Choctaw Nation Career Development

11/06/2026

Meet Darrell Attocknie! He recently completed his OSHA certification and provided an update. We are to honored to have been a part of his journey.
The Choctaw Nation has made a great impact on my life. Over the years, my family and I have received assistance through the STAR program, COVID Relief, Career Development, and Higher Education programs. This has helped our family get through difficult times and opened doors to opportunities our ancestors never had. As a Texas resident, I appreciate the Nation's long reach and helping hand. Even though I was born in OKC and raised all around the City and Ada, OK!

During COVID, I enrolled at Bismarck State College in Bismarck, ND. I earned my associate’s degree in electrical Linework in 2022 and my Bachelor’s in Energy Management in May of 2026. As the head of a family of 6, it is hard to make ends meet in these difficult financial times, let alone find money to improve my education and employment potential. With my wife's wise advice and financial assistance from the Choctaw Nation and my employer, I accomplished much more than I ever dreamed of growing up.

The latest assistance was a simple boost for an OSHA 30-hour certification. This is an important credential for a construction professional. Shortly after I earned the certification and added it to my resume, SpaceX contacted me for an interview. After flying me down to Starbase, TX, for an in-person formal interview, SpaceX offered me a position as a Construction Superintendent responsible for all electrical power construction at Starbase. I turned down the offer because the last of my 4 children will graduate in May 2027, and will not relocate until he is finished. I put God and family first. SpaceX understood and asked me to contact them as soon as I am ready to join their project to reach Mars!

Thank you, Chief Batton, Assistant Chief Austin, and the Tribal Council for all you do to improve the lives of the members of the Choctaw Nation.

Darrell Attocknie

11/03/2026

Happy Birthday to Jennifer Watkins! Her friends and co-workers had these wishes to share with her.

Happy Birthday Jennifer! Your gentle manner is always so calming. I’m so glad we get to work together. I hope you have a great birthday!

Happy Birthday to one of the sweetest, most caring people I know! I’m so grateful to know you as well as get to work with you. You are AWESOME!

Happy Birthday Jennifer! Thank you for all you do for the Career Development team and tribal members. You are so helpful to everyone. You are a special person, so enjoy your special day!

Jennifer, wishing you a fantastic birthday! May your birthday bring you joy and happiness. I hope the year ahead be your best one yet! Working with you is always a pleasure. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Jennifer! You are always thinking of others and doing special things for your co-workers. Your kind spirit and giving heart makes working with you so rewarding. Hope you enjoy your special day with some special lovin’ from those grandbabies!

Happy birthday, Jennifer! You bring so much kindness and positivity to our team!
Jennifer's presence is a hug to the human soul that exudes the "Chahta Spirit." She is a confidant to all of those she meets and a friend to those who need one most. Happy Birthday, Jen!

Happy birthday, Jennifer! You are a true blessing to work with. You always lead with a servant’s heart and go above and beyond to help others. I hope you have the best day.

Happy Birthday Jennifer! You are such a blessing to this program, and we are lucky to have you. I have no doubt you are a huge blessing to all of your clients and are their biggest supporter/cheerleader. You are always so encouraging, are a prayer warrior, and love your family fiercely! I hope you have an amazing day!

Jennifer always has a beautiful smile, a positive attitude, a listening ear, and a helping hand. Happy birthday Jennifer! Hope you have an awesome day and year!!
Happy Birthday Jennifer! You are such a blessing to this program, and we are lucky to have you. I have no doubt you are a huge blessing to all of your clients and are their biggest supporter/cheerleader. You are always so encouraging, are a prayer warrior, and love your family fiercely! I hope you have an amazing day!

Jennifer is one of those people who makes a difference without needing the spotlight. As a culture keeper and dedicated counselor, she brings compassion, encouragement, and a steady presence to the people around her.
She’s also a devoted mom and grandmother, and that same caring spirit shows up in the way she supports her team. Jennifer is always willing to help, cheer someone on, or share a fresh, innovative idea that makes things better.

Jennifer, thank you for all the heart, creativity, and support you bring to others. We hope you have a wonderful birthday and feel celebrated for all the ways you make a difference! 🎂✨

Jen has a quiet demeanor but is passionate about people, her faith, and her family. She always exhibits a calming presence, and I am blessed to know her!

Jennifer is such a blessing to be around! Her excitement, her compassion, her love for what she does is felt when you talk to her. Her bright smile is so welcoming and she is the type of person that would do anything she can to help!

Jennifer is one of the most thoughtful humans you will meet. She is known to go above and beyond for her family and friends, especially during times of need. Happy Birthday, Jennifer. The world is a better place because you are here!

11/02/2026

Hello My name is Elyssa (formerly Cohea) now Attard.

My journey to becoming a nurse has been one of the most challenging, rewarding, and meaningful experiences of my life. Balancing school, motherhood, work, and everyday responsibilities wasn’t always easy, but I learned that with determination, perseverance, and support, you can accomplish things you once only dreamed of.
I’m proud to have graduated from San Joaquin Valley College with Honors in my ADN, passed my NCLEX, and officially begun my journey as a Registered Nurse. I’m especially excited to begin my career in the emergency department at Kaweah Health Medical Center, where I can continue learning, growing, and making a difference in the lives of others.
My daughter has been one of my biggest motivations throughout this journey, reminding me why it’s so important to keep pushing forward, even when things get difficult. I’m also incredibly grateful to the Choctaw Nation and Career Development for their support and assistance throughout my education. Their help made a meaningful difference in helping me reach this goal, and I truly appreciate the opportunities and resources they provided.
I hope my journey inspires others, especially single parents and nontraditional students, to believe in themselves and pursue their goals. It’s not always easy, and there will be days when you question whether you can do it, but don’t give up on yourself. Keep going, take things one day at a time, and remember why you started. It’s never too late to work toward the future you want for yourself and your family! ❤️🩺
Congrats to you Elyssa! So excited for what your future holds!

10/31/2026

Don't forget to change those clocks on Saturday night/Sunday morning!
"Fall back" one hour!

10/30/2026

Language Department (The Incredibles) and Career Development (Toy Story) all ready for the kids coming to trick or treat today!

10/30/2026

Counselor Michele Frazier is honored to introduce Cynae Seabolt, Doctor of Physical Therapy! Cynae shared this with our program.

"Halito, my name is Cynae Seabolt, and I am a recent Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate and proud member of the Choctaw Nation.

I grew up in South Haven, Kansas, where I graduated as valedictorian. I continued my education at Allen Community College, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and then attended Bethel College, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, graduated Magna Cum Laude, and received several honors as a collegiate softball player, including Academic All-American and Female Athlete of the Year. I then attended Langston University, where I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. I was also honored to receive the LU School of Physical Therapy Scholarship Award in recognition of my dedication to patient care.

In 2026, I passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and became a licensed physical therapist. I am currently employed at Maximum Performance in Manhattan, Kansas.

Throughout my education, Choctaw Nation Career Development and the Higher Education Program provided generous support, allowing me to focus on my studies and pursue my goals. I am especially grateful to my Career Development counselor, Michele Frazier, for her guidance and encouragement throughout the years as I worked toward my career goals. I am extremely thankful for the Choctaw Nation’s investment in my future, and I hope to honor their generosity by helping others restore functional mobility, achieve their goals, and improve their overall quality of life! Yakoke!"
Congrats to you and we know you will make an impact for so many people!

10/29/2026

10/27/2026

Career Counselor Sherlynn Kennedy received an update from one of her clients and we are excited to share it with you!
"Hi, my name is Chloe Summers!
I attended Body Business School of Massage Therapy in Ardmore, Oklahoma. I’m currently a Licensed Esthetician and am so excited to officially add massage therapy to my menu!
I want to give a special thank you to my instructor, Sara Landreth, for all her help, guidance, and support throughout the course.
I decided to add massage therapy because I wanted to offer more bodywork services while also creating a relaxing space where clients can take a little time for themselves. I love being able to offer both beauty and body services all in one place, giving clients more options to choose from! One thing I want to encourage everyone to do is never stop chasing your goals! It’s never too late to learn, grow, and pursue something you’re passionate about!"

10/26/2026