Circle of Healing Council (Board) Members
Teresa Madrid
President
Teresa Madrid is the Director of Programs and Organizational Learning for Partnership for Community Action (PCA) in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Teresa has over 12 years of experience in informal education and pathway program development, community engagement and evaluation. She is passionate about community and family responsive engagement.
As a first generation college graduate in her family, Teresa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of New Mexico and a Master’s Degree in Public Health & Certificate in Health Policy from the University of Washington- Seattle. Teresa was born and raised in Santa Fe, NM and has lived in Albuquerque over the past 20 years. She has a son and daughter, who she spends most of her free time with family in Northern New Mexico and Albuquerque.
Brian Curley
Brian R. Curley is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation where he was born and raised. Originally from Shiprock, New Mexico, Brian grew up in Window Rock, Arizona which is the capital of the Navajo Nation. Brian is a graduate of Window Rock High School located in Fort Defiance, Arizona.
Brian earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Journalism in 2006 and his Master of
Public Administration in 2010, both from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM. In 2011 Brian began working in the nonprofit sector as a Program Manager for a homeless outreach program with First Nations Community HealthSource in Southeast Albuquerque.
Through his community work, Brian was inspired to apply to law school. Accepted into a southern California law school, Brian relocated in 2014 to the Los Angeles area. In 2017 Brian graduated with his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of La Verne College of Law in La Verne, California.
Brian is a member of the American Indian Bar Association of New Mexico and the New Mexico LGBTQ Bar Association. On his free time Brian enjoys participating and dancing in Native American pow-wows, working out in the gym, and spending time with family/relatives and friends.
Brian is a practicing attorney and works with a local law firm. Brian has a passion to advocate for people and he holds dear the virtues of social justice and equality. Brian is motivated by seeking justice for others and is dedicated to working for fair and equitable outcomes.
Anthony Fleg
Anthony Fleg is a healer who believes in the power of art and word to heal. Originally from Baltimore, Anthony grounds his healing work in antiracism, decolonization, movement, and a focus on strengths and holistic health.
He is a co-founder of the Native Health Initiative (NHI), and served as the Co-Partnership Director 2005-2022. In addition, he has dedicated much of his career to improving health in Indigenous communities.
He is a proud father of 4 children, an avid runner, and recently wrote his first book, Writing to Heal – A Pandemic Journey to Healing.
Shannon Fleg
Secretary/Treasurer
Yá’át’eeh shik’éí.Shíéí Naadáá Łigai Naasht’ézhi Tábaahi nishłí, Kinyaa’áanii báshishchíín, Naakai Dine’é dashicheii, dóó Tsi’naajini eí dashinalí. Akot’êgo Diné asdzáán nizhłi. Greetings of well-being my relatives. I am Diné of the White Corn Zuni-Edgewater Clan born for Towering House Clan, Mexican Clan are my maternal grandfathers, and Blackstreak wood are my paternal grandfathers. I reside in Albuquerque, New Mexico and am originally from Moenave, Arizona (near Tuba City, Arizona). I am a mother to four beautiful growing children, and wife to an amazing, supportive husband. I love family time, running, exploring Mother Earth, writing, reading, gardening, and supporting others with Indigenous traditional ways.
For the past 20 years, I have been involved in grassroots, community, and non-profit organization work. I love working with, for, and at the guidance of the community. I have been a public health educator, facilitator, program planner, and cultural specialist working in the areas of health equity, health disparities, and issues/concerns of the Native American Indian/Indigenous populations.
About 18 years ago, I co-founded the Native Health Initiative, a love-grounded organization that is rooted in loving service (human-to-human element of wanting to serve others) to bring about health equity, meaningful health partnerships, honoring and respecting the traditional ways of Native/Indigenous individuals, families, and communities. As a former co-partnership director, I created health opportunities for youth, elders, health professions students, and families with scholarship, youth health programs, tobacco prevention with a cultural perspective, and community asset mapping.
I am honored to be a co-founder of the Native Health Initiative, now serving as a Circle of Healing Council (Board) Treasurer. I also serve as health consultant to support and advance health diversity, equity, and inclusion with an emphasis on understanding Indigenous/Native
American Indian perspective. Currently, I work with the Changing Woman Initiative as their Community Engagement Director.
Tonya Covington
Tonya Covington was born in Washington, D.C. into an Air Force family. At the age of three her family landed in Morocco, North Africa where she learned to speak three languages. A lifelong fascination with different cultures and languages ensued.
Tonya’s family was transferred to Clovis in 1969 and thus began a lifelong love of all things New Mexican. Searching for a way to be of service to her community Tonya was trained in Mediation and Anti-racism techniques.
Tonya continued to hone this unique combination of skills making her an expert on cross-cultural relations and peacemaking. Along the way, Tonya also became a certified Community Health Worker helping the community with issues surrounding diabetes. She also chaired the committee to establish a New Mexico Black History Museum.
Tonya has been using these skills as a dedicated community activist, community resource and consultant. Tonya has always enjoyed working with young people and has mentored many in the community.
Over three decades of community service and still going strong.
