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Meet the Team
Board of Directors
Founder and Chairperson
Evan Buxbaum MD MPH (he/him)
Evan Buxbaum is a board certified pediatrician and the founder of Sorrel Leaf Healing Center. A graduate of Duke University Medical School and the University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Dr. Buxbaum has been practicing pediatrics for over 20 years, 11 of which were spent at Redwood Pediatrics in Fortuna, CA. As the child and adolescent mental health crisis worsened throughout California but especially in the underserved rural communities of the North Coast, he became increasingly aware of the lack of quality residential care for children and adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis. In 2020 he and a group of motivated healers and community members formed Sorrel Leaf Healing Center and received funding from the California Health Facilities Financing Administration, Providence Health, and local donors to create the North Coast’s first youth crisis residential care facility.
Board Treasurer
Matt Rees
Matt is a recognized business leader and entrepreneur. As he finished his degree he was approached by one of his professors with an opportunity to help him start a business and manage it. Matt has started companies and helped others to grow throughout his career. He has been a business leader for over 25 years. Has built strong administrative teams, that have had very little turnover and has mentored and trained many others who have become leaders. Matt has led companies with hundreds of employees and has led the growth of a 50 year old business to almost triple its gross revenue in 5 years, without the addition of any new services.
Matt has served and chaired several boards throughout the last 20 years. Boards have been for healthcare, service organizations, and insurance companies. Matt is also experienced in advocacy work.
Board Member
Mike Breen
Michael Breen is an executive leader and strategist with diverse experience at the intersection of policy, law, technology, human rights, global security, and markets. He is currently at Anthropic, the AI safety and research lab, where he leads strategic initiatives to advance the company’s public benefit mission. Previously, he served as President & CEO of Human Rights First, where his work was recognized with the American Bar Association’s Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Global Human Rights Impact. Earlier in his career he was President & CEO of the Truman National Security Project and the Center for National Policy, served in the Obama administration’s Office of White House Counsel, co-founded the International Refugee Assistance Project, and led American soldiers in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq as a decorated US Army officer. He holds a JD from Yale Law School and a BA from Dartmouth.
Board Member
Gabrielle Kelly
Gabrielle Kelly, LCSW is a dedicated Behavioral Health Provider in Eureka, California with nearly a decade of experience in various local medical organizations. She has served on various committees and does what she can to support aspiring social workers through internship and mentorship opportunities in partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt. After earning her Master’s in Social Work from Humboldt State University, Gabrielle pursued clinical licensure and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Passionate about empowering individuals, she believes in the innate capacity for change and that, while we cannot alter past experiences, we can transform how we respond to them to live meaningful, intentional lives. With deep roots in Humboldt County, Gabrielle is devoted to the well-being of both children and the broader community. Her approach fosters a safe and supportive space where individuals feel heard and are encouraged to take practical steps toward healthier and more fulfilling lives. She remains deeply committed to contributing to the wellness and growth of the community she holds dear and hopes that by providing her clinical perspective and values to help build the program at Sorrel Leaf Healing Center, she can contribute to the future generations of Humboldt County.
Board Member
Alison Hodges
Alison Hodges is an experienced educator and advocate with over 20 years dedicated to supporting marginalized and underserved populations. Her career reflects a deep commitment to fostering resilience in teens through holistic care, academic support, and community collaboration. Currently, Alison serves as an Academic Advisor and Lecturer at Cal Poly Humboldt, where she emphasizes personal development and academic success for students. Her approach integrates emotional and academic well-being, preparing students for long-term achievement. Previously, Alison was a Program Director and educator at the Academy of the Redwoods, Early College High School in Eureka, CA, where she collaborated with a dedicated team to design and implement effective programs expanding higher education access for underrepresented teens. Her expertise in curriculum development and program management allows her to bridge the gap between therapeutic and academic environments, creating pathways that support teens both in crisis recovery and future planning. Alison’s comprehensive understanding of the emotional, psychological, and academic needs of students makes her a valuable contributor to any organization focused on youth well-being. Alison looks forward to contributing her expertise and passion for supporting an environment that encourages resilience, hope, and the belief that every young person can thrive.
Board Member
Michael Weiss
Michael Weiss is a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ2S+ rights and HIV/AIDS activism, co-founding Queer Humboldt and the Eureka Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. His work with these organizations has fostered visibility and support for LGBTQ2S+ individuals in rural Northern California, while engaging in fundraising and community service.
With 20 years’ experience as a Program Services Coordinator for Humboldt County's Public Health Branch, Weiss has focused on disease, overdose, and suicide and violence prevention, particularly for underserved communities.
Weiss's skills in advocacy, event planning, grant writing and fundraising have enabled him to create impactful programs that raise awareness, provide safe spaces, and engage policymakers. He has a deep passion for supporting those experiencing mental health crises and suicidality.
Board Member
Bruce Kaye
I'm a Towering House clan member born for The Big Water Clan. I was born on the Hopi reservation to a Navajo mother and Hopi father. I was raised in the traditions of Hopi principles on my paternal grandparents' land. I’ve attended and participated in Yurok ceremonies. I learned some valuable lessons from all the tribes of Northern California. I was hired to work for HC/DHHS/MH for 24 years as a substance abuse counselor/ prevention specialist. I also have been employed by Two Feathers Indian Child and Family Services, Bear River and Table Bluff Rancherias as a cultural consultant teaching native youth northern plains style drumming and singing as well as storytelling. I’ve since retired from that job. I acquired some valuable skills while working in the "system" which has enabled me to understand the inner workings of the mental health, public health, social services and child welfare systems. I feel I can contribute valuable information to service providers regarding cultural sensitivity. One of the many facets of my experiences both as a professional and on a personal basis, as I have been in both sides of the "system", is imparting important information regarding culturally sensitive ways when working with tribes in Humboldt County.
Board Member
Ruth Wortman
My name is Ruth Evelyn Wortman, I am an enrolled Bear River tribal member. I am the Women’s Cultural Coordinator for the Bear River Band. I am celebrating my ninth year in recovery from drugs and alcohol. I am a survivor of foster care, honored to have been adopted to the Smith family out in Kansas. I am also honored to be expecting a baby girl in May. I am a ceremony leader. I am also the president of the Board of Directors for the nonprofit Humboldt Healthy Families, that focus on keeping families together through the recovery process. My purpose on this journey in my understanding is to help facilitate balance, support individuals in finding their purpose, and to lift those up who are struggling along this journey. I have been working with the Cultural Council at Sorrel Leaf for a few years now and I’m grateful to be a part of this movement. It is a dire piece of the healing process that we need to be focusing on, so I’m grateful to be joining you all in this endeavor.
Advisors to the Board of Directors
Board Advisor
Alex Childers (they/them)
Alex Childers (they/them) is a youth advocate and peer supporter. They draw from their lived experience in foster care, involuntary psychiatric hospitalization, and the mental health care system to support other people going through similar struggles as well as advocate for changes in these systems to better and more compassionately serve youth in Humboldt County. Some of their passions include facilitating an Alternatives to Suicide peer support group, learning new languages, and singing.
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