Katonya Begay

Graduate Research Assistant

Katonya Begay (she/her) identifies as a Diné (Navajo) woman from a rural community on the Navajo Nation known as Dilkon, AZ. Katonya resides on ancestral homelands of the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa). She graduated with her Bachelor's of Science in Population Health and a minor in Psychology. Katonya is currently pursuing her Master's of Social Work. Katonya will follow the Advanced Direct Practice (ADP) track in hopes to become a LCSW therapist. Katonya is Interested in mental health advocacy, addressing inter-generational trauma in tribal communities, using a holistic, trauma-informed approach, capacity building within tribal communities, and community empowerment. Although Katonya loves to work 1:1 with clients during therapy sessions, she understands and values the macro-level approach in social work. Katonya wishes to combine her knowledge and experience in Public Health with Social Work. Katonya is excited and grateful to work as a Graduate Research Assistant with ASU Office of American Indian Initiatives.