Meet our Staff Members
Tanya Hébert
Executive Director (Firestarter)
Hello, my name is Tanya Hébert and I was born and raised in Minnesota. I graduated from college in the University of Wisconsin system and began working with domestic violence prevention and education. During my college years I discovered running and actually did my first run in a pair of winter boots in below zero January weather. Moving to New Mexico over 25 years ago was a delight and I have never run in any weather below 30 degrees since! I enjoy all the outdoor sports New Mexico has to offer – trail running, hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing.
I have been a part of a number of for-profit and nonprofit companies, most recently serving as the President of the Board of Directors for Family Services for Children for 5 years. I discovered NHI through the Running Medicine Program and as I learned about all the other work NHI does, I knew I wanted to continue to be involved. I come to NHI with an understanding of all levels of the nonprofit organization – from volunteer to staff to executive and Board levels.
It is truly an honor for me to lead Native Health Initiative as the Executive Director.
Jessica Begay
RM Program Manager
Ya’at’eeh! My name is Jessica Begay. I am originally from Fort Defiance, AZ but have resided in Albuquerque since 2011. By day I am in full time academic research with UNM’s College of Pharmacy, and by night I will be joining Running Medicine as the new Program Manager.
Much of my professional experience comes from my day-time research translation and community engagement duties and I am very excited (and a bit nervous!) to help usher Running Medicine into a new era of movement and healing for all communities. I have been runner most of my life, but took a short hiatus due to “couch-itis,” but I am happy to say that I am back at it.
In my free time, I enjoy basketball, the outdoors, music, arts, and Jeeping—and, I consider Disney karaoke appropriate in both my busy and free times. I look forward to meeting and getting to know everyone and hear your stories and exchange new ideas!
Roderick Lansing
RM 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!
Chavez Holiday
RM Youth Coordinator
Hi, my name is Chavez Holiday. I was born in Monument Valley, Utah. I graduated from Monument Valley High School in Kayenta, Arizona and came to Albuquerque to attend SIPI in 2000. I currently live in Rio Rancho with my wife Shannon Holiday and my three kids Shalayna, Carianna and Chantz. I ran cross country and track all my school years and continued running in college under Coach Mike Daney in Albuquerque. I was All-State & All Region in High School and National Champs in Junior College for SIPI.
I enjoy coaching youth cross country, track & field and basketball because I love to see kids elevate to new levels and accomplish goals. I am a Union Electrician and work in the state of New Mexico (LU 611). I enjoy running trails, trail races and any type of outdoor activity (camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, etc).
Running Medicine has been a blessing to me and my family. It is an honor to coach for RM and also take on the position as a Youth Coordinator. I truly believe that running is medicine to the mind/body and leads to a healthy lifestyle.
Jules Mccabe
Associate Director (Firekeeper)
Yá’át’ééh, shi éí Jules McCabe yinishyé. Kin łichii’nii nishłį́, Naakai bashishchiin. Tábąąhá dashicheii, Tódích’íí’nii dashinalí.
Hello, my name is Jules McCabe. I am of the Red House Clan, born for the Mexican clan. My maternal grandfather is of the Waters Edge Clan, and my paternal grandfather is of the Bitter Water Clan.
I have been involved with NHI since my undergrad at UNM and have found myself a new home here in Albuquerque. I am the Associate Director for the Native Health Initiative and have been enjoying learning, teaching, and immersing myself in loving service! I hope to continue being a part of this beautiful organization and serving our community with love, humility, and gratitude.
Alicia Lopez
Outreach Coordinator & RM Logistics Coordinator
Hola! My name is Alicia Lopez. I was born in the small town of La Junta Colorado and raised in Albuquerque since age 5. After graduating from West Mesa High School I went to college in San Antonio Texas where I met my husband Edgar who I share 2 children Bethany and Ezekiel with. I look forward to all the ways I will be able to continue serving and connecting with our community in these roles.
Karen Luo
Communication Director (Storyteller)
Hello! My name is Karen Luo. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am an avid outdoor enthusiast, be it hiking, hunting, or even gardening. I have a range of hobbies including leatherworking, quilting, fishing, painting, and more.
I was involved in Native Health Initiative during my high school years into college and am now returning to the NHI community as the Storyteller. I’m incredibly excited to be back and hope to serve the community the best I can.
Michael Daney
Head of Sports Warrior Track Club
College Educator of Health, Fitness, & Wellness for over 30 years. Collegiate and Post-Collegiate Running coach for over 30 years.
Justin Kerstetter
Running Medicine Outreach Coordinator
Shekóli! Hello my name is Justin Kerstetter, and I am Turtle Clan of Wisconsin Oneida. I have grown up in the Albuquerque Area and have been running since I was thirteen years old. I started as the Running Medicine Outreach Coordinator in February 2024, so it my job to work with the RM communities outside of Albuquerque. Working with RM and Indigenous communities other than my own is a blessing and I’m glad to bring the gift that is running to others.
Besides working for Running Medicine, I am a writer and Master’s student at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, a track coach for the Bosque School, and I enjoy reading, spending time with my dogs, and watching movies.