Pacific Quest

Hiking in the Ka’u Desert

Getting off the farm and out to explore the island is a big hit amongst PQ students. This past weekend, students of the young adult program travelled mauka to the Ka’u Desert, situated on flanks of Mauna Loa. The students enjoyed a great lunch, punctuated with views of the ocean, volcanoes, and indigenous plants and

My Little Bean

Last week I was contacted by PQ to check in with my family; it has been about six months since my son finished the program.  They asked if I had news or photos to share.  I didn’t have any photos.  I only saw him for a couple hours when I picked him up at the

Staff Training at the Farm!

Last week Pacific Quest staff members participated in a company-wide training focused on Horticultural Therapy and Rites of Passage.  It was a great opportunity for the team to come together on our new farm property and have time to connect while learning new skills and strategies to work with our students. The training began with

Top Notch Testimonial

Mahalo for this wonderful parent testimonial: “Transformative and life-saving are just two of the many positive adjectives that describe our family’s experience with PQ. If your child is in need, and you are fortunate enough to be able send your child, just do it. Theresa and Camille, just two of the many gifted and caring

The (Potentially Dangerous) Myth of Independence

John Souza, DMFT, and Mike Sullivan, LMHC recently presented at the Young Adult Transition Association (YATA) conference in Coeur d’Alene Idaho, speaking to the “Myth of Independence” within emerging adulthood and the need for relationship.  After dispelling the common perception that young adults (and the rest of humankind really) are independent entities, and highlighting some

Nature-assisted Therapy and Brain Development

Dr. Lorraine Freedle Travels to Taiwan Pacific Quest’s Clinical Director, Dr. Lorraine Freedle was recently invited to speak for the Taiwanese Society of Wilderness in Taipei.  Dr. Chun-lin Cheng, a Psychiatrist, Jungian Analyst and officer of the Taiwanese Society of Wilderness (SOW) learned that Dr. Freedle was visiting Taiwan to teach sandplay therapy workshops and

Big Island Adventures!

Pacific Quest Young Adult students recently visited OK Farms in Hilo, where they assisted in transplanting Mamaki and coffee plants.  The historic OK Farms is over 1,000 acres and is home to amazing waterfalls and exotic fruit varieties.  After lending a helping hand on the farm, students enjoyed lunch by a scenic waterfall and then returned to

Staff Spotlight: Anthony Florig

The Pacific Quest team is made up of incredibly talented individuals who are passionate about working with our students and providing a safe and structured environment for them to learn and grow.  This month we want to highlight our Young Adult Program Manager, Anthony Florig. Anthony worked at Pacific Quest from 2012-2016, starting as a

New Video Highlights Training

An important aspect of the PQ model is staff development and the opportunity to learn and grow alongside our students.  Staff members recently participated in a company-wide training focused on Horticultural Therapy and Rites of Passage.  It was a great opportunity for the team to come together on our new farm property and have time to connect while