Our Team

Mike earned his BA from California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. After a career as a Sales Manager for a medical supply company, he created and ran Creation Design Group, a successful advertising agency. In 1998, looking for further meaning in his work, he began his position with at-risk students at a wilderness program in Idaho. There he discovered his passion for inspiring adolescents and met his wife, Suzanne.

Mike later added to his experience with adolescents as Director of the Trails program at Oakley School and Admissions Director at Coral Reef Academy. In 2004 he and his family moved to Hawaii, realizing Mike’s dream to serve children and their families in this unique setting. He is married with two young boys and enjoys fishing, camping, water sports and spending time with his family.

Suzanne McKinney is a co-founder and co-owner of Pacific Quest.  In 1991, Suzanne earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities from the University of Colorado. After a year as a preschool head teacher, she began six years of elementary school teaching in the Bay Area. During this time, Suzanne earned a Masters Degree in Special Education from San Francisco State University while working as an elementary school teacher. She later developed an individualized tutoring service specializing in students with learning differences. In 1999, Suzanne joined Hamilton and Associates, Educational Consulting firm, to provide traditional school, college and therapeutic placement services to families. Soon after, Suzanne discovered the outdoor therapeutic industry, and began a career as a placement specialist at the SUWS program in Southern Idaho. In 2004, Suzanne and Mike McKinney, along with their partner, Chris Kaiser,  created Pacific Quest on Hawaii Island. After “wearing many hats” over many years at Pacific Quest, Suzanne currently serves as Marketing and Outreach Director and oversees the Academic Services of the program. Suzanne and Mike enjoy family time with their three boys, ages 10, 16 and 18. They love to swim, hike, travel and play with their golden retriever, Hailey, and their cat, Hobbes. 

Chris Kaiser co-founded Pacific Quest after over 15 years of outdoor education and therapeutic program experience. After graduating from Regis University in Denver, Chris began his extensive career focusing on wilderness therapy and Rites of Passage. Chris served as a field guide for several prominent outdoor therapeutic programs schools in Idaho, Utah, Nevada American Samoa and Oregon, facilitating groups of 13-24 year olds in the outdoors.

Chris discovered a powerful passion for Rites of Passage (ROP) when he attended the School for Lost Borders in California and became a Lead facilitator of wilderness rites of passage and vision fasts. Chris feels strongly that Rites of Passage are an essential tool and guide. He co-founded Pacific Quest under this premise, and continues to facilitate Pacific Quest ROP training for the staff.

A master logistics and programming professional, Chris designed and refines much of Pacific Quest. He also has an intuitive understanding of the needs of the PQ teens and young adults, and continues to work alongside the field guides and directly with the students.

In his limited spare time, Chris is an avid surfer and enjoys yoga, camping and gardening.

Rob Gent, PhD, LPC, is an accomplished clinician and expert in psychotherapeutic development with a distinguished career that spans over two decades.

Dr. Gent joins Pacific Quest after a successful tenure at a prominent healthcare company. His dedication to advancing clinical development, practice, and research has made him a nationally recognized presenter, educator, and expert in the field of clinical therapy and treatment.

Dr. Gent holds a PhD in Psychology with an emphasis on neurobiology and the science of relationship and development. His work is centered on the advancement and development of integrative health, where neurological, psychological, physiological, and relational development interrelate to create optimal healing and functionality. He remains deeply committed to innovating the science of integrative health and implementing research to enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

In his new role as Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Gent will oversee the Clinical program, ensuring the highest standards of care and leading a dedicated team of professionals. His passion for integrated care aligns perfectly with Pacific Quest’s mission to provide compassionate and effective treatment to those in need.

“We are confident that Dr. Gent’s expertise and visionary approach will greatly contribute to the continued success and growth of Pacific Quest,” said Nick Vejvoda, Executive Director. “We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly make and are enthusiastic about our future. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Rob Gent to Pacific Quest!”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Rob Gent has practiced his relational expertise through 28 years of marriage to his wife and raising their two boys. Dr. Gent has a deep passion for motorcycles, surfing, and sailing, interests he acquired growing up in Southern California. On weekends, you can often find him on the motocross track or at the beach with his sons. Dr. Gent and his wife met during their undergraduate years in San Diego and have enjoyed living in various parts of the U.S. while building organizations that prioritize effective treatment and healthy business practices.

Dr. Gent’s personal and professional journey reflects a commitment to excellence, both in his family life and his work. His arrival at Pacific Quest marks a new chapter of innovation and growth for our organization.

Dr. Britta Zimmer has been leading the Pacific Quest Medical Team since 2008. Dr. Zimmer is a licensed Naturopathic Physician, receiving her BA from the University of Virginia and ND from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Zimmer completed a comprehensive Family Practice Residency in Portland Oregon which included extensive work at Outside In, a community clinic providing health care for at risk youth. Before moving to Hawaii, Dr. Zimmer, was part of a group practice in Portland Oregon specializing in general family practice medicine, women’s health, and adolescent health care. While living in Portland, Dr. Zimmer was adjunct faculty at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is a licensed primary care physician in the state of Hawaii. Naturopathic Physicians (N.D.s) are trained to serve as primary care practitioners who are experts in the prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of both acute and chronic health conditions. 

In early 2008, Dr. Zimmer launched Pacific Quest’s wellness program. Over the past years the integrative team has grown to lead the industry in integrative medical care providing functional medicine, a strong nutritional program, horticulture therapy, and psychiatric management.

Her goal is for the Pacific Quest residents to be inspired to take control of their own health by learning about nutrition and self-care while experiencing what it feels like to lead a health-promoting lifestyle.  Dr. Zimmer enjoys teaching, practicing yoga, playing tennis, living by the ocean and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Kellyn began working with youth in 2006 starting in the classroom. With a Masters in Applied Mathematics from the University of Washington he spent 9 years teaching college mathematics. Throughout those years, Kellyn found himself mentoring students who had experienced a failure to launch.  Feeling a pull toward supporting students outside the classroom, Kellyn earned his certification as a Behavioral Coach. He  spent eight years coaching underperforming students who struggled with anxiety depression and waning motivation – many of whom successfully started their road to recovery at Pacific Quest.

Kellyn also spent 5 years as the Director of Admissions at a nationally acclaimed residential young adult program. Kellyn’s experience in education, admissions and coaching has earned him an exceptional reputation in the treatment community, and his thorough and warm approach was a natural fit when he joined the Pacific Quest team in 2014.

Kellyn is an accomplished outdoorsman and avid martial artist. He and his wife live in Oregon where they explore the outdoor magic of the Pacific Northwest with their two young boys. 

Brian received his B.A. in Psychology from The University of Florida, his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The University of Vermont, and completed his predoctoral internship at the Outpatient/Inpatient Neurobehavioral Unit with the Kennedy Krieger Institute at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Konik’s research background focused on the relationship between anxiety and pain in children. He uses an eclectic CBT- and ABA-focused approach with his clients, which culminated at UVM and Johns Hopkins but which developed over many years in a variety of settings.

Dr. Konik worked as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Annapolis, Maryland for 10 years at Spectrum Behavioral Health. There he treated adolescents and young adults with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use/abuse, to learning differences, significant behavioral problems, and developmental disabilities. Dr. Konik also has extensive training in and experience with parent/child interaction therapy, parent training, and family group counseling, as well as specialized training in suicide/crisis intervention. While in Annapolis, he served regularly as a contracted behavioral specialist with the local public school system and as a consultant with private, independent day schools, conferring with teachers and administrators on issues experienced by his clients, their families, and educators.

Brian has had enriching experiences at outdoor/experiential educational positions in the past and is enthusiastic about transitioning back to this type of lifestyle with his young family. His education, training, and experience allow him to provide a variety of unique and complementary services to PQ’s integrative approach.

With a passion for finding a student’s authentic self, Mark Storey brings dynamic long-term wilderness therapy experience to Pacific Quest. Since 2005 Mark has worked in outdoor behavioral health. Mark worked as lead field staff and as family program guide at a wilderness therapy program in the Blue Ridge Mountains . After completing his Master’s Degree he worked as the sole clinical therapist at a residential facility in Puerto Rico before finding his home at Pacific Quest.

In addition to his experiential family-focus work, Mark worked in both individual counseling and equestrian therapy. As a Seattle native, Mark earned his B.A. from the Comparative History of Ideas program at the University of Washington after completing his thesis in Creativity in Wilderness Therapy, and would go on to earn a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Washington State University.

Mark’s work pulls from more traditional styles such as CBT and Reality Therapy, while simultaneously incorporating newer models such as DBT, Sandplay Therapy, EMDR, and Positive Psychology. In issues related to communication, Mark teaches Cognitive Interpersonal Therapy (CIT), a type of therapy focused on empowering the individual to be accountable for the type of relationship they are creating. CIT focuses on building trust and understanding through reflective listening and assertive communication. CIT helps students re-consider themselves and their own value, while restoring the student’s own ability to establish healthy connections and build self-efficacy, motivation, and self-confidence.

Alex is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 10 years of experience in education, behavioral health and therapeutic adventure. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Adams State University, he uses an integrative approach that focuses on each student’s unique qualities, nurtures their strengths, and helps them develop new skills while honoring their individual story.

Alex has extensive training and experience in DBT, Motivational Interviewing, trauma-focused work, and mindfulness-based therapies. Additionally, as a certified trainer for both Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and the American Red Cross, he is able to incorporate the importance of expansive communication styles and safety in a way that is both approachable and fun. 

Alex’s passion for this work began when he served as a field guide at a wilderness program in the mountains of North Carolina. He has since worked with international students at the United World College, facilitated wilderness and school-based programs for at-risk youth throughout New Mexico, and worked as an experiential facilitator with corporate groups out of Washington, D.C.  Prior to coming to Pacific Quest, Alex also developed a successful experiential residential program for Native American adolescents in the Southwestern United States grounded in culturally-responsive, experiential and evidence-based practice.  

Alex’s strong foundation in clinical mental health and expertise in group dynamics help to create a well-rounded and engaging experience for students and their families at Pacific Quest. 

Having experienced the therapeutic and regulating power of nature in his own life, Alex feels very at home in the holistic model at Pacific Quest. He reflects that “through combining traditional and experiential therapy with the calming and engaging environment at Pacific Quest, powerful, lasting change and growth are truly possible” 

In his free time, Alex enjoys his life on the Big Island hiking, swimming, and exploring with his wife, two young boys, and island loving dog.

Lesley has over a decade of experience working in the mental health field, many of these years with adolescents, young adults, and their families at various stages in treatment. These include a therapeutic boarding school, wilderness-based program, college counseling center, and community based mental health organizations in Arizona and Colorado. Through these, she received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and experiential nature-based therapy interventions. Her background in community based mental health with domestic violence and sexual assault victims focused on trauma-informed care.

While pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Prescott College, Lesley developed a passion for clinical trauma treatment, family systems, attachment theory, and neurobiology that have become the foundation for her clinical lens working with clients. Her approach as a clinician, however, is inherently relational and person-centered as she believes fundamentally, we as humans are all seeking to be seen, heard, understood, and valued. Prior to working at Pacific Quest, she worked with adolescents, young adults, and their families at a wilderness-based program providing family therapy as part of family programming as well as offering individual therapy, group therapy, and clinical assessment in collaboration with other clinicians.

Lesley chose to work as a clinician for Pacific Quest because she aligns with the nature-based therapy, whole person wellness, group process, and family participation during treatment that Pacific Quest provides. Currently, she is undergoing certification in Somatic Experiencing, a body-centered modality and neurobiological approach to trauma treatment.

When not working, Lesley loves outdoor adventure, traveling internationally, paddle boarding, yoga, cooking, dancing, and singing while playing the guitar. She has a cat she adores and a passion for learning about the natural environment.

Dr. Tracy Rulaine Roberts is a wilderness and somatic psychotherapist, mentor, writer, and guide.

With 20 years of experience working in the fields of wilderness therapy and integrative mental health, she is particularly skilled at synthesizing and integrating wisdom from a diverse range of modalities, bridging the gap between conventional and alternative medicine, and inviting a paradigm shift; ultimately focusing on what matters most.

Tracy has a deep understanding of and appreciation for what it means to support individuals, families, and communities in the face of uncertainty and adversity, while fully honoring each person’s inherent strengths. She has an unrivaled ability to hold space for intimate exploration of individual and collective wellness, and brings a dose of heart, soul, and wisdom to this field that we all crave and need – helping us remember why we are engaging in this work in the first place.

Tracy holds a Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine: Integrative Mental Health, and a MA in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology: Wilderness Therapy. While her work takes many forms, her approach is authentic, artful, and wise; rooted in nature-based healing practices, somatic psychotherapy, mind-body medicine, soul-centered psychotherapy, eco-depth psychology, rites of passage, and transformative wilderness experiences. She specializes in trauma, transition, and transformation.

At the heart of it all, Tracy is a big-hearted human who has a profound love for people, the natural world, and adventure. Most of the time you can find her wandering up, down, across, and deep into the mountains, asking big and important questions, jumping into alpine lakes, attempting (enthusiastically) to get better at surfing, engaging in meaningful conversation and connection, traveling (she’s been to over 60 countries), gathering with her favorite humans and pups, reading, writing, and creating epic backcountry charcuterie boards.

With a deep passion for the outdoors and a strong foundation in mental health counseling, Dan brings a unique blend of adventure and therapeutic insight to his work. His career has taken him from the waves of the Pacific to the backcountry wilderness, where he has guided individuals through both physical and personal challenges.

Dan’s journey began as an outdoor guide, leading kayaking, snorkeling, and surf instruction tours while ensuring both safety and an enriching experience for guests. His expertise in paddling techniques, wilderness survival, and environmental education made him a trusted leader in the field. Whether navigating the rugged coastline in a sea kayak or teaching marine ecology, Dan has always been committed to fostering a deep connection between people and nature.
Building upon his leadership in outdoor education, Dan transitioned into the field of therapeutic programming. As a wilderness therapy guide and program mentor, he worked closely with young adults, teaching resilience, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation through immersive outdoor experiences. His ability to balance structure with compassionate guidance helped individuals build confidence and develop new skills in challenging environments.

Now pursuing a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, Dan is excited to bring his knowledge and experience to Pacific Quest as a clinical intern. He looks forward to working closely with residents, supporting their personal growth, and integrating experiential and nature-based approaches into the therapeutic process. Passionate about the intersection of nature and healing, Dan believes in the power of experiential therapy to foster lasting change and is eager to contribute to the transformative work being done at Pacific Quest.

Dr. Kathryn (Katie) Kasenchak is a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in psychological assessment of children, adolescents, and young adults. She double majored in Psychology and Sociology at Pepperdine University before earning her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute in 2004.

Dr. Kasenchak has over twenty years of experience working with young people and their families, with experience in inpatient hospitals, wilderness settings, residential treatment centers, and specialized academic settings as well as in longer-term, outpatient settings. She has taught classes in both psychological assessment and child and adolescent development and has worked as an individual, group, and family therapist in addition to conducting psychodiagnostic testing, though this has been her area of specialized focus for over a decade. Dr. Kasenchak provides personality assessments, learning disability assessments, and specialized assessment of autism spectrum disorders and is currently working to become credentialed in neuropsychological assessment. She has particular interest in psychoanalytic theory and projective personality testing.

Dr. Kasenchak initially moved to Hawaii from the San Francisco Bay Area in 2011 to work as a primary therapist and assessment psychologist at Pacific Quest. She was drawn to the calming influence of the gardens at Pacific Quest and the natural beauty of the islands, in general. Though she transitioned to a consulting position on a full-time basis in 2013 (providing testing services to the students at Pacific Quest), she continues to value working as part of a team and is committed to collaborating with the therapists, wellness team, and referring professionals to provide high-quality, comprehensive evaluations that can be used to inform treatment at Pacific Quest and beyond. She is able to use her knowledge of the day to day activities of the students in the program to deepen her understanding of their experience while at PQ and provide a sense of comfort to students and parents alike. She prides herself on her ability to connect and communicate clearly with students, parents, and professionals and is well-respected for her work among both the clinical team and referring professionals.

In addition to her work as an assessment psychologist, Dr. Kasenchak enjoys cooking, traveling, and yoga as well as swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, and hiking in Hawaii.

Chris P. grew up in Los Angeles, CA. and holds a B.A. in Psychology. In Los Angeles, he worked as a drug and alcohol counselor for adolescents and young adults in IOP. In 2015 he moved to Hawai’i and worked with the local non-profit Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC) as a Peer Specialist and Substance Abuse counselor for their Male Residential Program. Chris started as a guide at Pacific Quest in 2020 and has worked in a supervisory role since 2022.
Chris indulges in sci-fi books and movies, playing board games, and spending time with family. He’s a devoted dog lover and enjoys the occasional SCUBA dive.

Shannon Kerr comes to Pacific Quest with over 25 years of experience in the Human Services field and working with youth and families. She has a degree in Human Development and has worked in community organizing, juvenile justice, adult education, and substance abuse disorders.

Shannon spent 20 years in Washington State prior to coming to the Big Island in 2020. Shannon is deeply passionate about serving the youth and families she works with. She enjoys hiking, working in her yard, and spending time with her family and pets. She is a proud mother of two adult sons and multiple four legged and furry children.

Rhythm originally grew up in New Mexico, although he has lived in Hawaii since he was fourteen years old and considers the Big Island to be his home. Rhythm received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He started working at PQ because of his love for the outdoors and his desire to help others. He has gained experience working with both the young adult and adolescent programs at PQ. He has a passion for supporting students with their mental health and witnessing their growth. He values the therapeutic aspects of nature and enjoys working outdoors to share this passion with others. When he is not at work, Rhythm spends his free time staying active with hobbies such as surfing, hiking, skating, and camping.

Jack McCaul grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and from a young age had a passion for helping individuals reach their full potential, Jack excels in providing leadership and support to a team of dedicated professionals while ensuring the well-being and personal growth of clients.

With a background in Education, Jack brings strong communication and problem-solving skills to their work, helping to address complex challenges and ensure the success of the program. Jack received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology & Education from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Outside of work, Jack enjoys surfing, photography, and spending time outside with friends, which further enhances his ability to connect with individuals and understand the transformative power of nature.

Nicholas Bissell grew up in Champaign IL, and  enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school. After serving 5 years, he moved to Hawaii in 2011. He then served as a combat medic with the Army National Guard.  Nick joined Pacific Quest logistics team in 2019. He enjoys the daily challenges of  solving problems, utilizing his organizational skills and witnessing the recovery of these young individuals who attend this program.  When he’s not ensuring smooth day to day operations, he enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, camping, and trying to golf.

Annette started with Pacific Quest in 2015, following over 10 years of state service in the field of conservation, wilderness enhancement, and youth development throughout Central and Northern California. Pacific Quest offered several growing positions for her as a field guide in the young adult program, then to logistical support and finally to her current position as Food Service Supervisor. Overseeing all aspects of the kitchen and a firm believer in the PQ Wellness Pillar of Nutrition, Annette is able to fall back on her time and skills as a makeshift culinary cook throughout many of her stints working in wilderness settings. Thriving in her position, she enjoys planning and creating flavorful dishes daily whilst teaching students and staff the importance of balanced meal planning and eating the food they grow.  She rallies working alongside students to create flavorful dishes and sauces they can eventually make at home.  A huge fan of pulling fresh herbs from the onsite gardens and grateful for the plethora of local produce found throughout the year, Annette is grateful for her current niche.  

Her lifelong love and college studies in horticulture find her constantly engaged in gardening, plant propagation, camping, and spending quality time with family and friends outdoors.

Dr. Doug Emch is a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist who received his medical degree at Vanderbilt University and completed his internship and residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. In addition to running an integrative psychiatric clinic, he has maintained an active role in community-based mental health clinics. His Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Fellowship brought him back to Vanderbilt, where he also served as a chief resident.

After developing an interest in integrative medicine, he has subsequently collaborated with colleagues across the continent and abroad on integrative psychiatry, co-writing the chapter on integrative psychiatry for the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine’s curriculum study guide.

He is often described as a rarity in his field for his ability to meld traditional medicine with an alternative and complementary mind-set, not eschewing the traditional practice of psychiatry when needed, but approaching the patient more collaboratively and holistically. With his use of complementary and alternative medicine, including Qigong, scientific knowledge steeped in biochemical approaches, and nutritional therapy, Dr. Emch is a perfect match with Pacific Quest.

When not practicing medicine, Dr. Emch spends most of his time with his 10 year old twins and helping his wife run her local food business. He is an avid mountain biker and outdoor enthusiast, with a passion for travel, music, and literature. He is a firm believer in the therapeutic benefit of exploring the unknown as a part of every individual’s emotional wellbeing.

Dr. Heather is passionate about teaching children and teens new strategies and perspectives to help them manage life challenges. Her approach is teaching kids “how to fish,” rather than giving them a fish, so they can take the tools with them into the rest of their lives. Much of her own life lessons have come from sailing across oceans and living on numerous islands in the Pacific. The ocean and island cultures taught her how to value calmness, patience, and simplicity. Strength often came from fully showing up in the moment, trusting in the unknown, and accepting discomfort. These lessons helped guide her to the field of natural medicine, and allow her to relate to patients as they navigate life changes and health challenges.

Dr. Heather graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon obtaining a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and a Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine with additional, extensive training in gentle bodywork and medical qigong. Dr. Heather has worked in multiple drug and addiction facilities and found acupuncture and naturopathic medicine to be especially beneficial. She is very flexible in working with kids, and adapts to a style that makes each person feel safe and at ease. For those who are apprehensive about needles, Dr. Heather is trained in a pediatric style of “non-insertive” acupuncture that employs gentle tapping, stroking, and subtle vibration to stimulate the points. She also employs gentle styles of bodywork, such as craniosacral therapy and myofascial release, when appropriate.

Dr. Heather’s interests include spending time with her family, traveling, and connecting to the rhythms of nature via Qigong, hiking, photography, local foods, and anything having to do with being in or on the water. She currently operates a general, private practice on the Island of Hawaii, where she works with patients of all ages.

Nicole is a Registered Nurse with  over 13 years combined nursing experience including home care, hospital inpatient, community health centers and healthcare administration and technology. Her passion for helping others in times of crisis began early in her nursing career in Seattle as an Antepartum nurse (High-Risk Obstetric RN) caring for families experiencing fetal, maternal and/or newborn complications before and after pregnancy. 

After several years of leadership as a Clinical Operations Director for a local community based family health group, Nicole joined the PQ team in 2020 as a program nurse. She works tirelessly with the wellness team, assisting with medication review, preparation and administration, performing weekly wellness checks with each student and providing assessments and treatments as medical concerns arise. 

Nicole and her family have a passion for the outdoors. She’s backpacked extensively in the pacific northwest and spent summers sailing with her family in the San Juan Islands. She cherishes a weekly ritual outing to local beaches with her two sons to soak up sun and surf.

Jay is a Registered Nurse from Hawaii. He received extensive training at Hilo Medical Center and local outpatient clinics around the island. Prior to Nursing, Jay earned his Bachelor of Business Management which he utilized to operate a family-owned restaurant in Hilo. Nurse Jay is a dedicated professional and makes good use of his management skills.

Originally from O’ahu, Jay has been a Hilo resident for the last decade. He was in pursuit of a career and ended up finding his vocation in Nursing. Hilo’s sense of community and family drew him to health care. industry.

While he may be a city boy at heart, he has grown and learned to appreciate life on the Big Island. In his free time, Jay enjoys staying active and keeping up with the latest technological gadgets.

Gabby grew up in the beautiful state of Montana, moving to Hawaii in 2014. She has over nine years of experience in patient care throughout several medical specialties.

Throughout that time she has been able to gain knowledge and experience in emergency management. During local emergencies she has worked with federal and state agencies to ensure community safety, utilizing her medical and hazmat experience to provide insight throughout the decision making process.

While deployed she had the pleasure of training other nations in emergency medical procedures, ensuring overall safety.

When not at work she spends her time working on the family farm, tending to the horses, sheep, goats or chickens. She enjoys spending any down time hiking, crocheting, or doing art projects with her niece.

Sierra hails from the Northeast coastline of Rhode Island and Maine where she earned a degree in Sustainable Energy Systems from Unity College.  Sierra began her career in experiential education as an instructor in an outdoor program. There she discovered her love of teaching children and adults about how to safely enjoy the wonder of the outdoors. In 2018 she made the transition to the tropical beaches of Hawaiian archipelago and In 2019, Sierra joined the PQ wellness team.

In her free time, Sierra enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, rock climbing and hiking with her dog. Sierra is also interested in Hawaii’s wildlife and loves to try to identify them on her hikes. Her favorite fruits are white pineapple and rollinia.

Michelle joined Pacific Quest in 2013  and brings more than 30 years of experience in managing finance, administration and human resources. In her role, Michelle oversees all financial systems, policy and procedures. 

Prior to joining Pacific Quest Michelle has served many types of businesses but she was searching for a position that was a part of a team that had a positive impact on young people. When she found Pacific Quest she knew it was meant to be her next role. 

In her free time Michelle enjoys cooking, running, travel, and spending quality time with her three amazing daughters.

Kym Waisbrot joined Pacific Quest in 2012. As HR Director, Kym oversees all aspects of Pacific Quest staffing, ensuring that HR policies and initiatives are effective, efficient, and aligned with Pacific Quest’s overall objectives.

Prior to moving to the Big Island, Kym spent 5 years as a Regulatory Audit & Investigation Analyst at a Southern California utility company. Her previous experience includes 10 years as a Legal Assistant/Office Manager at an entertainment network, and over 20 years of legal experience working at private law firms with emphasis on employment law and commercial litigation. 

Kym’s earlier experience also includes work in the medical field as a pathology assistant. 

She also served on the Board of Hawaii Island’s Bay Clinic and is a Notary Public in the State of Hawaii.

In her spare time, Kym enjoys spending time with her family and pets, reading, and exploring the wonders of Hawaii Island.

Laif joined the Pacific Quest Team in 2019 as our Organizational Development Manager. He has many roles for PQ, but primarily focuses on systems, efficient business development and creating positive experiences for the organization and the families that we serve. As a transplant from the Pacific Northwest, and being relatively new to Hawaii, Laif likes to spend his time exploring and experiencing the natural beauty of the Big Island and enjoying adventures with his friends and family.

Sad’e was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii. Growing up, she enjoyed exploring the island and spending time with her ʻOhana. Prior to joining the Pacific Quest team, Sad’e was a manager at a local restaurant, where she enjoyed providing excellent customer service and collaborating with a variety of people. She started at PQ in 2016 as a Logistics Coordinator and soon after was promoted to various roles throughout the company. Sad’e now serves the needs of all PQ Departments as the Purchasing and Operations Coordinator. What she loves most about Pacific Quest is witnessing the dramatic change students undergo from when they first arrive until their departure. In her free time, Sade enjoys fishing, swimming, and traveling.  Her favorite destination she’s traveled to is Orlando, Florida.

Brooke is from Orange County, California, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations from California State University, Fullerton. Brooke began her career at Pacific Quest in 2023 as a part-time Social Media & HR Project Specialist until growing into her full-time Finance & Training Manager role. In her position, she oversees various responsibilities, including finance duties, training tasks, and supporting the clinical team with insurance utilization. With an interest in finance and human resources, Brooke discovered a passion for these fields and values the opportunity to apply her strong organizational skills in her work.

As a Finance & Training Manager, she enjoys working at Pacific Quest because it gives her the opportunity to contribute to a team that is committed to making a positive impact on others.

Brooke enjoys practicing pilates, being at the beach, and going to Disneyland. Her interests reflect her love for a well-rounded lifestyle, one that combines physical well-being, moments of joy, and experiences that fuel her spirit.

Lacie is a dedicated professional with a robust background in psychology and sociology, stemming from her academic achievements at Oregon State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Hailing from the picturesque town of Hilo, Hawaii, Lacie brings a unique blend of local insight and academic expertise to her role.

Drawn to Pacific Quest for its innovative approach to integrative therapy, Lacie was particularly attracted by the program’s emphasis on personal growth and environmental connection. She believes in the transformative power of immersive experiences and is excited to contribute to a team dedicated to fostering resilience and self-discovery in the natural world.

Michelle is very people oriented with over 15 years of experience in customer service and office work. The last 7 years Michelle worked in a home health and habilitation office in various capacities including recruiting, client services management, and as a paraprofessional. Michelle also holds a Bachelors of Social Work from Cal State, Chico.

As an HR Coordinator, Michelle values being apart of Pacific Quest because they are compassionate about helping people.

In her free time, Michelle works home improvement projects, enjoys crafting, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Sage’s role as a Program Administrative Coordinator provides a wide range of Administrative support for Admissions and Operations. Assisting in coordinating Family Programs. Sage was drawn to and aligned with Pacific Quest’s philosophy and integrative approach, with its focus on health & wellness through yoga, meditation, acupuncture and earth based practices. In her free time she enjoys staying active while embracing the beauty and spirit of the islands.