My Profile

Helen Pettiford (Apache) is an enrolled member of the Chihene Nde Nation of Southern New Mexico. She is a heart-centered and joyful educator. Her experience includes teaching children and adults in the areas of the visual and performing arts, Spanish, and English instruction for over a decade. She has served as a site and district office administrator for the last 14 years. As a classroom teacher and central office administrator, Helen has written, integrated, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams on various content curricula for both elementary and secondary students. Currently, she leads various supplementary educational services and projects for American Indian Student groups, along with facilitating professional development for teachers and administrators in San Francisco Unified School District. She is passionate about exploring and implementing novel educational such as laughter yoga, art-based learning, and health & wellness opportunities for learners.

“It's a complete pleasure and honor to serve as a laughter leader in a world that needs much more joy and childlike playfulness. It is vital for the rebalancing of nature, the world and all people.”