Hastiin Tohaali (Tom Torlino) with Gerilyn Tolino (Diné)

Gerilyn is the Great Granddaughter of Indian Boarding School Survivor, Tom Torlino. Torlino’s iconic image is a widely used photograph from a 1880’s postcard from the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. Tom Torlino returned to New Mexico and worked as a Navajo Scout/Interpreter and Medicine Man. Gerilyn has independently researched and has documented the Torlino/Tolino family history for the past few years. Her initial Family research has been presented at the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition conference and to the Cumberland County Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

As a Diné Social Worker, Gerilyn received her degree from NM Highlands University. She is a former Indian Health Services (IHS) Scholarship recipient. Gerilyn started out as a Youth Counselor at the Coyote Canyon Chapter House. Her experience encompasses working on the Navajo Nation and the Albuquerque Metro Area. As a Social Worker whose 25 year career has spanned in the fields of Early Childhood Intervention, Developmental Disabilities, Foster Care/Residential Treatment, Domestic Violence and Mental/Behavioral Health Programs. She has been recognized as a Distinguished Healthcare Worker at UNM Hospitals-Children’s Psychiatric Center. Gerilyn now takes her skill set to the State of New Mexico-Fostering Connections Program working with youth transitioning out of Foster Care.

Gerilyn comes from a long line of Medicine People/Healers in the Dine’ Community. Gerilyn in part was raised by her Paternal Grandparents. Her Grandmother, Isabel Silversmith Tolino was an Herbalist and Grandfather, Tom C. Tolino a Hand Trembler. Her Father, Gilbert worked as an IHS Medical Interpreter alongside Field Health Nurse visiting Families in the remote areas of the Chuska Mountain range in New Mexico. Maternal Great Grandfather was Hatalli, Amos Denetdeal Begay.

Gerilyn learned from an early age the importance of the Dine’ Language and Traditional Healing Philosophy. She utilizes that knowledge in working with and supporting Families of all cultural backgrounds today.

Recorded on December 13, 2024

References

Shan Goshorn (Eastern Band of Cherokee) - https://www.shangoshorn.net/

Images of Slaves Are Property of Harvard, Not a Descendant, Judge Rules - New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/us/harvard-slave-photos-renty.html

The History of Henrietta Lacks - Johns Hopkins Medicine https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henrietta-lacks