A native of Wyoming, Avis holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, and a Master of Science Degree in Counselor Education and with an emphasis in Addiction, and a Doctoral Degree in Counselor Education and Supervision, all from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. Avis is an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, from the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, and affiliated with the Eastern Shoshone Tribe on her paternal side. She holds professional counseling licenses in good standing in Montana (LCPC-2476, Sept. 2001, LAC-Dec 2023) and Wyoming (LPC-1448, September 2001; LAT-332, September 2001), is an Approved Clinical Supervisor, a certified Trauma Therapist practitioner, and a certified Criminal Justice Addictions Specialist from the National Association of Forensic Counseling (2006). Avis has held positions as a clinician, clinical supervisor, clinical services director, project director, executive director of a nonprofit outpatient substance abuse treatment program, telehealth clinical supervisor and education and training coordinator in her years in community behavioral health.