Bio

​Casandra (Cas) Stouder is a resilient and deeply committed Wellness and Community Empowerment Specialist, proudly born for the Seminole and Diné tribes. Her journey, marked by both profound challenges and extraordinary achievements, has shaped her into a powerful advocate for Indigenous communities.
Cas's path began with early independence, moving out at 15 and supporting herself through demanding work, including cleaning hotel rooms. These formative experiences instilled a fierce determination and self-reliance. At 16, she established her first home, and by 17, she embraced the transformative role of motherhood, followed by marriage at 18. These pivotal roles became the bedrock of her strength and purpose.
Driven by a passion for physical wellness, Cas embarked on a personal transformation, losing 150 pounds and gaining extensive knowledge of the human body. This journey culminated in her being voted the most inspiring woman in her hometown, a testament to her dedication and impact. She pioneered as the first elected female football coach, facing and overcoming significant criticism, ultimately earning the respect and enduring affection of her team.
Cas's commitment to serving diverse populations led her to develop a tribal diabetes prevention program, securing half a million dollars in funding. These programs, built 20 years ago, continue to positively impact lives today. She spent a decade as a national master trainer for the Native American Fitness Council, certifying trainers and expanding access to wellness resources.
Her career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of challenge and impact. She led an all-women's kickboxing team, taught advanced fitness classes, conditioned wildland fire crews, created city mud adventure races, trained G League basketball teams, and worked with celebrity athletes. She has consistently championed inclusivity, working extensively with individuals with disabilities through Special Olympics training and caregiver retreats. Cas has also dedicated herself to youth development, leading camping, hiking, survival training, and extreme outdoor experiences that have fostered resilience and personal growth.
Cas's advocacy extends to the courtroom, where she has navigated hundreds of cases involving wellness courts and the Indian Child Welfare Act, consistently pushing against oppression and discrimination to uphold the integrity and dignity of those she serves.
Today, Cas is a proud mother of two adult children, both pursuing master's degrees in sports psychology and mechanical engineering. She integrates the wisdom of her ancestors, the Medicine Wheel, Seminole teachings, and intertribal knowledge into her work, creating a holistic approach to healing and empowerment.
Having overcome addiction, childhood trauma, and abuse, Cas stands as a beacon of hope, honoring those who supported her along the way. With 23 years of experience as an Indigenous prevention expert, she crafts programs that foster lasting change, advocates for Indigenous maternal health initiatives in Arizona, and co-leads the Indigenous Parents Village. She delivers monthly workshops and virtual sessions, sharing her insights at major universities, underserved communities, and as an active member of the Indigenous Mindfulness Coalition and BIPOC recovery circles across the nation.
Cas invites you to:
Walk the path of wise choices.
Heal the heart.
See the unseen patterns.
Nurture self-love and acceptance.
Embody true wellness.
Ahol.