Team IMUA

Moving Health Forward.

IMUA Health Group is a privately owned group practice of multi-disciplinary behavioral health providers. Our mission has two parts to “Move health forward.”

Expand access to essential behavioral health services in the state of Hawaiʻi by creating an environment where providers can focus on providing the best care possible. You take care of the patient, we’ll take care of the rest. We are also proud to announce that we are a National Health Service Corps (NHSC)-approved site! For those who are currently or potentially will participate in the NHSC Loan Repayment Program. Click the badge to learn more about HRSA and the NHSC.

Help providers learn how to open their own private practices. The need for services are at an all-time high and we are excited to grow the profession to help serve our local communities. Click button below to learn more.

HRSA National Health Service Corps Site

Providers

Pictures coming soon!

Dr. Niki Wright, PsyD, CSAC

Clinical Director

Niki Wright is a Clinical Psychologist at Imua Health Group. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa before moving on to Argosy University for her M.A. and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Her primary professional interests include working with addiction issues, trauma, systems, women’s health, diverse and marginalized populations, and health psychology.

Dr. Wright also works at Wai’anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Wahiawa Center for Community Health, and the Department of Education. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, and coaching.

Garriss Akiona, LCSW, CSAC

Garriss Akiona is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and Certified Christian Counselor (CCC). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Hawaii at West Oahu. He went on to receive his Master of Social Work Degree while completing the Hawaiian Learning Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He worked at Hoomau Ke Ola as a Substance Abuse Counselor and Outpatient Manager, integrating evidence-based best practices with cultural healing.

Mr. Akiona has been working at The Queen’s Medical Center – Outpatient Behavioral Day Treatment Services as a Clinical Therapist providing group and individual psychotherapy to the Dual Diagnosis Adult population. In his spare time, he enjoys bicycling, running, beach activities, and playing sports.

Kyle Chikazawa, LCSW

Kyle Chikazawa was born and raised on the island of O’ahu where he graduated from Mililani High School, then graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa with a bachelor’s degree in Family Resources before earning a Master’s degree in Social Work with a certificate in Disabilities Studies. Kyle worked at Hina Mauka as a residential substance abuse counselor, Ko’olau Clubhouse as a human services professional, and the Substance Abuse Counseling Center as a clinical counselor. He also works part-time as an Orton Gillingham tutor for students diagnosed with learning disabilities.

In his free time, Kyle enjoys basketball, skateboarding, and cooking.

Chelsea Cordero, LCSW

Chelsea Cordero is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Born and raised on the island of Oahu, she attended the University of Northern Colorado and received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She has worked as a Social Case Worker for the City and County of Denver Department of Safety, Social Worker for the State of Hawaii Department of Public Safety, and Intake Counselor at Hina Mauka.

 In her spare time, Chelsea enjoys reading, working out, and watching sports.

Annalise Ferreira, LMHC, CSAC

Annalise Ferreira was born and raised on the island of Oahu. She graduated from Kamehameha Schools – Kapalama Campus, then attended Chaminade University of Honolulu for her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology and Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology Degree with an Emphasis in Mental Health Counseling. She completed her internship at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and received her certificate as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor.

She has a history of work in the Department of Education as a part-time teacher from 2012 until 2018. She also currently works at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Elaine Hicks, LCSW

Elaine Hicks is a licensed clinical social worker, research psychologist, and certified substance abuse counselor. She received her master’s in social work at the University of Southern California.

She has lived on Oahu for 12 years and has worked in the helping profession in many capacities, from case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, evaluation and development, to clinical services and counseling. She holds certifications in applied forensic psychology, compassion fatigue prevention, mindfulness, and positive psychology. Elaine is also a DUI assessor for the State of Hawaii. Her primary professional interests include mindfulness based therapy to treat a variety of concerns, traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth, those involved with the criminal justice system, and mental health providers facing fatigue reactions.

Self-care and hobbies include freediving, scuba, and photography.

Robert Locklear, LMHC, CSAC

Robert Locklear is a licensed mental health professional and certified substance abuse counselor who specializes in working with individual adults who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship conflict, life transitions, career stumbling blocks, and substance abuse. He earned his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in Honolulu, HI, then completed his post-graduate supervision hours at Kaiser Permanente and CARE Hawai’i to obtain his license in Mental Health Counseling and certification in Substance Abuse Counseling. Robert has an easygoing style and creates a space where you can be you, without judgement. It’s this kind of accepting demeanor that helps Robert’s clients thrive and grow.

Robert uses a collaborative and integrative style in his sessions, blending evidence-based perspectives with the needs of the client, and he allows the client’s needs to guide him forward. You will always find a listening ear, a knowledgeable base, and a professional outlook when you see Robert.

He’s excited to work with you in overcoming and persevering through any negative challenging obstacles. As we increase your coping skills and ability to tolerate distress, you can enjoy a healthier quality of life.

Amanda Maehara, LMHC, NCC

Born and raised in Hawai’i, Amanda earned her Master of Arts degree from Boston College in Counseling Psychology and became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the goal of utilizing her clinical skills to promote resiliency and empower clients to achieve their goals.

Amanda has worked in the mental health counseling field for the last 10 years with various populations, including adults suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression, children between the ages of 5-18, and couples and families associated with the military. Amanda utilizes a trauma-informed care approach and evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) to assist clients with improving their quality of life. Amanda is also trained in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy to address relationship dissatisfaction and distress.

In her spare time, Amanda enjoys learning to play pickleball and spending time with family and friends.

Edmund "Kekupu" Nourrie Jr., LMHC

Kekupu Nourrie Jr. was born and raised on Oahu and after bouncing around different high schools, both here and on the Big Island, he eventually graduated from Kaimuki High School. Kekupu joined the Air Force at 17 years, was honorably discharged 7 years later as a result of a debilitating injury sustained during his second tour overseas in Iraq.

Kekupu graduated from Chaminade University in 2018 with his masters degree in Counseling Psychology, and has been working in a clinical setting since then at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) under the amazing guidance of Dr. Niki Wright. Currently, he is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and a Cultural Educator under the Dr. Agnes Kalanihookaha-Cope Native Hawaiian Healing Center.

His clinical interests are in grief, existential therapy, and generally odd cases. Kekupu’s cultural foci are in plant medicine (la’au lapa’au) and traditional family conflict resolution (ho’oponopono).

Other interests include philosophy, music/art, dream analysis, Oli (chanting), anything horror related, bad movies, and puns so bad they cause physical pain.

Lucio "Leo" Pascua, MD

Medical Director

Lucio “Leo” Pascua, M.D. is the Medical Director for IMUA Health Group and is a Pediatrician practicing locally since 1996. Dr. Pascua received his M.A. in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and his M.D from John. A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii.

Prior experience includes Chief Medical Officer, Wahiawa Center for Community Health; Chief of Staff, Wahiawa General Hospital; Staff Psychologist, New York Medical College, Pregnant Adults and Addicted Mothers Program; Associate Director, Center for Infants and Parents, Teachers College, Columbia University. He is currently an Adjunct Clinical Professor for John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii and Chaminade University. He is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, Medical Honor Society. He is a sideline football Physician for Waialua High School.

His personal interests are cooking, fiction writing, and reading and he has been a Church Choir Director for 30 years.

Brooke Rickard, LMHC

Brooke Rickard was born and raised on the island of O’ahu. She graduated from the Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama Campus and attended Saint Martin’s University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She then attended the Chaminade University of Honolulu and received a Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology degree with an Emphasis in Mental Health Counseling.

She has worked as a counselor with the Intensive Outpatient Program at the the Gino Behavioral Health (GBH) clinic. She also currently works at GBH as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Her professional interests include substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

In her spare time, Brooke enjoys hiking, surfing, reading, and being a dog mom. She is also an avid sports person.

Chelsea Wong, PsyD

Chelsea Wong is a licensed clinical psychologist. Born and raised in Hawai‘i, she received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology, Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University in Oregon. Dr. Wong completed her predoctoral internship at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Indian Health of Minneapolis. Dr. Wong has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Professional interests include working with diverse and underserved populations, palliative care, and historical and intergenerational trauma.

Dr. Wong is also an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, JABSOM.

Lauren Yoshida, PsyD

Lauren Yoshida is a licensed clinical psychologist. Born and raised in Hawaii, she attended Hawaii Pacific University and received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology. She received her Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degrees in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Health Psychology, from the School of Professional Psychology at Pacific University in Oregon.

Her practicum and fieldwork training sites included a bariatric surgery center, primary care clinic, private practice office, and community outpatient mental health center. Dr. Yoshida returned to Hawaii to complete her predoctoral internship at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Hawaii Center for Psychology.

In her spare time, Dr. Yoshida enjoys doing yoga, playing the piano, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Amanda Youth, LCSW, CSAC

Amanda Youth is a licensed clinical social worker. Born and raised on the island of Oahu, she attended the University of Oregon and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Human Services. She received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

She has worked as a residential substance abuse counselor at Hina Mauka and Women’s Way, was the Holomua Program Coordinator with Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, a Court Appointed Special Advocate with the State of Hawaii, and a Clinical Counselor for the Substance Abuse Counseling Center. In her spare time Amanda likes to bake, craft, and spend quality time with family and friends.

Bios coming soon...

Tasha Ariyoshi, LCSW, CSAC

Lisa Garcia, PsyD

Office Staff

Travis Purdy

Founder & CEO

Travis Purdy is an alcoholic and drug addict in long term recovery. In addition, he was significantly overweight at 300 pounds and smoking cigarettes. He lost the excess weight, quit smoking in February 2004, and battled with depression and alcoholism his whole adult life (sobriety date is August 1, 2014). Sales, customer service, physical fitness, and a whole lot of self education have helped him to get healthy, heal, increase his confidence, and build a network of positive support.

Travis is now applying his sales & business experience to healthcare. Connect with him via social!

Jennifer Barit

Medical Assistant/Patient Service Executive

Jennifer Barit has lived on Oahu for 21 years. She attended Heald College and got her Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting. For about the last 10 years, she has gained a lot of different experiences in healthcare from receptionist, billing, and other administrative duties. She’s worked at small practices and a Federally Qualified Health Center. In her free time, Jenn enjoys spending time with her family.

Nikita Clark

Credentialing Concierge

Nikita Clark was born on Oahu, but raised in Washington State. She moved back to the islands in 2000. After graduating from Campbell High School, she attended Hawaii Business College and received her diploma in Medical Assisting. Nikita just recently obtained her certificate as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Program Administrator. She is currently back in school at Kapiolani Community College where she is working on prerequisites towards a Nursing Degree.

Nikita has been in the medical field for about 15 years with experience working in areas such as: Behavioral Health, Substance Abuse, and Pain Management at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. In her spare time, Nikita enjoys hiking, cooking/baking, and spending time with friends and family.

Cara Gante

Operations Manager

Cara Gante was born in Vallejo, California but moved to the island of Oahu at the age of six. She is a wife and mother of three. Cara has been in the healthcare field for the past 12 years. She has gained knowledge, experience, and companionship with her peers throughout the years, all while keeping her compassion for her patients and the importance in quality care at the forefront. Cara graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management & Informatics in May of 2022.

In Cara’s free time, she enjoys reading romance novels, going to the beach with her family, cooking grand meals, and finding adventures in things she’s always wanted to do. Cara recently competed/ran in the Miss Hawaii Plus 2023 Pageant and won the title of Miss Runway Model 2023. Cara believes in balance and finding your own “normal” in life!