MEET THE STAFF

Warlance Chee – Director

Warlance éí Tsénahabiłnii nilį́, Kinłichíi’nii yashchíín, Hooghanłání dabichei dóó Áshįįhnii dabinálí and is from Lake Valley, New Mexico. He graduated from Lake Valley Navajo School and then attended Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, NM. After high school, Warlance attended the University of New Mexico and graduated with a BA degree in American Studies and a minor in Native American Studies. He also received his MA degree in Diné Culture, Language, and Leadership from Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, NM. Warlance has been a Diné language and culture teacher for the past 9 years and has taught at Cuba Independent Schools, Tóhajiilee’ Community School and most recently at Native American Community Academy (NACA) in Albuquerque, NM. Currently, Warlance is doing a two-year fellowship for NACA Inspired Schools Network (NISN) and is the project lead for Saad K’idlyé, which is a grassroots organization working to create and open a Diné language nest in Albuquerque, NM.

Cheryl Yazzie – Supervisor/Lead Caretaker

Cheryl Yazzie is from the Salt Clan and born for the Bitter Water People. Her maternal grandparents are the Water Edge Clan and her paternal grandparents are the Bear Clan. Cheryl resides in To’hajiilee, NM, and has three amazing bear cubs. Cheryl graduated Summa Cumlaude with her BA in Native American Studies in 2019 and her MA in Native American Studies in 2021 from the University of New Mexico. Her focus is on language revitalization, retention, and building first-generation speakers. Cheryl is part of the Saad K’idilyé team that is planning on establishing the first urban Dine language nest in Albuquerque. Cheryl also sits on the advisory board for the New Mexico Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force that brings awareness of our missing Indigenous relatives.

Dakotah Morrison – Lead Caretaker/Toddlers

Yá’át ééh Shí éí Dakotah Morrison yinishyé. Áshihi nishlí, Gáagii Diné bashishchiin, Todich’i”‘ nii, dashicheii dóe Bilagagna dashinali. I am honored to serve as the Lead Caretaker in the Toddler 1 Nest, where I strive to create a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development. With my background as a valedictorian at To’Hajlilee High School and studies at the University of New Mexico, I am dedicated to providing the best possible care for our little ones. I find joy in tending to my livestock and spending time with loved ones, and I am committed to offering a helping hand and support to those around me. As a certified individual in the Diné Language and Culture Assessment, I am passionate about preserving our Navajo language and cultural heritage. It is a privilege to collaborate with Diné families and contribute to the revitalization of our traditions and language in a meaningful way.

Anesha Yazzie – Caretaker

Anesha comes from To’Hajiilee, NM. She is Salt born for the Mexican Clan. Her maternal grandfather is To’di’chii’nii, and her paternal grandfather is of the Zia People. Outside of working at Saad K’idilye, she is an avid reader; she enjoys traveling and is always seeking new experiences. Anesha continues to embark on her educational journey while she prepares for a new path in pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education this coming fall. She is not only inspired by the mission of Saad K’idilyé but also by her role working with the infants and toddlers and the opportunity to work with others in the community.

Malachi Daw – Caretaker

Malachi Daw is born for the German people, from the Towering House Clan; maternal grandfather is the Mexican Clan; and paternal grandfather is the Many Goats clan. He comes from Albuquerque, NM. His homelands are Allentown, AZ (also known as Houck, AZ). Malachi graduated from high school with a diploma, a Presidential Award, and an Achievement in Science. Malachi Daw works alongside amazing caretakers at Saad K’idilyé as a Diné language learner. He currently assists in the 2-4-year-old nest. Malachi Daw hopes to push toddlers to speak the language that was once on the brink of extinction.

Leah Grover – Administrative Assistant

Leah Grover (Crow/Blackfeet/European) grew up in Minnesota and currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her husband and cats. In 2021, Leah graduated summa cum laude from the University of New Mexico with her BA in Native American Studies, minoring in Navajo language and linguistics. She is enjoying the hózhǫ́ of Saad K’idilyé, where she is an administrative assistant.