Staff: Veronica Willeto DeCrane

Veronica Willeto DeCrane, is a Diné asdzaan (Navajo woman), of the Many Hogans Clan and born for the Mexican Clan. Her maternal grandfather is of the Tangle Clan, and her paternal grandfather is of the Bitter Water Clan. As a citizen of the Navajo Nation, she was raised in Ojo Encino, New Mexico, on Navajo land. She now lives in Billings, Montana with her husband and seven children.

Veronica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Race and Ethnic Studies and History from Whitman College, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Integrative Indigenous Education, from Salish Kootenai College. Veronica has been an advocate for Indigenous youth in the fields of Indian Education, youth development, and child trauma for fourteen years. Most recently in her role as a trainer and technical assistance provider at the University of Montana’s National Native Children’s Trauma Center (NNCTC), she partnered with the Tribal Youth Resource Center to serve Tribes and Tribal organizations implementing youth programming and the Tribal Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court model. Veronica also partnered with schools and a variety of other Indigenous-child serving systems, facilitated the NNCTC’s Youth Advisory Council, and culturally adapted trauma-informed care resources for Indigenous communities.

Veronica’s advocacy for the wellbeing of Indigenous youth extends to her volunteer work. She is the past president of the Montana Afterschool Alliance’s Steering Council, a member of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s Steering Committee, a member of the Center for Trauma Recovery and Juvenile Justice’s Advisory Board, and a member of The National Service Office for Nurse-Family Partnership and Child First Board of Directors.

Veronica believes in giving back to Indigenous communities, as they have generously helped her grow into the person she is today. She carries the prayers of her ancestors who have passed down to her generational love, resilience, and wisdom. She aims to serve with the values that have been taught to her by her family, relatives, and mentors: integrity, humility, reciprocity, compassion, and respect.