Blog

Recently, a group of the adolescent students had the opportunity to explore the rare and fascinating, two-mile loop trail at Manuka State Park. Manuka is a Natural Area Reserve, and one of the nineteen different reserves within the statewide Natural Area Reserves System. The Big Island of Hawaii island has eight reserves to call its …

By McLean Eames, Experiential Education Supervisor The Young Adult students recently explored new parts of the island and helped to clean up their local neighborhood.  The group traveled north 40 miles up the Hamakua Coast to Kalopa State Park.  The park is a Forest Reserve that protects 615 acres of native Hawaiian forest at 2000’ …

By Mac MacLaird, Horticultural Supervisor Reeds Bay When the Young Adult program moved to Reeds Bay, Hilo, the transition was similar to the transition plants go through when they get transplanted. For plants, the first couple days are the hardest, the first couple months at Reeds Bay were the most difficult for us. We had …

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 Kelly Weld, Therapist The holiday season is a significant time for many of us.  It is a time to gather family and send love to those far away. It is a time to appreciate spirit and acknowledge the sacred within and among us.  It is a time to consider the year that has past, …

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 …