Facilitator Spotlight: Estefanita Calabaza

Estefanita Calabaza

Estefanita  Calabaza is a member of the Santo Domingo Pueblo tribe and grew up in Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico. Her family life was deeply rooted in traditional teachings and strong core values that continue to guide her today. She was blessed to live in a home that emulated the values of love, respect, and honesty. Estefanita was taught to deeply respect her elders, honor her relatives and community, practice honesty in all her daily interactions, and lead her life with love and compassion for others.

In March of 2021 Estefanita started working for Kewa Family Wellness Center. Her director at the time mentioned NAFFA's FIS/MIS program, and from there, it was history. Through that introduction, she was able to get certified in all four NAFFA curricula: FIS/MIS, Strengthening Generations, Suicide Prevention, and Addressing Family Violence and Abuse. Estefanita feels that the messages and teachings are right on point because they deeply align with her Pueblo’s cultural values and teachings.

One of the significant challenges Estefanita faced were navigating limited professional resources. However, she overcame this by leveraging and using culture in programming for her participants to make it richer with information. 

Estefanita uses NAFFA programs and the curricula she was certified in for prevention programming and parenting classes within her community initiatives at KFWC. Teaching any NAFFA curricula to the community consistently reignites her spark for health living. It deepens her gratitude for her family and community and continually reminds her of the powerful concept of hope in community healing.

Her advice to new facilitators is to “start by creating a simple flyer and promoting your class throughout the community. Make your sessions welcoming, interactive, and fun for families. Try incorporating small arts and crafts projects, hands-on activities, or cultural teachings that align with the lesson objectives and home assignments. These activities help participants engage with the material, strengthen learning, and create meaningful family experiences.

Most importantly, be yourself and build relationships with participants. The curriculum is wonderful, and the teachings resonate with many of our families because they reinforce values that are already important in our homes and communities. When facilitators teach from the heart and connect the lessons to everyday life, families are more likely to stay engaged and apply what they have learned.” NAFFA appreciates all that Estefanita has done for her family and community through our family strengthening programs.