Natividad Cano, LIAC, ADS is a Mexican Indigenous woman who has been working in the substance abuse field since 1989.  She has been at The Haven since 2007 and functioned as the coordinator/counselor for Native Ways Program until July of 2023 when she became the cultural educator for special populations.  Nati previously lived and worked for 8 years on the border of Arizona and Northern Mexico for Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services (SEABHS) in Douglas and Bisbee, AZ; 5 years with GFS (Gateway Foundation Services) working in a state prison setting with Native and Spanish-speaking women, and 10 years in private practice with her late husband working with under-served Spanish-speaking populations.  Nati is active in the community collaborating with other agencies in promoting culturally appropriate, gender-specific, and age-specific programs.  She is on the Board of Wings for Women whose mission is to empower women to break the cycle of hopelessness and lead healthy and productive lives and is a member of the Red Road to Wellbriety Celebration Committee promoting and celebrating wellness and sobriety in Indian Country.  Nati enjoys volunteering, cooking, reading, and spending time with her children, granddaughters, and her 7 siblings and their families.  For the past 13 years, Nati has participated in the Migrant Trail, a 70-mile walk from the Mexico/USA border in Sasabe, Sonora to Tucson, AZ to remember the men, women, and children who have died while crossing the desert.

Nati is the recipient of 2008 Dynamic Duo (with Carol Derrick) in recognition of Outstanding Contributions to the community, 2013 Unsung Hero for Outstanding Service to individuals, children, and families and 2017 Unsung Hero for Outstanding Service to Our Communities, 2023 Women’s Rural Health Award for innovative approach to rural women’s health, and 2024 Michael Allison Leadership Award from the Arizona Department of Health Services.