Strengthening Your Organizational Culture

Ross Chaney is a seasoned nonprofit and business consultant who specializes in strategic planning, writing, executive coaching, and applications of AI for nonprofits and small organizations. He has 20 years of experience in northern New Mexico nonprofit and public service, working across different leadership roles and diverse sectors. Ross’ experience includes:

1. Coaching for ED’s and program staff for leadership development
2. Governance, organizational development, operations and strategy
3. Policy issues, program/operations expansion or reduction
4. Budgeting and finance coaching
5. Reviewing grant proposals, reports, and other documents
6. Exploring the potential of AI for your organization
7. Extensive knowledge of Native American and NM culture

Marsie Silvestro brings four decades of expertise to her roles as an intuitive and dynamic Executive Director, Board and Staff Trainer, Group Retreat Facilitator and Mentor. Her leadership experience spans work on both the local and national levels. She is proficient in the Appreciative Inquiry Strategic Model which focuses on identifying an organization's strengths through individual and group interviewing progresses that honors what has been done, creates transformative collective dreaming and creating effective solution based and accomplishable work plans that will move an agency toward growth and a new pathways toward a successful mission.

Marsie believes that no matter what someone’s position is in an agency or the community, all are needed to steer towards a future that elevates the voices and needs of those they serve, as well as ensures that staff and board members feel heard, listened to, included, and appreciated as a thread in the web of service and safety.

Joseph Hill is a passionate change maker who has spent over 20 years transforming communities through public health, coalition building, and grassroots leadership. Currently serving as Health Council & Public Health Specialist with the New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils, he leads statewide capacity-building programs and advocacy efforts that lift up the voices of underserved communities across the state. Before his current role, Joseph served as Director of Prevention and Community Collaborations at New Mexico's Public Health Institute, The Center for Health Innovation, where he championed statewide initiatives through community-based programs. He also held multiple leadership positions at the National Center for Frontier Communities, including Director of Community Wellness and Education, where he supported county health councils, mentored coordinators statewide, and led multi-county coalitions focused on behavioral health, substance misuse prevention, and youth engagement. Through both roles, he directly stewarded over $6 million in public health funding while building meaningful connections from individual relationships to statewide partnerships that create lasting community change.

A skilled facilitator and trainer with a rich background in the clergy, Joseph holds undergraduate degrees in Human Services, Business, and Education, as well as an MS in Management and Leadership (expected to be completed in December 2025). Whether working one-on-one with community leaders or advocating before state legislators, Joseph brings both strategic expertise and genuine heart to everything he does, because he believes that when communities are empowered to lead their own change, incredible things happen.

Nathana Bird, M.A. is from Ohkay Owingeh and Kewa Pueblo, a life-partner to chef Ray Naranjo and mother of four. She has served in many roles and currently serves as the Executive Director of Tewa Women United, where she leads with respect, honesty, and compassion, and carries forward the vision of TWU’s founders to nurture healing, cultural resilience, and community self-determination. She previously served as Program Manager for the Women’s Leadership and Economic Freedom Program, grounding her work in the values of reciprocity and connection to community.

Her journey as an organizer began in Northern New Mexico and across the region through youth organizations, with a strong focus on environmental justice and education. She holds an M.A. in Language, Literacy & Socio-Cultural Studies with a concentration in American Indian Education and a B.A. in Integrated Studies in Psychology.

Rooted in the teachings of her people and the wisdom passed down by mothers and grandmothers, Nathana is passionate about creating spaces where young people, families, and communities can thrive. She credits the elders, community, and staff of TWU for shaping her own path of healing and empowerment, and she remains committed to serving the communities of the Española Valley with love, care, and accountability.

When not working, she enjoys tending her plants, road trips, organizing, and spending time with family.

Steve Smaby is the founder of Collins Lake Outdoor School and board chair of the Collins Lake Autism Center, which he established in 2010. With degrees in mechanical engineering (BSME, MSME) and business administration (MSBA) from Michigan Tech, Steve brings both technical expertise and strategic insight to his work.

As the father and primary caregiver of his 29-year-old autistic son, Steve has spent decades deeply engaged in his son’s education and therapy, including direct participation in ABA programs and close collaboration with schools. Now retired from his professional career, he devotes his time to strategic planning, fundraising, and advancing inclusive opportunities for neurodiverse learners.