Meet the team
Bridget Heady
Bridget Heady is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University and over 15 years of direct clinical experience. In addition, Bridget has worked as a Consultant helping start-up organizations and those looking to achieve accreditation from The Joint Commission for over 10 years. She understands both the clinical and administrative areas of creating quality organizations. She is dedicated to the field of substance use and mental health in order to provide exceptional treatment and safety to clients. With compliance as a main focus, Bridget oversees organizational decisions and implementation of policies that provide exceptional client care; making suggestions from experience and knowledge for the growth and development of the organization. She ensures that the organization’s staff strictly adheres to local, state, and federal laws and regulations in providing treatment. It is her passion to create an environment where we can make a difference in the lives of our clients and provide a space for them to succeed in their recovery. In her free time, Bridget enjoys spending quality time with her family & friends, and traveling.
Dr. Jefferey Chester, DO
Dr. Jeffrey H. Chester serves as the Medical Director of The Ohana, bringing over two decades of clinical experience and a deep commitment to whole-person care. Board certified by both the American Board of Preventive Medicine and the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Chester specializes in treating substance use disorders, opioid addiction, chronic pain, and neuromuscular conditions. His integrative medical approach includes osteopathic adjustments, pain-reducing injections, and evidence-based addiction medicine tailored to meet each client’s needs. Dr. Chester earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Brandeis University and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rowan University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency and served as chief resident at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Since 2002, Dr. Chester has practiced medicine on Maui, combining clinical expertise with compassionate care for the local community. At The Ohana, he plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of every client, guiding their medical treatment with precision, empathy, and a deep understanding of the recovery process.
Krista Walker, LCSW, J.D.
Krista Walker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. As Clinical Director of The Ohana, she brings a compassionate and grounded approach to leadership, ensuring that every client receives care that is effective, personalized, and rooted in trust. Krista believes that each person is the expert of their own life, and her role is to support healing, growth, and meaningful change. Her therapeutic style is direct, honest, and empathetic, often using humor to create connection and ease. She is especially skilled in helping individuals process trauma, manage emotions, and move toward a more empowered version of themselves.
Krista is committed to building a clinical culture that emphasizes collaboration, integrity, and deep respect for each client’s journey. She works closely with her team to maintain the highest standards of care while fostering a warm and welcoming environment. Whether in session or in leadership, Krista’s goal is always the same—to help people heal, discover their strengths, and thrive in every area of life.
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.
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.
Tia Sims
Tia Sims is a licensed acupuncturist who not only aims to balance the physical, but specializes in mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. She holds a Masters in Acupuncture, a Bachelors in Health Science, and a Bachelors in Transpersonal Psychology. Tia has a strong passion for treating addiction, as she herself has struggled and overcome addictions in the past. Tia has worked in various rehabs since 2015 and continues to feel deeply satisfied by her client’s palpable transformations with the help of Chinese Medicine. Tia’s other loves include her husband and two young daughters, yoga, art, piano, African drum & dance, travel, and choosing to see the beauty in all things.
Elizabeth Kaoh, RD
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.
Kerry Riley
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kerry’s esteemed culinary journey commenced in the vibrant city that cultivated his palate for the culinary arts. In his early twenties, he ventured to San Francisco, where he immersed himself in the city’s thriving food scene. Under the mentorship of some of the nation’s top chefs, he honed his skills and expertise. Over two decades spent in the Bay Area, he received comprehensive training in a diverse range of cuisines, including classic French, Italian, Mexican, and Mediterranean. His career trajectory took an exciting turn when he was granted the opportunity to travel to Greece with a team of talented chefs to launch Kokkari Estiatorio in San Francisco—a culinary endeavor that ultimately propelled the restaurant to national acclaim. Even today, Kerry’s passion for creating exquisite dishes and bringing smiles to our client’s faces remains undiminished. With a commitment to culinary excellence, he continues to craft memorable culinary experiences, inviting all to savor his delectable creations. BON APPÉTIT!
David Westerhouse
Every single person has value and it is David’s strong desire to be a driving force behind that realization for our clients. He has recently moved to the Big Island from the Midwest and brings a hard-work ethic to the Aloha spirit of the islands. David also has personal experience in addiction and recovery. Knowing the difficulties involved, he recognizes and empathizes with those living a life of addiction and realizes its profound effect on loved ones and every facet of life. He has had past experience working for the government at the local, state, and federal levels. Outside of The Ohana, David’s passion is his family. He loves spending his free time experiencing all that the island has to offer with his wife and young son. David is also proud to have an adult son and two adult daughters, along with three awesome grandchildren. He enjoys home projects, whether inside or outside, and is not afraid to tackle seemingly daunting tasks. He has a strong fondness for classic and sports cars and finally retired from a career in semi-professional football at the age of 47. It is David’s wish that he can positively influence every client that he crosses paths with at The Ohana. He is living proof that anything is possible as long as you have the courage to take that first step forward.
Linn Cao, CNA
Linn is an overnight Resident Care Technician and brings a unique blend of compassion and commitment to her role. As a self-described “night owl,” Linn thrives during the overnight shift, where her talents truly shine. Patients under her care consistently praise her unwavering kindness and her ready availability to provide support during the quietest hours of the night. Her experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) not only reflects her passion for caregiving but also demonstrates her extensive knowledge in providing specialized assistance to our residents. Linn’s dedication to ensuring the well-being and comfort of our clients during the overnight hours is a testament to her commitment to their recovery journey. Her nurturing presence and expertise contribute significantly to the tranquil and supportive environment we strive to provide at our addiction treatment center in Hawaii.
David Gloor
David approaches his role with a strong belief in empowering individuals on their path to sobriety by providing a diverse array of strategies aimed at cultivating a positive mindset and outlook. He firmly advocates for offering various approaches to those who aspire to lead a clean and sober life. In David’s philosophical view, active participation in one’s own recovery is key to success. He emphasizes the importance of individuals learning to become comfortable with the discomfort of the transitional period, leading to a profound understanding that “just for today” is not only a valuable lesson in patience but also a fundamental aspect of acceptance. David holds the conviction that surrendering or acknowledging powerlessness is not a sign of weakness but rather the pathway to liberation and the establishment of a solid foundation for a better life. His approach to assisting individuals in their journey towards recovery is grounded in these guiding principles.
Saxon Okamura
Bio coming soon!