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Jesse Klebba, DO
Medical Director
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Alicia Steele, MD
Family Medicine Physician
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Jessie Lucero, LBSW
Case Manager
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Malaika Ward, LMSW
Behavioral Health Therapist
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Joseph Arocho, LMSW
Behavioral Health Director
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Irina Brower
Physician Assistant
Jesse Klebba, DO
Medical Director
Jesse Klebba is a board-certified family physician who joined American Indian Health and Family services as the medical director in February 2022. Born and raised in south east Michigan he graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology followed by medical school at Michigan State University. After graduating medical school, he pursued a career in Indian health working with the Puyallup tribe. He attended the Puyallup tribal health authority for residency and later signed on as a full spectrum family medicine faculty member. As a faculty member he worked and trained residents in both inpatient and outpatient medicine including obstetrics. He also worked as the tribal correctional facility doctor and was actively training to become the lab Director. He was a member of the EHR committee and the core competency committee working to both to improve the medical records and enhance resident training. As an osteopathic physician he approaches health with a mind, body, and spirit perspective and plans to bring his experience as a mentor with him into his position as medical director.
Alicia Steele, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Doctor Alicia Steele, born and raised in Michigan, is grateful for the opportunity to serve at American Indian Health and Family Services in Detroit. Alicia has been deeply inspired by her family, a Zapatista indigenous community, an indigenous community in Pembroke, NC and the community of Detroit, Michigan. Her passion for community health justice led her to study medicine in a universal healthcare model in Cuba, at the Latin American School of Medicine. In Havana, Cuba, Alicia honed an ability to weave biological, emotional, cultural, and social needs into medical care. Following medical school in Cuba, Alicia returned home to complete her 3 year medical residency in Detroit. Alicia deeply believes in loving kindness, joy, justice, wellness and that clean water, cultural respect and understanding and healthcare are human rights. She can be found in her Southwest Detroit community enjoying delicious local food, art, music, dancing, playing sports, laughing, and smiling with her family, friends, and mother nature. Alicia is also a mother to two kittens, Vaquito (little cow) and Koalito (little koala) and many plants.
Jessie Lucero, LBSW
Case Manager
Jessie Lucero is an enrolled member of Taos Pueblo. She is an urban Native and has spent her life living in Detroit. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2015 with a Bachelors of Social Work, with specializations in geriatrics and cultural studies. Throughout her college career, she participated in MSU’s North American Indigenous Student Organization, and served as a cultural programmer and co-chair.
Jessie is a licensed social worker and has over 10 years of working in the healthcare industry. She has a deep passion for social work, and is honored to work for the agency which has enriched her life in many ways.
Jessie is walking on the Red Road. In her free time, she enjoys attending community social and spiritual events, powwows, and round dances. She is a women’s traditional dancer, and enjoys making beadwork.
Malaika Ward, LMSW
Behavioral Health Therapist
Malaika Ward is a behavioral health therapist here at American Indian Health and Family Services. She attended Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, where she obtained a BA in Sociology. She joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and was an elected representative in the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU). It was at this beautiful campus where she went to her first statewide Pow-Wow and enjoyed fried bread for the very first time. After working for a year as a community organizer, she was admitted to graduate school at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. While at UM she worked on research projects about black males and suicide. She graduated in 2007 with Honors. As a well-rounded social worker with experiences in the school systems, community mental health and nonprofits, she developed an anti-bullying program, and a substance abuse program. She is currently focused on assisting adults stay clean and sober with the use of Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. When she is not at work she enjoys visiting yard sales, turning items into art, going to art museums, and attending music concerts.
Joseph Arocho, LMSW
Behavioral Health Director
My name is Joseph (Joe) Arocho born and raised in Michigan and a proud graduate of both the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. My educational journey has equipped me with the tools and passion to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Professionally, my career has centered around creating supportive, enriching environments where children and families can thrive. My mission is to foster emotional competence and resilience—building the foundation for healthier communities and a stronger, more empathetic society. Whether through direct support, advocacy, or program development, I am committed to unlocking potential and promoting positive change in those I serve. This drove me to work for AIHFS to be able to expand on that goal and desire and reach a larger community of individuals across both Michigan and the country.
Outside of my professional life, I am a passionate sports enthusiast who enjoys both playing and cheering on my favorite teams—often traveling to experience the energy and connection that sports bring to communities. I value deep friendships, new experiences, and finding joy in life’s everyday moments. Whether exploring a new city or simply catching a game with friends, I believe in living life fully and authentically.
My personal and professional worlds are driven by connection, growth, and purpose. With strong Michigan roots and a dedication to service, I strive to lead with integrity, compassion, and a vision for a brighter future for all.
Irina Brower
Physician Assistant
Irina graduated from Augsburg University Physician Assistant Program in Minneapolis, MN in 1999. She enjoyed working in different areas of PA practice, including hospital and outpatient internal and family medicine, cardiology, gastroenterology and urgent care, acquiring a unique set of knowledge and skills. She grew up and received her initial medical education in Moscow, Russia, graduating from 1st Moscow State Medical University https://www.sechenov.ru.
She maintains connection to her roots, keeping in touch and speaking her native language with family and friends. After moving to the US, she spent time on the East Coast, the MidWest and the South for school and work, until she found her permanent home in Michigan in 2014.
In her personal time, she enjoys gardening, walking in nature, traveling, museums, live performances and spending time with her family, friends and pets. Since her childhood, Irina has been deeply interested in Native American history and culture and is happy to learn about it every day.
