Shelly is a citizen of The Cherokee Nation and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, Oklahoma. Shelly comes to AISES with a wealth of knowledge, having worked in the Higher Education field for the past 20 years where she assisted thousands of students meet their educational goals. Her role in Higher Education began at Northeastern State University as a student financial counselor and prior to leaving the University Shelly directed the Native American Support Center (NASNTI Grant) on campus. She considers her time at the Native American Support Center a highlight of her career, under her leadership her team was able to build a lifelong community of peer-to-peer mentorship among those students served.

Recruited by her tribe in 2021, Shelly developed a holistic student support services center. While serving the Cherokee Nation Education Dept. she assisted regional colleges and universities strengthen their Native American Support systems for Native students. Her efforts within the tribe focused on developing impactful and culturally sustaining programming. As a grant writer, with a 100% award rate she also sought out supplemental funding sources for Cherokee Nations Education department to assist in building capacity, strengthening resources, and increasing opportunity for Cherokee students. Shelly sat on many panels over the years regarding the attainment and retention of Native American students within Higher Education as well as presented at numerous gatherings, she also served as an active board member for the Oklahoma Council for Indian Education from 2019 to 2022.

As the Director of Chapter Engagement, she aims to develop partnerships for increased opportunities and programming for our chapters. Shelly will work alongside the Chapter Engagement team to strengthen and grow engagement between fellow chapters, AISES, and partners. She stands firm in her commitment to ensure Indigenous students have increased opportunities for growth and leadership development within STEM fields.

In her free time, she is an artist who loves to create out of natural products such as wood, leather, reed, clay, and textiles. Shelly loves gathering and laughing with her amazing family, which includes friends and former students. She is the proud mother of Kas and has the keenest, most beautiful granddaughter Ry.