Our Staff
Hannah Hancock, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Director of Pau Hana Counseling, LLC
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Hannah Hancock, MSW, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Master’s degree from Walla Walla University. She became the Assistant Clinical Director at Pau Hana Counseling, LLC in 2021 and was promoted to Clinical Director in 2023. Hannah began working in the mental health field at a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility in Billings, Montana. Hannah continued to work at the treatment facility while completing graduate school and working full-time in school-based mental health as a Behavior Specialist. Upon graduation, Hannah moved to Asheville, North Carolina to work as a full-time in-home therapist, providing the highest level of community-based care available. After serving as a therapist and supervisor, Hannah moved to the Hilo area on the Big Island to work for Pau Hana Counseling, LLC and continue serving adult individuals as they pursue healing, growth, and change in their lives.
Hannah utilizes a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach that focuses on the whole person and the environment in which they live. Hannah most frequently uses approaches from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. She looks forward to working collaboratively with you towards your goals.
Damien Young, MA, LMFT, CCTP
Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Program Director of Pau Hana Counseling, LLC
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Our Hilo Office *
Damien Young, MA, LMFT, CCTP brings with him years of diverse clinical experience and a deep passion for healing work. Damien began working with Pau Hana Counseling in 2022 and was promoted to Program Director in 2023. His personal path that called him into the field was at the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and a close relationship with the natural world. Damien is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and specializes in the treatment of trauma via experiential therapies such as EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapies, family systems, attachment theory, addiction and codependency, transpersonal psychology, and nature-based therapy. As a clinical supervisor, Damien is passionate about providing support and guidance with an emphasis on empowering clinicians to reach their greatest potential via their own unique path forged from their strengths, their personality, and what inspires them.
Dr. Shameca Hudson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Advanced Practice Registered NurseFamily Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -Board Certified
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health *
Dr. Shameca Hudson is a Board Certified - Family and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 8 years of experience treating adults, children, and families with mental illness. She takes an integrative and individualized approach to care. She is interested in culture and its impact on mental health..
Dr. Robert Storey, Psychologist, EdD, LP
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Dr. Robert Storey obtained his B.A. in Liberal Arts at Washington and Lee University as a Philosophy major, minoring in Sociology. He obtained a Masters in Guidance and Psychological Services at Springfield College and was awarded his Doctorate in Educational Psychology ( Ed.D) while studying at American International University. He began his clinical internship in 1986 under the auspices of distinguished Dr. Frank Sacco, a protege of Karl Menninger with tutelage by Anna Freud. Dr. Sacco came from a long lineage of psychodynamic pioneers and Dr. Storey was privileged to be part of this tradition of groundbreaking psychologists.
Dr. Storey has conducted approximately 6,500 psychological evaluations with 35 years of experience and has relied upon projective measures such as the Rorschach Ink Blot Test, Thematic Apperception Test, Children's Apperception Test, and Human Figure Drawing to delve into the innermost reaches of the patient's intra-psychic world. Dr. Storey has assessed a diverse population of clients ranging from children to elder adults from various ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Dr. Storey utilizes an eclectic blend of cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, rational emotive treatments as well as Buddhist and Taoist perspectives to assist in reframing a clients point of view.
Anuhea St. Laurent, MSCP-LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Anuhea St. Laurent is from Kāneʻohe, Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu and currently lives in Keaʻau, Puna, Hawaiʻi with her ʻohana of five. She graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Chaminade University and is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Anuhea began studying psychology in 2003 and working in the mental health field in 2009. She has experience helping children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity and Autism Spectrum Disorders as a Behavior Specialist, mentoring at-risk adolescents as a Youth Counselor in culturally/nature-based experiential learning settings, supporting adults diagnosed with severe mental illnesses and substance abuse addictions as a Counselor in residential and outpatient treatment facilities, and teaching couples to improve their mindset, habits, and communication when managing family finances.
Anuhea is deeply passionate about helping fellow Native Hawaiians and other BIPOC minorities because she experiences and witnesses the struggles faced daily, trying to navigate systems of oppression. She primarily supports caregivers and leaders who experience burnout, anxiety, depression and/or trauma, specifically healthcare workers, first responders, teachers, parents, activists, entrepreneurs, and other individuals in highly stressful, purpose-driven positions. Anuhea aims to provide culturally-aligned and trauma-informed care through a social justice framework that allows her clients to feel understood, safe, hopeful and empowered. Her therapeutic style focuses on the present, while learning from the past and considering the future while considering all aspects of a person’s health holistically. She takes into consideration the culture and values each client identifies with, and integrates several forms of psychotherapy that adapt to the unique needs of each person depending on their challenges, goals, expectations, and motivation. Anuhea guides her clients not just to alleviate symptoms, but to create self-care routines and coping skills habitually, which allow them to sustain meaningful lives.
Jody Dunlap, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Our Hilo Office *
Jody Dunlap, MSW, LCSW has been a practicing social worker for over 40 years. Her personal and professional belief is how well people function is about how they process their life events.Through resiliency, the healthy tools they have learned or will learn and the belief in oneself, self-forgiveness and self-acceptance can emerge. As a result, she believes that people can learn to be their better selves. Jody believes that for healing and change to begin, it's important to identify what's working in their lives, what they are proud of and like about themselves. She also believe it's important to identify what tools have worked in the past when there have been struggles. Jody believes that people seeing their strengths and capabilities is critical in the beginning stages of therapy.
Jody practices from a psychodynamic approach and tries to assist people in understanding and gaining personal insight about events from past/present that have shaped their lives. This often opens the door to self-understanding and shuts the door on self-judgement. She has experience working with many presentations of mental health issues. Some examples include, depression, bipolardisorders, anxiety related disorders, grief, including pet loss, and past or present trauma. She has also worked with people who have experienced physical, emotional, psychological trauma in a family setting. She enjoys working with both men and women struggling with anger problems and relationship problems. She works most ages of people, from teens through seniors, as individuals, couples, families or in group settings. She also believes that humor can sometimes be good ‘medicine’ for therapy.
Megan Salgado, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
"As a therapist, I believe my role is to create a safe space where diversity of experiences can be explored with compassion." People make the choice to embark on the journey of therapy for many different reasons. Megan enjoys offering individuals, couples and families the opportunity to explore these reasons in a safe, supportive environment with compassion, support and commitment to each client that she works with.
Megan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor who works with individuals, couples and families. She has extensive experience working with substance abuse issues with people of all ages, children and adolescents that have experienced trauma, as well as with couples and families in healing their relationships.
"I look forward to working together to develop an approach in dealing with your struggles through healing that is specific to you and your loved ones. I look forward to meeting with you."
Tana Teicheira, LCSW, QCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Tana Teicheira, LCSW, QCSW is a graduate of University of Hawai'i-Manoa School of Social Work. She specializes in Cultures and Trauma and has over 35 years experience as a Critical Incident Stress Debrief [CISD] 1st responder internationally. She has worked on the Sexual Assault Response Team [SART] and has been a forensic interviewer and completed more than 2500 emergency mobile Mental Health Crisis Team responses. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, families, inter-generations, adolescents ages 10-18 and utilizes multi-modality therapy approaches.
Tana moved to the Island of Hawai'i in 1979. She has had varied jobs during her time living in Hawai'i, including cattle ranching on the Hamakua coast. She previously oversaw the State of Hawaii Mental Health for the schools of South Kona and Kau. She was also a therapist and interim director for the Kailua-Kona VA. Tana is licensed in Hawaii, as well as California, Oregon, Arizona and Nevada.
Camille Bourcier, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health and in our Hilo office *
Camille Bourcier, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist and Behavioral Specialist who received her Master’s Degree in Social Work with an emphasis in Mental and Behavioral Health from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. With over ten years experience working with adolescents, young adults, and families in outdoor, educational and therapeutic settings she brings a dynamic style, utilizing a strength-based approach.
Camille has experience working with military families and local behavioral health organizations. In both settings, she supported young people with learning differences and emotional challenges in the development of improved esteem and communication skills. Camille identifies as 'Hapa' and is passionate about working with individuals who identify as mixed race.
Building strong relationships with her clients, Camille provides a foundation to address challenging behaviors and interpersonal issues. With experience in the mental health field and family support services, Camille brings a confident, calm and deliberate approach to her work with individuals and families.
DeAnna Heimsoth, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Are you looking for healing in your family in your relationships and in yourself? If so, then I encourage you to invite me along on your journey. I will help you, your child or your adolescent explore the thoughts and sensations that lead to overwhelm, anxiety, conflict in relationship, or challenges with maladaptive behaviors or coping strategies. I enjoy working with children as young as 3 all the way through young adulthood. I also enjoy supporting adults who happen to be parents, and couples navigating the challenges of their relationships.
I am a child and family therapist by training specializing in healing children, adolescents and adults in their own lives as well as their relationships. My approach is compassionate and smart. If you decide to work with me, you’ll notice that I lead with my heart, and support my intuition with insight, personal narratives and psycho-education.
I have over 17 years of professional experience working with children, adolescents and families providing family and individual therapy, group and play therapy. I am skilled in working with individuals of all ages with: anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, bipolar, autism, and sensory processing disorders. I am also bilingual (English / Spanish), and am intimately familiar with the challenges of individuals navigating more than one culture.
Orlando Davis, MA, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Our Hilo Office *
Orlando Davis, MA, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received his Master of Arts in Social Service Administration Degree from the University of Chicago. His work as the principal contributor to a major grant from the Department of Justice, whose focus was to prevent at risk youth from entering the juvenile detention centers in Chicago, was a motivating factor in pursing his clinical training to further his outreach and impact.
Utilizing a Family Systems approach with compassionate listening, Orlando creates a safe environment to explore and heal from regrets, resentment and trauma while assisting in identifying paths for change. This process, grounded in the belief that everyone has the capacity to change, allows individuals and families to better understand how their past intersects with their present. Orlando has over 10 years experience working with diverse individuals, couples anfamilies in a private practice setting. He has this to say about his work, “I believe my role as a therapist is to empower those who seek change and model effective strategies to reach their goals.”
Grace Holbrook, MSW, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Grace Holbrook, MSW, LSW is a Licensed Social Worker who focuses in treatment that is client centered and strategized to help support clients in accomplishing their goals in therapy. Grace received her Master's Degree from Hawai'i Pacific University, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her goal as a clinician is to create a safe environment for clients to process past or current difficulties, stressors or traumas.
Grace has a background of working with clients who experience anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, attachment disorders, personality disorders, and have experienced abuse or neglect. She has worked with clients in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
Mark White, MAC, LMHC, LPC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Mark White, MAC, LMHC, LPC, provides counseling to people across the lifespan. In addition to his extensive clinical background, Mark also holds a masters degree in School Counseling and has a breadth of professional experience as a teacher, school counselor and Head of School.
Mark is dedicated to supporting people healing from behavioral health issues including anxiety, depression, isolation, and problems related to substance use. Mark utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches that include a solution-focused framework, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and the Hakomi method, as well as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
Mark enjoys being on the ocean, teaching, and growing food. He frequently explores the beauty and dynamic landscape of Hawai'i Island along with his family.
Andrea Nila Negron, MSW, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Our Hilo Office *
Andrea Nila Negron, MSW, LSW, received her Master’s degree from New Mexico State University. With a background in trauma-informed yoga and bodywork, she brings a psycho-spiritual approach to healing and wellness. She specializes in collaborating with individuals with attachment and developmental trauma using the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), which integrates a cognitive and somatic approach to address the root causes of current life challenges. Nila also has experience supporting individuals in 12-step recovery work.
Alyssa Kratz, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Person At Our Kona Office*
Alyssa Kratz, MSW, received her Master’s Degree in Social Work with an emphasis in Behavioral Mental Health from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. Alyssa is passionate about mental health and wellness. She believes that vast healing potential lies within each individual, and that given tools and a supportive, safe environment, one's unique potential can thrive. Her work is client-centered and trauma focused. Alyssa works with adults on various mental health experiences including addictions, codependency, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief and loss, self-harm, PTSD, trauma, abuse, and relational difficulties. Alyssa has over 18 years of experience across a variety of mental health settings including residential and out-patient addiction recovery treatment centers, group homes, and community health centers. She is currently working towards licensure as an LCSW.
In addition to her work in the mental health field, Alyssa has taught yoga and trauma informed yoga therapy as healing practices since 2009, as well as completed her undergraduate education in holistic health. Today, she weaves mindfulness and somatic approaches into her sessions while utilizing Internal Family Systems Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, nature-based therapy and attachment theory as the basis of her work.
Daysi Cortes, MS, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Our Hilo Offices *
Daysi Cortes, MS, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counseling Professional in the State of Hawaii who received her Master's of Science Degree from Walden University in 2021. She moved to Hawai'i in 2021 to complete her training hours towards licensure. Daysi acknowledges that life experiences can present many challenges that can have an impact on mental health, causing people to feel lost, empty and out of control of emotions that affect many areas of everyday life. Daysi places value in providing a safe, open, nonjudgemental, supportive space that encourages individuals to find their inner strengths, self-acceptance and to build new skills necessary for healing and coping with future challenges and building resilience. She believes that having clients tell their stories is an important part of healing, and she looks forward to listening and helping clients find a place of wellness, self-acceptance & healing.
Daysi works with diverse clients of all ages experiencing various mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem, relationship issues, and more. She also has a passion for working with children and teens. Her passion for helping find wellness inspires her to stay informed and competent in treatment. As a therapist, Daysi hopes to provide guidance and help clients reconnect with their emotional wisdom by utilizing approaches that meet their unique needs. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, Mindful Meditation and Play Therapy.
Elena Fosness, MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Our Hilo office *
Elena received her Master of Arts in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy degree from Adler Graduate School in Minnesota. After working in the mental health field for 10 years in Minnesota, Elena moved to Hawaii with her family and started to work at Pau Hana counseling in Hilo.
Elena works with individuals dealing with depression, bipolar depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health disorders and life transitions. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. She is also trained in ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) and is open to work with people that are bothered by intrusive thoughts that often correlates with the diagnosis of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)."She likes to help clients overcome traumatic events in their lives. Elena incorporates into her practice DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) techniques to enable clients to manage their emotions and make healthier choices.
Life transitions, relationship difficulties and mood changes may be devastating sometimes. There are ways to improve or change many of those situations without struggling alone during hard times. Elena’s hope is to help her clients build confidence and learn necessary skills while overcoming life challenges.
Tyra S. Gardner, MS, MEd
Mental Health Counseling Pre-licensed Professional
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Tyra S. Gardner is a Psychotherapist and CEO of At A Moments Notice, LLC. Tyra is a passionate scholar-practitioner in the field of mental health, who divides her time between clinical practice, training and business consulting. In her clinical practice, she delivers cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based treatments to adults and adolescent clients with a range of emotional behavioral and adjustment problems including anger management, anxiety, stress, depression and relationship issues. She’s had the unique privilege of witnessing dramatic transformations in her clients by using her 20 years of experience and compassion in helping others cope with life challenges personally and professionally. Tyra’s mission is to help clients adapt to change and establish a work life balance, while coping with challenges. She regularly conducts workshops, seminars and webinars.
Tyra has provided expert advice to a number of national media outlets including Huffington Post, The Daily Mail, Askmen.com, Women's Health, TMZLive and more. Tyra holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology and three Master Degrees in Education, Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology. She is expected to complete a doctorate degree in Organization Development and Change in 2022.
Yelena Theofilatos, MSW, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
*Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health & In Our Hilo Office*
Yelena Theofilatos, LSW, has come a long way to be a therapist in Hawai’i. Born and raised in Russia, at the age of 20 she left her home country in search of a better life and settled in New York City. She completed her master degree at the Columbia University School of Social Work in 2019 and turned her eyes to the West. This time she was yearning for nature and a simpler living. Thus, in September 2019, by a stroke of luck Yelena came to the Big Island and fell in love with it right away.
She became LSW in 2020 but due to the pandemic and the hiring freeze on all social work positions in the state, Yelena was not able to find employment. Yelena channeled her energy into gardening and studying more. She explored hypnotherapy and solution-focused therapy that she then started applying by working with pro-bono clients. Ever since, her approach has been about helping her clients discover their underutilized strengths and learn new skills so that they can shift their mood for the better and find inner calm, regardless of the storms going on around them.
Since 2022, Yelena has been running a small coaching practice where she is primarilyhelping female clients struggling with Anxiety and Depression by teaching them to regulate their nervous system via the tools from Polyvagal Theory and to embody new empowering beliefs.
Now, as a member of Pau Hana Counseling team, Yelena is committed to continuing teaching about the power of self-compassion, curiosity, and self-understanding, all in the name of long lasting healing and resiliency.
Nicole Pfeiffer, MSW, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
*Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health & In Our Hilo Office*
Nicole Pfeiffer, MSW, LSW, is a Licensed Social Worker and graduate of Western New Mexico University. To support clients in becoming the best versions of themselves, she utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and a psychodynamic approach. Nicole thinks outside the box and believes in using creativity to tailor counseling to the individual. She assists clients in letting go of what is not serving them, clarifying what they want out of life, and being present and happy in their own skin. Nicole has experience working with individuals who struggle with addiction, individuals exploring their gender and/or sexuality, and individuals on the autism spectrum. Her perspective on counseling is positive and solution-focused.
Pre-Licensed Professionals
Tom Kirkham, MA
Clinical Psychology Pre-licensed Professional
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Our Hilo Office *
Tom is a Ph.D. student in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health at Saybrook University. Tom also received his MA in Humanistic and Transpersonal Psychology. Tom wrote his master's thesis on the therapeutic use of the circular art form known as mandalas. Tom earned his BA in Human Development at Prescott College. There he worked with the Prescott Unified School District to create recreation-based behavioral interventions for 8-10 year-olds diagnosed with ADHD. In the following years, Tom supported overall wellness for people of all ages as a somatic therapist and holistic counselor. Tom integrates humanistic approaches to various therapeutic modalities in an open-ended framework.
Tom's modalities include client-centered therapy, Jungian approaches to clinical intervention, personal mythology and dream-work, motivational interviewing, hypnosis, therapeutic use of breath, energy, and movement, mandala drawing, therapeutic group facilitation, mindfulness-based clinical interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, shamanic psychology, yoga psychology, somatic psychology, eco-psychology, meditation and therapeutic rite of passage experiences. Tom believes that each person has an innate ability to activate inner resources to support them in moving toward mental health and wholeness. Tom believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship to help clients to connect with their internal self-healing resources, including self-compassion, self-forgiveness, boundaries, and accountability.
Isabella Dagher, MA , PhD in Progress
Clinical Psychology Prelicensed Professional
*Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health & In Our Oahu Office*
Isabella Dagher is a pre-licensed clinical psychology professional from Saybrook University with a master’s in clinical psychology and is currently obtaining her Ph.D. Isabella believes in a holistic approach that addresses the intersection between one’s mind, body, culture, and creative spirit. Isabella supports you in facilitating the meditative spaces for you to experience a sense of rest and reset, transform stuckness or feelings of psychological and somatic pain, build capacity and awareness towards empowering change, anchor in compassion and forgiveness, and nourish your own self-healer. With Isabella’s offering of integrative somatic therapy, you will experience a humanistic, holistic, and customized therapy that addresses your underlying and root causes of concern while embracing your spiritual and cultural life journey. With your collaboration, Isabella provides a gentle yet experiential approach to therapy that is tailored to your neurodiverse and community-sensitive experiences and needs. Her expertise consists of working with teens, adults, and elders who are navigating mood and relationship issues, complex trauma and PTSD, chronic illness, hormonal and endocrine issues, altered, non-ordinary states, spiritual crises, and emergencies, as well as diverse, multicultural experiences. As a first-generation immigrant and member of a multiethnic family, Isabella welcomes unique relational experiences and honors each individual’s extraordinary connection to culture, spirituality/religiousness, and community.
Christin DeCoito, MA
Mental Health Counseling Pre-licensed Professional
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Christin DeCoito, was born and raised in Hilo where she grew passionate about helping others in her community. She graduated from Kamehameha Schools Hawaii, she later received her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UH Hilo. She ventured a little ways out of Hilo, where she currently lives on the Hamakua coast with her loving family and growing two little boys. Christins experience stems from working directly with students as a school based behavioral health specialist since 2017. In addition, she has also worked with parents, families, and elderly from a variety of socioeconomic areas and diverse ethnic backgrounds. She has supported clients and their families with trauma, anxiety, ADHD, depression, and much more.
Christin understands that asking for help and trusting others may be difficult, but she will be mindful, engaged, and grounded every step of the way. She is committed to help her clients rediscover their self-awareness and balance their total well-being at their own pace. Christin primarily works with young adults, and caregivers who are going through daily stressors, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and past traumas. She understands that everyone is different, therefore she fits the needs of her clients by intertwining culture and evidence based practices from the past and present. Currently she is only offering Telehealth services, which is ideal for clients to feel comfortable in their own space.
Meriah Nichols, MA
Mental Health Counseling Pre-licensed Professional
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Our Hilo Office *
Meriah is a person-centered counselor who believes in the power of listening. She believes that you know what’s best for yourself; she can help you figure out some pieces and process through therapeutic tools. Meriah has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UH-Hilo, a Master’s degree in International, Intercultural Management from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont, and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from UH-Hilo. She worked as a corporate trainer and HR specialist in Tokyo for half a decade before shifting to Career Development, managing a program at the UC Berkeley Career Center.
Meriah specializes in working with people who have an intersection with disability (-autism, neurodiverse, Down syndrome, deaf, blind, intellectual, or developmental disability, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, physical disability, chronic illness, mental illness). “Intersection” with disability being either an acquired disability, disabled through life, a child or loved one with a disability or dealing with recently acquiring a disability.
Meriah also enjoys working with neurotypicals, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people experiencing transitions (career, life, religion). She utilizes integrative approaches. She uses expressive arts, DBT, ACT, psycho-education and person-centered therapy.
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area but having grown up in Fiji (Levuka, Suva), Hilo, Taiwan (Yu-Li), Macau, Japan (Fukuoka, Tokyo) and China (Guangzhou), Meriah is very comfortable with cross-cultural and multi-cultural adaption issues and can help with those specifically. She is proficient in Japanese and ASL and can “get by” in Mandarin Chinese.
Sophia Bullard, MS
Mental Health Counseling Pre-licensed Professional
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Our Hilo Office *
Sophia Bullard, MS, studied at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, receiving her Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2021 and her Masters of Science in Community and Trauma Counseling in May of 2022. Sophia is currently working towards the LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) credential in the state of Hawaii. Additionally, she has future goals of becoming a Registered Play Therapist and Certified Yoga Therapist.
Sophia understands that the therapeutic process is a collaborative journey between the client and the counselor. She utilizes therapeutic exercises from person-centered, evidence-based practices such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Gestalt Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Sophia’s clinical experience stems from working as a counseling intern at various public elementary and middle schools in the Greater Philadelphia area. Sophia enjoys working closely with her clients, parents, and families to create the best plan of support to children, adolescents, and families with complex treatment needs. In addition to her textbook clincal experience, Sophia believes that the inclusion of mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, and meditation can be extremely helpful to many clients.
Melissa St. Claire, MA, CHT
Mental Health Counseling Pre-licensed Professional
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Melissa’s experience in the healing arts spans over two decades. Early in her career as a bodyworker, she began to recognize the body-mind connection. She found that by bringing the body and mind together in conversation, her clients experienced wisdom, emotional freedom and ease from within.
Melissa trained intensely for over four years with Somatic Therapy pioneer, Ilana Rubenfeld and deepened her studies with Dr. Bessel Van der Koch and Peter Levine, PhD. Melissa is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for people to integrate body, mind, emotions and spirit, while exploring new ways of thinking, feeling and living in their bodies.
Melissa received her Masters Degree in Professional Clinical Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University in 2019. She combines various comprehensive methodologies tailored to each client. She believes all humans are resilient, adaptable and capable of change and is committed to supporting her clients in the process of healing and recovery while finding greater self-awareness and life satisfaction.
Petra Parvati Meedt, MA, MS
Marriage and Family Therapy Pre-licensed Professional
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Petra Parvati Meedt, MA, MS is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern offering telehealth therapy for individuals, couples, and families in English and Spanish. Additionally, to being a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern in Hawaii, she is a Licensed Psychologist in Puerto Rico, a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) in Texas, and a Clinical Hypnotherapist and certified Yoga Teacher. She is member of the American Psychological Association (APA), United States Association of Body Psychotherapy (USABP), and the International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD).
Petra has more than 10 years of experience as a Counselor, Clinician, Facilitator, Teacher and Program Coordinator. She has worked with immigrant children and adolescents at a Transition Shelter in Texas, where she developed and supervised a Mindfulness Intervention Center. She has conducted support groups for women that have experienced domestic violence and sexual abuse and offered weekly group and individual therapeutic sessions within the context of Ecopsychology at a substance abuse rehabilitation center for homeless men. In collaboration with a religious institution, she has designed and coordinated a pilot program for adolescent mothers and their children to support mother-child bonding through therapeutic interventions, yoga, music, and art therapy. Her approach to therapy is integrative and person-centered, using evidence-based techniques from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Mindfulness, Ecopsychology and Humanistic Psychology. In therapy, she offers a safe space and honors the autonomy and uniqueness of each person, supporting them to explore difficult emotions, challenges, extraordinary (and ordinary) experiences, dreams, and traumatic events to find within themselves the resources and resilience necessary for transformation, healing, and growth.
Tupu Lawrence, MA
Mental Health Counseling Pre-licensed Professional
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Tupu Lawrence, MA, is a recent graduate with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wayland Baptist University. His goal is to obtain LMHC licensure in the state of Hawaii and continue to help his community. He has experience in helping individuals work through trauma, addictions, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Tupu utilizes research-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients heal and work towards their goals.
Tupu is a US Army veteran with 3 combat tours and is no stranger to the challenges of PTSD, transitions, and military life. His passion for helping others increase their emotional resiliency derives from his own healing journey after separating from the military.
Samantha Bailo, MA
Mental Health Counseling Pre-licensed Professional
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Our Hilo Office *
Samantha Bailo received her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from The University of Hawai’i, Hilo in May 2022. She has worked with a variety of teens and young adults in a number of therapeutic settings as a case manager, a residential treatment center supervisor, and an interning Mental Health Counselor at UH Hilo. Currently, Samantha works at Pau Hana Counseling and the Hawai’i non-profit, Hale Kipa, which focuses on youth ages 5-17.
Samantha has a special interest in issues that pertain to the LGBTQ+ community and female sexuality, as well as spirituality and cultural issues. Mindfulness and meditation are two practices she often teaches clients due to their wide application and the effect these skills have had on her own life. Samantha speaks fluent Tongan and some Spanish. In therapy, Samantha takes a collaborative approach, believing that the client knows themselves best. She is here to walk alongside them on their journey and create space for them to explore what is important. Her practice is person-centered at its core while believing strongly in the impact that our environment has on our experiences. She gravitates toward practices that emphasize the skills and potential that the client already possesses.
Matthew Johnson, MS
Mental Health Counseling Pre-licensed Professional
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health Only *
Matthew Johnson, MS, is a Mental Health Counseling Intern who recently graduated with his Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi in the Spring of 2021. Matthew's focus is to help individuals, couples, and families in the community while obtaining his LMHC license in Hawaii. He utilizes approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the up and coming concept of Geek Therapy.
Matthew hopes to be able to provide in-person counseling services as a fully licensed mental health counselor soon and has experience providing counseling services in group and individual settings for depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and family/relationship issues. Knowing from personal experience that not all counseling approaches work for everyone, Matthew is ready and willing to work with clients to find the best way to help them through the healing process. Understanding that life can be traumatic, Matthew wants to provide a nonjudgmental place where the client can feel comfortable and safe enough to discuss and work through what is going on in their lives. He hopes to help clients recognize how they are processing the events they experience, and provide them with alternative/healthier ways of coping, in addition to teaching them new tools and skills.
Ki Eun Jeon, MA, MHC
Mental Health Counseling Pre-licensed Professional
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Our Kona Office *
Ki Eun Jeon, MS, MHC received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She is a counselor who is certified by the NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors) and now is working toward licensure in the state of Hawaii. Before she settled on the Big Island, she worked internationally for 20 years as a counseling trainer -- requiring competence in cross-cultural counseling, communication skills and spiritual direction. She is bi-lingual in English and Korean.
Ki Eun is a counselor who always has hope for her client and walks alongside them in their process of healing. Her approach is to create a safe environment by showing warmth, acceptance, empathy and respect without judgment. She provides a trusting therapeutic relationship by being present, reflecting genuine care and asking questions so that the client can recognize their own issues or problems. She encourages them to take ownership of the issues towards recovery, growth and healing of the whole person (mind, emotion, body, spirit and relational deficit). KiEun is trained and experienced in cross-cultural issues, conflict resolution, healthy relationship boundaries, healthy communication skills. She also worked in the areas of life transitions (especially cultural adjustment), grief, depression and anxiety, stress management techniques, blended families issues, trauma recovery support, wellness life skills and spiritual direction.
Ki Eun offers counseling to individual, couples and families and she mostly applies Emotion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Therapy, Solution - Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Sandplay Therapy.
Adabelle B. Carson, BS, CAPP, 500 E-RYT
Mental Health Counseling Intern
* Seeing Clients In the Kona and Hilo offices, as well as Telehealth *
Adabelle B. Carson, BS, CAPP, 500 E-RYT, is a dedicated and compassionate counselor with expertise in holistic therapies and a background in psychology. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology from the University of Utah and a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology (CAPP) from the same institution. Adabelle is completing her master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo.
Adabelle's integrative approach combines Person-Centered, Rational Emotive Behavioral, Gestalt, and Positive Psychotherapy, emphasizing the mind-body-spirit connection in healing. With over 17 years of experience as a 500 E-RYT yoga teacher, breathwork coach, and meditation teacher, she incorporates mindfulness and body-centered techniques into her counseling practice. Specializing in psychoeducation, Adabelle helps clients better understand themselves and their challenges as they acquire the tools for self-actualization, lasting change, and fulfillment.
As a graduate research assistant with Ho'ouna Pono and the UH Cancer Center, Adabelle is actively developing an e-cigarette prevention program for Hawai'i's youth in rural areas. She is certified in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and is deeply committed to positively impacting her community. With her warm and empathetic nature, Adabelle creates a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. If you are seeking personalized support to foster healing, personal growth, and transformation, Adabelle is here to guide you on your journey with compassion and expertise.
Emily Powers, BA , MA in Progress
Mental Health Counseling Master’s Student
*Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health & In Our Hilo Office*
Emily Powers is a pre-licensed counseling professional who is passionate about helping people overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. She holds a BA from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas and is currently finishing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo.
Emily has a rich background in the behavioral sciences. She started her career by helping adults cope with various challenges at a residential mental health facility. She has served individuals navigating the impacts of Depression, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and other forms of mental health difficulties. She has also supported adults with special needs in her role as a Habilitation Technician, and has cared for children and teens of diverse backgrounds as a childcare professional. Emily has worked with Big Island’s chapter of the Autism Society of Hawai’i, and has recently completed a research internship at Children and Screens: The Institute of Digital Media and Child Development. She enjoys serving clients of all ages and backgrounds.
Emily uses a multimodal approach in therapy, tailoring her interventions to the needs and preferences of each client. She integrates techniques from different modalities– such as Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Alderianism, Nature-based interventions and Trauma-Informed care, to offer a holistic and individualized treatment plan. Emily believes that every person has the potential to grow and heal, and strives to create a supportive space for her clients to explore their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Emily is open minded and believes therapy should be a judgment-free zone, where each individual is seen as a whole person within their specific context. She looks forward to connecting with you and supporting you on your journey of personal growth and wellness.
Misty Tashina Bradley, BA, LMT
Marriage and Family Intern
* Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health And In Our Kona Office *
Misty Tashina Bradley (she/they), BA, LMT is a graduate student at Chaminade University. She will receive her master’s degree in counseling psychology with a focus in Marriage and Family Therapy in the Spring of 2024. Misty holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Anthropology and English Literature. Misty has extensive experience traveling and living abroad. Born in the Central Plains of Texas, she descends from multiple lineages of tribespeople from the river basins of the Rio Grande to the Northern Great Plains, and poor Irish immigrants. She moved to Hō‘ae‘ae’ Ahupua‘a on O‘ahu in her teens and her young adult life was shaped greatly by O‘ahu: the south surf shores, the green pocket of Palolo Valley’s daily rains, and the hustle of town from University to Kāhala. Currently, she calls the southwestern flank of Hualālai home.
She works with couples, families, and individuals. For Misty, intersections of identity, time, community, and place are all important in building resources for personal and collective healing. As a student studying marriage and family therapy, paying attention to emotional connections and relationships plays a crucial role in unraveling past and present trauma and struggles. For trauma survivors and survivor families, she offers a safe space filled with empathy, care, and relief. We grow up in emotional units that influence our development and the ways we approach the world as adults. She is trained to consider how our first relationships with family and community impacts and shapes our abilities to interact with our inner selves and the external world. Traumatic events can greatly shift how we respond to internal and external stimuli. She offers comfort and patience in aiding with the healing process of traumatic events and/or struggles. She values the ethics of the counseling profession and works to provide the deepest of confidentiality and privacy. Most of all, she strives to provide cultural-sensitive care.
Hannah Beck, BA , MA in Progress
Mental Health Counseling Master’s Student
*Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health & In Our Oahu Office*
Hannah Beck, BA graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University. She has recently relocated to Oahu where she pursues her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Hannah is also credentialed in personal training, health coaching, and nutrition. Her diverse occupational background has made her a well-rounded and open-minded mental health worker.
Hannah has engaged in resistance training for over 3 years and strongly believes in the reciprocal relationship between physical and mental health. In addition to her fitness background, Hannah was once certified as a behavioral interventionist and worked with adolescents on the Autism spectrum. She also has extensive experience as a server, which has helped develop her strong interpersonal skills. Hannah is passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can allow their feelings to flow freely. She is eager to engage with the diverse staff and clientele of Pau Hana Counseling, and hopes to contribute positively to those seeking counseling services.
Sadea Campbell, BA, MA in Progress
Mental Health Counseling Master’s Student
*Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health & In Our Hilo Office*
Sadea Campbell, BA graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biological Sciences from Cornell University. She is passionate about raising mental health awareness and works to create a safe space for every person to explore their goals. She is currently finishing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at University of Hawai’i at Hilo.
Sadea has an extensive background working and volunteering with children and adolescents and is currently also interning as a Behavioral Health Specialist at an elementary school where she works with children with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, and Trauma. Additionally, Sadea has gained experience as a Preschool Aide working with toddlers with trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and emotional regulation needs. Her experience in customer service has given her an empathetic attitude when working with a variety of people. Currently, she utilizes Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Behavioral techniques, and emotional regulation coping skills and is trained in Grief Counseling for youth. While staying passionate about serving children and families, Sadea also emphasizes a person-centered, multicultural approach and believes everyone has the right to be who they are. She is eager to create a nonjudgmental, safe space where you can explore emotions, behaviors, and personal development.
Soph Kershaw, MA
Mental Health Counseling Master’s Student
*Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health & In Our Oahu Office*
Soph is a warmhearted, compassion based counselor with a strong belief in the healing power of connection. Soph specializes in the treatment of trauma and the impact it has on our capacity to authentically connect to both ourselves and others.
Soph’s approach is holistic and personalized to each individual’s needs. They believe in the importance of combining both “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches to trauma healing. Top-down therapy starts in the mind; it helps individuals make sense of their experiences, core beliefs, and reframe their perspectives. Bottom-up therapy starts in the body; it provides a somatic, nervous system based approach to emotion regulation and releasing trauma from the body.
Soph holds a BA in psychology from Georgetown University, an MA in education from Johns Hopkins University, and is completing their MA in clinical mental health counseling at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo.
Soph works with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. They have served both children and adults navigating the impacts of post traumatic stress disorder, complex post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorder, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, Soph is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and has significant experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals.
Soph is excited to connect with you, learn more about you, and support you as you move through the different seasons of your one wild and precious life.
Harley Derrickson, BA, MA in progress
Mental Health Counseling Master’s Student
*Seeing Clients Online Via Tele-Health & In Our Oahu Office*
Harley Derrickson, BA is a pre-licensed counseling professional eager to work with Oahu residents who need assistance achieving their personal goals and overcoming various life challenges. He was born and raised on Oahu’s North Shore and offers a unique and shared understanding of the complex set of challenges that the indigenous Kānaka Maoli population faces, both inside and outside of the therapeutic space. Harley holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and is currently finishing his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo.
Harley has worked extensively with children, teens, adults, and kupuna in the private practice setting, covering a variety of clinical concerns ranging from Anxiety and Trauma to depression and difficult life transitions. As a clinician, Harley draws insight from his experience working as a K-12 general and special education teacher in Oahu’s leeward district, and his experience as a Mental Emotional Social Health (MESH) coordinator at various science and technology camps in California. Harley utilizes a multimodal approach in therapy, selecting “best fit” interventions that cater to the specific needs and preferences of each client. By integrating techniques from differing therapy modalities like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Multi-cultural Counseling, Family and Couples Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Adlerian Psychotherapy, he provides a holistic approach to mental health that benefits from decades of interdisciplinary research and evidence-based practice.
Harley strives to create a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic environment for his clients where they can openly explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. He believes that as the therapist-client relationship develops, so does the capacity of care and efficacy of therapeutic healing.
Office Administrative Staff
Stephen Wallace, BS
Practice Manager of Pau Hana Counseling, LLC
Stephen Wallace, BS graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Marine Biology. He has lived in Hilo, Hawai’i for twelve years. He has eight years of background in medical services and administration. He has extensive experience with all administrative tasks, including scheduling and correspondence that he brings to the team. Stephen began working for Pau Hana Counseling in 2021 and was promoted to Practice Manager in 2022. He is valued at Pau Hana Counseling for his attention to detail, his ability to learn quickly, and his kind and friendly nature.
Stephen is active in Brazilian Jujitsu and believes that his physical health correlates to improving his mental health. Stephen can speak fluently in Filipino (Tagalog) and has previously translated in a medical setting. While volunteering in the Philippines, Stephen developed a strong sense of devotion for the community who lacked mental health support and saw first hand the desperate need to improve the quality of mental health awareness in low-income areas. Stephen believes Hawai’i is a beautiful place for clients of Pau Hana Counseling to start their journey of healing.
Ian Wood , BS
Intake Specialist of Pau Hana Counseling, LLC
Ian Wood graduated with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan through an accelerated program that he completed in two years. Currently, he is pursuing his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on trauma recovery.
Ian has many years of professional experience in the mental health field. He has held several different positions with an emphasis on both patient care and administration with a variety of different client populations. Ian is very excited to serve on the administrative team and is eager to assist clients in obtaining our counseling services.
Gina Molletti, BA
Managed Care and Credentialing Specialist at Pau Hana Counseling, LLC
Gina Molletti has graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and has over 15 years of administrative experience with 8 years of experience in mental health administration. She has extensive experience with various administrative functions, and specializes in care coordination and communication. She especially enjoys working in the mental health field - assisting clients in getting the care they need, and helping providers ensure they have what they need is vital to the smooth operation of a counseling practice. Gina's experience and abilities greatly assist in the arena of care management and coordination. Gina was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and has lived on the Big Island since 2022. She is very much enjoying exploring and embracing the island life, and bringing her distinctive administrative talents to help those in need of services locally on the Big Island.
Mia Wells, BS
Administrative Assistant at Pau Hana Counseling, LLC
Mia Wells has worked in administration for over six years and has worked in various types of offices including a real estate office, a non-profit, a counseling office, and a high school office. She comes from a family of healthcare professionals and other related health fields. She grew up on the mainland and has lived in various states, including California, Alabama, Tennessee, and Maryland. Mia originally moved to Hawaii about 10 years ago with her parents and has always loved living here. She moved to the big island last year and is excited to explore the island. Mia graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She is an upbeat and cheerful person and will try her best to be helpful and positive. She wholeheartedly believes in the power of counseling and how things can get better if you put in the work.