Juanita Margaret “Margie” Anderson

April 23, 1963 - March 22, 2025
(Yeome, Apache, born for the Native Hawaiian)

Juanita Margaret “Margie” Anderson was a woman of deep faith and devotion whose day began and ended with prayer. She carried herself with grace and strength, living as a shining example of humility, confidence, creativity, and dedication. Known for her unconditional love and compassion, Margie devoted her life to uplifting others through her spirituality, culture, and mentorship.

Professionally, Margie was a highly respected wellness provider and substance use disorder counselor. She served as a program director at Inner-Tribal Treatment in Pauma, California, and previously as an alcohol and drug counselor recovery specialist at the San Diego American Indian Health Center for nine years. She was CADC-II and ICADC certified, accredited by the California State Board CCAPP and the Department of Health Care Services. Her expertise included assessments, diagnoses, and treatment for individuals, couples, families, and groups from diverse backgrounds.

Margie was a passionate advocate for blending traditional, cultural, and medicinal teachings into her practice. She was a Wellbriety facilitator, a Generation Red Road facilitator, a Certified Traditional Tobacco Educator, and a talking circle facilitator for the Spiritual Solutions Talking Circle. She also dedicated herself to managing and coordinating grants that expanded support for Native communities. Margie’s professional memberships included CCAPP, CADCA, NAADAC, and APAC.

Her life’s work centered on mentoring and guiding others by using traditional practices to support healing and balance. She will be remembered as a mentor, role model, and community leader who embodied the values of service and compassion.

Margie loved spending time with her family, including her daughter Brenda, sons Bobby and Adrian, and her husband Robert Anderson, her partner and true love. Together they shared a deep commitment to their community and left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Margie’s family at Inner-Tribal Treatment and throughout Native country will miss her dearly. She lived an exemplary life that showed what it means to walk in beauty and balance.