Maxine Christina Sigala Strong Life Ways Woman Curriculum Vitae

Sigala-Vitae

Maxine Christina Sigala – Strong Life Ways Woman
Curriculum Vitae

Part-Time Professor

Department of Chicana/o Studies

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Campus Box 41, P.O. Box 173362

Denver, CO, 80217-3362

(720) 505-1084 Cell Phone – Email:

Education & Licensure:

University of Colorado Denver, Doctor of Education (EdD) Leadership for Educational Equity -Latin@ Learners & Communities Concentration, Summer 2017

Colorado State University: Completed Courses, 2008

EDUC 714-Education Policy Analysis-Grade = A

EDUC 713-Teaching, Professional Development-Grade = A-

EDUC 709- Leadership Development-Grade = A

Iliff School of Theology, 2002, Masters of Arts in Religion: Justice-Peace Studies
University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, 2000, Masters of Social Work
Metropolitan State University of Denver, 1996, Bachelor of Science: Human Services
Registered Psychotherapist - Colorado Dept. of Regulatory Agencies – # NLC 0007009
Connecting Research and Researchers – ORCID #

University Teaching: 2002-2017, Native American, Chicana/o, Social Work, Human Services:

Part-Time Professor, 2005-2017, Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU)

Courses: Introduction to Chicana/o Studies – Blackboard – Designed On-Line Courses

Assistant Professor Human Services, 2010-2011, Community College of Denver (CCD)

Courses: Intro Human Services, Intro Social Welfare, Ethnic/Social Issues in Human Services, Mental Health Therapeutic Systems, Public Speaking, and Academic Advisor to underserved students who identify as: GLBTQTS, Latina/o, Native American.

Adjunct Faculty, 2003-2004, Metropolitan State University of Denver

Courses: Social Work On-Line: Human Behavior Social Environment 1 & 2

Part-Time Professor, 2002-2004, Metropolitan State University of Denver

Courses: Introduction to American Indian Studies

Professional Experience:

Social Worker, Annunciation Catholic School, Denver, CO, 2013–2016

Provided Supportive Services

Social-emotional counseling for students, faculty and parents
Assisted parents identify learning strategies to support positive academic growth. Conducted assessments with school staff and community providers
Worked with staff to develop and implement behavior management plans
Developed the framework and implemented a school social work program that included parenting, bullying and nutrition groups.
Field Intern Supervisor: DU GSSW & MSU Denver

Interim Associate Director, MSU Institute for Women’s Studies and Services, Denver, CO, 2004-2007 - Worked with Dr. Jodi Wetzel, Scholar of Women Studies/Foundress MSU IWSS

Developed and administered all non-credit Women’s Studies programs to recruit and retain an inclusive student community.

Provided Individual Meetings and Workshops on:

Anxiety, substance abuse, gender/sexual identity,
Self-care, career development-job readiness skills,
Coping strategies for job stressors and professors,
Relationship violence, academic counseling and scholarships search,
Counseling, housing, child-care, child-support, legal assistance
Field Intern Supervisor: University of Denver: GSSW
Collaborated with MSU Office of Equal Opportunity (EOO) when a student had a challenge that often resulted in a positive out-come
Oversaw a Program Budget of 25K for student programming
Wrote Diversity Initiative Grants-developed/implement student events.

Clinical Therapist, Mile High Council-Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Denver, CO, 2002-2004

Worked with Dr. Ruby Martinez, Professor Emeritus, Miracles Program

Conducted mental health assessments and treatment plans for clients
Case Load of 75 clients some diagnosed with mental health disorders;
Generalized Anxiety, Attention-Deficit-Disorder (ADD),
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Conduct Disorder,
Dual-Diagnosed disorders = Mental Health and Substance abuse
Reported & updated client’s treatment plans to Denver Probation
Successfully developed and implemented the Native American Talking Circle Program for clients as an Indigenous Therapeutic support system.
Field Intern Supervisor Community College of Denver Human Services

Professional Experience Continued:

Program Manager, The Spot-At Risk Youth Center (14-24yrs), Denver, CO, 1999-2002

Responsible for hiring and termination of employees and volunteers, and provided counseling and supportive services for marginalized youth identified as Native American, GLBT, African American and Latina/o’s in learning life/jobs skills: GED, Music, CISCO Certification. Outreach to marginalized communities. Field Intern Supervisor for DU GSSW

Case Manager Welfare-Work Program, Servicios De La Raza, Inc. Denver, CO, 1997-1999

Federal Grant collaboration with Denver Welfare Department to provide supportive services including: employment, housing, counseling, education, health, child-care for women on Welfare. Served primarily Latina, Native American women; some who identified as Lesbian or Transgendered. Worked with probation and case managers at Welfare and Denver Court to update progress of clients and inform on individualized treatment plans.

Service to Metropolitan State University (MSU):

MSU: Equity-Minded Pedagogy Series: Starting Your Spring Semester with an Equity-Minded Lens, Collen Toomey, Dr. Mark Koester, Oct 2016

Martin Luther King Peace Award Committee, Fall, 2016

Native Grad Ceremony: UCD & MSU, Volunteer: Honoring Graduates/Sweet Grass, 2016

National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies Conference, Co-Chair Community Awards Committee, Developed and implemented Community Awards criteria and oversaw process and presentation, 2016

Chair Chicana/o Studies: El Dia de Los Muertos, 2014, 2015

Chair Annual Lalo Delgado Poetry Festival, 2007 to 2016

Quantitative and Qualitative Reviewer and Grader of Artifacts, 2015, 2016

JTOH-Indigenous History, Mentor for Native American, Latina/o, African students, 2006-2016

Emcee (Peace Celebrant), Martin Luther King Committee Honoring Mayor Webb, 2007

Martin Luther King Peace Award Committee Member, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011

Chicana/o Studies Department Representative: MSU Open House, 2007 to 2015

Chair Dolores Huerta, Scholar/Elder of the Civil Rights Movement, Seminar, 2010

Curriculum Committee Member: Chicana/o Studies Department: 2010, 2011, 2012

Chair: Dr. Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart: Seminar-Indigenous Historical Trauma, 2009

Chair: Seminar: Dance of the Flower Medicine: Indigenous Traditional Health Symposium, 2009

Faculty Advisor: Society for Native Americans/ Chicano’s Science, 2009

Co-Chair: Wise Women of the Southwest: Return of the Corn Mother, 2008, 2009

Latina/o Administrative and Faculty Association Member, 2008 to 2012

Co-Chair: The Richard T. Castro Distinguished Visiting Professorship, 2006, 2007, 2008

Grant Writing Experience - MSU President’s Diversity Initiatives Program: http://www.mscd.edu/president/diversity/initiatives.shtml

Chicana/o Studies: Annual Lalo Delgado Poetry Festival, 2007 to 2017 ($50,000)

Chicana/o Studies: El Dia De Los Muertos Program, 2009, 2014, 2015 ($1,800, $2,500)

Dolores Huerta Civil Rights Leader 80th Birthday Symposium, 2010 ($3,700)

Chicana/o Studies: Native Month: Dr. Yellow Horse-Brave-Heart: Indigenous Peoples of America: Historical Trauma and Unresolved Grief, 2009 ($5,000)

The Dance of the Flower Medicine: Mexican/Chicano Health, 2009 ($3,000)

Wise Woman of the South West: Return of the Corn Mothers, 2009 ($5,000)

Women’s Studies: Indigenous Scholar, Elena Avila, RN, MSN, Curandera, 2008, 2009 ($5,000)

Richard T. Castro Visiting Professorship, Co-Chair and Committee Member, 2006 ($10,000)

Women’s Studies: Dr. Maria Yellow Horse: Historical Grief & Trauma, 2003, 2012 ($5,000)

Civic Community Committees & Volunteer Opportunities:

Café Cultura: Indigenous Poetry Collective, Board Member, Oct 2016-17

Community Resource Center -Seminar: Board Leadership Nonprofits, 12/2016

American GI Forum Member, Denver, CO, 2008 to 2017

Annunciation Catholic School Eloy Golf Tournament, Volunteer-City Park, Denver, CO, 2016

MSU Alumni Association Volunteer, Denver, CO, 2009 to 2014

Denver Mayoral Appointment to the Women’s Commission, 2012, 2013, 2014

Denver Mayors’ Diversity Awards Committee Member, Anthony Aragon, 2012, 2013

Latina/o Youth Leadership Conference: Staff Volunteer, Denver, CO, 2012

Denver Indian Center - 9 News Health Fair: Volunteer, Denver, CO, 2012

Volunteer: United Way Homeless Project, Denver, CO, 2009, 2010, 2011

Volunteer: Chicano Human Art Council (CHAC) Native American and Chicano Art, Denver, CO, 2009, 2010

Colorado Latino Forum Member, Denver, CO, 2009, 2010, 2011

Vice President American Association of University Women: Board, Chair Scholarship, Denver, CO, 2006 to 2009

Volunteer: Denver Sunny Side Music Community Festival, Volunteer: Face Painting, 2009

Democratic National Convention 2008: Native Nations Uniting for Change - Policy Day: National Congress of American Indians – Volunteer

Civic Community Committees & Volunteer Opportunities Continued:

Mayor Hickenlooper-Public Nuisance Abatement Committee-Appointed 2006, 2007, 2008

Zonta Club of Denver Member MSU Women’s Studies, 2006, 2007, 2008

Cesar Chavez Peace and Justice Committee Member, 2004, 2005, 2006

Board Member: Sisters of Color United for Education, 2004, 2005

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church: President Altar & Rosary Society, First Holy Communion & Confirmation Instructor, Annual Fiesta Coordinator with Eddie Martinez, and Volunteer, Denver, CO, 1984 to 2002

Presentations & Conferences:

MSU Women’s Studies & Services Teaching Assistant Workshop: Decolonizing the Ivory Tower: What The “Other” Has Been Teaching About “Us”, 5/2017

OFA Fellows Denver: Immigration Focus Group: Unbuilding The Wall: Poetry, 4/4/17

MSU Women’s Studies & Services: Presentation: Spirituality~ Leadership for Students, 3/2017

MSU First Year Success: Black History Month Empowerment Panel-Senator Williams, 2/2017

Federal Center: U.S.D.A. Diversity: Presentation: Powerful Native Americans: Demanding Political Leadership and The Social Media: The New Civil Rights Movements: Standing Rock Treaties, Presented with Robert Cross, Lakota Sun Dance Chief, 11/29/2016

Federal Center: U.S.D.A. Diversity: Presentation: History of El Dia de Los Muertos – The Day of the Dead, 11/2016

Auraria Campus- Mayan Integrative Health: Presentation: Native Talking Circles, 11/2016

National Association of Chicana/o Studies Conference, Presentation: Strong Heart Native American and Latina/o University Leaders for the 21st Century, 2016,

MSU Women's Studies: Opening Prayer: TRI-IOTA Honors Society, Denver, CO, 2016

University of Colorado at Denver: American Indian Student Services Indigenous Intellectual Interchange: Presentation: Preserving Oral Traditions Sharing Native Women Stories and Ceremonies, 2015

Holy Cross Catholic Church: Preparing for Seven Generations, Thornton, CO, 2014

Presentations & Conferences Continued:

Latina Voices: Latinas & Leadership 21st Century, Presentation: Native American Education, CO, Springs, 2014

Strengthening Colorado Families/Communities Conference: State of CO Office of the CO Child Welfare Training: Poverty as a Determent of Child Well Being, Keystone, CO, 2014

Ricardo Malgon Academy K-8th, Presentation: MSU Preparing Indigenous Student Leaders, Denver, CO, 2014

Pedagogy of Privilege Conference: Workshop: Moving Beyond Colonial Space of the “Other”, co-presented with Professor Helen Giron, Doctoral Candidate, Univ of Denver, 2013

Lecture: Creating Positive University Experiences: 11th Annual Faculty of Color Retreat, Regis University Office of Diversity, Denver, CO, 2013, Sonia Del Real

Lecture: Latina/o’s and Native Americans in Higher Education: Preparing for Seven Generations at Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat, Regis University Office of Diversity, Sandra Mitchell Chief Diversity Officer, Denver, CO, 2013

Keynote Speaker Latina/o Graduation: Students as University Leaders, Overland High School Aurora, CO, 2013

Keynote Speaker MSU TRI-IOTA Honors Society: Women Leaders in the 21st Century, 2013

MSU Outstanding Women’s Awards, Welcome: Remembering our Foremothers, 2013

Presentation: Native Americans and University Support Systems: Honoring the Past and Preparing for 7 Generations. Regis Univ Office of Diversity, Sonia Del Real, Den, CO, 2012

Seminar: Native American Students and Talking Circles: 10th Annual Faculty of Color Retreat Regis University Office of Diversity, Denver, CO, 2012, Sonia Del Real

MSU Center for Visual Arts Blessing Opening Ceremony Corn Mother, Den, CO, 2012

Presentation: Creating Shared Spaces of Community, Family and College Education, National Council of Women’s Societies: Taste of Nigeria, Aurora, CO, 2012

Lecturer: Native American Culture and Higher Education Support Systems, MSU and Denver Public Schools (DPS) Summer 2012 College Experience Camp JTOH, 2012

MSU Women’s Spirituality Festival Native American Women in Higher Education, 2012

Talk: Video: Native American and Mexican Culture, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2012 Civil Rights/Human Rights Story, Aurora, CO, 01/11/2012, Barbara Shannon- Bannister

Presentations & Conferences Continued:

Workshop: Latina/o Youth Identity and College Success, La Raza Youth Conference, Denver, CO, 2011

Presentation: Native American Talking Circle Prayer, Rev. Diana J. Flahive & Cecilia Flores, Arvada, CO, 2010

Lecture: Native American Talking Circles: Curanderismo and Promotores-Indigenous Education Advocates, Planned Parenthood, Denver, CO, 2010, Marcie Moore Gantz, Director of Diversity

Presentations & Conferences Continued:

Lecture: Native American Spirituality: What is it? Jefferson Unitarian Church, Arvada, CO, 05/2009

Workshop: Youth, Education & Self Confidence, Mecha-Latina Youth Conference, Denver, CO, 2009

Lecture: MSU Native American and Mexican Traditions and Death, Professor Wonstolen, Denver, CO, 2009

Workshop: Mental Health & Curanderismo: Indigenous Healing in Action, Western Social Science Association 50th Annual Conference, Presented with Chicana/o Scholar Dr. Ramon Del Castillo, Denver, CO, 2008

Key Note Speaker: Follow Your Dream: College a Reality, MSU Mecha/Latina Conference, Denver, CO, 2008

Lecture: Indigenous Mental Health, Presentation to Dr. Elisa Facio Chicana/o Studies, CU Boulder, CO, 2008

Presentation: At Risk High School Students who are Pregnant: College and Your Dreams, Zonta Women’s Club International Denver Chapter, Denver, CO, 2004 to 2007

Presentation: Your Career Path and College, CEC Middle College of Denver (DPS), Denver, CO, 2005 to 2007

Presentation: Integration of Mexican & Native American Spirituality into the Clinical Assessment Process, Denver Crises Center Staff, Ms. Dellena Aguilar, Denver, CO, 2006

Lecture: Native American and Mexican Healing Practices - North Range Behavioral Health Multicultural Services Program, Greeley, CO, 05/2006

Presentations & Conferences Continued:

Lecture: Native American Youth & Cultural Identity at the National Indian Education Association 36th Annual Convention Cultural Resiliency Educating Minds Moving Mountains, Denver, CO, 2005

National Association of Social Work Colorado Chapter Conference, Presentation: Clinical Assessment & Treatment: Working with Native American and Mexican/Latino Communities, Breckenridge, CO, 2005

Presentation: Native American and Mexican Traditional Therapeutic Health Practices, UCD Health Science Center, Nursing Doctoral Program: Dr. Fran Reeder, Denver, CO, 2003, 2004, 2005

Presentation: Native American & Mexican Traditional Healing Practices, MSU Health Education, Denver, CO, 2004

Presentation: Women’s Spirituality in the Criminal Justice System, U.S. Govt. Promising Practices: Linking Health & Criminal Justice for Women & Girls, Denver, CO, 2003

Lecture for Multicultural Class: Recognizing Racism in Campus Communities, CU Denver, Graduate School of Counseling, Denver, CO, 12/2002, Dr. Steve Byers

Works in Progress:

Native American and Latino College Graduation and Student Support Services, 2017

Works Completed:

Denver Women’s Commissioner Report “Windows into Denver Woman and Girls”, disparities in education, employment, health-care, housing. 2014 (

Professional Organizations:

National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies Interim Colorado Foco Rep, 2015, 2016

National Indian Education Association, 2015, 2016,

Western Social Science Organization, , 2015, 2016

National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Member ID: 886740951, 2016

Awards/Certificates:

Denver Federal Center U.S.D.A., Diversity Program: Certificate of Appreciation Native American Month, Nov 2016
National Association Social Workers, Certificate Member in Good Standing, Sept, 2016
MSU Denver Preventing Discrimination and Sexual Violence: Title IX, VAWA and Clery Act for Faculty and Staff, Oct 2016
MSU Denver Disability Awareness Training (DAT), Oct, 2016
MSU Denver Bullying Prevention for Higher Education - Faculty, Oct, 2016
Mother Xavier Peace Maker Award-Annunciation, Den, CO, Vice Principal Sarah, 2015
MSU Denver Preventing Sexual Harassment: Certificate of Completion, 2015
Security Awareness Training (SANS): MSU Denver, Certificate of Completion, 2015
CO Dept of Human Services: Mandated Reporter Training for Colorado Educators, 2015
CO Dept Human Services: Mandated Reporter /Mental Health Professionals, 2015
Strengthening Colorado Families/Communities Child Welfare System: Certificate, 2015
CDC: HEADS UP! Certificate of Completion: Concussion Youth Sports, 2014
United Tribes Cultural Group: F.C.I. Englewood: Certificate of Appreciation, 2014
65th National Conference American GI Forum: Certificate of Appreciation, 2013
La Raza Youth Leadership Conference: Certificate of Appreciation Volunteer, 2013
Archdiocese of Denver: Certificate of Completion: Protect: Safe Environment, 2013
MSU Denver: Faculty Development: Teaching at Its Best: Certificate, 2012
Denver Indian Center: 9 Health Fair: Certificate of Appreciation, 2012
MSU Denver Journey Through Our Heritage: Certificate of Appreciation, 2012
Denver Mayor Hancock Appointment: Denver’ Women’s Commission, 2012
CO State Board of Community Colleges/Occupational Educ/Cert/Career/Tech, 2010
MSU Denver: Developing Communities of Practice, Certificate of Completion, 2009
MSU Denver: Teaching Inclusivity: Full Day Workshop: Dr. Mathew Ouellett, 2009
MSU Denver: Advanced Blackboard, 2009
Denver Mayor Hickenlooper Appointment: Public Nuisance Abatement Oversight Committee, 2006
MSU Denver Alumni: Outstanding Metro State Alumna: Certificate of Recognition, 2006
DPS: Volunteer Appreciation Supporting the Education of Cheltenham Students, 2005
Maetsra Elena Avila, RN, MSN: New Mexico Board of Nursing: Certificate: Mending Wings, Building Bridges: CNE 0302-002-EDI
United Families Organization: Certificate: In Recognition of your Valuable, Jennifer Sanchez, 2004
National Museum of American Indian: Certificate of Merit: 2004 Museum Opening
Center for Interdisciplinary Studies-Certification: 26 hrs ADAD: Criminal Conduct/Substance Abuse, 2003
Department of Health & Human Services, Washington, DC: Healthcare Quality Certification, 2002
University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work: Field Instructor Certificate of Completion, 2001
Youth Opportunity Grants Leadership Award: Prof Development: 30 hrs CEC, 2000
University of Denver: Grad School of Social Work: Richard T. Castro Fellow Recognition Award, 2000

Awards/Certificates Continued:

Denver: Certificate-14 hrs. Cultural Sensitivity/Responsiveness Training, Theresa Jacobsen, 1999
Denver Mayors Office Workforce Initiative: Trainer Certification: Beginning to Work It Out, 1999
Latin American Research and Service Agency: Certificate: Latino Families-Training of Trainers, 1997
University of Denver GSSW: Castro Fellowship Award (1yr Tuition), 1996-97
MSU Denver: Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges, 1996
MSU Denver: National Honor Society for Human Services Education: ALPHA DELTA OMEGA, 1996
MSU Denver: Women’s Honor Society – Iota – Iota – Iota, 1996
Our Lady of Guadalupe: Certification of Appreciation Confirmation Teacher, 1996/2000
Abrazando El Futuro: Latinas Leading in Prevention: Dr. Guajardo, Certifícate, 1995
MSU Denver Human Services Department: Colorado Scholars Award, 1995
Hispanic Institute: Certificate of Merit: Visiones Leadership, XII, Dr. Lesh-Laurie, Chancellor UCD, 1995
Denver Dept Human Services: Certificate of Achievement: Aids Education,1993
Colorado Dept Social Services: Basic Income Maintenance Technician Certificate, 1993
Rock Hurst College of Cont Education Center: How to Handle Difficult People, 1993
Guadalupe Church: Certificate: Religious Education Prepared Youth: Sacraments, 1993
Guadalupe Church: Commissioned a Special Minister of the Sanctuary, 1992
Mi Casa: Certificate for Outstanding Accomplishments: Job Readiness/Life Skills, 1992
Productivity Point International: Certificate of Completion: Introduction to PC, 1991

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