Department: Directors

Harriet Curtis-Boles, Ph.D. graduated from the Clinical Psychology Doctoral program at U.C. Berkeley in 1984. Over her years in the profession she was the Clinical Director of an out-patient mental health agency, provided direct clinical services in both private practice and a college counseling setting and provided consultation and training to many community based settings in the East Bay. She was a professor at the California School of Professional Psychology for 27 years and published a book and many journal articles on diversity and multiculturalism. She has been a consultant with YSB for the last 8 years where she provides clinical training, consultation and supervision. She is married and a proud mother and grandmother.

Onna Alexander, LCSW has been with the agency for 28 years and currently serves as the Clinical Director. Born in raised in West County she works in both our East and West county office sites.

Marena Brown currently serves as the Interim Executive Director. I refer to myself as an individual with “hattitude” for all of the many hats I wear, both literally and figuratively. Many organizations and individuals have benefited from my tireless efforts and commitment to my family, CCYSB of 20+ years, church and the community. Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Associate of Arts Business Administration Degree, Associate of Applied Science Social Behavior Health Degree, and an Achievement Business Management Certificate. Marena also serves on various nonprofits as a board of director; CHDC, RNCC, Chemtrade and a member of the Kiwanis Club. Also an active member of the City of Richmond Crime Prevention, the NRMAC, president of the Shields-Reid Neighborhood Council, and the Director of Christian Education and Formation.

Marena is talented, dependable, highly adaptable, versatile professional with excellent organizational skills, quick learner, able to communicate effectively with team members, management, children, youth and families, stakeholders, elected officials, skilled in all aspects of office management within corporate and nonprofit environments. Also enjoys making new friends, and known for event planning, and loves decorating the office in seasonal themes as it generates many compliments and smiles.