Staff
Reconciliation

Rosalinda (they/them) is a higher education professional who brings a deep commitment to justice and a wealth of experience in advancing equitable outcomes for Indigenous communities. Prior to their role as Director of Reconciliation, they led Project RUN, a $1.2 million workforce development grant initiative in partnership with the La Plata Economic Development Alliance and Fort Lewis College. They also served as an academic librarian for a decade, including five years directing Reed Library’s collections, research, and instructional services.

Rosalinda has lived in Durango and worked on campus with their spouse, Kathryn, since 2018.

Trish Hamilton is a first-generation college graduate and an alum at Fort Lewis College, with a degree in Environmental Studies. She is currently enrolled in the Leading in Context graduate program with FLC.

Indigenous peoples’ identity was systematically stripped via colonization, and as a result contributed to the loss of language. Trish aims to empower our Indigenous students and

community reclaim to their languages and identity as the Language Reclamation Coordinator.

Durango has been home to Trish, her husband, and her small army of cats for the last 15 years. Outside of work, Trish likes to cycle, climb (outdoors), and garden.

Chrysanthemum Maker is an Administrative Specialist with the Department of Reconciliation and Belonging. They grew up in rural Colorado and spent much of their youth playing in creeks and riding a bike around town.

After graduating high school, Chrysanthemum worked in support roles across many industries before moving to Durango in 2022 to attend Fort Lewis College. Chrysanthemum grew fond of the Four Corners community while working with the Durango Herald and later with the City of Durango. They began working at Fort Lewis College in 2026.

Matthew Schaeffer is the Tribal Nations Coordinator. They are an alum of Fort Lewis College, with a degree in Political Science. As a student, Matthew completed their senior thesis research on reconciliation efforts at Fort Lewis College. Matthew also brings wide experience in community engagement, collaboration, advocacy, and putting programs into action.

Matthew is dedicated to working with and for Indigenous people, communities, and Tribal Nations to assist in Tribal Nation Building efforts. In this work Matthew centers community building, relationship building, and at all levels Indigenous sovereignty.

Originally from New Mexico, Matthew has lived in Durango since 2019. Matthew enjoys cooking, baking, and hanging out with family and friends outside of work.