Staff

Administration

Dr. Mālia Purdy – Executive Director

Dr. Purdy was born in Fort Polk, Louisiana and raised in Waiehu, Maui. She attended Pūnana Leo O Maui, Kula Kaiapuni O Maui ma Pāʻia & Kalama, and graduated from Kamehameha Schools Maui. She then went on to receive her BS in Biology at Pacific University, and MPH in Native Hawaiian Health and PhD in Community-Based & Translational Research at UH Mānoa. Dr. Purdyʻs journey at Hui No Ke Ola Pono started in 2022 as the Executive director and she believes her path was set forth by her kūpuna. She descends from a line of advocates and educators, as her tūtū was part of the pioneer group that fought for Hawaiian language and culture to be taught in public schools and was a lāʻau lapaʻau practitioner. Her education started in the Hawaiian language, and she is a product of the values and foundations instilled in her by the many kumu and mentors that have taught her along the way. There is no greater way to honor them than to serve as Executive Director and have the opportunity to directly impact the Native Hawaiian community of her one hānau at The Hui. Dr. Purdy is a true local girl who loves going to the beach, chasing sunsets, and always trying to find the water wherever she is in the world.

Risa Mamalias – Director of Programs

Risa was born and raised in Waiehu, Maui and joined Hui No Ke Ola Pono in August of 2023. She enjoys working in a non-profit, community-based organization where she has the opportunity to impact community health and wellness.

Mikaela Aki – Programs Manager

Mikaela was born and raised on the island of Maui and graduated from Baldwin High School. Her journey at Hui No Ke Ola Pono started off as a receptionist in the Traditional Healing Department in June 2021. You can now find her in an administrative role, working alongside the Programs Director. She knew The Hui was where she was meant to be because of the joy she finds in serving others and the childhood memories she cherishes of the old school Hui No Ke Ola Pono. The hui has provided many services and support to her ʻohana throughout the years. During her free time, you can find her anywhere the fresh water runs, chasing sunsets or spending time with ʻohana.

Jennifer Kekiwi-Brown – Operations Manager

Jennifer was born in Wailuku, Maui and raised in Haʻiku and Keʻanae/Wailuanui. Although being raised on the East end of Maui, Jennifer graduated from Maui High School. She joined the Hui in August of 2019 and brought with her 30+ years of Clerical/Administrative work. Jennifer loves art and enjoys shooting bow. However, her favorite thing to do is spending time with her ʻohana.

Jillayne Ching – Data & Compliance Specialist

Jill was born and raised in Kauaʻi and relocated to Maui at a young age. After graduating from Baldwin High School, she pursued a degree in Human Services at UHMC, where she laid the foundation for her career. Since joining the HUI ohana in 2004, she has transitioned from a Community Health Worker to an administrative role focused on data and compliance. Jill is passionate about the HUI’s mission and feels privileged to contribute to an organization that makes a positive impact in the community. ​

Fiscal

Holiann Ho – Controller

Holly was born and raised in Maui and grew up in the little town of Hāliʻimaile. She explored a year of boarding at Lahainaluna High School then graduated from Maui High School. Holly received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from UOP. She always knew from the 6th grade that she wanted to become an Accountant and have practiced in the field for the last 30 years. She originally joined the Hui in 2013, left for 1 ½ years, and have returned to fulfill her purpose of helping our lāhui. Fun fact about Holly, She is a die-hard 49er fan, Forever Faithful. During her free time, she likes to read, watch movies, and hang out with family and friends.

Kalena Hoʻopiʻi – A/R Specialist

Kalena was born and raised on Maui in a small village beautifully known as Kahakuloa. She is a mom to a sweet little boy named Keawekapuokalani and during their free time you can find them in the māla or in the wai. She is very passionate about hula and is a haumāna of Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua. Kalena joined Hui No Ke Ola Pono in October 2023 and looks forward the amazing journey here.

Clinton Mammuad – Accountant

Clinton was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Hawaii at a young age, growing up in Kihei, Maui, where he still resides today. He graduated from Maui High School before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting and management at the University of Hawaii West Oahu. In August 2024, Clinton joined Hui No Ke Ola Pono as an accountant, drawn to the nonprofit sector for its meaningful work and the job satisfaction that comes from contributing to a cause. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and staying active at the gym.

Kaiāulu

Wellness & Outreach

Ashley Tone – Kaiāulu Wellness & Outreach Manager

Ashley was born in Maui and raised in beautiful Kihei. She attended Maui High School and went on to Missouri Valley College where she received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Psychology. Ashley always felt a strong desire to serve and meet the needs of our local community. Working as a community health professional has given her many opportunities to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our locals. Ashley joined Hui No Ke Ola Pono in January of 2023 and her commitment to our community truly shows through her hard work. Ashley loves being quirky and adventurous with her ʻohana and friends. Being outdoors, traveling, enjoying a great meal, and learning are things that are always welcomed.

Friday Eleneki – Community Healthcare Worker (CHW)

Friday was born and raised on Maui. Her goal as a CHW is to implement the importance of Mental, Spiritual and Physical Healing and how it will benefit the overall health of our community. She believes there are a lot of social determinants that are destructive to our health and the overall need of our community is navigation and education. Together with the help of other local organizations we can create stepping stones to help live happy and healthier lives.

Keawaʻiki Maʻalea – Community Health Care Worker

Faith Okuda – Front Desk Receptionist

Kūaʻuaʻu

Traditional Hawaiian Healing

Kaui Krueger – Traditional Healing Coordinator

Kaui Krueger is a proud kupa of Wailuku. He has studied under Hālau Hula Kauluokala for 23 years. He joined the Hui in 2018 as a Coordinator for the Kūaʻuaʻu Traditional Healing providing support, advocacy, and technical assistance to that department. His favorite part about his kuleana is collaborating with the community to help address all health aspects of our Native people. Kaui loves his ‘ohana, Hawaiian music and ‘ono food.

Desiree Kekiwi-HIga – Traditional Healing Programs Assistant

Desiree was born and raised in Maui and attended Maui High School. She joined Hui No Ke Ola Pono in January 2023 and loves the opportunity she has to interact with the community. Desiree enjoys spending her free time with her family and working on DIY projects.

Raeann Joseph – Front Desk Receptionist

Rae was born and raised in Kailua Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii and is a proud graduate of Kealakehe High School. In July 2023, she moved to Maui to be closer to her family, embracing the warmth and community spirit of the island.
With over eight years of experience in the dental field, Rae has worked in both private practice and nonprofit settings before joining Hui No Ke Ola Pono in October 2024. She is eager to serve the Maui community, which has been incredibly welcoming to her and her ‘ohana.
In her free time, Rae enjoys exploring the beauty of Maui with her twin daughters, ‘Ohi’a and Leia, creating lasting memories

Hale Hoʻoikaika

Health & Wellness Center

Lyka Reed – Fitness Instructor/Lomi Practitioner

Lyka Reed, a native of Kihei, Maui, is deeply rooted in her island upbringing. Raised amidst the vibrant culture of Hawaii, she developed a strong sense of community and a passion for various pursuits.

After graduating from Maui High School in 2009, Lyka pursued her academic journey, earning an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Hawaii Maui College in 2011. Building on this foundation, she went on to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Hawaii West O’ahu in 2013.

Complementing her financial expertise, Lyka immersed herself in the wellness field through the Kealaho’imai Program with HNKOP. This endeavor led her to become an American Council of Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer in September 2021 and a Licensed Massage Therapist in August 2023.

Before venturing into the realms of fitness and wellness, Lyka dedicated seven years of her professional life as an Accounting Specialist at Maui Family Support Services. However, her passion for martial arts led her to explore Muay Thai boxing, a journey she embarked on in 2016. Embracing the discipline of Muay Thai, Lyka not only honed her skills but also deepened her appreciation for the cultural significance of the sport, being the National Combat Sport of Thailand.

Fuelled by her love for Muay Thai and her desire to share its benefits with others, Lyka now serves as the Coach and Owner of Ebb N Flo Maui in Kahului, where she imparts her knowledge through teaching Muay Thai classes. Beyond her professional endeavors, Lyka finds joy in various hobbies, including training Muay Thai, working out, playing guitar, attending concerts, traveling, and indulging in delectable cuisines.

Driven by her commitment to community involvement, Lyka actively participates in nonprofit initiatives to support the local community. With a blend of expertise in accounting, wellness, and martial arts, Lyka Reed continues to make a positive impact in Maui, embodying the spirit of dedication and service.

ʻImi Ola Hou

Health Clinic

Dr. Heather Haynes – Director of Medical Services

Dr. Heather Haynes was born and raised in Makawo, Maui. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara in Neuropsychology. She later went on to Georgetown University where she completed medical school and her Internal Medicine residency program. She also holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Dr. Haynes has been a part of Hui No Ke Ola Pono since 2001 as an Internal Medicine physician with a special interest in Native Hawaiian health disparities. In her free time, Dr. Haynes enjoys spending time with her children & family, traveling, running & playing tennis.

Dr. Arleen Ricalde-Garcia – Internist

Dr. Arleen Ricalde-Garcia was born and raised in various parts of the world due to her father being in the United States Navy. She was born in Guam and raised in Okinawa, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, California and eventually settled on Oʻahu where she graduated from James Campbell High School. She received her BA in Biology from he University of Hawaii-Manoa and Medical Degree from John Burns School of Medicine. She completed her Medical Residency Program in Honolulu and an additional year as the Internal Medicine Chief Medical Resident at St. Francis Medical Center in Liliha, Oʻahu. “Educate a man, you educate and man. Educate a woman, you educate a generation.”

She has been an Internist for 29 years having worked in Honolulu and California prior to moving to Maui in 1999. She was previously on staff at Maui Medical Group before joining Hui No Ke Ola Pono in 2021. She states that being part of the Native Hawaiian Health System has reinforced her purpose in serving others, marrying traditional Hawaiian values with Western medicine. She upholds Hui No Ke Ola Pono’s mission to empower the community to be their own health advocate in her medical practice through education, compassion, respect and trust. “We rise by lifting others.”

In her spare time, she volunteers with the homeless in the community, providing noncritical medical service. Her hobbies include traveling, hiking (Half Dome in Yosemite and the Narrows in Zion are her favorites so far), and photography. She once wanted to win the Nobel Prize in Medicine, but she states that raising her 2 boys to be positive citizens has been her greatest achievement in life, more than any Nobel Prize. “Being good is great, but doing good is even better.

Shannon Abarra – Registered Nurse

Shannon was born and raised in Wailuku, Maui. She attended Kamehameha Schools – Maui and later received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Shannon has been a registered nurse in our Adult Health Clinic (‘Imi Ola Hou) since 2020. She is passionate about providing care to our Native Hawaiian population and Maui community while incorporating aloha, compassion, and empathy. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hanging out at the beach with her family, and golfing.

Christina Honokaupu – Front Desk Coordinator

Christina was born and raised on Oahu and moved to Maui 23 years ago. She joined Hui No Ke Ola Pono in August 2023 as a Medical Front Desk Coordinator. Although she has 20+ years of Administrative experience, she did not have medical office experience, but really enjoys learning the medical clinic workflow. Christina loves interacting with patients and being a part of an amazing organization that is taking care of our community in so many ways. She likes to cook, work out and travel, but what she enjoys most is spending time with her husband and fur babies.

Hoʻōla Puʻuwai

Ornish Program

Tricia Mooney – Ornish Program Director

Tricia was born in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in Cleveland Heights and has lived in 9 states and 3 countries outside of the US. She attended Cleveland Heights High; alma mater of the NFL Kelce brothers; and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1984. She then attended Inner Peace Yoga Therapy school. Her career began in large resorts working in the recreation departments but moved into fitness/rehabilitation/wellness while an AF spouse, working primarily with wounded warriors. She then transitioned into cardiac rehabilitation in 2016 because she believes that illness is rooted in heart disease and overall wellness is dependent on heart health. Tricia joined Hui No Ke Ola Pono in 2019 after moving to Maui from Colorado. During her free time, she loves to swim, surf, ride bike, hike, and practice yoga and pilates. A fun fact about Tricia is she has been a groupie of the band U2 since 1983 and have seen them in concert 12 times from Honolulu to Belfast, Ireland and most recently in the Sphere in Las Vegas. She can definitely rock hard!

Melanie Craddock – Registered Nurse

Melanie was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, where she obtained her nursing degree from Pensacola State College. Throughout her nursing career, she has gained experience in a wide variety of healthcare settings, fostering her strong interest in preventive health. Melanie has worked with the Diabetes Prevention Program and Ho’okaulike Wellness, an accredited Diabetes Self-Management program. In May 2024, she earned her Certification as a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.

Excited to bring her expertise in Healthy Living to the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program, Melanie is passionate about empowering individuals to take an active interest in their personal well-being and care for the only body they have. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, stand-up paddling, crocheting, and pet sitting for dogs and cats.

Christy Inda – Registered Dietician

Christy was born and raised on Maui and graduated from Baldwin High School. She attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she got her bachelor’s degree in food science and human nutrition. She then went onto Eastern Illinois University to complete her internship and master’s degree in Dietetics. Christy chose to become a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist because she is passionate about helping people and she LOVEʻS FOOD. She wants to help people choose the nutrition path that best suits their own life and health goals. Christy joined the Hui in 2018 as part of the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine (heart disease reversal) program and hopes to continue to expand nutrition programs and services offered at the Hui. In her spare time, she enjoys any activity done with family, whether it be housework or hiking. Fun fact: Christy aspires to be a farmer someday, to grow food for her family and community.

Mālama Niho

Oral Health

Dr. Emi Eno Orikasa – Director of Dental Services

Dr. Emi Eno Orikasa was born in Southern California, raised on Maui, and a graduate of Baldwin High School. From a young age, dentistry had always been her career goal. She obtained both her Bachelors of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the University of the Pacific. Upon graduating from dental school, she returned home to practice with her uncle in Upcountry Maui. After almost 10 years in private practice, Emi joined Hui No Ke Ola Pono as the oral health director. She values the whole health concept that Hui No Ke Ola Pono fosters, which allows clients to not only address their oral health, but also their overall health concerns in one place. In her free time, Emi enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and traveling.

Dr. Steven McDaniel – Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Steven McDaniel was raised in Portland, Oregon. He received a B.S. in biology from Eastern Washington University and later completed his Doctorate in Dental Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Steven then completed a two year residency program in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he served as chief resident. His passion is to make a difference in my patients lives through quality care and education.

In his free time Dr. Steven enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys cooking, video games, Star Wars, and Disney.

Dr. Ashley Nichols – General Dentist

Dr. Ashley Nichols was born in Texas, but raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She received her B.S in biology from Southern Adventist University and later completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loma Linda University. She then pursued an extra year of hospital-based dental training at the VA dental clinic in Loma Linda, where she was able to serve veterans.

She met her husband, who was born and raised on Maui, in dental school. They decided to settle down in Maui and Dr. Nichols sought to pursue a dental career where whole person care and serving those in need were the foremost concerns. She desires to learn more about the beautiful culture of Hawaiians, while serving their oral health care needs. In her free time, she enjoys playing violin, video games, and spending time with her husband and dog, Timmy.

Milene Homalon – Dental Assistant

Milene was born in Nevada, raised on Maui, and graduated from Baldwin High School. She started off doing her studies at UHMC but now continues online at Eastern Gateway in Ohio while also working as a dental assistant. Recently starting off as a member of the Hui No Ke Ola Pono team, she enjoys being able to educate other individuals about the significance of oral health.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on adventures, spending time at the beach, and exercising.

Meilani Pascual – Dental Hygienist

Meilani Pascual is a dental hygienist, who is bringing more than 15 years of prior dental experience to Hui No Ke Ola Pono. She earned her Associate in Science Degree in Dental Hygiene at University of Hawaii Maui College in 2011. Before that, she was a certified dental assistant. She teaches patients about proper oral hygiene techniques, customized for each individual and their personal lifestyle. She also encourages patients for total wellness by improving their oral health.

Meilani was born and raised on Maui. She enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. She also enjoys family movie nights and watching her children’s extracurricular activities.

Rowena Estayo – Oral Health Coordinator

Rowena graduated from the University of Hawaii Maui College as a Certified Dental Assistant. She has been working in the Dental Industry since 2008. Row began working as a student assistant at the non-profit Maui Oral Health Center. After graduation, she started working as a dental assistant and learned the day-to-day operations of a dental office. Rowena realized that she could be more helpful to a Dental Office by working at the front desk with patients and healthcare professionals to improve efficiency and create a more organized and optimal healthcare environment. Rowena has come full circle to now work at our non-profit Hui No Ke Ola Pono Oral Health Care and she wants to give back to our community by providing the best service for all of our patients and the Native Hawaiian community that we serve.

Rowena was born and raised in the Philippines. She made her way to Oahu in 2000 and moved to Maui in 2004. Row spends time with her wonderful family and granddaughter. She enjoys yoga, walking, and spending time on our beautiful island of Maui.

Daphne Manaba – Front Desk Receptionist

Daphne Manaba is our oral health receptionist. She joined Hui No Ke Ola Pono in 2022, bringing many years of experience in the dental field. She says her favorite thing about her position is, “interacting with our patients and ensuring their dental needs are met.” Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Melanie Tabon – Dental Billing Specialist

Mel, a native of Wailuku, Maui, carries a deep connection to her island home and community. Having spent her formative years in Wailuku, she has always felt a strong sense of belonging to the land and its people.
Recently returning to Hui No Ke Ola Pono as a Billing Specialist, Mel brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously served as a receptionist and dental assistant within the organization. For Mel, it’s more than just a job—it’s a privilege to be a part of the Hui mission and contribute to such an awesome organization dedicated to the well-being of the community.
Outside of work, Mel finds joy in spending quality time with her family, cherishing moments and creating lasting memories with her children. Her commitment to both her professional role and her family reflects her deep-seated values of community, compassion, and connection.

Alexis Gomes – Pediatric Dental Assistant

Alexis was raised in Haʻikū and now lives in Hāliʻimaile. She graduated from King Kekaulike in 2013. She now embarks on a career as a Pediatric Dental assistant, driven by her passion for helping children maintain healthy smiles. Alexis’s dedication to her heritage and community led her to join the Hui, where she resonates with the organization’s focus on serving Native Hawaiians. She brings her genuine respect and commitment to improving the well-being of her people to her role within the Hui.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Alexis treasures her time with her two beloved Keiki and Ohana. They share a love for the outdoors, often found camping, fishing, and enjoying the beautiful beaches of Maui together, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Kawehiʻonalani Fernandez – Dental Assistant

Kawehi was born and raised on our beautiful island Maui. She enjoys spending time with her ʻohana and creating memories. Her favorite thing to do with her ʻohana is fishing, hanging out at the beach and looking for ʻopihi.

Riann Delos Santos – Dental Assistant

Riann was born and raised in Maui. She graduated from HP Baldwin High School in 2022 and initially attended the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. However, realizing it wasn’t the right fit for her and missing her family, she transferred to the University of Hawai’i at Maui College, where she is currently completing her dental hygienist prerequisites. In August, Riann began working as a float dental assistant at Hui No Ke Ola Pono.

Simply Healthy Cafe

Konapiliahi Aki – Kitchen Staff

Konapiliahi was born and raised on the island of Maui. He is a graduate from Maui High School class of 2012. He enjoys working for Hui No Ke Ola Pono because of the mission and his passion for serving the Native Hawaiian Community. During his free time, he enjoys spending time and making memories with his dog budda and his ʻohana.

Mikian Kala-Mahiai – Kitchen Staff

Mikian comes from Paukūkalo, Hawaiian Homes. She attended ʻĪao Intermediate and later moved to Oʻahu where she graduated from James Campbell High School. She later moved home to Maui where she recognized her passion for cooking. She worked in many kitchens and eventually found home here in the Simply Healthy Cafe at the Hui. Mikian brings lots of skill and expertise to the cafe here. During her free time she enjoys beach days with her ʻohana.

Nalei Kala- Kitchen Staff

Nalei was born in Wailuku, Maui, and raised in Waiheʻe, Kapuna Valley. She attended Waiheʻe Elementary and ʻĪao Intermediate, and was homeschooled by her beloved mother, Kellyann Kala. Nalei joined Hui No Ke Ola Pono on August 12, 2024, where she enjoys working in the café, learning from her coworkers, and serving her kūpuna (elders).