By Matt Armstrong, Recruitment Manager We are pleased to announce the completion of yet another successful hiring seminar, held amidst the beauty of Marin County, California. This three-day event was created for those interested in the Field Instructor position and allowed them to experience various aspects of life at Pacific Quest. Twenty participants from all …
By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant Pacific Quest wilderness therapy program is pleased to announce the hiring of Wendy McKoy, RN to the wellness team. Wendy’s role with Pacific Quest will allow her to collaborate on a team of mental health and wellness professionals providing life-changing experiences for troubled youth from around the world. Providing the …
By Haley Brink, Therapist It’s not easy to be away from the ones you love during the holidays, there’s no way around that. This year marked the first Thanksgiving that I have spent away from my immediate family since my husband and I moved to the Big Island this past Spring. That’s part of being …
By McLean Eames, Experiential Education Supervisor Recently, a group of the young adult students traveled 60 miles South, over the Kilauea volcano, to the district of Ka’u to join the community and help with a big service project at Punalu’u Beach. Punalu’u means “diving spring” in Hawaiian, and the place gets its name from the …
By Kate Eppinger, Field Supervisor Reeds Bay Reeds Bay’s first Staff of the Quarter award goes to the talented and dedicated Miss Kellie Garrity. Kelly has worked for Pacific Quest since May 2012 and transitioned to our Young Adult Reeds Bay location when it opened this past June. She is our longest standing Reeds Bay employee …
By Kelly Weld, Therapist The holiday season is a significant time for many of us. It is a time to gather family and send love to those far away. It is a time to appreciate spirit and acknowledge the sacred within and among us. It is a time to consider the year that has past, …
By McLean Eames, Experiential Education Supervisor Recently, the Young Adult students drove to the easternmost point of the island, Kumukahi and saw the lighthouse there. The group talked about the Winter Solstice and how it’s a transition point for our planet; a time when the days start to grow longer. The group then ventured to …
By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant Pacific Quest outdoor therapy program is pleased to welcome Todd Ransdell as the Young Adult Program Director at the historical Reeds Bay in Hilo. In his new role, Todd is responsible for supervision of the young adult program, personnel management, and assistance with outreach coordination. Other responsibilities will include co-development …
By Erin Marcus-Levine, Clinical Admissions Director Whenever I visit our students in the field, I am surprised and impressed by their attachment to and utilization of Hawaiian words and the meanings behind them. They learn to sit with themselves and reflect, “Nalu”. There is a real implication of pride and independence that comes along with …
Pacific Quest Horticultural Therapy Director Travis Slagle was recently a guest speaker on the Progressive Radio Network “iEat Green with Bhavani” radio show discussing success stories from Pacific Quest outdoor therapy program. During the interview, Travis provided examples of how working in a garden has helped the students referred to Pacific Quest to develop healthier …