A member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Charles grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. During college he mentored American Indian teens—an experience that sparked an interest in helping at-risk kids.

“I recall adolescence being a difficult time and I wanted to help others, so after college I started working as an investigator with child protective services. I got burnt out, but couldn’t turn away from it.  Everything that interested me, however, required an MSW. My aunt has an MSW and she sold me on the degree.”

After talking with a friend who was a student at the Brown School, Charles learned about the Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies and decided to apply.

Currently he is completing his foundation practicum at the University City Children’s Center. And he “loves it!” He plans to complete his concentration practicum in South Dakota at a mental health clinic affiliated with the Indian Health Service.

“In 10 years, I would like to be running my own agency that helps adolescents.”