Cortney Yarholar received his Bachelor of Arts & Science in Native American Studies from the University of Oklahoma in 2003 and went on to attend the Brown School where he graduated with a Master of Social Work (Individualized Concentration) in 2006. Since graduating with his MSW, Cortney has held several positions, each focused in program development, technical assistance and consultation, and tribal capacity‐building. During his tenure as the Program Manager for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Tribal Youth Training and Technical Assistance Center, Cortney served as a Field instructor for a SAGE Recipient and Buder Scholar. For Cortney, “It has been an honor and blessing to be able to support colleagues in their journeys. I take a life learner approach in my personal and professional journey and have learned from serving as a practicum supervisor as well as learned from those I supervised in practicum experiences.”
Cortney has since founded Evergreen Training & Development, LLC where he focuses on “providing professional development training, coaching and facilitation with community and tribal youth serving initiatives.” Additionally, Cortney is the Director of Organizational Development with the Boys and Girls Club of America with the Native Service Unit. His advice for students seeking a practicum in Indian Country is to, “Have an open mind, growth mindset and be a lifelong learner. Although an organizational mission may not always align with the kind of impact you are striving for there are always lessons to learn and transferable skills that will add to your skill sets.”