My name is Mel Rising Dawn and I am a Certified Health Education Specialist and a CNA. I am a level 3 Reiki Master and I enjoy teaching the art of Reiki to others. I am a nondenominational Minister, specializing in handfastings and nondenominational ceremonies. 

As a Native American, I hail from the Ojibwe, Cherokee and Nipmuc Nations. I am very proud of my culture and heritage. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you have. 

On the side, I have been trying to start a business call Nine Claws Creations. We specialize in handmade Native American crafts as well as native regalia. Through Nine Claws Creations, I also offer my reiki as well as other services. Please contact me for more information. 

I have chosen this path because of my drive and desire to help other people. As a CNA, I have two positions. I work in a nursing home on third shift and I also do home care during the day. I'm honored to be in a position to help people. 

In college I majored in health studies. I keep up-to-date with the most current health education literature. As a CNA, I am also first aid and CPR certified. I am currently taking classes to be certified as an herbalist as well.

The biggest challenge I've had to overcome is working with cultures who do not have full respect for women. There is a cultural difference that makes it very difficult for woman to establish a professional relationship. I often find that I am looked down upon in the workplace, and in certain social situations. 

Among my greatest strengths are my communications skills. I can talk to any person, at any level, and they understand me.

I also have exemplary listening skills. This skill also allows me the gift of sharp hearing. 

As a Native American, my greatest accomplishment to date was being inducted as a member of the Intertribal Council of New England under Chief Snowbear. The same day I discovered I was an official member of I.C.O.N.E, I was adopted into Chief Nighthawk's Wapeli clan. 

As a CNA, my greatest achievements are daily. They include making people laugh, helping them take care of themselves, and helping my co-workers thrive. 

My professional goal is to work in community health education full time. I am also considering going back to school for my BSN and/or my masters in public health.

A short-term personal goal I have is to buy a house.

I am inspired in some way by everyone who crosses my path. Everyone has their own story to tell and is inspiring on their own. However, I would like to acknowledge a few women who have helped me on my path.

First and foremost, my mother Cathy, my Auntie Linda and my Nana Alice. Without their struggles and sacrifices, I would not be where I am today.

Next, my dear friend Kathy Wrobel, who with her passion and drive to help others has inspired me to do all I can. She has been my rock for years and has helped me through difficult times. Her kindness is unmatched and her heart huge. 

My first vocal teacher, Miss Valerie Polka. She pushed me vocally as well as linguistically. If it weren't for her I would not have the confidence that I do today.

My native sisters Denise Spirit of the Rock, Pam Wolfsong and Sue Little Bear are inspiring to me as well. I watch these ladies struggle day in and day out with personal obstacles, yet they face each day with poise and grace. That truly is inspiring.

My last inspiration is my native mom, Michele Windsong Hodges. The last few years have been a struggle for her, and she wakes up every day with the passion for life that is unmatched by anyone I have met. She has taught me so much about caring for other people even when it is difficult to and what "family" truly means. She has also taught me a lot about myself and the family that I married into, as she is my late husband's cousin. It is an honor to be her adopted daughter.

I most want to be remembered as someone who had knowledge, drive and passion to help others. 

I am a member of the Delta Pi chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma, The National Honorary for Health Education Specialists.

I am also an honorary member of Society of Public Health Education and even helped plan their annual meeting as the 2016-2017 Co-chair of the Multimedia Work Group. 

I am a member of the Intertribal Council of New England under Chief Snowbear and the Wapeli Clan under Chief Nighthawk. 

Most recently, I was recognized by the Society of Public Health Education for heading the Multimedia Workgroup in helping to plan their 2017 annual meeting.

I support indigenous rights and I am a water protector. Mni Wiconi!

I also volunteer about four hours a week with the Crisis Text Line. With CTL, I spend time talking to people who need someone to talk to. 

I enjoy doing yoga, kayaking, horse back riding and going to the gym.

You will find me doing something different on any given day. I love to try new things, as long as I can imclide mt dog, and stay busy as much as I can.