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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Tó Nizhóní Ání “Sacred Springs Speaks”

Jessica Keetso

Community Organizer

Jessica Keetso, Diné, is from the Black Mesa region of the Navajo Nation. Jessica was a regular volunteer with Tó Nizhóní Ání before joining the team in 2018. As a volunteer, Jessica helped coordinate events such as the Just Transition Relay. In 2017, Jessica graduated from Northern Arizona University with her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Jessica served with the Navajo Nation President's Office and worked with the Energy and Natural Resources team before being hired by Tó Nizhóní Ání. Outside of Tó Nizhóní Ání, Jessica enjoys helping her family, exploring the outdoors, and tending to her garden and chickens.

jessica@tonizhoniani.org

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Tó Nizhóní Ání “Sacred Springs Speaks”

Percy Deal

Community Liaison

Percy Deal, Diné, is from Big Mountain, located on Black Mesa on the Navajo Nation. Percy has long been an active member of Tó Nizhóní Ání and was also one of the original founding members of the organization. Percy has been deeply involved in the local community and government issues for the last 45 years. Today, Percy continues to use his expertise in educating and advocating for community transition. Percy graduated from Northern Arizona University with his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Hoping to utilize his degree in his own community, Percy was cast into the community leadership role during the Navajo-Hopi Relocation crisis. He saw the need for advocacy after seeing the devastating impacts the extractive industry had on his community on Black Mesa. Percy served unofficially as a community liaison before being elected Navajo Nation Council. He also served on the Navajo County Board of Commission and the Hardrock Chapter president before retiring. Outside of Tó Nizhóní Ání, Percy is a beef producer and rancher.

percy@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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A woman taking a selfie in front of the grand canyon.

Eleanor Smith

Community Organizer

Eleanor Smith, Diné, is originally from T’iis Názbas, Arizona, near the Four Corners Monument in the Navajo Nation. She and her husband raised their seven children in Shiprock, New Mexico. Eleanor earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from the University of New Mexico in 2018, then received her Master’s in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from Fort Lewis College in 2022. Faced with an environmentally detrimental helium extraction proposal in her hometown community of T’iis Názbas, she joined the Dooda Helium movement, then helped found the T’iis Názbas Collaborative Coalition and began working for Tó Nizhóní Ání part-time in 2022 as a Community Organizer. Outside of work, Eleanor enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, traveling with her husband, sewing, cooking, and reading.

eleanor@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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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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