Shelby Roberts 

Shelby is the current  General Manager/ Director, mediator,and Board member Humboldt Mediation Services. Shelby joined HMS upon moving to Humboldt four years ago. Shelby moved to Humboldt to finish her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Cal Poly Humboldt. Following her graduation in 2023, Shelby has been pursuing a career in social work and non-profit development within the Humboldt community.  She is passionate about facilitating non-violent communication services and programs, and will pursue her Master's of Social Work degree in the Fall of 2025 to further that goal. In her free time, Shelby volunteers at other local nonprofits, enjoys working in her garden, hiking, spending time with loved ones, and crafting. 

Kyle Ruelas

Kyle is a Board Member and case manager for Humboldt Meditation Services. He began as an intern in November 2023. He was born and raised in Humboldt County, and graduated in 2024 from Cal Poly Humboldt with a Bachelor's in Psychology and a minor in philosophy, with distinction. He is proud to help the residents of Humboldt County find affordable and peaceful resolutions. In his free time, he enjoys being with friends, reading, playing board games, and enjoying nature.

Aida Kastel 

Aida is a long time resident of Humboldt County and has been a volunteer mediator with Humboldt Mediation Services for 13 years. She is currently serving as Board Treasurer. When she is not helping others resolve conflicts, Aida is busy studying to become a therapist, working as a bookkeeper, and weaving baskets. Aida loves working with fellow board members to help ensure that HMS continues to provide conflict resolution skills and opportunities for all Humboldt County residents.

Steve Spain

Steve Spain is the current board chair of HMS. He has been a volunteer with our organization for almost six years, has served as a mediator, and now works as a case manager. Steve came to Humboldt twenty five years ago intending to stay for six months, but then fell in love with the area and never left. He is a graduate of Humboldt State University, and has pushed a variety of occupations rather than one career path. You'll find him most days puttering around Humboldt, exploring the fringes, and dreaming about when he can race in the Kinectic Grand Championship again. 

Haakon Williams

Haakon is a non-profit executive, mediator, community organizer, team leader, and culture war peacemaker who brings a lifetime spent synthesizing diverse perspectives to his work with Humboldt Mediation Services. He is the Deputy Director of Committee to Bridge the Gap, an environmental watchdog. Haakon trained in mediation with the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County, and attended UC Santa Cruz, where he majored in Environmental Studies and Philosophy. Haakon currently serves on the HMS board as the secretary, and is employed as one of our case managers.