Dr. Shirley is a Cherokee Elder with a doctorate in Addiction Disorders, focused on Native Culture. She is a council member for the Native American Training Institute in Albuquerque, N.M. the Cherokee's of the West a satellite community of the Cherokee Nation. Her work with Native Communities include: Indian Education programs, trainings for Native programs in Northern California. When not traveling or in the community she can be found at her Culture &Crafts Healing Center. She is a member of Otsigeya a Cherokee Women's drum group and drum retreat. She is a trainer, speaker and Author, but she says her greatest joy is being a Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.