Dr. Shaina Philpot
Director of the Native American Student Support and Success Program
Email: PhilpoS@crc.losrios.edu
Phone: (916) 691-7137
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Tribal Community: Hopland Band of Pomo Indians
Bio: Dr. Shaina Philpot received her Bachelor's Degree in Native American Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, her first Master's Degree in Public History with a subspecialty of Native American History from the University of California, Riverside, and her second Master's Degree in Teaching from the University of Southern California. Shaina also holds her Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.) in Leadership in Higher Education from National University. Her research centers on American Indian students' sense of belonging in higher education. Shaina has spent many years in various roles in the field of education, including working on reservations and with tribal communities. She currently serves as the Director of the Native American Student Support and Success Program at Cosumnes River College. For fun, Shaina likes to watch anime and play video games.
Celeste Haydon
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Tribal Community: Wintu
Bio: Hi! My name is Celeste Haydon and I am the Outreach Specialist for NAHER (Native American Higher Education Resources Center). I obtained my A.S in General Science from Cosumnes River College. After receiving my associate’s degree, I transferred to CSUS (California State University, Sacramento), where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health. In the near future, I will be applying for my Master’s Degree in Public Health. I have a strong passion for the promotion of health, disease prevention, and health policy within the Public Health field. My interests consist of spending time with my family and friends, and watching my favorite movies! I enjoy interacting with students and want to ensure that I can contribute to their overall academic journey and success.
Alexandria Raya-Franklin
NAHER Student Support Specialist
Email: rayafra@crc.losrios.edu
Phone: (916) 691-7322
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Tribal Community: Ione Band of Miwok
Bio: Alexandria Raya-Franklin is the Student Support Specialist for NAHER. She is an enrolled member of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians. Alexandria is descendant of William Bill Franklin Sr. She is also a Miwok traditional dancer of the northern Miwok dance group. Alexandria received her B.A in Studio Arts from CSU Channel Islands. In current efforts in strengthening her community through art, she sits on several panels, with the most recent being the 99th Annual Governor's Breakfast. In the near future, she plans to pursue her MFA in both Art and Therapy. Her overall goal is mental wellness and how she can add the art component and her passions to help others achieve their goals.
Anaiah Rodriguez
NAHER Student Emissary
Email: rodriga2@crc.losrios.edu
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Tribal Community: Potawatomi, Sac and Fox
Bio: My name is Anaiah Rodriguez, I’m the student emissary for the Native American Higher Education Resources Center. I am currently enrolled at Cosumnes River College and I am majoring in Psychology. In the future I hope to pursue a career as a school counselor or as a children’s therapist. In the meantime I am happy to be able to help students find resources and help navigate their way through college.
Dr. Crystal Martinez-Alire
NAHER Counselor
Email: martinc2@crc.losrios.edu
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Tribal Community: Enrolled, Ione Band of Miwok
Bio: Dr. Crystal Martinez-Alire (Enrolled, Ione Band of Miwok) served as a former Chairwoman of the tribe. She most recently holds a counseling/faculty position here a Cosumnes River College. Her professional experience includes working within the Native American Studies Department at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Martinez-Alire was a previous trustee for the Elk Grove Unified School District and grew up as a traditional Miwok dancer. She also served as a Director-at-large, American Indian to the California School Board Association (CSBA). She has received her doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Sacramento and conducted research on tribal leadership and education, obtained her Masters in career and school counseling & bachelor's degree in communication studies. She also participates and serves on the Sacramento Native American Higher Education Collaborative committee and works as a consultant for the California Community College Chancellor’s office helping to support (NASSSP).