AKWESASNE FAMILY WELLNESS PROGRAM WELCOMES NEW PROGRAM MANAGER

Karlee, a proud Akwesasró:non, was born and raised in Akwesasne and is the daughter of Norman Bigtree and the late Bonnie Thompson. She graduated from Massena Central High School before beginning her post-secondary education at the University at Buffalo, where she studied Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. She later transferred to Syracuse University, where she completed her bachelor’s degree.

Karlee first joined the Akwesasne Family Wellness Program in 2018 following the birth of her daughter. During this time, she developed a deep appreciation for the program and the dedicated work of its staff, who provide support to the community on a 24/7, 365-day basis.

After stepping away for a period, Karlee continued to build on her education, completing her Master’s degree in Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from SUNY Potsdam. Throughout that time, she maintained a strong desire to return to the Akwesasne Family Wellness Program and continue contributing to its important work.

Karlee shared, “I am dedicated to strengthening our community as a whole by nurturing and promoting healthy relationships that create a supportive, thriving environment for our children, women, and men.”