Treva Roanhorse, a member of the Navajo Nation, is fluent in the Navajo language and has a strong value of Navajo traditional culture and way of life. She resides in Tohatchi, New Mexico with her husband, Anslem Roanhorse. Mrs. Roanhorse received her education at the University of Arizona in Rehabilitation Counseling and social work.
Mrs. Roanhorse is the former president of the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR) organization from 1994 to 2014. CANAR was established in January 1993 as a voice and advocacy that represents American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation (AIVR) programs in the country. At the inception of CANAR, there were only a few AIVR programs. Today there are 88 AIVR programs, which provide services to American Indians and Alaskan Natives with disabilities on reservations and in Alaskan Native villages. Mrs. Roanhorse was one the first six tribal VR program directors and has demonstrated her ability to provide leadership and administer the Navajo Nation Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) program as well as represent Navajo OSERS at tribal, state and federal levels.
Mrs. Roanhorse served on many local, state and national organizations and committees, such as the New Mexico State Rehabilitation Council; New Mexico Commission for the Blind; New Mexico Indian Education Advisory Council; San Diego State University Region 9 RCEP Policy Board; Advisory Committee on Tribal VR Training and Technical Assistance and others. She was inducted into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 2015 as a way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Mrs. Roanhorse was one of 25 named outstanding leaders, selected for their demonstrated commitment to mentoring and positively impacting the lives of people with disabilities.
Most recently Mrs. Roanhorse joined the University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities as a consultant for the newly established Native Center for Disabilities to help improve inclusive employment outcomes for Native American youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Mrs. Roanhorse’s passion, dedication and contributions to improving the lives of countless Navajo individuals with disabilities over the years speaks volumes of her leadership and commitment to service.