Choctaw Nation Career Development

Introducing Carrie Massie! She sent is this to share with you-
"Hello, I am Carrie Massie, a dedicated and compassionate dental hygiene professional with a bachelor’s degree in dental Hygiene Administration. I value a strong commitment to patient care, education, and lifelong learning. Passionate about advancing oral health both clinically and academically, with plans to pursue an adjunct teaching position at Taft College while continuing to provide high-quality clinical dental hygiene care. Proud of my Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma heritage and deeply thankful for the strength, values, and cultural support the tribe has provided throughout my educational journey and professional growth. Committed to fostering positive patient experiences, promoting preventive education, and inspiring future dental hygiene professionals, while respecting cultural diversity.

Thank you
Carrie Massie BSDHA"
Congratulation Carrie! We are so excited for your future!

Choctaw Nation Higher Education Program applications are OPEN for the fall semester! Don't miss out on this applicaiton!

‼️ Choctaw Nation Higher Education Scholarship is now live for Fall semester! Get those applications in early!!! ‼️

Austin Parish walked the stage June 25th at the Hugo, KTC Campus as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Austin came to Career Development with a desire to do something different that he could use to help others. He had gotten his CDL license, and he had driven many cross-country routes; however, he was looking for something more. After months of working with his first Career Development counselor Stacey Williams, he decided that he would like to try to attend the KTC LPN program. He began his journey in the program on the waitlist, but he was soon moved over to the class. Austin spent these past eleven months working towards his LPN license, and he has been successful. Jadyn Gibbs moved to take over and inherited Austin, so with Jadyn and the HEROS team assistance, Austin will leave the driving behind and step into the health field. It is with great pride that Jadyn watched Austin become pinned and a member of the health community. We at Choctaw Nation are extremely proud of his accomplishment. We look forward to seeing Austin continue his journey wherever it may take him.

Congratulations to McKenzie Furr on earning her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Missouri State University!
McKenzie shared, "I am very grateful for my peers and professors. Although there were financial obstacles at times, I was fortunate to have programs like the Choctaw Nation Career Development Program to help me through."
We are proud to celebrate McKenzie's accomplishment and excited to share that she has accepted a teaching position at Blue Eye Schools in Missouri.
Congratulations, McKenzie! We wish you continued success as you begin making a difference in the lives of your future students.

Introducing Jennifer Watkins! She and her career counselor actually share the same name! Her Career Counselor shared this with us and included a statement from Jennifer-
Jennifer had worked as a nurse for 14 years prior to making the leap into graduate school for her MSN APRN Psych Nurse degree and licensure. She selected a college that would work for her, and it happened to be out of state. She attended mostly online, which helped with her work schedule, but included some additional obstacles. She had to travel to Virginia at her own expense to fulfill her in-person training obligations for the program.

Jennifer has career laddered and met her career goals!

She had this to say, "Thank you, I'm so grateful for the Choctaw Nation. They have supported me from my ADN to my MSN. I would not have made it without this program, and the Higher Education grants they provide."

Achukma fehna hoke, Jennifer!

Would you like to be in a Choctaw Nation commercial?
Here is a chance!

🎬 Be part of the Choctaw Nation's Together We’re More commercial!

We're looking for associates, tribal members and community members of all ages to join us as extras in our next commercial shoot. No scheduling necessary, just show up! Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. While these are volunteer roles, the production company will be holding Walmart gift card giveaways for participants.

📍 Monday, August 3 – Choctaw Cultural Center
• 6:30 - 8 a.m. - 60 extras for a Trail of Tears walk scene (dress: cool, comfortable walking clothes and tennis shoes)
• 8 - 10 a.m - 60 extras for a crowd watching a stickball scene (dress: cool, comfortable walking clothes and tennis shoes)
• 10 - 11 a.m. - 40 extras for a ribbon-cutting scene (dress: casual or business casual)
• 5 - 7:30 p.m. - 40 extras for a cultural dance scene (dress: cool, comfortable casual clothing)

📍 Tuesday, Aug. 4 - Downtown Durant
• 3:30 - 5 p.m. - 40 extras at Magnolia Mile Art Alley (dress: cool, comfortable casual clothing)
• 4:45 - 7 p.m. - 40 extras at the Pocket Park for a mock farmers market (dress: cool, comfortable casual clothing)

If you're interested in participating, we'd love to see you there! Yakoke for helping us tell the story of the Choctaw Nation.

With the summer semesters ending and fall semester starting, we wanted to share this reminder about your Career Development application. You do NOT have to fill out a new application each semester but you do have to submit certain documents. Please reach out to your career counselor or make sure you check your emails!

Celebrating our last July birthday --Tisha Giles...Her friends and co-workers had some really awesome things to share about her.
Tisha is talented at keeping things spinning and moving, both at work and on the pottery wheel. Tisha’s ability to multitask is truly impressive. May your birthday be filled with adventure, joy, and being with those closest to you. Have a fantastic birthday!

Tisha is an incredibly hard worker who consistently goes above and beyond in her role, always giving her best to support both her clients and her team. Her family means the world to her, and nothing brings a bigger smile to her face than sharing stories about her beloved grandbabies, who are a constant source of joy and pride. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Tisha! Your dutiful nature and dependable character are qualities that everyone appreciates. You consistently show commitment, responsibility, and a willingness to do what's needed, often putting others first. Today is a chance to celebrate you and all that you contribute. Wishing you a fantastic birthday and a year filled with happiness and fulfillment.

Tisha is one of the hardest-working people I know. Her dedication, determination, and strong work ethic are inspiring. Her grandchildren mean the world to her, and she is also an excellent listener who makes others feel heard and valued.
Happy birthday, Tisha. You are the person who keeps us all on track. We could not do it without you. May your day be filled with everything you love!

Tisha- I admire how dependable and hardworking you are. You are always willing to step up when needed and can be counted on to get the job done.

Tisha will make your head spin with all that she can accomplish! I don’t know how she manages, but she does it all while still taking care of her family and serving tribal members with dedication and concern.

Happy Birthday Tisha! I’m so grateful to count you as a friend as well as a co-worker. Your strength and determination are inspiring to others.

Tisha has a big heart. She cares deeply about her family, coworkers, and friends. She is a wonderful Nana to her grandbabies and mom to her kids and kids-in-law. Hope she has a fantastic birthday celebration surrounded by family and friends!

On Thursday July 30th, ALL the Choctaw Nation Education programs are gathering for a meeting and will be out of office.
You are welcome to leave a message with your career counselor or call 866-933-2260 and leave a voice mail. We will return your call upon our return to the office on July 31st.