Hoʻohana
Meaning "purposeful work" in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, and being the paramount quality in all the services offered from our team.
Allow us to introduce ourselves...
Dr. Brianna Rivera
President of Ho'ohana Counseling Hawai'i
Ho'ohana Counseling Founder
I am the founder of Ho’ohana Counseling LLC, and a licensed mental health counselor. I received my Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Argosy University, San Francisco in 2013, and my Doctorate in Education at Argosy University, Honolulu in 2018. I have been working in the counseling field for over 10 years and have extensive experience working with adolescents, young adults, and families. Much of my life’s work has been working with those in the LGBTQ+ community who struggle with anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. I work from the heart and with the heart, always making sure to provide my clients with a non-judgmental and supportive therapy experience. I take a holistic approach to therapy and use various evidence-based practices that are tailored to each person and their needs at the time. I understand that life can be really difficult, and through my therapy sessions, I guide clients towards a better understanding of themselves on all levels: mind, body, and soul.
Location: Oʻahu and Hilo Office (In Person & Telehealth)
Rebekah Bernard
President of Ho'ohana Counseling Massachusetts
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Creating a therapeutic relationship is purposeful and meaningful work. I provide clients with a safe, judgment-free space to process their experiences, and I work collaboratively to navigate a path toward a personal, ultimate wellness. My style is warm and supportive with a humanistic foundation. Through a strength-based lens, I draw from multiple evidenced-based modalities, including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness techniques. I work with each individual to tailor dialogue and treatment plans to meet specific, unique needs.
I completed a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Hawaii and Massachusetts. Starting my career in Hawai’i taught me the value of Ho’ohana, purposeful and meaningful work, and it is my intent to bring this sentiment to Massachusetts, my home state.
With more than 10 years of experience in the counseling field, including various roles in the hospice field, my background enables me to provide warm and supportive therapy to my clients. I have worked with clients with a wide range of needs, and I have extensive experience in providing therapy for grief/loss, existential concerns, stress/anxiety, communication challenges, life transitions, terminal illness, and anxiety/depression.
I provide counseling to adults via teletherapy at this time, and look forward to providing support during your journey.
Maita Marks
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Aloha! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My counseling style is client-centered, holistic, and goal-oriented, and it is my priority to ensure that clients feel safe and respected in their sessions with me.
I am a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and I have completed Levels 1 and 2 of the Gottman Method for couples. I have extensive experience helping clients who suffer from substance use, depression, anxiety, PTSD and autism. I am also accepting new clients with dual diagnosis, couples, and families seeking family therapy.
Location: Oʻahu Office (In Person & Telehealth)
Chansley Mattos
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, and I currently live and practice in Honolulu. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in grief therapy and end-of-life care. Much of my life’s work has been supporting those struggling with terminal illnesses and their loved ones. I also work with those experiencing anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. I utilize a person-centered and holistic approach with CBT and DBT techniques. I work side by side with my clients to help them understand their inner world on a deeper level. I am strongly invested in our community and in my clients.
Location: Oʻahu Office (In Person & Telehealth)
Jose Daniel Rojales
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii. I work with adults experiencing relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also specialize in treating severe mental illnesses. I use art therapy and narrative therapy often in my sessions as I strive to uncover the challenges that my clients are facing while supporting them wholeheartedly. I also use cognitive behavioral therapy to further support clients with thoughts and behaviors that cause them distress.
My goal is to help people regain control of their lives, collaborating with them to rewrite their own stories. I am respectful and empathetic, and it is my mission to help clients feel comfortable, seen and heard by me when sharing their stories.
Location: Hilo Office (In Person & Telehealth)
Chenoa Paiva
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
For over 20 years, I've been devoted to serving my community on the Big Island of Hawaii. My primary focus has always been on assisting the most vulnerable and at-risk populations. I have a master’s degree in social work, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in helping adolescents and adults involved with the Criminal Justice System.
I utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapies (CBT) to identify and modify negative thought patterns that may impact my clients’ behavior and emotions, and I customize additional evidence-based techniques to meet each person’s unique needs. I am certified in conflict resolution techniques that use restorative and holistic methods. Additionally, I have experience in end-of-life care, and I support individuals with terminal illnesses and their loved ones. I aim to create a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can feel comfortable being your authentic self without hesitation.
Location: Hilo Office (In Person & Telehealth)
Megan Denes
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have worked in behavioral and mental health settings for the past seven years. I’m licensed in the states of Hawaii and Florida. I have extensive experience providing therapy to children and adolescents, as well as experience with adults. During this time, I have helped individuals navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, complex trauma, and self-esteem.
I use a collaborative approach, empowering my clients to take an active role in their own healing process. Common interventions I use include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.
It’s important to me that I provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment that helps clients to recognize and utilize their inner strengths as they take ownership towards achieving their personal goals. I support and empower each client on their unique journey of healing and personal growth.
Location: Oahu Office (In Person & Telehealth)
Marina Ignacio
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
My passion above all is to support others as they navigate the numerous challenges that present themselves in life and ultimately find a sense of safety and the best version of themselves on that journey.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Hawaii and obtained my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. I have experience working with a wide range of people, including children and adolescents, parents, and adults facing behavioral and mental health concerns including anxiety and depression, trauma, as well as social and relationship difficulties. The LGBTQ community is close to my heart with its unique experiences and challenges. Within the realm of therapy related to identity and sexuality, I also have extensive experience performing individual and group therapy with individuals who have committed sexual assaults, who experience addiction and substance abuse, and who have committed other violations within the criminal justice system.
With empathy and compassion at the core of my practice, I focus on the importance of relationship and operate from a person-centered, holistic, and trauma-informed lens utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based practices.
Location: Hilo Office (In Person & Telehealth)
Kalei Pi'ena
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who practices on the East side of Hawai’i Island. I have worked in the mental health field for more than 20 years and have experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families.
I have worked in the Department of Education, community agencies, and a corporate insurance company where I had the opportunity to work with various populations and mental health diagnoses. I utilize a client-centered, holistic approach using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions in addition to other evidence-based interventions.
I am experienced in working with clients who have anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, behavior problems, PTSD, or who are dual diagnosed. I prioritize creating a safe therapeutic environment so that my clients are able to move closer to achieving their therapeutic goals.
Location: Hilo Office (In Person & Telehealth)
Heather Williams
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Aloha, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver. As a multiracial woman, I understand how difficult it can be to find a therapist who truly resonates with your unique experiences and identity. My mission is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and relatable space where you feel seen, heard, and supported on your journey toward healing and growth.
I specialize in working with individuals who may feel misunderstood or stigmatized, including justice-involved individuals, trauma survivors, those with dual diagnoses, and people navigating taboo or sensitive topics. With over a decade of experience in child welfare, state hospitals, prisons, and community agencies, I’ve worked closely with lawyers and the court system, handling complex cases with empathy and professionalism. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of how systems and trauma shape lives.
My approach to therapy is holistic and compassionate, rooted in cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care. I strive to meet you where you are and help you find clarity, resilience, and empowerment as you work toward a more fulfilling life. Together, we can navigate your challenges and uncover the strengths already within you.
Location: Hilo Office (In Person & Telehealth)
Kristin Naylor
Pre-Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I have worked in mental and behavioral health for the past seven years and spent a majority of that time working on both adult and child and adolescent psychiatric units. Currently I work as a Pre-Licensed Therapist, holding two Master of Science degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Positive Psychology.
My approach is person-centered, focusing on your specific needs as an individual, and includes Narrative and Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) models of therapy. I work primarily with adult clients and have experience working with anxiety, trauma, depression, self-esteem, and the LGBTQ+ community. I believe in meeting everyone where they are currently at- we all have experiences and challenges that may have impacted us and wherever you are at now is always ok, that is where we will start our work together. I believe healing, growth, and change happen when you feel heard, valued, and able to take command of your own life story.
Location: Telehealth Only
Christine DeDier
Administrative Assistant
Christine has proudly been serving the people of Hawaii for the past 40 years. Her background is in the medical field and she is also a retired registered nurse from Hilo Medical Center. She ensures that each of Ho’ohana's clients are provided for and cared for, and she makes the process of entering therapy easy and seamless for each of our clients.
Rachel Naai
Medical Biller & Administrative Assistant
Rachel provides administrative, billing and credentialing support to the therapists of the practice.
She streamlines the practice’s policies, procedures and intake paperwork to help things run smoothly for the clients and providers of Ho’ohana Counseling. Rachel was born and raised on Oahu, graduated from Punahou School, and has a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She has been a mental health medical biller since 2013, and it is her joy to provide administrative and billing support to those who support and uplift the mental health of the population of Hawai’i.
Shannon Kapepa
Medical Biller
Shannon is a dedicated professional with 10 years of experience in the medical field. She contributes her expertise in administrative support and billing to assist the providers and clients in the practice. She was born and raised on Oahu and graduated from Mililani High School.
