ABOUT US

Red Feather partners with Indigenous communities to develop and implement lasting and impactful housing solutions.

​We are currently serving the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation.

A world where healthy and safe housing is available to all and we are inspired to work collectively to create self-sustaining communities honoring indigenous values.

OUR VALUES

Meet Our Team

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Red Feather Development Group Board of Directors provides the direction and oversight needed to ensure the continued growth and success of the Red Feather mission while maintaining the fiduciary and governance oversight to protect the interest of the organization's donors. Each board member volunteers their time and talent to Red Feather and participates on a sub-committee.  

Join our Board of Directors!

Click here for application and details

BOARD PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
​FIRST NATIONS OWEESTA, CO

Chrystel Cornelius

​Ms. Cornelius is the founder of the nation's pre-eminent native CDFI, with  over 23 years of experience working in the Native economic development field.  She is an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians located in North Dakota. 

Kenneth Myers
​Board Member, Lead Faculty, Coconino Community College

BOARD VICE PRESIDENT &
​FORMER RED FEATHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mark Hall

Mark Hall led Red Feather as the ED for years, passionately developing the organization's home repair programs and expanding work with the tribes of Arizona and the Southwest. He continues to guide the organization as the Board Vice President, providing oversight and strategic direction. 

Eunice Begay
​​Board Member, Senior Program & Projects Specialist, Navajo Nation

RED FEATHER STAFF

Joe Seidenberg
​Executive Director

Joe is responsible for hiring and managing the staff, managing the finances, and working with staff, board, and partners in developing and evaluating programs to ensure the overall sustainability of Red Feather.  He has a deep passion for work that helps improve the lives of others and contributes to a more compassionate world. In his spare time he is a devoted father and husband, who enjoys being in wild places, eating delicious foods, and pursuing athletic endeavors.

Natasha Begay, MBA
Program Manager

Natasha is Dine and her clans are Bįįh bitoodnii, Tábąąhá, Naasht'ézhi dine'é Tábąąhá  , and Honághááhnii. She grew up in Coppermine, Arizona, and now lives in Flagstaff, Arizona. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Graduate Human Resource Management Certificate (G-HRM) from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and Marketing from Fort Lewis College.
With over 14 years of experience working for non-profits and healthcare corporations in Phoenix, Santa Fe, and Tuba City, she has managed companies, conducted business analyses, and coordinated programs. Her recent professional experience includes managing and developing a radiation exposure program for the Western Navajo Nation under the Human Resource and Service Administration. Natasha developed a strong sense of dedication to the nonprofit sector while working for Native American Connections nearly 13 years ago. With these experiences, she gained a deeper understanding of how nonprofit organizations seek to improve the quality of life for indigenous communities. It is a pleasure for her to participate in various projects for assessing community needs and creating self-sustaining communities.
During her free time, she enjoys fishing, camping, hiking, and traveling with her family.​

Monica Polingyouma
Administrative Program Coordinator

My name is Monica Polingyouma. I am Hopi from the Village of Hotevilla, I currently live in Flagstaff, AZ, graduated from Coconino Community College, in Business Administration. I hope to one day continue my education. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling to visit my two daughters, fixing puzzles, and going to the gym to dance with the Zumba family. 

Tyler Puente (Diné), MA
​Program Admin Coordinator

​Yá'át'ééh and Loloma to all. Here at Red Feather Group, Tyler is delighted to be of support to assist the people from Diné and Hopi Communities who seek support forgoing the process.  His introduction into Indigenous Services began as an administrative intern for USDA Land Grant Programs in Santa Fe, NM, servicing Northern New Mexico’s Pueblo communities seeking to become agriculturally and economically self-sufficient. Thereafter, his involvement with Indigenous Services continued promoting the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act for Diné rural communities in conjunction with the Navajo Dept of Health. Eating tasty food and partaking in outdoor recreation is an interest of his apart from the actual work. He is a recent Graduate via Massey University’s Maori Arts Program in Visual Art - Indigenous Studies Program. Ahéhee, kwakwhay 

Michele "Micki" Honanie
Program Coordinator

Greetings! My name is Michele Honanie, I am a Hopi from the Village of Kykotsmovi. My clan is Sun and I am the Hopi Community Coordinator. I am an only child that was raised in a military family the first 12 years of my life. Living on different army bases throughout the U.S. and twice in Germany. Upon my return to the states I graduated from Winslow High School and later received my AA in Legal Administration.
My experience of 8 years working in the Housing Sector being a Case manager, Property manager and Low Income Housing Tax Credit Specialist for Native American Connections, has provided me the experience working with families in the housing industry. That along with my 15 plus years of working as the Hopi Tribe's Realty Specialist, I have gained a wealth of knowledge that will allow me to provide our clients with the best customer service by building the bridge between housing resources and my fellow Hopi’s.
My passion for my work comes from motivation and desire to give back to my community. I currently sit as an active Board Member for the Kykotsmovi Board of Directors. Love being with extended family during ceremonial events and helping when needed. I have two children who have blessed me with four (4) wonderful grandchildren who keep me busy with their sports. Im very spontaneous, love sunflowers and love to travel while listening to Fleetwood Mac, CCR and Santana. May good things come to you all!

Roy Lee Hosteen
​Program Coordinator 

Roy grew up working in his family’s home construction business through his teenage years.  After attending college he went on to have a 33 year career in the mining industry working across multiple disciplines including graphite draftsman, statistician, surveyor, computer analyst, site project representative, budget coordinator, and project manager.  Since retirement, Roy has taught himself lapidary and silversmith arts.  He is fluent in Navajo and English.    He has a passion for hearing stories of his elders and enjoying their laughter when humor is exchanged in Navajo.   

Georlinda Tsosie, BA
​Program Manager

Georlinda is Navajo and her clans are Mą'ii deeshgiizhinii, Tábąąhá,  Ta'neeszahnii, and T ł 'ízí lání. She is originally from Burnt Corn Valley, Arizona and currently lives in Flagstaff, Arizona with her daughter Mylianne. She graduated from Diné College with degrees in Office Administration and Business Administration. Her current goal is to complete a Master's Degree at Grand Canyon University. Georlinda is currently the Interim NHRN Manager, she oversees the Program administrative staff, NHRN healthy home resource management, educational program design and implementation, and community outreach initiatives.  Her work and experience revolve around making a change in people's lives within Native American communities. Every chance she gets, she loves to help and give back by volunteering to develop a healthy community. During her free time, she likes to listen to music, spend time with my family, and run and hike with her daughter.

Duane Tsinigine
​​Program Coordinator 

Duane is a member of the Navajo Nation from Tuba City, Arizona. Originally from Bodaway/The Gap, he graduated from Highland High School, Bakersfield, CA in 1983.  He attended Brigham Young University where he was active with the Cougar Marching Band and was a journalist with the Eagle's Eye student newspaper.  He then entered a career in the Navajo Legislature, working in Window Rock until 2017. From 2018-2020 he served as the KELC Director for the Kaibab Paiute Tribe. 
He loves outdoor beach volleyball, basketball, tennis & hiking. Current goals are to complete a Master's in Public Relations and travel the global south. 

Alex Torgler
​Program Coordinator

Alex came to Red Feather in 2023 after graduating from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelors of Science in Sustainability and Global Solutions and participating in the much beloved Grand Canyon Semester (GCS) with NAU Honors College. His love of the Southwest has only grown since moving to Flagstaff in 2018 from Evergreen, CO. Alex cherishes the work Red Feather pursues and is ambitious to provide more opportunities for all people across Arizona and New Mexico. Within Red Feather Alex helps strengthen the firewood and healthy heating programs, solutions for businesses programs and volunteer projects. In his free time, Alex likes to explore the beautiful and vast variety of adventures the Southwest has to offer with his dog, Astro Boy.

Edward Sammer Hweimel 
​Special Projects Assistant

​Edward is a first-generation American and college student pursuing a Master’s degree at Northern Arizona University. He is deeply passionate about health inequities among different communities, which is the main focus of his Master’s research. Edward has a variety of professional experiences ranging from bartending to environmental research and enjoys using his skills to give back to communities. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, he enjoys learning about and working in desert landscapes. He hopes to travel and further his education in the future. When not working or studying, Edward likes to write, create mixed-media art, and walk in the sun. 

Tavanne Sousa, MBA
Development Manager

As someone raised in a military family, I've had the privilege of traversing diverse landscapes and immersing myself in countless cultures—a facet of traveling that I cherish deeply. My journey took me to the Peace Corps in South America, where I collaborated with indigenous communities to address health disparities by engaging in community outreach programs and events. With a BA in Liberal Studies and currently pursuing an MBA at Northern Arizona University, I have dedicated my career to focus on the social determinants of health in underserved populations, a realm I am deeply passionate about. My focus is on promoting health equity and making a meaningful impact. Non-profits resonate with me on a personal level; they embody the values I hold dear and the principles I live by. Beyond my professional endeavors, I find solace and joy in the company of my daughter, who seems to grow too quickly for my liking. Together, we share a love for travel, painting, and cherished moments with family and friends.