Meet our Staff Members
Lesley Meyer
Executive Director (Firestarter)
Hello, my name is Lesley Meyer and I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I received my bachelors and MBA from UNM, but am so thankful to have found myself in a health education setting. It has grown to be my passion and I’m thankful I get to continue that journey now with NHI.
My background includes a decade of serving in NM Indigenous Communities from a health education perspective within various areas like commercial tobacco, diabetes prevention, food sovereignty, and social determinants of health. I have had the opportunity to work for both for-profit and non-profit organizations including serving as Community Health Program Manager for a Native-owned small business, and as both Chair of the statewide coalition, the New Mexico Allied Council on Tobacco, and Communications and Marketing lead for the New Mexico Chronic Disease Prevention Council.
In my free time I enjoy baking, playing volleyball, reading, and spending days with my husband and two young sons. It is truly an honor for me to lead Native Health Initiative as the Executive Director. I look forward to serving and being a part of the wonderful NHI community.
Roderick Lansing
Running Medicine Associate Coordinator
Hello, my name is Rod Lansing. I am Navajo from Sanostee, NM. Currently, I am one of the coordinators for NHI’s Running Medicine program. I have enjoyed transitioning from a RM member to a RM coach and then to this position. I have been running since middle school and enjoy the “medicine” that movement provides to me mentally, physically, and spiritually.
My family and I enjoy coming to this wellness community and have been blessed to meet numerous families to move with. I invite you and your family to our next RM celebration to see what this community can provide for you. See you soon. Run Happy!
Shannon Clark-Holiday
Másanís Massage Program Manager
shannonholiday@lovingservice.us
Camille Waconda-Smith
Running Medicine Program Manager
camille@lovingservice.us
My family comes from Paguate and Casa Blanca, which are part of Laguna Pueblo, and also from Isleta Pueblo. I serve as the Program Manager for the Native Health Initiative, supporting community-driven programs that advance health equity through Loving Service. Deeply committed to the wellness of all and the strength of community, I focus on ensuring every person, especially youth, is heard and seen. Alongside raising and homeschooling my family, I serve as a co-op teacher and sit on the board of the Bernalillo County 4-H Fair Board as the treasurer. Through my business, Dreaming Crafts, I also bring paint kit workshops to tribal communities to support relaxation, mental clarity, and happiness. I work to strengthen culturally grounded wellness initiatives and create inclusive spaces that honor Indigenous knowledge and collective care.
“When we take the time to truly see and support one another, we create a stronger, healthier community for all.”
Barbara Gutierrez
Healers of Tomorrow Program Manager
barbara@lovingservice.us
Ya’at’eeh! My name is Barbara Gutierrez, and I serve as the Program Manager for the Healers of Tomorrow (HOT) program. I’m Diné and have lived most of my life in Albuquerque, NM, though I spent many summers in Ganado, AZ, where my family is from. I’ve been involved with HOT and the Native Health Initiative for over two years, supporting Indigenous and minority high school students through mentorship and culturally informed health education. I graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Emergency Medical Services, and I plan to pursue medical school and a Master of Public Health to continue serving Native communities through clinical care and health policy.
Maya HeNA
Running Medicine Youth Coordinator
RMYC@lovingservice.us
My name is Maya Hena, the Youth Coordinator for Running Medicine. I am a member of Tesuque Pueblo, with my father being Tesuque and Zuni and my mother being Hopi, Ohkay Owingeh, and Irish.
As the Youth Coordinator for Running Medicine, my goal is to bring a lot of good energy and fun to our team. I want our youth to see growth in themselves, whether that’s through faster times or through a more positive outlook on life. I truly love the community we’re building here and I’m so excited to help continue its growth and welcoming spirit.
My professional background includes work as a digital marketing contractor, a role I pursued after earning my MBA from the University of New Mexico. I also enjoy the dynamic and community environment of working as a barista. Outside of my professional and coaching life, you can find me running, hiking, or backpacking in nature; or spending time at home in Tesuque with my family.
Yanibaa Johnson
HOT Program Coordinator
yanibaa@lovingservice.us
Jasmine (Jazz) Paquin
Running Medicine Logistics Coordinator
jasmine@lovingservice.us
Yá’át’ẻéh. Kinyaa’áanii nishłị. Naho’Deeshgiizhnii (Jemez Pueblo) báshishchíín. Tł’ízí’ Łání dashicheii. Tołání Dine’é (Laguna Pueblo) dashináli. Shi éí Jasmine Paquin yinishyé.
Hello! My name is Jasmine Paquin. I am Towering House People, born for Jemez Pueblo. My maternal grandfather is Many Goats People, and my paternal grandfather is Laguna, Acoma, and Zuni Pueblo. I am a member of the Navajo Nation, but also rely on my relatives and their teachings from Jemez Pueblo. My maternal family is originally from Houck, AZ, and my paternal family is from Jemez Pueblo. I was born and briefly raised in Albuquerque, NM, then grew up in Chinle, AZ. However, I have lived in New Mexico for 10 years. I graduated from New Mexico State University in 2019. My partner, Malcolm, and I have 3 daughters, a middle schooler and preschool-aged twins.
I have been affiliated with Running Medicine since early 2023. I volunteered as a youth coach for 3 seasons, then led the Little Pacers group for a season. I have been grateful for the Running Medicine community over the years, as it created a friendly and supportive space for me and my family to branch out into the community and build solid friendships. I hope my role as the Logistics Coordinator will continue to support all RMers of all levels. On my personal time, you’ll find me spending time with my family, training for my next race, or at a local art market with my handmade crafts.