By Katie Kasenchak, Therapist One of my favorite parts of working at Pacific Quest is having the opportunity to share meals with our students. Not only do I enjoy taking a moment to appreciate what our students have cultivated and nurtured in the garden and prepared in the camp kitchen with new found skill and …
By Travis Slagle, Horticulture Therapy Director Imagine what the world would be like if wilderness therapists of the future became organic farmers. What if the people entrusted to witness life’s most significant transitions traded in the more esoteric theories of eco-psychology and wilderness survival for a simple shovel and pitch fork? For many people, the …
By Martha Bouchard, Operations Director The holidays are coming upon us. It may seem slightly early, but let’s face it, there have been “winter holiday” decorations in the stores since long before Halloween. Holidays have always been such an interesting and rewarding time in working with adolescents and children for nearly fifteen years. Admittedly, there …
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 …