Leander Yaiva
Leander is a full blooded Hopi from Soongopavi Arizona and is a member of the Water Clan (Patkiwungwa). He is deeply rooted in the cultural and traditional ways of the Hopi. He graduated from Coconino High School in Flagstaff Arizona and proceeded to obtain his Carpenters Certification at Kicking Horse in Ronan Montana. Also a former Marine and discharged in 1999, his dreams and aspirations cut short by continued abuse of both alcohol and drugs.
Leander embraced 16 years of self destructive behavior as a severe alcoholic and addict. He traveled from place to place in an attempt each time to elude himself. He willingly gave his life and possessions freely to drugs and alcohol until he had nothing. He became homeless at the age of 26 and made a weak attempt at sobriety entering a California program only to run away after one night. The only other attempt he made resulted in the successful completion of Native American Connections' Out Patient Clinic in 2002.
Leander's path of self destruction came to an end on February 11, 2005. He entered a military-based 6 month mandatory substance abuse recovery program. Upon completing the program, he set out on a mission to reclaim everything that he so freely gave away including his pride, dignity and self respect. In August of 2005, he was offered a part time position as a Behavioral Health Specialist at Native American Connections Indian Rehabilitation. Shortly thereafter he moved into NAC's Sunrise Circle homeless supportive housing community. In early 2006, Leander now held 3 job titles, Behavioral Health Specialist, Research Assistant and Community Outreach Coordinator and once again took advantage of NAC's housing opportunities moving into Whispering Palms affordable housing community.
Today, Leander has maintained his sobriety and has been steadily employed with Native American Connections for 4 years, now as the Office Manager of Indian Rehabilitation. He continues to embrace and promote the mission of Native American Connections and stands behind the organization 100%.