Staff

We are pleased to introduce our unique and dedicated staff. Each one of us comes with compassion, empathy, knowledge, and strength. We are all dedicated to teaming with your family and helping you on your journey!

Accepting applications for additional board members. To get an application, please contact us via our contact page.

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All Staff

Youth Care Coach

Samantha Bacon | Youth Care Coach

My name is Samantha, and I come from a vibrant family of nine siblings. As the seventh child, I’ve always thrived in a large, chaotic environment. I’m proud to be a first-generation college student; I recently earned two AA degrees, one in Psychology and the other in Social and Behavioral Sciences. I am now on my journey toward my bachelor’s degree.

I’ve lived in Willits for over 20 years and am deeply committed to my community. From a young age, I’ve enjoyed helping others, whether it was babysitting my younger siblings, volunteering with Girl Scouts to feed veterans during the holidays, or contributing over 200 hours of service during my time at a charter school.

My interest in psychology blossomed in college, and I find it incredibly rewarding to work in this field. Currently, I work in wraparound services, where I’ve completed various training courses, including trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and cultural humility. Using my childhood experiences to help others has been a profound gift, and I’m dedicated to making a positive impact in people’s lives.

Youth Care Coach

Claude Embden | Youth Care Coach

Hi, I'm Claude Embden, a youth care coach dedicated to supporting young people and their families through life's challenges. My passion for helping others grew from my own experiences and a deep understanding of how crucial wraparound services can be for fostering growth and resilience. I’m proud to be part of an incredible team that believes in the power of personalized care and support. I look forward to partnering with you to help achieve positive outcomes and lasting change.

Youth Care Coach & Compliance Specialist

Jett Kuehne | Youth Care Coach & Compliance Specialist

Hi there! I’m Jett Kuehne, a Youth Care Coach and Compliance Specialist at Synergy Family Services, where we focus on post-adoption wraparound care. Growing up with foster and adopted siblings, I learned firsthand the importance of having a strong support system and how meaningful it is for young people to feel truly connected and understood. That experience shaped my passion for working with youth and families, especially those navigating adoption journeys.

At Synergy, I get to do what I love: empowering youth to reach their full potential through individualized support while ensuring our programs meet the highest standards of care. Whether I’m coaching young people or managing compliance, I aim to foster trust, collaboration, and stability for the families we serve.

I believe every family is unique, and through the wraparound process, we work together to build plans that meet your specific needs. I’m here to make sure your family’s voice is heard, and everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so you can focus on what matters most—growing, thriving, and building meaningful connections.

Administrative Director

Mahala Kuehne, MPH | Administrative Director

Hi, I'm Mahala. I handle the administrative side of your family's wraparound experience. I am no stranger to how important wraparound services are to families and communities; two of my siblings went through the wraparound process, and I was a teacher for five years. I feel proud to play a role in such a wonderful agency and within a fantastic community. Our team at Synergy is made up of one-of-a-kind individuals, and I couldn't be more excited for you to meet your team.

Tabitha Kuehne
Clinician, Executive Director

Tabitha Kuehne, LMFT | Clinician, Executive Director

Tabitha Kuehne was born in New Jersey and then before turning one moved with her family to Germany. German is her first Language! She left Germany after Kindergarten and completed the remainder of her schooling in the United States. Due to the unfolding of her life, she knew from a young age that the thing she most wanted to do was to understand why people did what they did. She completed her AA degree in Eureka CA at College of the Redwoods. She then went on to CalPoly Humboldt for her BA in psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. And eventually she went on to get her Masters in Counseling. She’s had a variety of jobs that gave her knowledge in many different avenues of life: fast food, motel reception, dental office, SPED classroom aide, Juvenile CO, Juvenile and Adult PO, AODP counseling, foster family and adoption agencies, subcontractor for State Parole and her own private psychotherapy practice. Tabitha has fostered many children and adopted two, as well as having biological children and sweet dogs and cats. In her spare time she loves to learn, work out, travel, cook vegan and vegetarian meals, read and spend time with loved ones. “I feel passionate about Wrap-Around. It’s an amazing service when done with fidelity. It’s an honor to have families let us join their team and support their change and growth” -- Tabitha Kuehne, MA, LMFT

Youth Care Coach

Lisa Lord | Youth Care Coach

Hi, I’m Lisa, a Youth Care Coach here at Synergy Family Services. I’ve always been passionate about helping others, which led me to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sonoma State University. Throughout my studies, I had the opportunity to study both nationally and internationally, first in Phoenix and Flagstaff, Arizona, and later in Queensland, Australia. These experiences have helped give me a deeper appreciation for different perspectives, which I try to incorporate in my work to better understand and connect with the families I serve. I believe that every individual and every family has their own story, and their care should reflect that. This belief is what led me to work in wraparound services, where I can help provide support that is geared to each family’s needs. Looking ahead, I plan to take my experience and further my education in the field of psychology.

Youth Care Coach

Angela Myers | Youth Care Coach

Biography coming soon!

Youth Care Coach

Rachel Woods | Youth Care Coach

Hi, I’m Rachel Woods, a youth care coach at Synergy Family Services, where I’m passionate about making an important, positive impact in the lives of young people. Currently, I’m balancing my role at Synergy with my full-time college studies. I’m focused on developing the skills and knowledge needed to support and empower youth in our community. I enjoy with connecting with individuals and helping them navigate their challenges, whether it’s through one-on-one coaching or group activities. Outside of work and school, I love spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and volunteering in various community initiatives. I believe in the power of positive relationships and am committed to fostering a supportive environment for the youth I work with. I’m excited about the journey ahead and look forward to continuing to grow both personally and professionally while making a difference in the lives of others in our community.

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