Niki Vandenburgh, MA Education and MA Business, Business Analytics

Niki (MA Education, MA Business & Business Analytics) began her teaching career on the Soboba Indian Reservation in San Jacinto, CA in 2003. This position led her work to the La Jolla Indian Reservation where she was the Director of Education for the Tribe. During this time, she was aware of the high numbers of children in the program who had experienced the death of their primary caretaker. The numbers were over 30% for the small program. At this time she was introduced to Regina Siez for the work she does with grief. The impact that was seen on the children and their families was significant and life changing and resulted in co-authoring with Regina, the My Journey workbooks for youth and adults.

Niki has spent 20+ years working with Tribal governments and communities in various capacities. Currently she is focused on the built environment and using sustainable building materials to create healthy living areas. She graduated from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business in 2025 with a Masters in Business and a major in Data Analytics. This follows her MA in Ed and teaching credential earned in 2003. Niki continues to support the Tribal communities and youth initiatives through a non-profit she co-created, Dream The Impossible Native Youth Foundation.