Staff Members

Meet the team behind Tó Nizhóní Ání.

Tó Nizhóní Ání “Sacred Springs Speaks”

Nicole Horseherder

Executive Director

Nicole Horseherder, Diné, is from the Black Mesa region of the Navajo Nation. Nicole is one of the original founding members of Tó Nizhóní Ání and has been an active member since its establishment. Nicole is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a Bachelors in Family and Consumer Resources. Nicole received her Master of Arts in Linguistics from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Nicole began her work with Tó Nizhóní Ání as an outreach coordinator and interpreting hydrology and legal documents for Diné communities fighting coal-mine impacts. Today Nicole is leading efforts towards transition away from fossil fuel development in the Navajo Nation. Outside of Tó Nizhóní Ání, Nicole enjoys her time with family, horses, ceremonies, and traveling.

nicole@tonizhoniani.org

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A man wearing glasses smiles for the camera.

Adrian Herder

Media Organizer

Adrian Herder, Diné, is from the Black Mesa region of the Navajo Nation and currently resides in Flagstaff, AZ. Adrian served as a volunteer with Tó Nizhóní Ání for seven years before officially joining the team in 2020. Adrian graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Fitness & Wellness. Adrian is an accomplished potter and artist, showing his work in several notable shows and art markets. In addition, Adrian has designed many flyers, posters, and logos for businesses and organizations. Outside of Tó Nizhóní Ání, Adrian likes to run, take photos of Diné life, and dedicate his time to making traditional Diné pottery.

adrian@tonizhoniani.org

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A man in a yellow jacket standing in the mountains.

Andrew Atencia

Community Organizer

Andrew Atencia is from Flagstaff, Arizona. Andrew just began with Tó Nizhóní Ání, initially as an Intern in the Fall of 2022. He is now a recent graduate of Northern Arizona University with a B.S. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Andrew comes from Filipino descent and has found a deep connection with water and land through mountain biking, rock climbing, and backcountry split boarding. He is guided by the indigenous teachings of elders, as well as informed by the issues that threaten the existence of natural spaces. Motivated, disciplined and inspired.

andrew@tonizhoniani.org
 
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Makaius_Intern25

Makaius Marks

Media Organizer

Makaius (He/Him) is Tó Áhaní, born for Naadą́ą́´łigai Naazhtezhí Taabaha, his maternal grandparents are Tł'ááshchí'í, and his paternal grandparents are Naakai Dine'é. Makaius is from Tó Nehelį́į́h (Tonalea, AZ) and Díchʼíító (Bitter Springs, AZ). He resides in Flagstaff, AZ and is 24 years old.

Makaius graduated with a Bachelor’s in Applied Indigenous Studies and a Minor in Ethnic Studies in 2025 from Northern Arizona University. He continues to organize in and around Flagstaff. Makaius enjoys singing, learning Navajo and at times Spanish, playing with children, and hanging out with elders. Makaius sits on the board of ICF, CATs, and 4th World Foundations. He is passionate about using his youth and energy to carry on the fight and heart

makaius@tonizhoniani.org

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Tó Nizhóní Ání “Sacred Springs Speaks”

Jennifer Beaudette

Administrative Assistant

Jennifer Beaudette, Diné, is from Whippoorwill Springs, which is located 10 miles east of Piñon, Arizona, on Black Mesa. She currently resides in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she supports the daily operations of Tó Nizhóní Ání at our Flagstaff office. Jennifer has over 10 years of experience with grant management and bookkeeping. Outside of Tó Nizhóní Ání, Jennifer enjoys nature walks, road trips, riding with friends, and loves spending time with her grandson.

jennifer@tonizhoniani.org

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Gerald W Shirley

Gerald W. Shirley

Business Manager

Gerald W. Shirley, Diné, is from Window Rock, Arizona and began working with Tó Nizhóní Ání in 2023 to aid in its financial organization before joining the team earlier this year (2024). Gerald is a graduate of the University of Arizona with dual degrees in Accounting and in Finance, a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix in Global Management. Gerald has over 30 years’ experience as Accounting Manager and Senior Financial Analyst in various industries, Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Navajo Nation Oil & Gas, the Navajo Nation Controller’s Office and BHP Billiton in the Energy Coal and Oil & Gas sector.

geraldws@tonizhoniani.org

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