California ICWA Expert Witness List

The Judicial Council does not endorse or guarantee any of the individuals included on this Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) expert witness list. The contact information below is provided merely as a resource for those seeking an expert witness in an ICWA proceeding. The agency or individual seeking to use anyone on this list has the responsibility to screen that person for appropriateness for the agency or individual's purpose.

Click on the region you would like to see:

North

Malinda Adams, LCSW
448 RedCliff, Suites 9, 12, & 13
Redding, CA  96002
Work: 530-222-8687
Fax: 530-222-1710

Angelina Arroyo
Indian Child Family Preservation Program
ICWA Advocate
P.O. Box 427
Upper Lake, CA 95485
Cell phone: 707-262-2947

Carole Butzke, MA, MFT
Certified Tribal Child Welfare Worker (NICWA)
Work: 949-939-8792
E-mail:cmbutzke@msn.com

Geni Cowan, PhD
7485 Rush River Drive, Suite 710-116
Sacramento, CA 95831
Work: 916-997-0900
Fax: 916-244-0625
E-mail:gcowan@eagleblue.net

Rich England Sr., MSW, LCSW, PPSC,
rweyurok@gmail.com
(707)951-0199

Enrolled Yurok Tribal Member

As an Expert Witness, I have provided ICWA declarations, court testimony, and consultation on over 3,500 ICWA cases over the past 25 years in 45 states working with state and county social services departments and Tribes. I am also available for Probate guardianship cases. My experience includes being a Special Education Counselor, Tribal Psychotherapist for Native families and children, Crisis Prevention and Mental Health Program Manager, and Tribal Social Services Director. My education includes a minor degree in Native American Studies, an Indian Teacher Education Personnel Program Certification from Humboldt State University, a Pupil Personnel Services counseling credential from the California Teacher’s Credentialing Commission, a bachelor’s degree in social science from Humboldt State University, a master’s degree in clinical social work from Portland State University, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I am knowledgeable of the social and cultural standards of child-rearing practices of Indian Tribes.

I have letters of reference from Attorney Generals, Deputy County Counsels, CA Child Welfare ICWA Departments Directors, Tribes, and from Tribal Law Firms across the United States.     

K. Kate Estikta, LCSW
Work Phone: 707-497-6070
E-mail:estikta@gmail.com
talkplace.org/

Antoinette Fabela, MA, MFTI
ICWA Expert/Child Welfare Consultant
P.O Box 4208
Auburn CA 95604
Cell/Work: 530-305-6213
E-mail:afabela7@sbcglobal.net

Nanette L. Norton, MSW
Chico, CA. 95926
Work: 530-518-2263
www.nortontribalconsulting.com
E-mail:nanette@nortontribalconsulting.com

Rachelle P. Goldenberg, M.S.W.
Seawolf Consulting and Advocacy
180 Golf Club Rd, Suite 121
Pleasant Hill, California 94523
Phone and Fax: 877-777-6443
E-mail:rachelle@seawolfconsulting.com

Cody I. Hartt
ICWA Instructor, Indian Country Legal Services
PO Box 7165
Yuma, Arizona 85366
Phone: (928)388-7777
Email:training@indiancountrylegal.com
Website:www.indiancountrylegal.com
(Enrolled Member of Quechan Indian Tribe)

Vevila Blossoming Bear, MSW
ICWA Expert Witness & Consulting
PO Box 189324
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 477-0084
E-mail:professionalNAconsulting@gmail.com
Twenty + years of experience in Indian child welfare, working with rural and urban Native American Tribes in California and the nation. Over 2000 hours of training and certifications in Native American and Indian child welfare issues.  Trains new social workers on the accurate implementation of ICWA and respectful engagement with Tribes.  

Gary Markussen Sr.
A former Indian Child Welfare Advocate for Tribes (for 8-10 years ) also a ICWA expert witness from 2006- and a member of the Yurok Tribal Court Bar from 2006 till now.
PO Box 974
Blue Lake, CA 95525
Work cellphone:  707-273-2377
Home Phone:  707-667-6168
E-mail:garyleemarkussen@gmail.com

Art Martinez, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
PO Box 1341
Shingle Springs, CA 95682
Cellphone: 775-781-0704
E-mail:chumash54@yahoo.com

Rita Ybarra Mendoza
Indian Child Welfare Act - Expert Witness
E-mail:MendozaICWA@gmail.com
Phone: 831-277-9355
Text: 831-277-9355
Recognized Member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of AZ
Tribal Affiliations: Papago/Tohono O'odham & Chiricahua Apache Nations

20+ years solid experience, successfully representing, consulting, training and working with CA Courts and Tribal Court systems, Public/Social Services, Health & Human Services, Tribes/Tribal organizations/agencies, Indian Child Welfare and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) programs; and, providing ICWA Representation and Expert Witness Testimony, with specialized and extensive training, know-how and expertise in the following areas: Indian Child Welfare Act, ICWA Qualified Expert Witness Testimony, ICWA Training & Professional Development

Karen Tatum, BA
ICWA Specialist

Phone: 760-534-9497
Phone: 804-991-8403
E-Mail:Karen_tatum70@hotmail.com

Misty Taylor, MSW
E-mail:Shasceen6@yahoo.com

Percy Tejada
Qualified Expert Witness
Percytraven@gmail.com 
530-360-1925 

I am an enrolled tribal member with a federally recognized tribe, have been working as an Qualified Expert Witness since 2001, have continued to work as an ICWA director-coordinator for many Tribes since 1999. I have also provided trainings and collaborations efforts with the state of California on ongoing ICWA compliance. Please give me a call and let's see if we can work on your ICWA needs.

Dr. Karen V. Wynn, PhD., Executive Director
American Indian Education Consultants, Inc.
Cell Phone: 520-425-1006
E-mail:kvwynn51@aol.com

Enrolled in a Federally Recognized Tribe, Tribal Elder, served on Tribal Council and Enrollment Committee.  NICWA Certified, completed three advanced training sessions, 13 years ICWA experience. Served as a QEW in California, Idaho, Utah, Oklahoma, and Oregon. While with Tucson Unified School District, Director, Native American Studies Department, I served 2700 K-12 Indian students representing 87 Indian Country Tribes.

Bay Area

Carole Butzke, MA, MFT
Certified Tribal Child Welfare Worker (NICWA)
Work: 949-939-8792
E-mail:mailto:cmbutzke@msn.com

Geni Cowan, PhD, Senior Associate
7485 Rush River Drive, Suite 710-116
Sacramento, CA 95831
Work: 916-997-0900
Fax: 916-244-0625
E-mail:gcowan@eagleblue.net

Rich England Sr., MSW, LCSW, PPSC, (Enrolled Yurok Tribal Member, Calif. )
Expert Witness & Consulting
McKinleyville, California.
Work Phone-707-951-0199
E-mail:rweyurok@gmail.com
20 YEARS  EXPERIENCE- ICWA Expert Witness, Tribal Social Services Director, Psychotherapist, and Special Education Counselor working successfully with Counties, States, Tribe's, and Families throughout California.

Antoinette Fabela, MA, MFTI
ICWA Expert/Child Welfare Consultant
P.O Box 4208
Auburn CA 95604
Cell/Work: (530) 305-6213
E-mail:afabela7@sbcglobal.net

Nanette L. Norton, MSW
Chico, CA. 95926
Work: 530-518-2263
www.nortontribalconsulting.com
E-mail:nanette@nortontribalconsulting.com

Rachelle P. Goldenberg, M.S.W.
Seawolf Consulting and Advocacy
180 Golf Club Rd, Suite 121
Pleasant Hill, California 94523
Phone and Fax: 877-777-6443
E-mail:rachelle@seawolfconsulting.com

Cody I. Hartt
ICWA Instructor, Indian Country Legal Services
PO Box 7165
Yuma, Arizona 85366
Phone: (928)388-7777
Email:training@indiancountrylegal.com
www.indiancountrylegal.com
(Enrolled Member of Quechan Indian Tribe)

Vevila Blossoming Bear, MSW
ICWA Expert Witness & Consulting
PO Box 189324
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 477-0084
E-mail:professionalNAconsulting@gmail.com
Twenty + years of experience in Indian child welfare, working with rural and urban Native American Tribes in California and the nation. Over 2000 hours of training and certifications in Native American and Indian child welfare issues.  Trains new social workers on the accurate implementation of ICWA and respectful engagement with Tribes. 

Kathryn Manness, LCSW (Huron)
CATNAP Limited Consulting, Advocacy and Training for Native American People
Work: 916-419-2004
Fax: 916-419-1998
E-mail:Kathryn@catnaplimited.org

Gary Markussen Sr.
A former Indian Child Welfare Advocate for Tribes (for 8-10 years) also a ICWA expert witness from 2006- and a member of the Yurok Tribal Court Bar from 2006 till now.
PO Box 974
Blue Lake, CA 95525
Cellphone:  707-273-2377
Home: 707-667-6168
E-mail:garyleemarkussen@gmail.com

Art Martinez, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
PO Box 1341
Shingle Springs, CA 95682
Cellphone:  775-781-0704
E-mail:chumash54@yahoo.com

Rita Ybarra Mendoza
Indian Child Welfare Act - Expert Witness
E-mail:MendozaICWA@gmail.com
Phone: 831-277-9355
Text: 831-277-9355
Recognized Member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of AZ
Tribal Affiliations: Papago/Tohono O'odham & Chiricahua Apache Nations

20+ years solid experience, successfully representing, consulting, training and working with CA Courts and Tribal Court systems, Public/Social Services, Health & Human Services, Tribes/Tribal organizations/agencies, Indian Child Welfare and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) programs; and, providing ICWA Representation and Expert Witness Testimony, with specialized and extensive training, know-how and expertise in the following areas: Indian Child Welfare Act, ICWA Qualified Expert Witness Testimony, ICWA Training & Professional Development

Karen Tatum, BA
ICWA Specialist

Phone: 760-534-9497
Phone: 804-991-8403
Karen_tatum70@hotmail.com

Misty Taylor, MSW
E-mail: Shasceen6@yahoo.com

Percy Tejada
Qualified Expert Witness
Percytraven@gmail.com 
530-360-1925 

I am an enrolled tribal member with a federally recognized tribe, have been working as an Qualified Expert Witness since 2001, have continued to work as an ICWA director-coordinator for many Tribes since 1999. I have also provided trainings and collaborations efforts with the state of California on ongoing ICWA compliance. Please give me a call and let's see if we can work on your ICWA needs.

Dr. Karen V. Wynn, PhD., Executive Director
American Indian Education Consultants, Inc.
Cell Phone: 520-425-1006
E-mail:kvwynn51@aol.com
Website:www.ravenconsultingsolutions.com
Enrolled in a Federally Recognized Tribe, Tribal Elder, served on Tribal Council and Enrollment Committee.  NICWA Certified, completed three advanced training sessions, 13 years ICWA experience. Served as a QEW in California, Idaho, Utah, Oklahoma, and Oregon. While with Tucson Unified School District, Director, Native American Studies Department, I served 2700 K-12 Indian students representing 87 Indian Country Tribes.

Central

Lisa Ames
Tuolumne Band of Me Wuk Indians
Social Services Department Manager
P.O. Box 615
Tuolumne, CA 95379
209-928-3475
Cellphone: 209-770-7501
E-mail:Families@mlode.com

John Bergersen
ICWA Worker
Kene Me-Wu Family Healing Center, Inc.
PO Box 605
Sonora, CA 95370
Phone: 209-984-8602
Fax: 209-984-8608

Carole Butzke, MA, MFT
Certified Tribal Child Welfare Worker (NICWA)
949-939-8792
E-mail:mailto:cmbutzke@msn.com

Dr. Ricardo Carrillo,Clinical Psychologist
3752 First Street
Fresno, CA 93726
Telephone: 559-738-1595; 559-804-1671
E-mail:rcarrillo03@comcast.net

Rich England Sr.,MSW, LCSW, PPSC, (Enrolled Yurok Tribal Member, Calif. )
Expert Witness & Consulting
McKinleyville, California.
Work Phone-707-951-0199
E-mail:rweyurok@gmail.com
20 YEARS  EXPERIENCE- ICWA Expert Witness, Tribal Social Services Director, Psychotherapist, and Special Education Counselor working successfully with Counties, States, Tribe's, and Families throughout California.

Antoinette Fabela, MA, MFTI
ICWA Expert/Child Welfare Consultant
P.O Box 4208
Auburn CA 95604
Cell/Work: (530) 305-6213
E-mail:afabela7@sbcglobal.net

Loleta Garfield, MSW
3101340 North Reservation Road
Porterville CA 93257
559-781-4271
559-791-2122
E-mail:icwadir@tulerivertribe-nsn.gov

Nanette L. Norton, MSW
Chico, CA. 95926
Work: 530-518-2263
www.nortontribalconsulting.com
E-mail:nanette@nortontribalconsulting.com

Rachelle P. Goldenberg, M.S.W.
Seawolf Consulting and Advocacy
180 Golf Club Rd, Suite 121
Pleasant Hill, California 94523
Phone and Fax: 877-777-6443
E-mail:rachelle@seawolfconsulting.com

Cody I. Hartt
ICWA Instructor, Indian Country Legal Services
PO Box 7165
Yuma, Arizona 85366
Phone: (928)388-7777
Email:training@indiancountrylegal.com
Website:www.indiancountrylegal.com
(Enrolled Member of Quechan Indian Tribe)

Vevila Blossoming Bear, MSW
ICWA Expert Witness & Consulting
PO Box 189324
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 477-0084
E-mail: professionalNAconsulting@gmail.com
Twenty + years of experience in Indian child welfare, working with rural and urban Native American Tribes in California and the nation. Over 2000 hours of training and certifications in Native American and Indian child welfare issues.  Trains new social workers on the accurate implementation of ICWA and respectful engagement with Tribes. 

Gary Markussen Sr. 
A former Indian Child Welfare Advocate for Tribes (for 8-10 years) also a Indian Child Welfare expert witness from 2006- and a member of the Yurok Tribal Court Bar from 2006 till now.
PO Box 974
Blue Lake, CA 95525
Work Cellphone:  707-273-2377
Home Phone: 707-667-6168
E-mail:garyleemarkussen@gmail.com

Art Martinez, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
PO Box 1341
Shingle Springs, CA 95682
Cellphone: 775-781-0704
 E-mail:chumash54@yahoo.com

Rita Ybarra Mendoza
Indian Child Welfare Act - Expert Witness
E-mail:MendozaICWA@gmail.com
Phone: 831-277-9355
Text: 831-277-9355
Recognized Member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of AZ
TribalAffiliations: Papago/Tohono O'odham & Chiricahua Apache Nations

20+ years solid experience, successfully representing, consulting, training and working with CA Courts and Tribal Court systems, Public/Social Services, Health & Human Services, Tribes/Tribal organizations/agencies, Indian Child Welfare and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) programs; and, providing ICWA Representation and Expert Witness Testimony, with specialized and extensive training, know-how and expertise in the following areas: Indian Child Welfare Act, ICWA Qualified Expert Witness Testimony, ICWA Training & Professional Development.

Elizabeth L. Morales, LCSW
P.O Box 853
Dinuba, Ca. 93618
Phone: 559-859-0170

Brandon Meyer
Tuolumne Band of Me Wuk Indians
Social Services Department
P.O. Box 615
Tuolumne, CA 95379
209-928-3475
209-770-7500 (cell)
E-mail:mailto:bmeyer@mlode.com

Sean Osborn, MSW
Merced County Human Services Agency
2115 West Wardrobe Avenue
Merced, CA 95340
Phone: 209-385-3000 ext. 5843
E-mail:sosbor@cws.co.merced.ca.us

Percy Tejada
Qualified Expert Witness
Percytraven@gmail.com 
530-360-1925 

I am an enrolled tribal member with a federally recognized tribe, have been working as an Qualified Expert Witness since 2001, have continued to work as an ICWA director-coordinator for many Tribes since 1999. I have also provided trainings and collaborations efforts with the state of California on ongoing ICWA compliance. Please give me a call and let's see if we can work on your ICWA needs.

Lynda Smallenberger
Executive Director
Kene-Me-Wu Family Healing Center, Inc.
PO Box 605
Sonora, CA 95370
Phone: 209-984-8602
Fax: 209-984-8608
E-mail:LJKMWFHC@aol.com

Karen Tatum, BA
ICWA Specialist

Phone: 760-534-9497
Phone: 804-991-8403
Karen_tatum70@hotmail.com

Misty Taylor, MSW
E-mail: Shasceen6@yahoo.com

Dr. Karen V. Wynn, PhD., Executive Director
American Indian Education Consultants, Inc.
Cell Phone: 520-425-1006
E-mail:kvwynn51@aol.com

Enrolled in a Federally Recognized Tribe, Tribal Elder, served on Tribal Council and Enrollment Committee.  NICWA Certified, completed three advanced training sessions, 13 years ICWA experience. Served as a QEW in California, Idaho, Utah, Oklahoma, and Oregon. While with Tucson Unified School District, Director, Native American Studies Department, I served 2700 K-12 Indian students representing 87 Indian Country Tribes.

South

Carole Butzke, MA, MFT
Certified Tribal Child Welfare Worker (NICWA)
Phone: 949-939-8792
E-mail:cmbutzke@msn.com

Rich England, Sr.,MSW, LCSW, PPSC, (Enrolled Yurok Tribal Member, Calif. )
Expert Witness & Consulting
McKinleyville, California.
Work Phone-707-951-0199
E-mail:rweyurok@gmail.com
20 YEARS  EXPERIENCE- ICWA Expert Witness, Tribal Social Services Director, Psychotherapist, and Special Education Counselor working successfully with Counties, States, Tribe's, and Families throughout California.

Nanette L. Norton, MSW
Chico, CA. 95926
Work: 530-518-2263
www.nortontribalconsulting.com
E-mail:nanette@nortontribalconsulting.com

Rachelle P. Goldenberg, M.S.W.
Seawolf Consulting and Advocacy
180 Golf Club Rd, Suite 121
Pleasant Hill, California 94523
Phone and Fax: 877-777-6443
E-mail:rachelle@seawolfconsulting.com  

Cody I. Hartt
ICWA Instructor, Indian Country Legal Services
PO Box 7165
Yuma, Arizona 85366
Phone: (928)388-7777
Email:training@indiancountrylegal.com
Website:www.indiancountrylegal.com
(Enrolled Member of Quechan Indian Tribe)

Vevila Blossoming Bear, MSW
ICWA Expert Witness & Consulting
PO Box 189324
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 477-0084
E-mail: professionalNAconsulting@gmail.com
Twenty + years of experience in Indian child welfare, working with rural and urban Native American Tribes in California and the nation. Over 2000 hours of training and certifications in Native American and Indian child welfare issues.  Trains new social workers on the accurate implementation of ICWA and respectful engagement with Tribes. 

Karan D. Kolb, BSB/M
Indian Health Council, Inc.
Indian Child Welfare Act Program Manager
P.O. Box 406
Pauma Valley, CA. 92082
760-749-1410 Ext 5324
760-801-1765
E-mail: kkolb@Indianhealth.com

Gary Markussen Sr. 
A former Indian Child Welfare Advocate for Tribes (for 8-10 years) also a Indian Child Welfare expert witness from 2006- and a member of the Yurok Tribal Court Bar from 2006 till now.
PO Box 974
Blue Lake, CA 95525
Work cellphone: 707-273-2377
Home Phone: 707-667-6168
E-mail:garyleemarkussen@gmail.com

Dawn McElwain
1970 Palo Verde Dr.
POB 1976
Havasu Lake, CA 92363
760-858-5426
E-mail:citicwa@yahoo.com

Rita Ybarra Mendoza
Indian Child Welfare Act - Expert Witness
E-mail:MendozaICWA@gmail.com
Phone: 831-277-9355
Text: 831-277-9355
Recognized Member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of AZ
TribalAffiliations: Papago/Tohono O'odham & Chiricahua Apache Nations

20+ years solid experience, successfully representing, consulting, training and working with CA Courts and Tribal Court systems, Public/Social Services, Health & Human Services, Tribes/Tribal organizations/agencies, Indian Child Welfare and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) programs; and, providing ICWA Representation and Expert Witness Testimony, with specialized and extensive training, know-how and expertise in the following areas: Indian Child Welfare Act, ICWA Qualified Expert Witness Testimony, ICWA Training & Professional Development

Phil Powers
Phone: 858-705-0816
E-mail:ppowers10@cox.net

Percy Tejada
Qualified Expert Witness
Percytraven@gmail.com 
530-360-1925 

I am an enrolled tribal member with a federally recognized tribe, have been working as an Qualified Expert Witness since 2001, have continued to work as an ICWA director-coordinator for many Tribes since 1999. I have also provided trainings and collaborations efforts with the state of California on ongoing ICWA compliance. Please give me a call and let's see if we can work on your ICWA needs.

Linda Ruis, Director
Santa Ysabel Band of Digueno Social Services
Phone: 760-765-1106 xt 105
Fax: 760-765-1312
E-mail:kpai@hotmail.com

Karen Tatum, BA
ICWA Specialist

Phone: 760-534-9497
Phone: 804-991-8403
Karen_tatum70@hotmail.com

Misty Taylor, MSW
E-mail: Shasceen6@yahoo.com

Dr. Karen V. Wynn, PhD., Executive Director
American Indian Education Consultants, Inc.
Cell Phone: 520-425-1006
E-mail:kvwynn51@aol.com

Enrolled in a Federally Recognized Tribe, Tribal Elder, served on Tribal Council and Enrollment Committee.  NICWA Certified, completed three advanced training sessions, 13 years ICWA experience. Served as a QEW in California, Idaho, Utah, Oklahoma, and Oregon. While with Tucson Unified School District, Director, Native American Studies Department, I served 2700 K-12 Indian students representing 87 Indian Country Tribes.