Ever since a young age, Jordyn Bise (Potawatomi) has been passionate about two things: psychology and filling gaps of care in her community. When she began her Masters of Social Work (MSW) at UW, she was searching for practicum sites that served her community, and was drawn to Seattle Indian Health Board.
“As an enrolled member of the Potawatomi Tribe, I have been on my own journey connecting to my culture,” Jordyn said. “I was drawn to SIHB because Native culture was so ingrained in the care here—something you can see from the minute you walk through the doors.”
Jordyn is one of three MSW graduates who have just completed the internship at Seattle Indian Health Board, along with Ruwa Rehman and Hannah Whittle (Caddo, Lenape). All three graduates are continuing their professional journeys with SIHB and have accepted full-time positions as Intensive Case Workers/Mental Health Therapists.
Hannah completed both years of her MSW at SIHB. As she was preparing to get her licenses—requirements for clinicians—she appreciated the support that SIHB provided in the licensing process, which included clinical supervision and funding for Continued Education Units (CEUs).
The graduates’ internships were fulfilling in both their professional and personal lives. Ruwa learned a lot about Native traditions and practices she hadn’t learned before, like smudging to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit.
Smudging became a part of Ruwa’s daily routine during her internship. In the month-long gap between her internship and employment, Ruwa realized she missed smudging in her daily life.
As their internship ended, the new grads all came to the same realization about their time at SIHB: their journey here wasn’t over. They each had more work to do, serving Native communities, and supporting those who needed it the most.
“I meet a lot of interesting folks,” Ruwa reflected. “A lot of them have difficult backgrounds and tough stories. Despite that, the resilience they show up with and carry for themselves, it’s really inspiring to see.”
Seattle Indian Health Board’s MSW program creates an opportunity for students to train and learn about culturally attuned care, offering clinical integration with Indigenous practices, mentorship from Native field advisors/clinical supervisors, and intensive didactics grounded in culturally sensitive, trauma informed care.
“This program is designed to be a fulfilling opportunity for students to learn about culturally attuned care,” said Esther Lucero (Diné), SIHB president and CEO. “I’m grateful that our graduates have had a rewarding experience here and I’m honored they’ve chosen to continue their careers at SIHB.”
Congratulations to all of our graduates; thank you for the work that you do!