Aubrey Yanger Mariano (Familian Decha’ yan Liberato) is a mixed race CHamoru woman, born and raised on the island of Guåhan in the villages of Yigu’, Mangilao, and Barigåda. Since 2017, Aubrey has been nourished by the ‘āina of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. Residing in Makiki, her mauna is Pu‘uʻōhiʻa, her wai is Kanahā Stream, her makani is Kūkalahale and her ua is Kaʻeleloli. While it’s on another side of the island, Aubrey holds the kai of Waimānalo close to her heart, as she’s built loving relationships with the stewards of that community.

In 2023, Aubrey received her BA in Psychology and American (Empire) Studies from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Her undergraduate research centered Indigenous and Pacific psychology, and alternative justice processes. Now pursuing her Master of Public Health in Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health, Aubrey’s graduate research will explore CHamoru conceptions of health and wellbeing. As a Practicum Student for the Pilina Center, Aubrey will contribute to E Ho'omana me nā Kumu Waiwai: Empowering through Resources, a culturally safe resource directory for Native Hawaiians, and a scoping review of Indigenous wellbeing frameworks.

Alongside her studies, Aubrey provides Administrative Support to Mauli Ola Mālamalama, the Workforce Development department at Papa Ola Lōkahi. She also serves as a Graduate Research Assistant for Hawaii’s Caring Systems Initiative for Youth Suicide Prevention. Aubrey’s long-term goal is to serve her CHamoru community by developing culturally responsive community mental health programs, centering (re)connection with land, water, and CHamoru identity. In her free time, Aubrey leans into her family, friends, ‘āina, and art.