PQ was a life-changing experience for our family. As a family unit and as individuals we all grew through the program. One of the most important things we learned was that this wasn’t just about our son/stepson; it was about every single member of our family and how we fit together. The work we did …
Dear Pacific Quest Community- with a special shout out to Bridger and Jennifer (you two rock!), Mike Sullivan (Family Program Director extraordinaire!) and Lindsey (Buffalo gals!), What a great team. Mahalo a million times. Thank you for getting a true smile, sparkle, and enthusiasm into the moment and into the future. PQ has laid a foundation for our child. Our …
I never imagined that I would find myself on the precipice of such an athletic feat. A typical Ironman triathlon is a grueling 140.6 miles of swimming, cycling and running. The Kona Ironman World Championships is the granddaddy of all Ironman triathlon – an international competition amongst the world’s most elite triathletes competing in the …
Did you know that Pacific Quest has a fully-accredited Academic curriculum? During a typical eight-week stay, Pacific Quest students have the opportunity to take six academic courses for a total of 3.5 academic credits in the following subject areas: Career and Technical Education – Horticulture Pathway (0.5 credits) Health Education – Health Education (0.5 credits) …
Mike Sullivan, M.A., LMHC Family & Alumni Services Director With the race approaching in less than a month, Ironman training is in full swing! Training has ramped up to 20+ hours per week, including relentless swimming drills, 100+ mile bike rides on the Kona coast, and jungle runs. This has been an epic “El Nino” …
By Clementine Wilson, Field Manager Anyone who has worked as a wilderness therapy guide has probably struggled to answer the question: “what do you do for a living” or “what’s your job like?” As a former guide, I’ve certainly struggled to find the words to explain the incredibly unique and challenging role of the professional …
By Genell Howell, MA, CSAC Primary Therapist When we hear the word trauma we often associate it with endangering events. According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is an emotional response to a detrimental event such as an accident, rape or natural disaster. While trauma is commonly associated with major life events, it may also include …
Mike Sullivan, M.A., LMHC Family & Alumni Services Director The air in Kona is electrified! It is World Championship Ironman race week and the world’s most elite athletes are pouring into town. The streets are packed with sinewy triathletes clad in neon triathlon suits acclimating to Kona humidity and sweltering temperatures. They pedal machines that …
Deborah Givens, BA YA Program Supervisor Deborah is a Program Supervisor at our Young Adult program. Her primary responsibilities are risk management for the program and providing field support for the students and guides during daily field operations. Program Supervisors are the first line of support for the Program Guides. The position is a residential …
Mike Sullivan, M.A., LMHC Family & Alumni Services Director It was mile 16 of the final leg of the Kona Ironman World Championship that I hit the proverbial “wall.” My running pace slowed dramatically as my feet began to feel like cement blocks. My hips ached and my stride weakened. My right calf muscle seized …