Kristy Orona-Ramirez

Kristy Orona-Ramirez (Taos Pueblo/Tarahumara) grew up in California’s San Gabriel Valley. From an early age, she showed a penchant for the creative arts, and has been writing short stories and poetry since she was seven years old. Kiki’s Journey was inspired by Kristy’s own first trip to Taos Pueblo. Kristy focused on Native American studies at Humboldt State University, where she completed the Indian Teacher Personnel Program (ITEPP). A fourth-grade teacher, Kristy also has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. Kristy is also lead singer for the Native American Northern drumming group, The Mankillers. She currently resides in Riverside, California with her husband and four children.