NICCA has added to our team! Join us in welcoming our new team members.
Tanya Hutton, Project Manager
Tanya has over 20 years of experience working with and advocating for the needs of Native children and families including 10 years on a LICWAC (Local Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee) board and five years of managing a leading CCDBG (Child Care and Development Block Grant) for a local tribe. Tanya will be supporting NICCA with our program support, trainings, and events.
Tanya is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation. She is based out of Washington state. Tanya has four adult children and five grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with her beautiful grandchildren.
I am very humbled and excited to join the NICCA family. I cannot wait to share my experience and expertise with other Tribal nations. -T. Hutton
Monica Pizano, Adminstrative Assistant
Monica Pizano (Lumbee/Mexican) has joined the team at NICCA as the administrative assistant. She graduated from Brenau University in 2019 with her Bachelor of Science and is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where she received her Master of Business Administration in 2022. Monica is still pursuing her education as she is currently working on a postgraduate certificate in Culturally Based Native Health from Western Carolina University, and intends to pursue a PhD program in 2024.
She comes to NICCA with a background in the healthcare nonprofit sector where she learned firsthand that small acts of kindness can go a long way. Monica is excited to contribute to the organization’s effort to promote culturally relevant child care and gain valuable experience in doing so. In her free time, you can find her beading or reading. Monica is also a passionate traveler and enjoys hiking in new places.
Monica is a citizen of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. She is based out of Georgia. Monica will be front and center working with our community and membership.
Our Executive Director is still leading us, so here's a little more about her.
Jennifer Rackliff, Executive Director
Jennifer is an impact strategist and social entrepreneur and serves as the Executive Director of the National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA). She is dedicated to supporting the growth and impact of early learning services across the country and world, advising executives and leaders in strategic growth, organization optimization, leadership, and performance development. She is the founder of multiple companies focused on business strategy and life design, an avid traveler, hobby photographer, and a lifelong learner. Jennifer has dedicated her life and career to empowering individuals in underserved communities and marginalized populations from grassroots to the board room. For NICCA, Jennifer will keep her focus on organizational strategy, partnerships, and growth.
Jennifer is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and lives on a small ranch in Oklahoma with her daughter.