Cori Matthew, MHR (Salish & Blackfeet) will act as project director. She has been NICWA’s director of programs and policy since October of 2015 and joined the team with expertise in technical assistance, wraparound support, leadership, and management. Matthew earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Chapman University, and her master’s degree in human relations with an emphasis in counseling from the University of Oklahoma. Matthew previously worked for the Native American Youth and Family Center as the director of youth and education services. She developed, implemented, and supervised program services for youth ages 5-24 years old, including programs for LGBTQ youth, oversight and management of budgets, adherence to all contracts, leadership to staff, identifying and addressing youth and family program development, and professional development plans to enhance the ability of the staff to address youth needs. Matthew also has worked as a social worker for her tribe, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe. She is effective and knowledgeable in working with diverse cultural and social groups.
Professional Positions
October 2000 to April 2001 | Secretary, GS-0318-05; 568th Security Forces Squadron, Ramstein Air Base Germany
April 2001 to May 2004 | Executive Assistant, GS-0318-06; 435th Security Forces Group, Ramstein Air Base Germany
April 2005 to July 2006 | Mental Health Therapist/Case-Manager; Western Montana Mental Health Center
August 2004 to August 2006 | Social Worker/Foster Care Worker; Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe
January 2007 to September 2007 | Gang Prevention Coordinator; NAYA Family Center
September 2007 to April 2015 | Director of Youth and Education; NAYA Family Center
October 2015 to present | Director of Programs and Policy; National Indian Child Welfare Association