Our people
Meet the Pearl Haven Team
Our interdisciplinary team brings together licensed clinicians, trauma specialists, educators, and cultural practitioners, united by a shared commitment to every young person's healing and future.
Clinical emergency and trauma nurse practitioner with 18+ years in healthcare. Founder of Ho'ōla Nā Pua, dedicated to supporting youth experiencing complex trauma and serious behavioral health challenges in Hawai'i. Established Pearl Haven as a state-of-the-art premier residential treatment facility. Recipient of multiple nursing awards and recognized for global advocacy work.
Nearly 15 years in residential treatment. Previously designed and oversaw a program for at-risk youth in Arizona, expanding to 70 beds. Certified in trauma-informed services, TBRI, DBT, and motivational interviewing. Instrumental in designing Pearl Haven's therapeutic program model.
Over two decades in behavioral health and nonprofit leadership. Former Executive Director of NASW–Hawai'i Chapter (10 years); 2023 Practitioner of the Year recipient. Licensed clinical social worker certified in EMDR. Founder of Heart Horses, an equine-assisted psychotherapy program.
Dual board-certified in pediatric and psychiatric mental health nursing. Extensive experience in psychiatric care across inpatient and telepsychiatry settings. Pursuing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Case Western Reserve University.
Specialized in trauma-informed care across outpatient and inpatient settings. Certified in CBT, DBT, EMDR, TF-CBT, and substance abuse counseling. Trained in family systems therapy and motivational interviewing.
Graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (College of William & Mary, 4.0 GPA). Certified Crisis Line Responder with international experience. Trained in trauma-informed practices and various therapeutic modalities.
BSW from Southeastern Louisiana University; MSW from University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Specializes in complex trauma, grief, and loss using CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness approaches. NASW Hawai'i Chapter President (as of July 2025).
Graduate of Brigham Young University-Hawaii with degree in Social Work and Pacific Island Studies minor. Previously interned as coach counselor at Pearl Haven, supervising youth in educational and recreational activities.
Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership from Robert Morris University. Passionate about youth mentorship and community building. Inducted into the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame Hampshire Honor Society.
37+ years as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Certified in CPR and First Aid. Background in hospice care. Focuses on building trusting relationships and mentoring youth on health importance.
Survivor leader and advocate. 2023 Liberator Award recipient (Female Survivor of the Year). Organizes community events, coordinates law enforcement partnerships, and directs experiential programs incorporating cultural practices and creative arts.