Meet the heart of community health: Our CHR team
The Community & Home Health Services (CHHS) Department proudly supports the Southern Ute tribal community with a dedicated team of three full-time Community Health Representatives (CHRs) and one contracted CHR from TEAMS. These compassionate professionals provide vital services, from in-home healthcare visits and medication deliveries to transportation for medical appointments. Their work is a cornerstone of community wellness, bridging gaps in care and ensuring our members receive the support they need. Get to know the CHRs who serve with heart, dedication, and purpose.
Raquel Perkins
My name is Raquel. I moved to Ignacio from Indiana five years ago to be closer to my son and start a new chapter in life. I’ve worked in healthcare since 1987, serving in various roles including nursing assistant, student nurse, home health aide, and office support. I earned my Associate’s degree in Medical Office Administration in 2006. Since June 2023, I’ve been proud to work for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, where I enjoy serving the Indigenous community. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is the personal connections. It warms my heart when I deliver a medication and the client says, “Oh good! I was hoping it was you!” and then hands me a slice of freshly baked carrot cake, still warm. If I can be the “rainbow in someone’s cloud,” every bit of the work I do is worth it. When I’m not working, I love spending time with my grandson, son, and daughter-in-law, along with their dogs and chickens. I also enjoy traveling when I can and relaxing at home with my cats.
Devon Davalos
My name is Devon, and I am a Jicarilla Apache tribal member, born and raised on the Southern Ute Reservation. I’m a first descendant through my mother’s side. I began working with the Tribe as a teenager in the summer youth program with the Agriculture Department. Later, I joined the Southern Ute Museum, where I worked alongside my mother and grandmother during high school. In my early twenties through my mid-thirties, I cared for my grandmother by doing cooking, cleaning, and driving her to appointments, shopping trips, and family visits in Denver and Grand Junction. During that time, I also worked briefly as a tribal caretaker and a temp CHR driver, while attending classes at San Juan College and working part-time in the Food and Beverage department at the Sky Ute Casino. Though I tried stepping away from caretaking to explore hospitality, I found myself missing the meaningful work of being a CHR. This role is both rewarding and fulfilling, which is why I chose to return.
Kathleen Cajero
My name is Kathleen Cajero, and I’m from Jemez Pueblo, N.M. I’ve lived in Ignacio since 2013. Originally coming for a visit, I soon found myself working for the Southern Ute Tribe. I began as a Home Health Coordinator and now serve as a Community Health Representative, primarily assisting and caring for tribal elders. I’ve been a Certified Nursing Assistant for 30 years, with experience in long-term care facilities and home health services. I love the work I do and the opportunity to help others. In my personal time, I enjoy being with my family and returning to Jemez to visit and participate in tribal ceremonies.
Natalie Richards
My name is Natalie Richards, and I’m an enrolled Southern Ute tribal member. I’ve lived in Ignacio my entire life, where I raised my two sons, Nick Egap and Rylan, and my youngest daughter, Dawnnetta. I currently work with the CHR Department through the TEAMS program. When I first started, I didn’t know what to expect, but the ladies here have been instrumental in guiding me through the process of meeting the medical needs of our tribal and Native community. I’ve truly enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones. This role has given me a fresh perspective on the behind-the-scenes efforts of this hardworking department. Despite being short-staffed, they continue to provide essential services, through holidays, weekends, early mornings, late nights, rain or snow. So next time you see your CHR, give them a shoutout, they absolutely deserve it!