BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Our Board of Trustees play a crucial role in guiding and overseeing the activities of Texas Native Health. This dedicated group of individuals are responsible for ensuring that the organization achieves its mission, operates ethically, remains financially stable, and makes certain that all activities and decisions align with these fundamental principles. Their dedication and commitment are vital to the organization’s success in achieving its mission and making a positive impact in the community.
Heath Clayton, Board Chair (Chickasaw)
Heath Clayton is a social sector executive and Expert in Residence at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz School of Public Policy, advising on corporate social responsibility and policy. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Corporate Social Responsibility at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business. Heath is Chickasaw and attended Carnegie Mellon University for graduate school in Public Policy and Management on a tribal affairs fellowship.
Blake Weaver Rodriguez,
Board Vice-Chair
(Citizen Potawatomi)
Blake Weaver is an Associate Director at UnitedHealth Group, focusing on healthcare and hospital performance improvement and has spent the past 10 years working in the healthcare industry. A member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, he holds a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, in addition to an MBA from SMU's Cox School of Business. In his free time, Blake enjoys spending time with his husband, two dogs, and traveling to new places.
Rachel Salinas, Board Treasurer (Lipan Apache)
Rachel is an enrolled member of the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas. She is currently serving as the National President for Inter-Tribal Council of AT&T Employees (ICAE). Rachel currently serves as a Senior Project Program Manager for the Compensation Design team at AT&T. Rachel is the founder of the annual ICAE Native American Heritage Month Powwow at AT&T Discovery District in Dallas.
Cassandra Self, Board Secretary
(Muscogee Creek)
Cassandra Self is the Professional Services and Finance Officer at Texas Health Azle in North Texas and has worked in healthcare administration for over 20 years. Her experience spans managed care contracting, clinic management, business operations, and supply chain procurement.
She holds a BBA from Texas A&M–Corpus Christi, an MS in Healthcare Administration from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and recently earned her Doctorate of Healthcare Administration from Oklahoma State University.
Cassandra is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), holds CVAHP certification through AHVAP, and actively serves on several ACHE North Texas Chapter committees. She is also a board member at Texas Native Health and a proud citizen of the Muscogee Nation. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering with her son’s school band, supporting rare disease advocacy through Soft Bones, Inc., and spending time with her husband Zeb and their five children.
Jessica Johnson, Board Member (Chickasaw)
Jessica Johnson is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, with Seminole and Mississippi Choctaw tribal affiliations. She graduated from Texas’ Woman’s University in 2019, with a degree in Bachelor of Applied Science, with a major in General Business. She volunteers for many organizations, such as, Beyond Bows and Arrows Radio Show, University of Texas at Arlington Native American Student Association, North Texas Chickasaw Community Council, and many more organizations.
Christina Cox, Board Member (Choctaw)
Christina Cox resides in Midlothian, TX and is an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Christina has come full circle from utilizing Texas Native Health’s WIOA program to obtain her associate degree from Dallas College-El Centro, working as a paralegal for many years. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and became the Administrator of a Law Firm. Christina enjoys spending time with her family, serving her community, and volunteering with TNH and other nonprofit organizations.
Kearston Freeman, Board Member (Caddo)
Kearston is a Citizen of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma. Kearston currently serves her community by being on the Board of Trustees for Texas Native Health and the Metro Caddo Culture Club. She enjoys participating in Caddo Dances in Binger, Oklahoma and Inter-Tribal dances. In her spare time volunteers for Local and National political campaigns, and serves as an alternate judge during elections.
Joshua Arce, Board Member (Prairie Band Potawatomie)
Joshua Arce is President & CEO of Partnership with Native Americans. A member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Josh has more than 20 years of experience in education management, social work and business development. He is also experienced in tribal law and governance; applied indigenous leadership; and after-school, youth, foster care and housing programs for low-income families. Josh actively supports the advancement of Native communities.
LaRay Guerrero, Board Member (Haliwa-Saponi)
LaRay is an enrolled member of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe and Apache on his father’s side. LaRay earned his bachelor’s degree in forensic science at Baylor University. He is currently employed as the Deputy Chief Field Agent for Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office and serves as the Presentations Coordinator for the Indigenous Cultures Institute. He is a founding member of Indigenous ACE (an indigenous performance group) and has been heavily involved in native culture and customs since a young age.
Phelicia Hughes, Board Member (Florida Seminole)
Phelicia Hughes is a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. She grew up in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and is currently a Mental Health Therapist in North Texas, serving teens and young adults. Phelicia enjoys serving the Native American community in any way that she can.
Jacey Sloat, Board Member
Jacey Sloat is a registered nurse with over three decades of experience working in the various critical care units of hospitals. Outside of nursing, she enjoys spending time with my family and friends, and focusing on the needs of the Native American Community as a member of the Texas Native Health Board of Trustees.
Dr. Camille Bradley, Board Member
Dr. Camille Bradley is a board-certified family medicine physician who cares for patients in the Lakewood community of Dallas. She has been a dedicated physician at Baylor Scott & White since 2016.
As part of her commitment to innovative care, Dr. Bradley is also a member of the American Telemedicine Association and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
Outside of her professional commitments, Dr. Bradley is a devoted mother to two energetic young boys who have a passion for climbing, jumping and all things adventurous. Balancing a dynamic home life with her career, Dr. Bradley skillfully manages the demands of raising two active children alongside her husband, who works as a federal prosecutor.
Board Member Eligibility:
Qualifications for Trustees are as follows:
- Sensitivity to issues affecting the Native American Community.
- Identification with the Native American Community.
- Statement of willingness and ability to serve for the term appointed (3 years), including a commitment to attend and participate in regular, special, and committee meetings in order to manage the affairs of Texas Native Health properly.
- Age 21 or older.
- Reside in the Texas Native Health service area for a minimum of one (1) year. The service area includes Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise counties.
- Bondable for insurance purposes.
- No conflict of interest.
- Not been employed by Texas Native Health within the last 5 years
- Not an immediate family member of a current employee or a previous employee from the last 5 years