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 therapeutic work. Ray has an MA Mindfulness based Psychotherapeutic Process.

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 as well as a collection of poetry.

Ray 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.

Ray has lived on Maui since 2005 with his wife and two sons.

Savana Campbell, BA, MS Intern

Associate Therapist, Maui Residential Program

Savana completed her undergraduate degree at Prescott College, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in psychology with an emphasis in counseling, and is currently completing her Master of Science in Clinical mental health counseling in a graduate program that works from a framework of promoting collective healing through social and systemic change. Savana is especially passionate about working with trauma and is completing her certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy and an additional certification in Complex Trauma. 

Savana believes in each individual's capacity for healing and has repeatedly found that suffering as part of the human condition can lead to a profoundly purposeful and meaningful life when the hurt can be tended to as portrayed through the lens of existential theory. Savana incorporates embodied somatic nervous system regulation techniques, Internal Family Systems and attachment theory, and Narrative Therapy from the person-centered holistic perspective into her practice with clients.

She spends her free time with her two dogs, Kaia and Keanu, and in awe of Maui's natural beauty.

Sarina Ponte, LMHC LAC CEDS

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.

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.

Suzanne Sasaki, MHC 

Associate Therapist, Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program

Suzanne received her M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Chaminade University, with an academic focus on eating disorders.  Her therapeutic approach is insight-oriented and humanistic, reflecting her perspectives as a long-time yoga teacher, manual therapist, and a mother of three.  Suzanne is a food enthusiast and avid cook, currently studying for a certification in sports nutrition.

Born and raised in Japan, Suzanne received her B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.  While she has been a writer, editor, and translator (Japanese) for over 25 years, she aspires to serve Hawaii’s community as a bilingual therapist and mental health advocate.

LI HAY, MFT Student Intern

Family & Friends Support Group Facilitator, Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program

Li Hay is currently completing her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) accredited program at Capella University. Through an approach that is culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, relational, and holistic, Li gains a comprehensive understanding of clients and the many factors contributing to their reasons for seeking therapy. She utilizes evidence-based treatment approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), together with the mindful deep acceptance perspective of Buddhist Psychology to help clients learn to access, relate to, and healthily express their deeper emotions and trauma relational patterns.

Prior to her psychotherapy training, Li worked in various professional roles, including real estate broker, business consultant, publisher, restaurateur, and meditation and movement facilitator at the world-renowned Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California.

When not serving clients, Li can be found in her garden, where she grows over 70 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and lei plants, hiking Upcountry Maui with her pup Lulu, in the ocean, or serving on Boards of Directors for various local Maui nonprofits.

Michelle Garcia, LSW

Associate Therapist, 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.

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.

Jenasee Toone, RN

Nursing Lead, Maui Residential Program

Sarah Sundari Thom, RN, BSN, CCRN, Certified ED Recovery Coach

Nurse and Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, Maui Residential Program & Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program

Sarah has worked in the healthcare system for over 20 years with a specialty in Critical Care Medicine. Bringing her ICU nursing skills into eating disorder recovery coaching, she provides a holistic approach which includes allopathic medicine, mindfulness, meditation, sound healing therapy and self empowerment training.

After successfully competing the Ai Pono Residential program, Sarah developed a unique and effective skill set. Furthering her education, with direct training from Carolyn Costin, Sarah now holds her Coaching Certificate as a CCI Eating Disorder Recovery Coach working with clients around the world.

Sarah lives on the island of Maui, and enjoys surfing, drumming, sound healing, and hiking in her free time.

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 Thailand. 

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 current role as Chief Operating Officer, Alex oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of ‘Ai Pono and strives to provide both patients and staff members with organization and ease as they move through their respective personal and professional journeys.

Being that ‘Ai Pono is a small, healing community of patients and professionals, 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.

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.