
Ms. Kayla Dann has become the first federally certified Behavioral Health Aide Provider in the State of Idaho, marking an important milestone for both the Tribes and behavioral health services across the region. The Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) encompasses three disciplines: Behavioral Health Aides (BHAs), Community Health Aides (CHAs), and Dental Health Aides (DHAs), including Dental Health Aide Therapists (DHATs).
Kayla serves in the Waapi Kani Behavioral Health Program, where she provides culturally responsive behavioral health services to Tribal members. Kayla earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Behavioral Health Aide from Northwest Indian College (NWIC) in Bellingham, Washington, in 2025, completing a rigorous program designed to prepare BHA Providers to serve Tribal communities. Her education combined academic instruction with practical clinical experience, providing the knowledge and skills needed to support her community. Kayla is a life-long Shoshone-Bannock Tribes community member.
In June 2026, Kayla became the first BHA graduate in Idaho to receive federal certification from the Portland Area Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) Certification Board (PACCB). This certification recognizes that she has successfully met the federal standards established through the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP), a nationally recognized model that expands access to high quality health care in Tribal communities.
The Portland Area Community Health Aide Program Certification Board serves as the federally authorized certification body for Community Health Aide Program providers. The Board reviews applicants to ensure they have successfully completed an approved educational program, fulfilled required clinical training and supervised practice, and demonstrated the competencies necessary to provide safe and effective patient care. Certification by the PACCB signifies that a provider has met nationally recognized standards established under the Community Health Aide Program and is qualified to deliver services within the scope of practice authorized by federal regulations and Tribal health programs.
Throughout her training and certification process, Kayla received clinical supervision from Juan Lucero, LCSW, whose mentorship and guidance helped support her successful completion of the program and certification requirements.
Kayla’s achievement also reflects the growing success of Northwest Indian College’s Behavioral Health Aide program. Since launching the program, NWIC has enrolled 68 students in Behavioral Health Aide cohorts, with 18 students successfully completing the program. To date, two graduates have earned certification through the Portland Area Community Health Aide Program Certification Board, including Kayla, and the college anticipates an additional 11 Behavioral Health Aide students will graduate in 2027. These accomplishments demonstrate the continued growth of a workforce dedicated to improving access to culturally grounded Behavioral Health services in Tribal communities.
As Idaho’s first certified Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) Provider, Kayla’s accomplishment represents more than a personal milestone. It reflects the Shoshone Bannock Tribes’ commitment to strengthening Tribal health care through workforce development, professional excellence, and culturally grounded services. Her achievement also creates a pathway for future Tribal Members interested in pursuing careers in Behavioral Health and demonstrates the opportunities available through the Community Health Aide Program.
Congratulations Kayla and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Behavioral Health Program!
For additional information on becoming a CHAP provider, please email: tchpp@npaihb.org
Kate Denny
Community Health Aide Program Director
Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB)



















































































