TRIBAL RESPONSE CONFERENCE 2025 AGENDA
General Session Room
Enjoy morning refreshments while networking with fellow attendees and visiting information booths.
General Session Room
Robert H. Smith, Chairman, Pala Band of Mission Indians
Robert H. Smith serves as the Tribal Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, a position he has held since 1990. Chairman Smith successfully negotiated the first Tribal-State compact in California with Governor Pete Wilson in 1996, and subsequently supervised the opening of Pala Casino, creating thousands of jobs for Tribal members and area residents. Chairman Smith’s work for the Pala Band includes providing health, vision and dental insurance for all members, launching a $300,000 scholarship fund for higher education, purchasing additional land for the Tribal cemetery, opening the Pala Learning Center and the Pala Child Care Center, and securing 24-hour on-site ambulance, firefighter and paramedic service for the Pala Reservation. Chairman Smith is a member of, sits on the board of, or is a delegate of numerous boards, alliances, associations, committees, and consortiums.
Angelina Renteria, Chief Operations Officer, Indian Health Council, Inc.
Angelina Renteria, Diné, Chief Operations Officer at Indian Health Council, Inc., has more than 25 years of experience in the health industry and a lifelong commitment to whole-person wellness. She holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education, along with certifications in Yoga and Reiki and is the CA state delegate on the National Community Health Aide Program Board. Guided by her values of compassion, connection, and culture, Ms. Renteria provides executive oversight for grant program development, implementation, sustainability planning, and the successful operations of tribal community-based programs. With a heart for service and a strong belief in the power of listening and community, she focuses on fostering culturally grounded programs and resources that help every person feel seen, heard, and valued—especially during life’s most challenging moments.
General Session Room
Chris Devers, Community Elder, Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians
Chris Devers is a member of the Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians. Mr. Devers has spent a majority of his life on the Pauma Indian Reservation. Mr. Devers graduated from Fallbrook Union High School in 1970. After 2 years at UCLA Mr. Devers enlisted in the U.S. Army. After receiving his honorable discharge, Mr. Devers began his work experience. He has worked in the construction field as a heavy equipment operator, Water Master for the Pauma Band, Native American Circuit Rider for the Rural Community Assistance Corporation, Native American monitor for Native Grounds and was formerly the Cultural Liaison for the Pauma Band.
The 988 team gives an understanding about what 988 is at Indian Health Council, connecting with call centers and outside agencies, and showcasing their efforts to spread awareness within the 9 consortium tribes.
General Session Room
Joyce Llanos, 988 Program Coordinator, Indian Health Council, Inc.
Joyce Llanos serves as the 988 Program Coordinator, where she provides efforts to strengthen mental health and crisis response services within Tribal communities. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Filipino background, Joyce brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her role. As a mother of four, she integrates her knowledge into everyday life, fostering resilience and well-being at home and in the community. Her work is driven by a deep passion for helping others and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Tasheena Kitchen, 988 Community Outreach Worker, Indian Health Council, Inc.
Tasheena Kitchen serves as the 988 Community Outreach Worker at Indian Health Council. With 16 years of experience in social services, specializing in advocacy, mental health, and cultural preservation within tribal communities. A member of the Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians (Ipai, Luiseno, Navajo), Tasheena brings a deep understanding of Indigenous traditions and values to her work. She holds a bachelor's degree in Community Advocacy and Social Policy from Arizona State University and is preparing to pursue a Master of Social Work with a focus on Indigenous studies. Tasheena is passionate about empowering Native communities through culturally grounded outreach, education, and healing initiatives.
Stretch your legs, grab a snack and a drink, and connect with fellow attendees.
General Session Room
SAMHSA will share the latest national updates about 988 Lifeline, including new developments and support for communities.
(Video Presentation)
General Session Room
Janet Ojeda, MPA, Government Project Officer – 988 & Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office, Office of the Assistant Secretary, SAMHSA
General Session Room
Vanessa Brierty, District Director, Assembly member James C. Ramos, 45th District
Vanessa Brierty is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and serves as District Director for the state’s first and only California Native American legislator, James C. Ramos. Rooted in her Pueblo values, she uplifts indigenous wellness by centering culture, community, and healing. Her advocacy, education, and policy work- including a TEDx Talk on health- reflects her commitment to her community.
Presentation given by San Diego’s Optum Call Center about their partnership with 988 and IHC.
General Session Room
Kristie Preston, Clinical Director, Optum San Diego/ Access & Crisis Line (ACL)
Kristie Preston is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been working in the mental health field for over 25 years. She currently works as the Clinical Director at Optum San Diego and provides oversight and direction to various clinical operations at Optum, including the San Diego Access and Crisis Line/988 Crisis Center. She is passionate about working with community partners and helping make services accessible to those in need.
General Session Room
Enjoy a delicious and healthy lunch during the event for registered attendees.
General Session Room
Wes Albers, Law Enforcement & Community Liaison, Community Research Foundation/ PERT
Wes Albers – Community & Law Enforcement Liaison, CRF PERT *Wes Albers, Community Liaison for the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), is a retired Detective Sergeant and 30-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department. He’s a trained hostage and crisis negotiator and graduate of the FBI’s National Crisis Negotiation Course at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. Wes has developed and taught courses for Alliant International University and is vice president of the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP).
Oscar Sagastume, Case Worker, Tuchily Healing Hearts/ Pala MCRT
Oscar Sagastume has worked on the reservation for 7 years and currently attending San Diego State University. He has a passion for helping our community members in the worst time of their lives, help them recover and get back on their feet. On his free time, he enjoys going to Angel’s games, mixed martial arts, traveling, and most of all spending time with his three-year old son, Liam.”
Christopher Perez, Deputy Sheriff, San Diego Sheriff’s Department
Christopher Perez joined the San Diego County Sheriff's Department in 2011 and has served in various roles, including patrol, K9, and the Crime Suppression Team (CST). He has worked in multiple communities such as San Marcos, Fallbrook, and Lakeside, and has proudly served as the Pala Deputy for the past four years. Prior to his law enforcement career, Christopher served in the United States Marine Corps.
Enjoy a refreshing break.
General Session Room
General Session Room
Amanda Chavez, LMFT—Behavioral Health Director, Indian Health Council, Inc.
Amanda Chavez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Behavioral Health Director at Indian Health Council, where she has served in this leadership position, for the past three years. She brings 20 years of clinical experience, including nine years as a practicing clinician within the organization. She is from San Pasqual, Amanda grew up among the nine consortium tribes served by Indian Health Council. She earned both her Master of Education and Master of Counseling degrees from San Diego State University. Amanda has dedicated her career to providing compassionate, culturally grounded care and is deeply committed to strengthening the wellness of Native communities. In her role as Director, she oversees behavioral health programming, builds collaborative partnerships, and champions accessible, high-quality mental health services.
Angie Heredia, Behavioral Health Clinician, Indian Health Council, Inc.
Angie Heredia is a proud local community member with Indigenous roots in the Northern Mexican states of Jalisco and Zacatecas. She is a devoted mother to a wonderful son and daughter, a loving partner to a supportive husband, and a graduate of Cal Poly Humboldt, where she earned her master’s degree in social work with an Indigenous focus. Angie grew up in the North County San Diego Tribal community and now has the honor of serving the same community where she worked as a Tribal social worker for nearly eight years. She began her social work journey in fieldwork and currently serves as an ASW Behavioral Health Therapist at Indian Health Council, Inc., working toward becoming a licensed Clinical Social Worker. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family.
General Session Room
Adrian Salliego, Native Motivational Speaker, Navajo Nation
Adrian Salliego is an enrolled member of the Navajo Tribe, born into the Bitterwater Clan and Deerspring Clan. He was raised on the Navajo Reservation, deeply rooted in traditional teachings. Adrian is a survivor of three suicide attempts and began his recovery journey from addiction in November 2004, entering the Friendship House in San Francisco and joining a 12-step fellowship. He recently celebrated 20 years of sobriety. Adrian has traveled across Turtle Island, connecting with Tribal communities and supporting individuals in recovery. He currently lives in Tempe, AZ, continues his work in a 12- step fellowship, and participates in Wellbriety talking circles. Since 2016, Adrian has worked in behavioral health, dedicating himself to helping those struggling with addiction and suicide. His work is a reflection of his commitment to healing and service within Native communities.
General Session Room
Joyce Llanos, 988 Program Coordinator, Indian Health Council, Inc.
Joyce Llanos serves as the 988 Program Coordinator, where she provides efforts to strengthen mental health and crisis response services within Tribal communities. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Cal State San Marcos and a Filipino background, Joyce brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her role. As a mother of four, she integrates her knowledge into everyday life, fostering resilience and well-being at home and in the community. Her work is driven by a deep passion for helping others and a commitment to lifelong learning.
General Session Room
Enjoy a performance by the Kupa Song & Dance group, whose voices carry the traditions, stories, and spirit of the Cupeno people.