Kelley carries within her a lineage of the Cherokee Nation, intertwined with Irish and Scottish roots – a vibrant tapestry she wears with a strong sense of self. “I’m Native; I’m sunshine. I’m all kinds of sunshine,” a declaration not of defiance but of profound knowing. It’s a truth that requires no external validation. Her journey, a testament to resilience, spans 18 years as a social worker, a path paved with compassion and a deep and personal understanding of human struggle . Now, at WashU, she forges ahead as a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Social Work, along with two master’s degrees in social work and public health. Kelley’s research is a beacon, illuminating culturally shaped interventions for Native populations grappling with substance use and suicidal ideations and behaviors. She explores harm reduction, the profound impact of climate change on Indigenous mental health, and the crucial need for equitable access to quality mental and physical health care . During Kelley...