our founders
Dr. Anita Johnston, PHD, Ced-S
Director of Eating Disorder Programming, Co-Founder
Anita Johnston, Ph.D., CEDS is a clinical psychologist and certified eating disorder specialist and supervisor, working in the field of women’s issues and eating disorders for over 35 years.
Cathy meyer-uyehara, FACHE, NHA, RHIA
CEO, Co-founder
As Chief Executive Officer of Central Coast Treatment Center, Cathy brings over forty years of experience within the acute and post-acute healthcare continuum.
Steven Orenstein, PhD
Chief of Staff, Therapist, Co-Founder
Dr. Steven Orenstein is a clinical psychologist based in Hawaii. Originally trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, his professional journey has included somatic therapy, Tragerwork, neuropsychology, and certifications in Radix and Gestalt therapy. He has co-founded and developed numerous treatment programs for eating disorders including the Anorexia and Bulimia Center of Hawaii, the first eating disorder IOP in the country, and the ‘Ai Pono Hawaii Residential Program.
Clayton uyehara
Chief Financial Officer, Co-Owner
Bio coming soon
clinical team
TINA COTE, LSW
Clinical Director, Maui Residential Program & Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program
Tina is currently a Doctoral Candidate who received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work, with a concentration in Mental Health and Trauma, from the University of Denver. She completed her BA in Psychology at the University of Maine.
Tina has served the Maui community for over a decade through her work with children, people experiencing homelessness, and women with eating disorders.
Tina uses an integration of cognitive behavioral therapies, IFS, and a strengths-based approach to empower her clients to overcome challenges, and develop the tools they need in their journey of healing and personal growth.
Ray baskerville, MA, C.Ht
Associate Therapist, Maui Residential Program
Ray has worked in the healing arts since 1995 and brings his deep understanding of the nature of healing and mindfulness, and his understanding of attachment and developmental trauma to his somatically focused therapeutic work. Ray has an MA Mindfulness based Psychotherapeutic Process. He is skilled in working with all forms of trauma and integrates an IFS informed approach. Ray is currently a Doctoral Candidate writing his dissertation on the connections between insecure attachment and eating disorders and the efficacy of mindfulness as a treatment for them.
Ray has been practicing meditation since 1986, and has been a workshop leader in Mindfulness based practices all over the world since 2000. Ray has also authored several books on meditation and mindfulness as a healing and therapeutic practice. He has a background in the arts, and completed an MA in Performing Arts before leaving the UK in 1996. He then spent most of his time In Indian ashrams and Thai monasteries doing voluntary work, spiritual practices and study until 2001.
Razi wilson
Associate Therapist, Maui Residential Program
Razi Wilson is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts, where she earned a three-year certification in Art Therapy, complemented by multiple internships with diverse populations. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography. In addition to her formal education, Razi has received training in a variety of mindfulness-based psychotherapies, including Holographic Memory Resolution (HMR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Currently, Razi is pursuing her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. In her practice, she integrates traditional Art Therapy techniques with Somatic Bilateral Body Mapping, an approach that has proven particularly effective in supporting recovery from eating disorders.
Sarina Ponte, LMHC LAC CEDS
Associate Therapist, Maui Residential Program
Sarina Ponte is a licensed therapist in Hawaii and Colorado specializing in eating disorders and addiction. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Denver. She is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist through IAEDP and follows an Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size approach. She has worked at all levels of care, including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient.
In addition to working with ‘Ai Pono, she currently runs her therapy practice, Bridgewood Recovery, on Maui. When she’s not working with clients, she enjoys spending time with her three dogs and exploring the island.
Michelle Garcia, LSW
Associate Therapist, Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program
Michelle is a passionate practitioner that received her Master’s in Clinical Social Work with a focus on Mental Health, Addiction, and Family Focus from the Tulane University School of Social Work. Building the foundation for her work as a therapist, Michelle spent nine years serving Hawaii’s teachers and middle school-aged students across the Hawaiian Islands as the Executive Director of the Hawaii Children’s Foundation.
She has dedicated more than twenty-five years of her professional life to serving the people and communities of Hawaii, from working in the Department of Economic Development for the City and County of Honolulu to being a columnist in MidWeek Magazine to serving as the Associate Publisher of Summit Magazine a globally published Hawaii Lifestyle Magazine. When not working as a therapist, Michelle is an avid sailboat racer, yoga practitioner, and SAG-AFTRA Stuntwoman.
ALYSSA WHOAA
Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program Supervisor
Alyssa completed her undergraduate degree in happiness studies through neuroscience, philosophy, and social psychology. After completing her degree in 2015, Alyssa began working at ‘Ai Pono’s Residential Treatment Program on Maui as a psychiatric technician. Now Alyssa supports the Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program, and is a CCI certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach.
Alyssa is passionate about the environment, sustainability, and pursuing grand adventures. She has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and lived several seasons at the South Pole in Antarctica (including a winter). Alyssa is an outdoor enthusiast and loving caretaker of her cat, Oscar.
dietary team
Kathryn (Kathy) Lee, MPH, RD
Registered Dietitian, Maui Residential Program
Kathy has been working in the eating disorder field since 2008, and she has had significant experience working in residential, day and outpatient programs. Kathryn utilizes a non-diet approach in her treatment to help clients heal their relationship with food and their bodies.
Kathy knows that collaboration with other health care professionals, including psychotherapists, medical providers and psychiatrists, is essential to patient care. Communicating with other providers on a comprehensive treatment plan allows each member of the team to share their expertise and knowledge to best support clients.
Elizabeth Kaoh MA, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian, Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program
Elizabeth Kaoh MA, MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian with graduate degrees both in psychology and human nutrition. She focused her studies in psychology on mind-body therapies and in human nutrition, on regenerative farming. She works with residents to cultivate new relationships with their bodies and with food; focusing on helping individuals plant seeds for sustainable change.
She was born and raised in Hawai’i. When she’s not hiking with her dog or surfing with her family, you can find her teaching yoga, a longtime hobby and passion of hers.
kaelyn fritas
Nutrition Assistant
Born and raised in Maui, Hawaii, Kaelyn brings a deep connection to her community and nearly five years of dedicated experience at ‘Ai Pono. Working closely alongside the dietitian, she adopts a compassionate, patient-centered approach to support clients in their recovery journey.
Currently pursuing her degree to become a registered dietitian at Eastern Michigan University, Kaelyn combines her practical expertise with academic growth to enhance the nutritional care and individualized support provided to each client. She is deeply committed to fostering a safe, respectful environment that promotes healing and empowers individuals toward balanced and sustainable wellness.
medical team
Dr. brian teliho, MD
Medical Director, Maui Residential Program & Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program
Dr. Teliho is a Board Certified psychiatrist with more than 20 years of experience in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and neuromodulation. He specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, depression, mania, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and various forms of psychosis, such as schizophrenia. As a psychiatrist, he is able to recommend, prescribe, and monitor medications, or other forms of psychiatric treatment, when needed to aid in treatment tailored to each client’s needs.
Dr. Teliho received his medical degree from the State University of New York’s Health Science Center in Syracuse before completing his residency training at Emory University School of Medicine.
luana bueno, RN
Nurse Lead, Maui Residential Program
With over 12 years of experience as a Certified Hemodialysis Technician, three years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and a transition from LPN to RN since 2012, Luana brings a broad skill set in patient care. Her expertise includes specialized knowledge in hemodialysis and nearly three years of experience working with patients with eating disorders, demonstrating her ability to handle complex medical and mental health challenges. This diverse background allows Luana to provide comprehensive care across various healthcare settings.
operations team
Alexandra Perkinson, LMHC
Chief Operating Officer, ‘Ai Pono Hawaii and Central Coast Treatment Centers
Alexandra (Alex) Perkinson began in the field of mental health as a therapist specializing in addictions, eating disorders, and trauma. She has worked in various treatment settings and levels of care throughout the United States and abroad.
Alex’s experience as a therapist provides an informed perspective in decision making and echoes ‘Ai Pono’s commitment to leading with clinical excellence at the forefront. In her role as Chief Operating Officer, Alex strives to provide both patients and staff members with organization and ease as they move through their respective personal and professional journeys.
Alex is involved firsthand in the admissions process for all of our patients and remains accessible to parents and loved ones throughout the course of treatment to address any logistical concerns. Alex also maintains relationships with other professionals in order to ensure a smooth and supportive continuum of care.
Jessica Birch
Operations Manager, Maui Residential Program
marketing & admissions
Maikela Watson
Admissions Coordinator, Maui Residential Program & Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program
Maikela has extensive experience in medical billing and insurance and is currently pursuing her career path in Healthcare Administration. Maikela completes the initial benefits checks for all incoming patients and will be able to answer questions about insurance and billing, as well as any questions about the ‘Ai Pono treatment program. Maikela is originally from Hawaii.
leah hall
National Outreach Coordinator
Leah Hall has worked in the field of mental health for over seven years. She has held multiple positions including Behavioral Health Technician, Intake Coordinator, Admissions Counselor, Director of Client Services, and as a Business Development Representative.
Through her years of lived experience and commitment to helping people, Leah works with a passion and a drive to help raise awareness that those struggling are not alone, and there is help available.
At ‘Ai Pono, Leah is responsible for creating and strengthening referral relationships, hosting and attending networking events, and maintaining an aftercare referral database for our staff, patients and families. She works closely with our admissions staff to ensure continuity in care and collaboration between referring and treating providers.
Leah is from Orlando, Florida and has lived there most of her life. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her two boys, singing, and doing service work in her community.
past interns & volunteers
Tamara Yvonne Müller
Volunteer
Germany
Erin K. Ebert, LCSW
Visiting Therapist
Texas, USA
Maiken Toft Christiansen
Yoga Teacher & Psychomotor Therapist Intern
Denmark
Pirjo Luosa
Student Nurse Intern
Finland
Kelly Toney, MSW, LISW-CP
Visiting Therapist
South Carolina, USA
Jodi Krahn, MC, RCC
Visiting Therapist
Vancouver, Canada