EXECUTIVE TEAM
ELLIOTT MICHAEL SMITH
CEO
Elliott Michael Smith opened his first business at the age of 18 and by 21, had over 300 employees working at his agency. From a young age, he gained a lot of experience in leadership and management. Elliott produced over a dozen major motion pictures, but working in the industry did not come without its pitfalls. Having struggled with a substance use disorder on and off from the age of 17, Elliott found himself constantly retriggered. After various attempts at sobriety and treatment, Elliott attained long-term recovery after an intensive outpatient program helped him get to the root cause of his addiction. Elliott sees a need and a unique way to reshape the addiction treatment industry by providing extended care and removing the hurdle of having to leave everything behind to attain it. At The Ohana, Elliott is accountable for creating an environment and culture that focuses on fulfilling the organization’s mission, vision, and values. His tasks include operational management, program development supervision, strategic planning, and more.
BRIDGET HEADY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MEDICAL TEAM
DR. MICHAEL J. McGRATH, M.D., PSYCH
CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER & MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. McGrath began his career in Hawaii in 1995. He serves as Medical Director of the Behavioral Health Division and Attending Inpatient Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine Physician at Kona Community Hospital. He also serves as an assistant clinical professor at the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu and a clinical instructor with the University of Washington’s School of Medicine Physician Assistant (PA) program in Seattle. Previously, Dr. McGrath served in a number of outpatient settings including crisis shelters, homeless shelters, and care homes. He has practiced inpatient behavioral health since 1997. Dr. McGrath received his bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Northern Illinois University and his medical degree from Southern Illinois University. He completed his residency in psychiatry and neurology from the University of California, Irvine. Dr. McGrath went on to become triple boarded in psychiatry and neurology, addiction medicine, and pain medicine. His passion has always been combining the care of the individual with a curiosity and creative energy for the challenges presented by inefficient and ineffective practices in the system of behavioral health care. He shares the vision of enhancing the health of the community, one person at a time.
TODD KRASINSKY
Registered Nurse
Having a deep understanding and compassion for individuals and families who suffer from the disease of addiction, Todd strives toward helping others achieve long sustained recovery. After earning a degree in Nursing and furthering his education in Business, Todd launched his career working in Emergency Medicine as a Trauma RN, ICU, Nursing Administration and eventually co-founding the country’s first specialty pharmacy and home infusion company specifically focusing on desensitization for kidney transplant recipients. Todd then went on as a co-founder of a medical device company that received FDA clearance for opioid withdrawal. He is personally passionate in improving, changing and saving lives and increasing the awareness of treatment solutions for those seeking recovery.
CLINICAL TEAM
DR. JAY SERLE, LMFT
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
After retiring from a career in law-enforcement, Dr. Serle returned to school to earn a masters degree in marriage and family therapy and a PhD in psychology with a clinical specialization. Since 2007 Dr. Serle has worked in the field of mental health and substance use disorders. within Hawaii, he has worked with the severely mentally ill, adolescents in high school, and outpatient and residential substance use disorder treatment centers. He has been a key team player in the development of several substance use disorder start up companies. Dr. Serle has a passion for working in the substance use disorder recovery field and receives great satisfaction from helping individuals recover from addiction. He especially enjoys leading and creating teams to instill passion in others to provide quality treatment to those suffering from substance use disorders.
April Moran, LMHC
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
April Moran has over 20 years of direct experience as a counselor working in both mental health and substance use treatment. She believes in meeting her clients where they are at, based on their goals and values. She values that everybody’s path to recovery looks different and helps guide clients on their own unique journeys. Her roots are in a holistic approach to healing as individuals’ minds, bodies, and spirits are all interconnected. She is EMDR trained and believes that trauma is at the root of addiction and many mental health diagnoses. She also has extensive experience in family work using a systemic approach. In her spare time she loves to create art.
Karl Prater, LMFT
Director of Family Services
JOSEPH DEVASTO
INTAKE & DISCHARGE COUNSELOR
With an open-minded, heartfelt approach to Addiction Counseling, Joseph extends an invitation for all who want to live to one’s greatest potential free from addiction. Joseph holds a B.A. from Naropa University in Contemplative Psychology, is a certified Recovery Coach, and is currently obtaining an M.A. in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling Psychology. Additionally, he studied Organizational Leadership at Colorado State University. His passion for helping others spans a career of 10 years working as a counselor, mentor, and program coordinator within sober living environments, intensive outpatient, collegiate recovery, and wilderness therapy. When not working he enjoys surfing, practicing yoga, and participates in community theater productions throughout Hawaii.
ADMISSIONS TEAM
HONOR MOORE
ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR
HOLISTIC TEAM
LEE JASON FRIEND
HOLISTIC & ALUMNI SERVICES DIRECTOR
Lee Jason Friend is a mindfulness practitioner and motivational speaker who has shared his message of sobriety through mindfulness and self-acceptance around the world. He is the author of New Thought, New Action, New Life which is a consciousness coaching tool that has been used by recovery and treatment centers to help clients have a better understanding of their connection to their spiritual selves. He is the creator of a life transforming workshop and The Ohana Tree, which has helped so many on their path of recovery and self-discovery. Lee’s gentle and spiritual approach to recovery helps those seeking personal transformation discover their connection to personal freedom and opportunities.
April Vinega
MASSAGE THERAPIST
With a lifelong passion for health and fitness April’s intention is to assist in the process of finding the body’s homeostasis that can help live a stress-free, fulfilling life. April uses a wide variety of therapeutic massage techniques that create deep relaxation and also balance in the musculoskeletal system. April strongly believes every person is unique, therefore she listens carefully to craft individualized plans to maximize the therapeutic effects. April studied under the amazing Angela Leslie, and focuses on areas such as Lomi Lomi, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, therapeutic cupping, and Reiki. Her other passions include adventures with her son, weightlifting, jumping rope, and enjoying the beauty of Hawaii.
Tia Simms
Acupuncturist
NUTRITION TEAM
ELIZABETH KAOH, RD
DIETITIAN
Elizabeth is a registered dietitian with a passion for helping individuals who run the spectrum of disordered eating to eating disorders. She works in a Residential and outpatient setting, collaborating with physicians and therapists to provide comprehensive care to her clients. Having a background in psychology with a focus on mindfulness-based therapies, she incorporates trauma-informed modalities to help guide individuals to their path of recovery and a sustainable relationship with food and their bodies.
Allan Davis
CHEF
Kerry Riley
CHEF
CARE TEAM
DAVID WESTERHOUSE
RESIDENT CARE TECHNICIAN
LINN CAO, CNA
RESIDENT CARE TECHNICIAN
