Elaine Brown, MSW, MPA

Elaine Brown has over 20+ years of experience in the Social Services’ field.  Currently, she is a Lead Social Service Practitioner (LSSP) with the County of San Bernardino Children and Family Services (CFS).  She is also the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Liasion.  In 2016, Elaine started her career in CFS.  She was first assigned as a case carrying worker, working with families toward reunification and currently is assigned to the investigation’s unit, working with families to mitigate the need for CFS intervention.   

Before her career in CFS, she worked as the Elders’ Director for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.  She also has experiences in Tribal CFS and Tribal TANF programs.  With Elaine’s experiences working with different Tribal nations and her being an enrolled Tribal member of the Navajo (Dine’) Nation, she’s had the opportunities to learn and navigate the unique and diverse Tribal political systems of Native Families’ histories, cultures and federal/state/county relations.  These components have significant impacts on how to protect the best interests of Native children and families.  In addition, she applies her knowledge working with Native families as the “gold standard” for working with every child and family.    

She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) and Public Administration (MPA) from California State University of San Bernardino – emphasis in ICWA.  Elaine has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California Polytechnic University, Pomona.  In addition, she earned a Tribal Leadership and Governance Certificate from California Tribal College.  She is in the process of earning hours to become a License Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).  

Elaine also worked for the County of San Bernardino Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) before leaving for a position at Morongo Band of Mission Indians.  

Elaine enjoys new adventures that challenge her mentally and physically. She also enjoys hiking, roadtrips, traveling, listening to true crime podcasts, and spending time with her family.