Maria Fernanda Puckett Recognized by the Global Directory of Who’s Who as a Distinguished Healthcare Professional for Excellence in Behavioral Health Services
Jun 24, 2026
BOISE, Idaho — Maria Fernanda Puckett, CEO and Founder of Hand in Hand Behavioral Health, has been recognized by the Global Directory of Who’s Who as a Distinguished Healthcare Professional for her exceptional leadership and dedication to improving access to quality behavioral health services. With 16 years of experience in the field and eight years leading Hand in Hand Behavioral Health in Boise, Idaho, Ms. Puckett has built an organization of nearly 100 providers offering counseling, case management, Community-Based Rehabilitation Services (CBRS), peer support, youth support, family support, and therapeutic-based services. Her organization serves Medicaid recipients, refugees from African and Arabic communities, homeless individuals, those transitioning from incarceration, and families facing mental health and addiction-related challenges. Guided by the principles of communication, honesty, and treating clients as individuals rather than billing numbers, she remains committed to delivering compassionate, person-centered care.
A graduate of Oklahoma Christian University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish in 2010, Ms. Puckett began her career as a CBRS provider and case manager before relocating from Oklahoma to Idaho. Over the years, she has developed a reputation for hands-on leadership and clinical excellence, personally reviewing clinical documentation to ensure the highest standards of care rather than relying solely on third-party billing services. Her commitment to quality oversight was recognized during an audit, which highlighted Hand in Hand Behavioral Health as one of the few organizations maintaining individualized review processes. She is also an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Idaho Chapter, reflecting her dedication to professional growth and ethical standards within the behavioral health community.
Beyond her clinical work, Ms. Puckett and her team provide comprehensive support services that address the social determinants of health affecting vulnerable populations. Hand in Hand Behavioral Health assists individuals and families with housing placement, homeless shelter transitions, job placement, food assistance programs, refer/connect transportation to medical appointments, citizenship documentation, family crisis intervention, teen pregnancy support, WIC enrollment, educational IEP services, nutritional guidance, financial literacy counseling, and refugee assistance with language support. Looking ahead, Ms. Puckett plans to continue expanding the organization thoughtfully while preserving the quality and personalized care that have become the hallmark of Hand in Hand Behavioral Health. Her unwavering commitment to serving those most in need has made a lasting impact throughout the Boise community and beyond.
About Maria Fernanda Puckett
Maria Fernanda Puckett, is CEO and Founder of Hand in Hand Behavioral Health.
Name: Maria Fernanda Puckett
Phone: (208) 605-3663
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Maria Fernanda Puckett Recognized by the Global Directory of Who’s Who as a Distinguished Healthcare Professional for Excellence in Behavioral Health Services