Our Instructors
Brandy Lewis
Brandy Lewis is an enrolled tribal member of the Choctaw Nation and she teaches womens only self defense and BJJ classes. She is a film industry professional, and holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Central Florida. At Upijata Arts Company, she teaches self defense through the style of Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and American Boxing.
Yolanda Swalley
Art and Knitting instructor
Yolanda teaches multi-media art and knitting. She is also the treasurer for the Upijata Arts Board of Directors.
Emilee Rose
Art assistant for the Summer Intensive 2021, who is now our official drawing instructor.
Emilee is an artist on the Rez and beyond! She studied art in California and created our logo!
Stephanie Apple
Stephanie Apple was our chef for the Summer Intensive 2021 and continues to be our chef. She is known on the Rez for her Indian Tacos. YUM!
Larry Swalley
Larry sung the opening prayer for all of our Summer Intensives. He has also lead the Star Quilt Honorings at each Intensive.