Townley Saye

I have walked many paths on my professional and personal journeys.  I am fortunate to be a mother to three spirited, kind, and curious humans.  I have spent most of my life as a child and parent advocate in various capacities, including being a certified doula and birth educator, owning a local children’s store, and utilizing my education in social work to serve families and implement family-friendly policies within state systems directly.  Additionally, my certifications in The Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) and the Community Resilience Model (CRM) further aid my approach to addressing family and system issues through a strength-based, trauma- and resilience-informed lens. 

Some of my favorite things in life include sunrises, a child’s laughter, walks on the beach, traveling, dancing in open-aired spaces, and a strong cup of coffee. 

Favorite childhood book: Oh, the Places You’ll Go!  by Dr. Seuss

Favorite childhood song: You are my Sunshine sung by my grandmother

Jenna Flesch

Most importantly, I am a mom to three kids, two of which are under 5. I started my journey with FIRST 5 Mendocino in January 2015 and have had the privilege of parenting my own children through their early formative years during my time here. I have firsthand experience that the work of FIRST 5 is extremely beneficial to families with young children.

In 2020, as my family was sheltering in place, we took up gardening and planted a large vegetable garden and fruit orchard in our backyard. I also enjoy crafting with anything glitter including creating things using epoxy resin. My biggest form of self-care though is taking long hot baths while listening to podcasts or reading books! That is my favorite way to relax.

Favorite childhood book: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess

Karla Kohler

I was born and raised here in Mendocino County. I am Mom to an incredible, neurodivergent child. I firmly believe we all have a responsibility to do what we can to make this world a better place. I jumped at the opportunity to work with the First 5 Mendocino team and use my experience and skill set to help make a difference in the lives of local families.

I attended Mendocino College and received associate degrees in Liberal Arts and Business Management and a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding. I moved on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Dominican University of CA. I believe learning is a life-long process and I still enjoy taking classes for enrichment.

I’ve loved books from a young age and my favorite form of self-care is quietly reading with a cup of coffee. I also like to garden. I enjoy watching things grow and its very rewarding to provide my family with food I grew myself. Rescuing animals is also a life-long passion of mine and I currently have a house full of them.

My favorite childhood book: The Sleep Book, by Dr. Seuss

Jade Aldrich

I am a mother of four and raised my beautiful children on the coast of Mendocino without any immediate family. As a young mom feelings of isolation and overwhelm were constant, and I yearned for connection and guidance. I found a Triple P Positive Parenting Group and it changed my life by connecting me with others and teaching me skills to feel calm and confident in managing challenging behaviors. It has now been over a decade since I’ve been supporting other families as a Certified Doula, Childbirth Educator, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor & Triple P Facilitator who knows personally the importance of connection and support. Everyone needs it and I am passionate about making it available as part of a normal option for all parents and caregivers of children. Outside of work I love to play on our beaches and swim in our rivers.

Favorite childhood book: Black Beauty by Ana Sewell

Favorite childhood song: It’s a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Megan Carson

I have a deep love for humans and their stories, and I’ve come to learn that everyone has a story. After working with refugees from around the world and hearing them share their stories, I felt drawn to hear and know the stories in my own community. I’ve witnessed ways that stories have the power to unify and heal, as they connect us in our shared humanity. In my role with First 5 Mendocino, I hope to use stories to shine a light on ways we can create better systems of care for those who are more vulnerable among us. I feel passionate about using my voice to amplify the voices of those who are underrepresented, working toward a society of greater equity and social justice. As the mother of 3 pre-teens, I believe strongly in nurturing the inner child in each of us and love finding moments of fun and play with my kids. As a family, we love creating art, hiking in the mountains, camping and playing at the beach. To recharge, I love running, baking, and watching clouds from my hammock. 

Favorite childhood book: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Favorite childhood song: This Little Light of Mine

Tara Yoast

I joined the First 5 Mendocino team in November 2023.  I was born and raised here in Mendocino County and am a very proud mom of two. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Heath Science-Public Health.  Working as an emergency dispatcher, I developed a passion for using my experience to make a difference in the lives of those in my community. I love the work that First 5 is doing to build community resilience and creating more awareness around childhood trauma.  As a single mom, I know how important it is to have accessible resources for families and young children. It is incredibly fulfilling to be a part of providing these resources here in Mendocino County.

I relax and recharge by spending time with my family.  I love to be in the redwoods and on the coast of Mendocino. I enjoy paddleboarding, hiking, reading, DIY home projects, and playing games with my girls.

Favorite childhood book: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Bonnie Boek

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Davis in American Studies-Gender and Ethnicity and a Minor in Native American Studies. Working at First 5 Mendocino where I get to support children and their families brings me joy, satisfaction, and hope. Children are our future. Outside of work I spend my time with my children, creating art, and gardening.

Favorite childhood book: The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

Andres Alvarado

I’ve been with First 5 Mendocino since February 2017. I started by being an Americorp for 1 and a half years and became a full-time staff in August of 2018. I’m trained in Triple P, CRM, PIP, and Signs of Safety among other things. Being a resource for families and being able to help them achieve their goals is what I’m passionate about and it’s why I love to show up at work every day! In my free time, I like to play soccer and disc golf. I’m also a coach for Mendocino County Soccer Academy (MCSA). GO EAGLES!

Favorite childhood book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Maria Fuentes

I am a mother of two who was introduced to FIRST 5 Mendocino when I was a first-time mom 8 years ago. I joined the team as an Americorps member where it ignited my passion to support children, parents, and caregivers. I am an accredited Triple P facilitator helping parents and caregivers navigate their journey in raising children with support, empathy, and a smile. One key moment that helped me as a first-time parent was knowing that I could ask for help to gain knowledge and information through FIRST 5. I am happy to now offer that same warm and inclusive service to families in Mendocino County. On my free time I like to care for my houseplants, go for walks, and spend time with my children.

Favorite childhood book: The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

Favorite childhood song: Los Pollitos Dicen

Monica Troxler

I began my career with First 5 Mendocino in October 2021 and am returning again to the wonderful Raise & Shine team. I am a graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Legal Studies. It makes me feel fulfilled to help the community by being a resource to local families. Each day I enjoy greeting the people who come through our door. Some of my hobbies include weightlifting, hiking, and traveling with my family.

Susana Avalos-Garcia

Bio coming soon.

Marla Anderson

Bio coming soon.

Sierra DeBiase

Hello! I moved to Mendocino County in 2023 and joined First 5 Mendocino in 2025, but my passion for early childhood started long before that. I became a mom early in life, and while raising my little ones, I worked with Head Start and Early Head Start, focusing on infant and toddler care and education. Now, I get to support entire families by celebrating their strengths and working together through challenges. Every day offers something new and I love it!

My favorite childhood book: Aesop’s Fables because I loved reading the life lessons tied to every story. 

Alex Rounds

I’m a Mom with three kids, a midwife, and a lactation consultant. I care deeply about parents and caregivers and how prepared they feel to take care of their kids. I believe in the power of positive relationships and the need for community. We need supportive communities to do our best as caregivers. I’m here because I can make a greater impact on how well our community cares for families by working with them and family-serving organizations in Mendocino County. Some of my hobbies are spending time with my family and friends, gardening, reading fiction (mostly science fiction), being out in nature, and kayaking.

Favorite children’s books: Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney and The Curious Garden by Peter Brown