Hello, my name is Danielle Allen from U’s-Kek (Blackwater). My parents are Carol Eschief Allen and Harlan F. Allen Baht. I grew up and attended school in Ge’e Ki. During high school, I went to Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon, Class of 1997.
My education consists of an associates in liberal arts from Central Arizona College (2009), Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from University of Dubuque (2020), and Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma (2023).
I started my working career with Gila River Indian Community back in 1998 with Gila River Farms. Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed working with the Police Department and the Tribal Courts.  However, my work experience has been in Education for more than 15 years within the Community.
I love what I do at Student Services, we can encourage our enrolled community members to attend colleges, universities and trade schools and come back to work for our community. It makes me proud that I was on the sidelines cheering on the students to not give up and keep moving forward to reach their goal.

Phone: 520-562-3316 Ext: 3614
Cell: 520-610-5111
Email: Danielle.Allen.STUS@gric.nsn.us

Anthony Tarin is a proud member of the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) who was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and now resides in District 3. His educational journey reflects a deep connection to Native education and community. As a descendant of the federal Indian boarding school era, Anthony attended and graduated from Sherman Indian High School, an experience that helped shape his commitment to Indigenous education and advocacy.

Continuing his path in tribal education, Anthony went on to attend Haskell Indian Nations University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous and American Indian Studies with an emphasis in Social Welfare. His studies strengthened his dedication to supporting Native students and communities.

In 2016, Anthony returned home to serve his community. The following year, he began working as a Student Advisor, where he supports and mentors students in their educational journeys.

Phone: 520-562-3316 Ext: 3605
Email: Anthony.Tarin@gric.nsn.us

Hi everyone! My name is Pauline Vasquez. I’m a Gila River Indian Community member. My maternal family is from District 4. Although, I was born and raised on unceded Tongva lands (presently Los Angeles and El Monte, CA). I earned a BA in Sociology from California State University, Northridge and an MA in American Indian Studies from University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to working for the Community, I was an adjunct professor at California State University, Northridge, teaching courses in American Indian Studies. I began working for Student Services in December of 2019.

I aim to provide students with the support and assistance needed to ensure they thrive in higher education.

Phone: 520-562-3316 Ext: 3616
Cell: 520-610-6962
Email: Pauline.Vasquez.stus@gric.nsn.us

I am Melodee Lewis. I am member of the Navajo Nation from Shiprock, New Mexico.
I have worked with Gila River Indian Community for 15 + years. I’ve been working with Student Services for several years. Prior, I worked at the Early Education/Child Care Center and Head Start Program. I obtained an Associate of Arts Degree from San Juan College, then my bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Arizona State University

I enjoy working with students as they pursue their higher education degrees.

Phone: 520-562-3316 Ext: 3618
Cell: 520-610-6150
Email: Melodee.Lewis.stus@gric.nsn.us

Hi, my name is Erica Blackwater and I go by they/them pronouns. I am a member of the Gila River Indian Community; my family is from District 5 and District 1, but I grew up in Casa Grande. I graduated from the University of Oregon with my Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2023 and started my Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling with an Emphasis in Children & Adolescent Disorders in 2023 as well.
As a Student Advisor with Student Services; I oversee out-of-state traditional colleges and universities which is 70+ schools at this time. I enjoy supporting students to the best of my ability and strive to create an environment where students feel comfortable. I look forward to seeing students graduate and accomplish their goals.

My name is Chantel Phillips, I am Navajo. I have been working for the Gila River Indian Community for the last three years. I currently work with the Non-traditional and Quarter schools. I have enjoyed working with students pursuing their higher education and helping them navigate some of their first years in college, or being there along the journey of those continuing their education to receive their Graduate or Doctorate degrees. It is also a great experience doing outreach with students in high school who are planning to attend college or helping them navigate and research some of the options and opportunities they have available, especially as it pertains to the GRIC Scholarship.

Phone: 520-562-3316 Ext: 3612
Cell: 520-610-6751
Email: Chantel.Phillips@gric.nsn.us

My name is Arlanna Jackson, and I proudly hail from the village of Gu U Ki. I earned a Certificate in Instructional Assistance from South Mountain Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences with a focus on Indigenous Education from Arizona State University, and most recently, a Master of Arts in Indigenous Education from Arizona State University.

Throughout my educational journey, I balanced the responsibilities of being a full-time wife, mother, and employee. The scholarship program provided tremendous support to me and my family, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities it made possible.

With more than 20 years of service within the Gila River Indian Community—13 of those years dedicated to education—I began my current role as Student Financial Aid Advisor in the Student Services Program in October 2025.

I am truly honored to support our students through the scholarship program and look forward to collaborating with our Student Advisors to ensure they receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed.

Student Financial Aide Advisor
Phone: 520-563-3316
Email: Arlana.Jackson.EDU@gric.nsn.us