Who We Are

Anita Johnston, Ph.D.

Anita Johnston, Ph.D., is the Founder and Director of the Anorexia & Bulimia Center of Hawaii and the Clinical Director of the ‘Ai Pono Intensive Eating Disorders Programs.

Dr. Johnston is the author of Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationships with Food Through Myth, Metaphor, and Storytelling, which has been published in multiple languages. She developed Hawaii’s first inpatient eating disorders treatment program at Kahi Mohala Hospital in 1986 and is an expert in treating a variety of eating disorders ranging from anorexia and bulimia to compulsive/binge eating and eating disorders associated with severe obesity and bariatric surgery.

Dr. Johnston uses metaphor and storytelling in conjunction with her training as a clinical psychologist, to explain the complex issues that underlie disordered eating behavior, In addition to her private practice that specializes in women’s issues, she is a recognized international workshop presenter, lecturing widely to professional organizations, universities, medical institutions, and the community at large.Dr. Johnston uses metaphor and storytelling in conjunction with her training as a clinical psychologist, to explain the complex issues that underlie disordered eating behavior, In addition to her private practice that specializes in women’s issues, she is a recognized international workshop presenter, lecturing widely to professional organizations, universities, medical institutions, and the community at large.

She can be reached directly at: 808-262-0398 or via email: DrAJ1@aol.com

Judith Orodenker, Ph.D., A.T.R.

Judith Orodenker has her Ph.D. in clinical psychology and her M.A. in art therapy.

Judith specializes in women’s issues and the treatment of disordered eating. She provides individual and group therapy services for the ‘Ai Pono, Intensive Outpatient Programs. In private practice since 1992, she provides verbal therapy as well as art therapy services for adults, adolescents, and children. In addition, she conducts workshops that focus on actualizing the human potential through the creative process and women’s workshops that focus on accessing the divine feminine within.

Her past experience includes working with adults in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and substance abuse programs, and children and adolescents in hospital and special education settings. She has developed and implemented an art therapy program for medical surgical patients that highlights the mind/body connection in healing.

She can be reached directly at: 808-232-6752 or via email: judeoro@hawaii.rr.com

Denise Castro, Psy.D.

Denise Castro, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, specializing in the treatment of disordered eating as well as depression, anxiety and relationship dynamics.

Dr. Castro’s therapeutic style is relationship-based where the ability to experience intimacy is examined. She believes in helping people grow by becoming more self-aware, allowing them to believe in and trust the answers they already know. She provides individual, couples and group therapy and also teaches as an adjunct professor in the clinical psychology doctoral program at Argosy University.

Dr. Castro can be reached directly at 808-352-5407

Donna R. Hopkins, MSW

Donna Hopkins, MSW, is a clinical social worker, addiction counselor, and therapist for the ‘Ai Pono Intensive Out-Patient Programs. Donna has worked in the social work field since 1991 providing group and individual counseling, and also conducts seminars for Health Care Professionals.

Highly influenced by the work of Milton Erickson and Virginia Satir, Donna’s eclectic style of counseling embodies unconditional warm regard for her clients. On their healing journey, clients may expect to learn new and creative coping tools, a balance of masculine and feminine energies, and the significance of emotional and spiritual hungers.

She can be reached directly at 808-732-0068 or via email: Donna_Hopkins51@yahoo.com

Deanna Moncrief, MS, CNS

Deanna Moncrief, MS, CNS, is a certified nutrition specialist (CNS) with a Master of Science degree in nutrition & clinical dietetics and a Bachelor of Science degree in food science and human nutrition from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science

Deanna is a nutritionist for the ‘Ai Pono Intensive Out-Patient Program, providing individual and group nutrition sessions. She also has a private practice working with individuals and families on various nutrition issues, including post-partum weight management, child nutrition, and geriatric meal planning.

Through her company, WellSource Consulting, Deanna develops nutrition curricula for various non-profit educational organizations, as well as the Hawai’i Department of Education and Department of Health. She is an active member of the American Dietetic Association and the American College of Nutrition, and is a member of the American Heart Association’s speaker’s bureau.

She can be reached directly at: 808-537-1333 or via email: Deanna@wellsourceconsulting.com