Meet The Team
Elliott Michael Smith
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
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.
Kim Greenwald
DR. MICHAEL J. McGRATH, M.D., PSYCH
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.
DR. JAY SERLE, LMFT
After retiring from a career in law-enforcement, Dr. Serle returned to school to earn a master’s 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. See More
APRIL MORAN, MS. ED., LMHC
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, M.A., LMFT
With a commitment to mental health that spans over three decades, Karl F. Prater is a seasoned Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, having dedicated 27 years to the profession. The Big Island of Hawaii has been fortunate to benefit from his expertise for the past 23 years. As a proficient mental health supervisor for 16 years, Karl has also provided invaluable service to the local community through his private practice for over 7 years. At The Ohana, he holds the esteemed position of Therapist and Director of the Family Program. Karl’s primary area of expertise lies in Family Therapy and Systemic Consulting. Above all, his passion radiates in guiding clients towards their life goals and bolstering the professionals accompanying them on their journey.
Honor Moore
Honor is a dedicated and empathetic professional who has devoted her career to helping individuals struggling with substance use disorders find the support and care they need. As an Admission Coordinator at The Ohana, she plays a pivotal role in guiding individuals and their families through the crucial first steps of their recovery journey. As an Admission Coordinator, Honor oversees the initial assessment, She conducts thorough interviews with prospective clients to understand their unique needs, challenges, and goals. Honor uses her deep understanding of addiction to assess the appropriate level of care and treatment options, ensuring that each individual receives a personalized and holistic plan. Honor commitment to helping individuals find hope and healing in their journey to recovery is both inspiring and commendable. Honor dedication to her work serves as a beacon of hope for those in search of a brighter, substance-free future.
LEE JASON FRIEND
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. See More
APRIL VINEGA
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.
