born in the Osage township of Hominy, Oklahoma has earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Public Administration, and PhD in Pastoral Theology. He is ordained in the Episcopal Church. Fred serves as Supervisor of Pastoral Care at a hospital in Central Florida. He and his wife retired from the Orlando Police Department, where they remain Police Chaplains. They are both Victim Assistance Advocates for MADD Victims Services. Fred offers a healing ministry and ministry of presence to the staff, patients, and families at his hospital. His Manataka ministry is to those who are grieving the catastrophic injury or death of a loved one and to provide healing prayer for the sick in mind, body, or spirit. Fred is a “hollow bone” for spiritual healing of mind, body, and spirit through the power of Creator, Great Physician, The Mystery, Great Spirit… bringing peace, grace, and mercy to the hurting. Contact - Fred D. Wilcoxson

Father Ronald Hashuk Malli Moore (Choctaw) of the Reform Catholic Church received a B.A. degree from Bristol University  and Master of Divinity from St. Luke's Theological Seminary.  Father Moore is pastor for the Living Harvest United Reform Catholic Church and Administrator for the Diocese of Arkansas.  He is also a Brother of  the Grey Robed Monks of St. Benedict.  He was appointed by Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee in 2003 to serve on the the Arkansas Governors Commission for People with Disabilities.  Father Moore is a member of the Manataka American Indian Council, Free & Accepted Masons, the York Rite, and Shrine.   He was awarded by the Governor of Nebraska with the honorary title of Admiral of the State of Nebraska Navy.  While attending college, Father Moore was honored as a Fellow of the National Order of Theological Students.   He and his wonderful wife Sandra (Ballard) Moore live in Bryant, Arkansas. Contact Father Ronald Hashuk Malli Moore

Career Counseling

Stella White Buffalo Fisher (Cherokee) is a teacher with years of experience in many professional settings and subjects.   She taught 4th grade Catechism for a number of years and was a substitute teacher before assuming an instructor position in the medical administration department of a career college.  When Stella switched to a career in the retail sector, she was always chosen to teach new hires protocol, merchandizing and customer service.  Stella says teaching "just comes naturally" as she has always been in teaching or management positions.  She has a degree in Business Management and Accounting.  Once again Stella Fisher takes up the mantle of teacher to help people find answers to career problems. Contact Stella White Buffalo Fisher

Dr. James Soaring Eagle Grant (Cherokee) graduated from California State University with a degree in human services, majoring in counseling and minored in adult education. He spent 30 years as an executive recruiter and later earned a Doctor of Ministry in the field of Holistic counseling.  He is a certified life coach, pastoral/spiritual counselor and minister. 

Dr. Grant is also a metaphysical practitioner with a Ph.D in Metaphysical Science and operates a metaphysical college.  In his practice, he uses a positive view of life issues and utilizes many tools in his work, including hypnosis, meditation and prayer.  As a executive recruiter for many years, Dr. Grant helps people with their interviews skills, help them decide what type of job they should be looking for and help with job problems.  Dr. James Soaring Eagle Grant

Children & Teens

John Mountain Wind Outler (Cherokee) was educated in psychology at Henderson State University, Georgia State University and the University of Texas.  As a native son of Manataka, he served his country as an infantry officer in the 82^nd Airborne Division, the First Cavalry Division and the Americal Division including a tour in the Republic of Viet Nam (RVN).  After retiring in 1996, as a Lieutenant Colonel, he laid down the lance and took up the drum.  He joined MAIC in March of 2000 and began to seek a way to support the vision and mission of Manataka.  As a psychologist, teacher and father, he brings 30 years of experience as a warrior, teacher and psychologist to the task of balancing mind, body and spirit.  http://www.geocities.com/jroutler  John Mountain Wind Outler

Nina Marie Little Beaver Giordano (Cherokee) is a certified Career Counselor and an ordained minister, co-author of "Zion's Drug Education and Addiction Program" and is currently developing the 'Time Out Center' for teens and women.  Nina is a Vietnam veteran with experience in trauma.  Nina Little Beaver has worked independently with families for over 30 years. She has a B.S. degree in Holistic Childh Care and a Doctorate degree in Metaphysical Theology.  Nina also holds National Certification in three (3) disciplines: Holistic Health Care, Therapeutic Massage Therapist and Sound Resonance Therapist.  "I specialize in families with drug and alcohol issues and side–by side with the realms of Autism, ADD, and ADHD,..." said Nina Little Beaver.  Nina has been a member of MAIC since 2001.   Nina Little Beaver Giordano

Dave White of Australia is a qualified sports trainer and provides sports medicine for youth footballs teams in his native land of Southern Australia.  Dave says he is well educated "...in the school of life" and currently leads a youth program for 50 to 60 children. He traveled the world while in the Royal Australian Navy in the 1970's and as a philanthropist today, Dave White calls himself an Earth Activist and Light Worker with a strong spiritual connection with the Creator.  Dave is a father and grandfather who teaches ways to resist peer pressure and avoid drug and alcohol use.  He is also a qualified tradesman.   Dave became a member of MAIC in 2004.  Dave White, Australia

Relationships

Dr. Cheryl Cherokee Angel Dusty (Lakota) a Leukemia survivor, holds a Doctor of Divinity and is an Ordained Minister. She did her undergraduate work in Human Services at Kennesaw University in Georgia and her graduate work at the Hazelden Foundation in Minnesota, specializing in Addictions and Family Counseling. Cheryl is a Spiritual Healer, Energy Worker, Mental Health Counselor, Published Author, Radio Talk Show Guest, Webmaster, and Relationship Intuitive. She maintains a private practice in Gilmer, Texas. She is at work on her newest book, "Taking Back Your Power: Over Leukemia and Other Life Changing Diagnosis" and follows her path to empower people.  Contact:  Dr. Cheryl Cherokee Angel

Spiritual

Annette Broken Owl Greene (Cherokee)  Broken Owl is a visionary, a landscape photographer, spiritual teacher and counselor, energy healer, editor, author, poet, group facilitator, workshop creator and presenter; parenting educator, and an ordained minister.  Her book is entitled "Soothing the Heart: Inspirations along Life's Sacred Journey."  She is a life-long student in the quest for spiritual awakening as she journeys through her Native American and African heritages. and has spent many years creating and facilitating a variety of parenting training seminars; self-help and empowerment workshops; and providing family, group and individual counseling services to children and families, including those involved in the Juvenile Probation system, women in crisis and adults with substance abuse issues. Broken Owl has a bachelor’s in Communicative Disorders and a master’s in Social Work. She is ordained through the International Congregation of Spiritual Healers and Earth Stewards (SHES). Broken Owl can be contacted via email at Annette Broken Owl Greene

J. Brown Bear Stands Jacobs (Keetoowah) earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology at Tulane University and a masters degree at the University of Texas.  He is currently working on a doctorate degree in psychology and is in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker.  Brown Bear Stands studied for many years the ancient spiritual and healing practices of the Keetoowah (Cherokee) and other tribes under the guidance of his grandfather and elders of other tribes.  In addition to formal and traditional training, Brown Bear Stands also studies alternative treatment modalities.   He combines his considerable education and experience with traditional American Indian religious practices and philosophy to provide spiritual insight and growth.  Contact J. Brown Bear Stands Jacobs 

Native American Domestic Violence Information  

by Women's Rural Advocacy Programs