Leadership Team

Leadership

Brooke Chambers | Director of Quality

Brooke relocated from the Midwest to California in 1999 and started working in group homes. She has over 25 years of experience in behavioral health and social services. As the Director of Quality, she is focused on continuous quality improvement at all levels of the organization and helps to incorporate learning and fun into the work environment at YFC.

Terri Coutolenc | Director of Human Resources

Terri has been with Youth For Change since 2019 as our Human Resources Manager. Prior to YFC, she spent 25 years in the Midwest as HR in the manufacturing field. Terri finds working at YFC and the social services field immensely satisfying.

Karen Eley, LCSW | Director of Family Services

Karen Eley has been working at YFC since 2012. She loves getting to work with youth and families in the community as well as her co-workers. Karen is a certified Forest Therapy Guide and is passionate about introducing people to the outdoors. She loves to travel, play with her dog Wilder, and be outside.

Sarah Feingold, LCSW | Director of Behavioral Health Programs

Sarah has been a member of our team since 2010, and has worked in the social service field for over 20 years. She started her career in group homes and foster care, and spent 6 years in law enforcement as a Probation Officer. She has worked as a mental health clinician since 2008. As the Director of Behavioral Health Services, she is passionate about supporting her staff toward professional development to ensure that high quality, compassionate and effective services are delivered at YFC.

Julie Marsters | Director of Social Services

Julie brings more than 20 years of experience in social services, including five years with local nonprofit organizations and more than 15 years in child welfare. Throughout her career, a significant focus of her work has been supporting children and youth with complex needs and helping ensure that high-need families receive the services and care they deserve. She is deeply passionate about collaboration and believes that working together is the best way to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families.

Having spent many years working alongside YFC, Julie is especially excited to officially join the organization and contribute to our mission in this role. She is both grateful for the opportunity, and eager to work alongside our staff in support of the children, youth, and families we serve.

Kathleen Shenk | Director of Community Resources and Development

Kathleen joined Youth for Change in 2010 and is currently the Director of Community Resources and Development.

Brooke Svalberg Wells, LCSW | Assistant Director of Foster Care Services

Brooke began her career with YFC as an intern in 2000 and has extensive experience in foster care, adoption and transitional housing. She has also worked in Wraparound, TBS, and PCIT. She is passionate about family reunification, permanency for children, and helping young adults transition to independence.

Brooke has been actively involved in the development of Extended Foster Care (AB 12) and related supportive programs at the state and county levels. She believes strong relationships and collaboration are essential to helping families and young adults thrive.