Sarche is a Native American Early Childhood Development Expert and Researcher
Omaha, Neb.— Michelle Sarche, a project lead and professor at the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, was honored with a national award by the Society for Prevention Research at its annual meeting in Seattle on May 29. She was recognized for her work incorporating culture into prevention science and developing effective prevention strategies in partnership with Native American communities.
Sarche has worked with Native American communities for more than 25 years to conduct research to improve access and quality in Tribal early childhood programs.
“I’m grateful to my colleagues for nominating me for this award, the Society for Prevention Research for my selection, and the many Indigenous and allied scholars, Tribal community and program partners, and federal sponsors whose partnership over the last 30 years has been foundational to the work that I’ve been blessed to do,” Sarche said. “This award calls us all to use the tools of prevention science to bear witness, seek understanding, and ensure that the needs, perspectives, and priorities of each of the communities we represent are seen, heard, and addressed.”
About the Society for Prevention Research: Founded in 1991, the Society for Prevention Research (SPR) is dedicated to advancing scientific investigation on the prevention of social, physical and mental health, and academic problems, and on the translation of that information to promote health and well-being.
About Michelle Sarche: Michelle Sarche is a leading researcher and expert in Native American child development, parenting, and early care and education. Trained as a clinical psychologist, Sarche is a Tribal citizen of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Ojibwe tribe.
At the Institute, Sarche continues her work with American Indian and Alaska Native communities focusing on children’s development, parenting, and early care environments such as Head Start, home visiting, and child care. Throughout her career, she has brought in millions of dollars in grant and contract funding from sources such as the federal Administration for Children and Families, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.