Board of Trustees

Navajo Preparatory School, Inc. is governed by a four-member Board of Trustees. Members are elected from the Navajo Nation Agencies, in accordance with Navajo Nation Election Laws, and one member is appointed as a non-voting ad-hoc member.

Dr. Bernadette Todacheene

President, Northern Agency

Born to descendants of the fierce leader Zarcillos Largo, in New Mexico sector to the late Harriet and Clement Goodluck, Sr. of Shiprock, NM. Clans: Naneeshtzhii (Zuni) adopted by Tachiini (Red on Forehead) born for To’a’heegliini (Water-that-flows-together), Chei- taabahii (Edge Water), Nallie- Dibe tliizhii (Blacksheep).

Dr. Todacheene followed her parent's motto of “Go to School, Go to School”, attended courses from areas Colleges, and graduating from the University of New Mexico, with a BS of Elem. Ed., a minor of Bilingual Education, Doane College, attained a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Also attended Fielding Graduate University, graduating with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Change.

Dr. Todacheene taught for Central Consolidated Schools (26yrs.) at Nataani Nez Elementary and Tsebitai Middle School, BIA 21st century grant administrator/acting Principal, Grant evaluator consultant, Lookahead Diabetes Research director, Shiprock Community Development Corp. community involvement, education representative on the Shiprock Chapter Planning commission.

Dr. Todacheene is married to Ronald Todacheene and has five children, seven grand children and one great grandson. She enjoys gardening, ranching, Arts and Crafts, sewing, reading, bowling, and out door walks with family members. Keeping updated on Educational developments in Bilingual education and new technology and business development.

Jennifer Redhouse

Member At Large, Fort Defiance Agency

Jennifer Redhouse is from Navajo, New Mexico and her paternal family is from Lukachukai and Wheatfields, Arizona. Clans: Hashtl’ishnii (The Mud People), born for the To’aheedliinii (The Water Flow Together People), Maternal Grandfather- Dibe Lizhini (The Black Sheep People), and the Paternal Grandfather- Ta’neeszahnii (The Tangle People). Mrs. Redhouse was among the first cohort of high school students who walked through the doors of Navajo Preparatory in 1991. She is a proud Alumna of 1995.

Mrs. Redhouse earned a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in Human Resources from the University of New Mexico. Shortly after she continued to pursue higher education and earned a master's degree in public administration with a concentration in Administration Policy and Procedures. She is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management, the Human Resources Management Association of New Mexico, and the National Native American Human Resources Association.

Marlene Laughter

Member At Large, Western Agency

Bio forthcoming

Vacant, Eastern Agency

Ernestine Begay

Member At Large, Chinle Agency

Ernestine Begay is a dedicated public servant with 39 years of experience in various sectors, including social work, child protective services, and education. Originally from Blue Gap, AZ, she is the proud mother of three children and grandmother of four. Throughout her distinguished career, Ernestine has held numerous roles within the Navajo Nation, Tribal Schools, and related services, which have enriched her professional expertise and provided her with invaluable insights. With a deep commitment to contributing her knowledge and experience, Ernestine looks forward to both sharing her expertise and learning from her peers as a member of the board.

Haylei Redhouse

Ad-Hoc Member, Navajo Prep Student Senate

Haylei Redhouse is a significant addition to the Navajo Preparatory School Board serving as the student voice. Her clans are Tó’ aheedlíinii, Tódich’ii’nii, and Bit’ ahnii. From Dennehotso, AZ and Many Farms, AZ. Raised in Tsaile, AZ and Tucson, AZ. Now a senior, she is determined to create a fun student experience at Navajo Preparatory and build a strong Student Senate. Currently, she is working on her environmental research project focusing on the pollution the abandoned uranium mines have caused on the Navajo Nation. She wants to major in Environmental Engineering for her undergraduate and go on to attend medical school. Her future career path is to become a trauma surgeon and help her people. Continuing to learn the Navajo culture, stories, and songs, she plans to apply them to her carer in the medical field. She brings great opportunities to the school and her community.

If you have any additional questions, please contact April Chee (april.chee@navajoprep.com) at (505) 326-6571 ext. 142.