Christine B. Vining, PhD., CCC-SLP is a bilingual Navajo (Diné) Speech-Language Pathologist at the Center for Development & Disability, Department of Pediatrics, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM. She received her bachelor and master's degrees from the University of Arizona and doctorate from the University of New Mexico. Currently, she provides clinical services, training and technical assistance and information dissemination to build capacity and resources. In the Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities Division, she serves the Autism Spectrum Evaluation Clinic and Parent Home Training. She also works with the Navajo Nation Growing in Beauty Program to provide consultative and direct services to support capacity building related to autism spectrum disorders and other developmental delays. In addition, she represents the speech-language pathology discipline on the faculty team for NM LEND.

Chris has worked with children, youth and young adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities, their families, and communities throughout New Mexico in many settings including therapeutic, early intervention, public school and university clinics. As previous program manager of several clinical and community based programs, she has worked to improve systems of care and education through collaboration at various systemic levels (i.e., family, community, university and state) with emphasis on rural, underserved areas including Native American communities.

Her interest and work has also including improving cultural competency and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Presently, she serves as co-chair for the AUCD Multicultural Council and serves on the AUCD Board of Directors, as well as serve on other national boards including, the Native American Parent Technical Assistance Center (NAPTAC) Advisory Board; the Native American Leadership Council for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, a constituency of ASHA; the National Advisory Committee (NAC), Diversity & Inclusion Training Action Plan (D&I-TAP) Team; and the AUCD Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Action Team.