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STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
The Student Support Services Team works with our residential and academic staff to provide holistic support for our students. The team includes the Student Support Coordinator, Student Support Specialist, School Counselor, School Nurse, and the Division Director of Student Life & Wellness.
Services we provide:
- Peer to Peer Support (Natural Helpers Group)
- Social-emotional support
- Suicide Prevention using QPRQPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and Columbia SI Assessment
- One on one, individualized counseling and support
- Depression Counseling
- Anxiety Counseling using a Trauma Informed Care
- Grief counseling
- LGBTQ2 Affirming Counseling
- Wellness Group: information sessions focusing; healthy relationships (safe dating), drug and alcohol prevention, bullying prevention, digital security staying safe online, and more.
- Promote holistic student support and care.
- Cultural Informed Wellness and Counseling
- Anger Management Courses
- Healthy Relationship Courses
- Referral services to Outside providers as needed
- Collaborative Approach within our Student Support Services includes; School Health Based Center with School Nurse, IHS Physician, Academic Counselor, SPED Assistant Liaison, Dean of Students, Division Director of Student Life, Student Life Coordinator and Wellness and Student Support Counselors.
Student Support Coordinator
Anthony Smith
Pronouns: he/him
asmith@navajoprep.com | 505-330-9411
Anthony Smith is Navajo/Diné from Farmington, NM; the Land of Enchantment. His family is from Kimbeto, NM and his clans are Naakaii Dine’é; Kinyaa’áanii; Bit’ahnii and Filipino. He was adopted into Northern Ute Family and Oglala Lakota Nation and became Sundancer. He worked with other Native practitioners from different nations including Navajo. He has a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Utah and is a licensed Social Worker in the state of New Mexico. He is certified as a trauma informed counselor, QPR, MST. He has been practicing therapist for the American Indian populations and other underserved populations for 25 years. He is a practitioner in traditional ways. He has worked with all age groups in the local communities from Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. His area of expertise is working with youth and families to stabilize, set goals, work on healing and to recognize and embrace their cultural identities.
Student Support Specialist
Tabitha Skinner
tabitha.skinner@navajoprep.com
Tabitha Skinner is the new Student Support Specialist. She is from Farmington NM. She loves NM and is very proud to have receved her undergrad at New Mexico State University and has earned her graduate from the University of New Mexico so that she may represent both. She has been working with students and families for 13 years, with a passion for family life education. She is very excited to be a part of the Eagles Family and looks forward to meeting students and the Prep staff. Tabitha encourages everybody to drop by her office and say Hello.
School Counselor
Stepheny Atencio
stepheny.atencio@navajoprep.com | 505 326-6571 ext. 137
Stepheny Atencio is a lifetime resident of San Juan County. Ms. Atencio graduated from Aztec High School and went on to earn a BS Degree in Education and a MA Degree in Counseling & Guidance. Ms. Atencio currently holds level three licensure in Teaching and Counseling as well Educational Administration. Ms. Atencio was EMDR trained in 2020 and has spent most of her adult life working in the educational setting. Stepheny studied dance for over 32 years and owned a local dance studio for 9 years. Ms. Atencio feels she truly has a heart for working and connecting with young adults- Ms. Atencio believes that it is an honor and privilege to be given the opportunity to join the Navajo Prep Family. Stepheny is a mother to two daughters and outside of school she enjoys anything in the mountains, shopping, exercising, and spending time with her family.
School Nurse and School-Based Health Center Coordinator
Kandice Duvall
Pronouns: she/her
kandice.duvall@navajoprep.com | 505-326-6571 ext. 116
Kandice Duvall is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Farmington, NM. Her interests include reading, biking, and hiking. Nurse Duvall's goals are to continue to provide health and educational success for our Navajo Preparatory students. Nurse Duvall collaborates with the New Mexico Department of Health, San Juan College, and Northern Navajo Medical Services pediatric provider and community health nurse, who aspire to increase access to care and offer services that may otherwise be challenging to receive, given student barriers.
Division Director of Student Life & Wellness
Roderick Denetso, LMSW, MSW
505-326-6571 ext. 119
Clans are: Tsi’naajinii, African American, Kinlichii’nii and African American.
Mr. Denetso is originally from Klagetoh, Arizona, and is a 1996 graduate of Ganado High School.
Mr. Denetso received his master's degree from NMHU as a Clinical Social Worker and his B.S. degree in Family Studies/Human Development and Thematic in Education. Mr. Denetso has extensive work experience in behavioral health and social work. Mr. Denetso has served at NPS for approximately 11 years in the following areas: Dean of Student Life in the Residential Program, Admissions Coordinator, and has also coached football, baseball, and track.
Mr. Denetso currently oversees the Residential Program, SBHC, Wellness, 21st Century, and School safety which includes security. Mr. Denetso enjoys giving back to the youth, is active in the community, and is a motivational speaker for our youth. In his free time, he enjoys being with family, friends, and anything that involves sports. Mr. Denetso reports, “ I am living the dream of working at NPS with your children".
Important Student Support Information
For emergency situations, please contact Anthony Smith-Student Support Coordinator, Tabitha Skinner - Student Support Specialist, Stepheny Atencio - School Counselor, or Kandice Duvall - School Nurse.
Does someone you know need help? Do you know someone causing problems? Fill out this confidential form.
This form is for non-emergency situations IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY: CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!
For non-emergency call: 505-330-9411
Please make a report if you encounter a person of concern whose behavior interferes with academic instruction and/or is a safety concern to students, staff, or property. Warning signs, protocol and guidelines are in the Behavioral Health Policy Handbook. Fill out the form to submit a report that will go to the Mental Health – Student Assistance Team (MHSAT).