Esther Anne
SHE | HER | HERS
Policy Associate II
Education
Master of Social Work, University of Maine at Orono, 1997
Research Interests
- Truth-seeking
- Decolonization
Esther joined the team in 2003 to work with young people in their transition from foster care to adulthood. She now works on projects that engage and benefit tribal communities including facilitating the Maine tribal-state Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) workgroup and creating child welfare resources with the Capacity Building Center for Tribes.
Esther had a primary role in the creation of the historic Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission and continues to engage in truth-seeking projects, often sharing her lived experience and expertise with state, national, and international audiences.
Expertise
- Engaging tribal and state governmental systems, institutions, and leaders
- Truth-seeking processes
- Restorative practices
- Understanding of complex legal requirements, roles, and cultures
- Strong relationship-building skills
- Sound judgment
- Assessment, communication, and facilitation skills
- Ability to understand different infrastructures and roles
- Transfer of strategies and approaches to different cultural and legal contexts
Education
Master of Social Work, University of Maine at Orono, 1997
Research Interests
- Truth-seeking
- Decolonization