Dr. Felix C. Villanueva

EdD, MCC

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Felix Villanueva carries a deep connection to the island’s rich cultural heritage, which traces back to the Taino people. His ancestry—rooted in Taino, European, and African traditions—has profoundly shaped his worldview. Among his most cherished childhood memories are moments spent with his great-grandfather, a revered tribal healer, engaging in conversations about “good medicine.” These early experiences instilled in him a lifelong commitment to healing and leadership. As he often reflects, “Everything I do, I do through the eyes of a healer.”

Dr. Villanueva’s dedication to learning is evident in his academic journey. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, a Master’s in Counseling, and a Doctorate in Education specializing in Organizational Leadership. His career has been equally distinguished—serving over two decades as a U.S. Navy Captain, where he gained invaluable experience in leadership, crisis management, and organizational dynamics. His service included combat operations in Iraq, a transformative period that refined his ability to lead with resilience, empathy, and strategic vision.

As an executive coach, Dr. Villanueva specializes in Grief and Loss, Conflict Management, Team Building, and Leadership Development. His client base spans individuals, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies, including Google. Deeply influenced by his cultural roots, he integrates the power of community into his coaching practice. “One thing we have mostly forgotten is the healing power of being in community,” he explains, drawing inspiration from his Taino ancestors—fierce warriors who also believed that true healing comes through connection.

Today, Dr. Villanueva is co-founder of a coaching school where he has developed a curriculum and certification process aligned with the rigorous standards of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). His mission is to cultivate the next generation of transformational coaches, blending modern leadership principles with ancient wisdom.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Villanueva is a creator at heart. Whether experimenting in the kitchen or crafting intricate beadwork guided by Spirit, he embraces creativity as a sacred practice—a continuation of his lifelong journey as a healer and leader.

Dolores Ann Jimerson

Faculty

Dolores Jimerson, MSW, LCSW, ADS is originally from the east coast, where she grew up as an urban Indian. She was reared traditionally Seneca (bear clan) in Little Italy, which also resonated with her Italian/Irish mother. She now lives on the Olympic Peninsula, where it seems “it’s always Twilight.” Dolores is excited to lead NPAIHB in the development of culturally resonant behavioral health programming to support tribes in meeting their needs. Her lived experience pairs nicely with her three plus decade career of working in behavioral health in Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Oregon, and Washington. Some of her past tribal employment was with the Eastern Shoshone, Northern Arapaho, CTUIR, and Quileute. Her previous national level work included serving as Director of Community Development for NICWA. She is a caregiver and community organizer at heart, who is passionate about creating services that resonate with re-membering us into our greatness. She is clinically licensed in both Wyoming and Oregon, along with being a certified Acudetox Specialist (ear acupuncture) and Registered Trainer. You can find her gardening, beach combing, traveling, writing, or serving as comedic muse when she is not working.