The Team Behind the Mission

Diverse Talents

Aletha Johnson - Executive Director

Aletha Johnson, Interim Executive Director, is from the Canyon Diablo area. She moved off the reservation to pursue her education and gained her Associates of Science. Aletha worked for several years in healthcare and dedicated herself to raising her four beautiful children in an urban setting. Yet her roots drew her back to the reservation and her community. She felt longing to raise her children with more connection to their traditions and give back to her community. As a way to strengthen her connection to the community she was drawn to work at Tolani Lake Enterprises and started in 2018 as a volunteer, to Administrative Assistant, to Project Manager, to Assistant Director and now Interim Director. Aletha is driven to make a positive impact in her community and feels like TLE’s mission is a perfect fit. She is a dedicated mother, a third generation silversmith, loves to ride horses and is an aspiring gardener.

Melody Biakeddy - Administrative Assistant

Melody Biakeddy is Red House Clan, born for Yucca Strung-Out-In-a-Line Clan, maternal grandfather is the Deer Water Clan and paternal grandfather is the Mexican People Clan. She is from Tolani Lake, Arizona and is a mother of two beautiful children. She finds immense joy in being a part of her family’s farm and ranch, cherishing the essential bond with their horses, cattle, and sheep. Working in the family garden, Melody believes that their farm and ranch bring grace, happiness, and harmony to life.

With several years of experience in healthcare, Melody joined Tolani Lake Enterprises in December 2023 with the objective of contributing her customer service skills and administration assisting abilities. She is committed to embracing and fulfilling Tolani Lake Enterprises' vision and mission.

AJ Taptto, Program & Communications Manager (She/Her/Hers)

AJ is Bitter Water Clan born for the Nez Perce Tribe. Her maternal grandfather is Red Running into the Water Clan and her paternal grandfather is Kiowa. She is from Tolani Lake, AZ. AJ recently graduated from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor's Degree in Native American Studies. She is passionate about photography, abstract art, sculpture, and hopes to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in the near future.

Tavia Smith Program Coordinator

Tavia is a dynamic individual whose education took a unique path, diverging from college to delve into the diverse world of trades. With a wealth of experience in various skilled trades, she has honed her skills across different fields, transitioning seamlessly from hands-on craftsmanship to effectively coordinating programs.

Rymond Curley - Farm Manager

Rymond Curely is Black streak Wood People clan, born for Manygoat clan, maternal grandfather is the Running into the Water Clan and paternal grandfather is the One Who Walks Around clan. He was born in Tuba City, and spent much of his early childhood hauling water and hearding sheep with his paternal grandparents. He later worked as a cook, where working with organic foods sparked a desire to learn how to grow his own vegtables. He was alos inspired by his late cousin brother, Tyrone Thompson, owner of Ch'ishie Farms. That inspiration lead him to an internship at TLE, where he continued to grow his knowledge and is now our Lead Farmer.

Johanna Klomann, CPA

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