Helen Pettiford

Helen Pettiford (Apache) is an enrolled member of the Chihene Nde Nation of Southern New Mexico. She is a heart-centered educator. Her experience includes teaching children and adults in the areas of the visual and performing arts, Spanish, and English instruction for over a decade. She has served as a site and district office administrator for the last 14 years. As a classroom teacher and central office administrator, Helen has written, integrated, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams on various content curricula for both elementary and secondary students. Currently, she leads various supplementary educational services and projects for American Indian Student groups, along with facilitating professional development for teachers and administrators in San Francisco Unified School District. She is passionate about exploring and implementing novel educational, art-based learning, and health & wellness opportunities for learners. In addition, Helen is a Transcendental Meditation Teacher and Self Mastery Coach.

“It's a joy and honor to serve as a member of the AICD board. Collaboration with this Native American leadership collective to bring truth, visibility, wellness, and to uplift Native peoples' knowledge and experience in San Francisco is vital for the rebalancing of San Francisco, nature, and all people.”