Maisie Herman

While attending Oglala Lakota College, my professor Paul Roberston informed the class of the Washington University in St. Louis, Social Work Program as a graduate school option. Paul indicated he wrote a recommendation letter for anther student who was currently in the program (Sheralda Mendoza). Paul encouraged students to look into the
program and suggested I speak with Monique Giago who recently graduated from the program. From this point on, the George Warren Brown School of Social Work was a main interest for me. I enjoyed reading about the program and all it had to offer. It was a
goal to attend Washington University in St. Louis to complete graduate school.

While working in Phoenix, AZ, for the National Institutes of Health, I was strongly supported and encouraged to begin my graduate school journey, leading me on a path to the Brown School.

Currently, I serve the senior and adults with disabilities population at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC). I provide case management services to this vulnerable population with the intent to strengthen the community and preserve the culture by supporting the seniors in the aging process.

As Indigenous people we have the belief to protect and care for our elders, as they are the holders of knowledge from our ancestors. I enjoy serving the SRPMIC because of the impact I leave with the senior population, which aligns with the Buder Center vision.

Increasing academic knowledge as a MSW is a lifelong learning process, which encompasses keeping up to date on the advancement of the profession and the ever-changing environment. As we know many of our AI/AN communities are plagued with numerous issues such as homelessness, many forms of abuse, substance use, lack of access and/or adequate mental health and health care, and lack of resources.

A personal goal of mine is to equip Indian Country with as many Social Workers as possible to assist AI/AN people to be able to thrive and continue to grow. The demand through out Indian Country is great, and the Brown School is leading the way in filling the need.

There have been many special people in my life who have assisted me in completing my graduate studies. I feel it is my duty to reciprocate the same to all AI/AN individuals who are interested in the social work field and higher education.

The Buder Center Staff have been amazing along with professors like Dr. Patterson and Dr. Amy Hertel. This includes the PhD students Jessica Black, Shanondora Billiot and Jill Kuhlberg who assisted me in remaining successful. I cannot forget the local alums Willeen Whipple and Tawna Harrison Weerts and other community alumni who have gave their support and resources. There have been special get togethers such as dinner with Dean Lawlor and dinner at Dr. Patterson’s home. Stephanie Kettler Gutierrez has been of immense support and encouragement. Each person along my path has assisted
me in a unique way to complete my MSW and come out stronger than ever.

Learning from my fellow Buder students both present and past has strengthened my perspective and enhanced my knowledge. Each Buder student has something distinctive which assisted me in flourishing and learning on many levels including intellectually, socially, and traditionally. The amazing experience I had at Wash U and being part of the Buder Center provided me with the education and tools to serve and sustain Indian Country and our future generations.