Nnee Bich’o Nii welcomes new employees

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As the new year begins, Nnee Bich’o Nii would like to introduce three new employees; Randee Kitcheyan-Titla, Employment and Training Counselor, and Clarita Victor and Ardell Ganilla, Apache Transit Drivers.

Randee Kitcheyan-Titla joined the Nnee Bich’o Nii Team on Oct. 28, 2019.  She brings with her impressive educational credentials and work history. Randee received her Master of Art in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University in 2008 and her Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Legal Studies from Grand Canyon University in 2018. Before joining the team, Randee was the Domestic Violence Coordinator with the Tribal Social Services for four years, where she also taught parenting classes. She also spent several years as a Public Defender for the San Carlos Apache Tribe. In the short time that Randee has been with the Nnee Bich’o Nii Program, she has completed her TAS training and received certification to be an Instructor for the Motherhood is Sacred program. She enjoys working in a new environment and is looking forward working with the clients. She is especially excited about starting the Motherhood is Sacred Program in January 2020. Randee is located in the Bylas office and encourages community members to apply for Nnee Bich’o Nii Services. She states, “the Program is here to help, families in need, grandparents in need. We are here to help.”

The Bylas office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on Tribal holidays). The phone number is 928-475-5032.

Clarita Victor is a familiar name with the Nnee Bich’o Nii Program. She is one the program’s success stories. She signed up as a client with the program in 2014 and was selected for the Maintenance and Construction Crew, then went on to join Apache Transit as a driver all while remaining a participant in the program. With the help of Nnee Bich’o Nii and Apache Transit, Clarita obtained her Arizona State Driver’s License. The program staff always encourage their participants to set goals, to go after their dreams and to always look for opportunities to improve their situation. With that in mind, Clarita applied for a position with one of the local mines and was selected as a driver. Working in the mining industry requires long hours, often more than seven days straight with a few days off. This was not an easy schedule for a mother of two (a 5-year old and 2-year-old). When the driver positions were advertised for Apache Transit, Clarita submitted her application and was hired on Dec. 2, 2019. As a former Nnee Bich’o Nii Participant, Clarita speaks fondly of the program, stating, “It’s a great opportunity, they’re to when you need help, they’re there to help you down the right path.” She would also like to say to anyone who needs help, “Don’t give up on what you want. Keep Striving. When you fail, get yourself back up and dust yourself off.” 

David Francis, Apache Transit Fleet Manager said, “We walk the walk, so we hired Clarita back.” She became a permanent driver with Apache Transit on Dec. 2, 2019.

Ardell “The Godfather” Ganilla broke the hearts of the San Carlos Apache Community and listeners abroad when he joined the Nnee Bich’o Nii Team on Nov. 12, 2019. Ardell was a very colorful, morning DJ on KYAY with a unique brand of humor and an infectious laugh; he was adored by the young and old. Today, he is a driver with Apache Transit driving the Casino routes. Apache Transit provides reliable transportation for the casino employees from Bylas and San Carlos to Apache Gold, three times a day, 24-hours a day, seven days a week and with the Godfather at the wheel, the passengers are enjoying their commute. He keeps them entertained, provides them with encouragement and drops them off at their destination with a position attitude. He enjoys driving his VIPs (Very Important Passengers) to and from work, ensuring they reach their destination in a safe and timely manner.

Bernadette Kniffin, Nnee Bich’o Nii Services Director, states, “All three employees are a great asset to our TEAM and we are looking forward to another prosperous year!”