Rhonda Medicine Crow is an enrolled member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe, a Great Basin tribe, which is located in present day Schurz, Nevada. Paiutes are known among themselves and by other tribes by their traditional names. This name originates more so as to what they have consumed over time. Rhonda’s band of Paiutes is known as “Agai Dicutta” or “Trout Eaters”, which have filled the rivers and streams throughout the years regardless of the dry and desert conditions. The region also has an abundance of wild life, like deer, and jack rabbits. Pine nuts are harvested from local pinion trees every fall, which are also vital to the existence of the Paiute. Their traditional territory remains untouched, unlike the more urban areas of Reno and Las Vegas.

Rhonda considers her first and foremost profession as a “mom”. Along with her spouse of 26 years, Rhonda has raised a family of four beautiful children. Rhonda started her educational journey early in motherhood and is very aware of the daily sacrifice and hard work it took to shape the course of her life. Blessed by this experience, Rhonda utilized this to propel her into what she loves to do the most, to help children and families in their struggles and successes of everyday life. Rhonda believes that prevention is key to the success of one’s individual journey.

Mrs. Medicine Crow has spent her career working with Native American entities on and off the reservation. Her philosophy of family development comes first from her ancestral roots and culture and then from her formal education. She received her Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, Family Development Credential from the University of Connecticut which leans on a “strength based” viewpoint to family development. Mrs. Medicine Crow believes the strength of families comes from multiple resources, education and strength based programs to assist in developing families, most importantly, a solid understanding of Native American history and culture to ensure that best practices are being used. Rhonda has worked for and managed grant funded programs throughout the tenure of her career.