Mariah Mirbel Nelson (she/her) joined Sabathani Community Center in September 2026 as a Family Access Coordinator. Mariah is a Social Worker who is passionate about child welfare advocacy, family preservation, and wellness. Mariah’s work is influenced by her values of social justice and dignity, her identity as a transracial adoptee, and the intersection of research, policy/law, and social work practice.

Mariah has worked with families in various settings including housing programs, substance use treatment, research, legal teams providing parent representation in CHIPS proceedings, ICWA Child Protection case management, and more.

Mariah holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Social Justice. She went on to complete her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree as a Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellow at the University of Minnesota.

Mariah believes that every family deserves a champion and hopes to be that for Minnesota families.