Blog

By Dr. Jessica Romeyn Last week I had the opportunity to visit Pacific Quest in lovely Hawaii. Located on the Big Island in Hilo, Pacific Quest (PQ) is not your average wilderness program. Created by Mike and Suzanne McKinney, PQ has 2 programs; one for adolescents and the other, young adults. The model for the programs …

Pacific Quest Horticultural Therapy Director Travis Slagle was recently a guest speaker on the Progressive Radio Network “iEat Green with Bhavani” radio show discussing success stories from Pacific Quest outdoor therapy program. During the interview, Travis provided examples of how working in a garden has helped the students referred to Pacific Quest to develop healthier …

By Erin Marcus-Levine, Clinical Admissions Director Whenever I visit our students in the field, I am surprised and impressed by their attachment to and utilization of Hawaiian words and the meanings behind them. They learn to sit with themselves and reflect, “Nalu”.  There is a real implication of pride and independence that comes along with …

By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant Pacific Quest outdoor therapy program is pleased to welcome Todd Ransdell as the Young Adult Program Director at the historical Reeds Bay in Hilo. In his new role, Todd is responsible for supervision of the young adult program, personnel management, and assistance with outreach coordination. Other responsibilities will include co-development …

By McLean Eames, Experiential Education Supervisor Recently, the Young Adult students drove to the easternmost point of the island, Kumukahi and saw the lighthouse there.  The group talked about the Winter Solstice and how it’s a transition point for our planet; a time when the days start to grow longer.  The group then ventured to …

By Kate Eppinger, Field Supervisor Reeds Bay Reeds Bay’s first Staff of the Quarter award goes to the talented and dedicated Miss Kellie Garrity. Kelly has worked for Pacific Quest since May 2012 and transitioned to our Young Adult Reeds Bay location when it opened this past June.  She is our longest standing Reeds Bay employee …

By McLean Eames, Experiential Education Supervisor Recently, a group of the young adult students traveled 60 miles South, over the Kilauea volcano, to the district of Ka’u to join the community and help with a big service project at Punalu’u Beach. Punalu’u means “diving spring” in Hawaiian, and the place gets its name from the …

By Haley Brink, Therapist It’s not easy to be away from the ones you love during the holidays, there’s no way around that.  This year marked the first Thanksgiving that I have spent away from my immediate family since my husband and I moved to the Big Island this past Spring. That’s part of being …

By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant Pacific Quest wilderness therapy program is pleased to announce the hiring of Wendy McKoy, RN to the wellness team.  Wendy’s role with Pacific Quest will allow her to collaborate on a team of mental health and wellness professionals providing life-changing experiences for troubled youth from around the world. Providing the …

By Martha Bouchard, Operations Director The holidays are coming upon us. It may seem slightly early, but let’s face it, there have been “winter holiday” decorations in the stores since long before Halloween. Holidays have always been such an interesting and rewarding time in working with adolescents and children for nearly fifteen years. Admittedly, there …