Savannah Gene, MS, CHES

Savannah Gene, MS, CHES

Tribal Affiliation: Diné

Title: Program Director / Principal Investigator

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Bio:

Savannah Gene (She/Her/Hers) is a proud member of the Diné Nation. She is Totsóhnii (Big Water Clan), born for Hashk’áánhadzohí (Yucca Fruit Strung Out in a Line Clan). Her maternal grandfathers are Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle People Clan) and her paternal grandfathers are Tł’izíłání (Many Goats Clan).  She is originally from Burnt Corn, Arizona and currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Savannah is the Program Director/Principal Investigator of the Community Health Education and Resiliency Program at the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board. She received a Master of Science in Community Health Education from the University of New Mexico. She has over 10 years of experience in the field of youth engagement in tribal communities, HIV/AIDS prevention education, specifically assisting in adapting an evidence-based intervention for Native American youth, HIV testing and counseling, and serves as a training faculty for various evidence-based interventions. Savannah is a co-founder of the National Native HIV Network an Indigenous-led initiative that mobilizes American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities affected by HIV through peer-to-peer and programmatic support, training, and capacity building assistance. She is a Technology of Participation Facilitator and loves engaging with the community using these methods. When her introvert energy is drained, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with her 12-year-old son, Ethan.

Certifications: 

  • Certified Health Education Specialist
  • HIV Counseling, Testing & Referral Services

Certified Trainer:

  • Building Native Communities Financial Empowerment for Youth and Families
  • Cuidate/HARMONY
  • ESCALATE
  • Fundamentals of Motivational Interviewing for HIV
  • HIV Navigation Services
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • QPR
  • Sister to Sister: Take Care of Yourself
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid

Other Training Topics & Skills:

  • HIV/STI/HCV 101
  • Mastery of Technology of Participation (ToP) Facilitation Methods
  • Social Determinants of Health