Meet the team
The People Behind Your Care
At The Ohana, every client receives the time, attention, and individualized care that meaningful recovery requires. Our clinical staff are licensed in Hawaii, our medical director is board-certified, and we maintain a staff-to-client ratio of [2:1] — which means more one-on-one time and clinical decisions made by people who actually know you.
The team below is the team you’ll meet. Each one brings their own training, perspective, and personality to the work — and a shared commitment to treating every client with dignity, compassion, and the aloha spirit that makes healing here different.
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. Jeffrey 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.
Vincent Nubla, PhD, LMFT
Vincent Nubla, PhD, LMFT, known in the community as “Dr. Vince,” is the Clinical Director of The Ohana. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 25 years of experience treating adults, teens, and children. His practice centers on post-traumatic stress disorder and other emotional disorders, using EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt therapy, and behavioral health education. He also works with couples to strengthen affection, communication, and problem-solving.
Dr. Vince holds a PhD in Psychology and a master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Psychology. Over his career he has supervised mental health programs, provided treatment in clinics, schools, and clients’ homes, taught at the university level, and trained clinicians working toward state licensure. He is fluent in English and Filipino.
His commitment to EMDR is personal. During his first year of college he experienced symptoms of PTSD and was treated successfully with EMDR. The experience led him to change his major from business to psychology so he could learn the approach and use it to help others. He understands EMDR from both sides of the room.
Dr. Vince is also interested in how people from different cultures maintain their emotional well-being. He has traveled to rural provinces in Asia to study this question and shares what he has learned in the supervision groups he leads.
Outside of work, he practices mindfulness through journaling, exercise, and scuba diving, and works to keep his work, family, and personal life in balance.
Joseph DeVasto
Joseph DeVasto is celebrated for his open-minded, authentic, and heartfelt approach to addiction counseling and psychotherapy. At The Ohana, he welcomes individuals seeking not only freedom from addiction, but also a deeper understanding of themselves and the opportunity to create meaningful, lasting change. Guided by the belief that we are not defined by what happened to us, but by who we choose to become.
With a foundation in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Transpersonal Psychology, Joseph integrates contemporary, evidence-based practices with traditional wisdom and holistic approaches to healing. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gestalt Therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, experiential therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and transpersonal psychology, he creates a compassionate, individualized treatment experience that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.
For more than 15 years, Joseph has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families affected by substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. This experience spans residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, sober living communities, collegiate recovery, wilderness therapy, and clinical leadership.
Outside of the therapy room, Joseph enjoys practicing yoga and meditation, surfing, golfing, outrigger canoeing, off-roading, exploring Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty, and pursuing ongoing personal and professional growth. He believes that healing begins with authentic human connection and warmly welcomes each client to The Ohana with compassion, hope, and the unwavering belief that lasting recovery is possible.
Matthew Wilson
Matthew is a graduate student in Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Counseling at Naropa University currently serving as a Clinical Intern for The Ohana. With a background in higher education (PhD) and experience teaching comparative religions at several universities on the mainland, Matthew enjoys connecting deeply with clients on questions of meaning and authenticity. He is passionate about facilitating present-moment experience, self-awareness, mindfulness meditation and nature-connection.
Angela Stephens
Angela Stephens is a Licensed Practical Nurse with more than 20 years of nursing experience, specializing in patient-centered care and whole-person wellness. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including geriatrics, wound care, and substance use recovery.
Angela is passionate about helping individuals navigate healing with compassion, dignity, and evidence-based care. She believes lasting recovery involves caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health while creating a safe, supportive environment for every client.
In addition to her nursing career, Angela is a certified Fast to Faith health coach, where she empowers women to improve their metabolic health through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and faith-based encouragement. Her unique combination of clinical experience and holistic wellness coaching allows her to support others with both medical expertise and genuine compassion.
Originally from California and now a longtime resident of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Angela enjoys spending time with her three Yorkshire Terriers, serving in her church community, and helping others pursue healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Gabriel Tyler
Gabriel Tyler serves as the Admissions Coordinator at The Ohana, where he helps guide individuals and families through the first steps of the treatment process with empathy and understanding. Having been on the other side of the admissions process himself, he knows how difficult it can be to make that first call and ask for help. His own recovery journey gives him a unique perspective and allows him to connect with clients in a genuine, authentic way. Gabriel is committed to making the admissions process as comfortable and stress-free as possible, answering questions honestly and supporting each person from their very first conversation. Like every member of our team, he believes in treating every client with dignity, compassion, and respect while embodying the aloha spirit that makes The Ohana such a special place.
Megan Trowbridge
Megan was born and raised in Northern California and relocated to the Big Island of Hawaii after earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology. With a strong foundation in behavioral health, she has started working toward her Master of Social Work to further expand her ability to support individuals and families impacted by addiction.
Megan brings a lighthearted and adventurous spirit to her work, balanced with support and compassion. Recovery is familiar in her own life, which strengthens her empathy and dedication to the individuals she serves. She believes that connection is a powerful tool in recovery and strives to create a space where clients feel safe and understood. Her favorite part of working at The Ohana is witnessing individuals rediscover their spark in early sobriety and confidence starts to rebuild. Megan is grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside clients as they embark on their recovery journey.
Outside of her professional role, Megan enjoys spending time on the ocean fishing and exploring on horseback, embracing the same sense of presence and balance that she encourages in the lives of those she supports.
Matthew Paea
Matthew Paea was born and raised on Hawaiʻi Island and is deeply rooted in the local recovery community. At The Ohana, he is passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate the early stages of recovery and begin to see new possibilities for their lives.
Matthew’s favorite part of his work is watching things “click” for people and seeing the light come back into them as they begin to heal and grow. Being part of that process and witnessing the positive changes in people’s lives is what makes his work so rewarding.
Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time at the beach and fishing. These activities help him stay grounded, connected to nature, and to the island he is proud to call home.
Grace Kimbrell
I am passionate about supporting individuals as they work toward healing and recovery. I believe every person deserves to be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect, regardless of where they are in their journey. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where individuals feel heard, encouraged, and empowered to make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives.
Being part of The Ohana allows me to work alongside a team that is deeply committed to hope, growth, and second chances. With more than five years of experience as a private caregiver, I have developed the skills, patience, and empathy needed to support individuals through some of life’s most challenging moments. That experience has strengthened my ability to provide compassionate care while building trusting, supportive relationships.
Having witnessed the impact of addiction within my own family, I also bring a personal understanding of the challenges that individuals and their loved ones face. This perspective has reinforced my belief in the power of hope, resilience, and recovery. It is truly an honor to be part of a team dedicated to helping others rediscover their strengths and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
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.
Stella Coney
Stella Coney brings over ten years of combined experience across human resources, legal studies, and administrative operations. This unique intersection of skills allows Stella to manage employee relations and organizational compliance with a highly structured, analytical approach. Stella is deeply passionate about creating supportive workplace cultures where both operational standards and employee well-being can thrive. Outside of the office, she loves spending quality time with family, friends and visiting new places.
Kathleen Cooley
Kathleen “Chef Kat” brings more than 30 years of culinary experience to The Ohana, combining her passion for food with a genuine commitment to caring for others. After spending much of her career as a private chef in Honolulu, Kat developed a cooking style influenced by the vibrant flavors of the islands and centered around what she describes as healthy comfort food.
Kat believes that food has the ability to both nourish and nurture. At The Ohana, she creates wholesome, comforting meals that contribute to a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals throughout their recovery journey. Her approach to cooking reflects the same principles of care, connection, and well-being that are central to The Ohana’s mission.
Throughout her career, Kat has cooked for people from many backgrounds, including a memorable week spent in the remote Waipiʻo Valley preparing meals for a group of 20 hula students visiting from Germany. Experiences like these have strengthened her belief in the power of food to bring people together and create meaningful moments.
For Kat, every meal is an opportunity to provide comfort, encourage connection, and bring a little joy to the day.
Samuel Yamasawa
Born and raised in Kona, Hawaii, Samuel discovered his love of cooking at a young age while learning alongside his mother and grandmother in the kitchen. With 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, he brings a passion for good food and bold American, Asian, and Mexican flavors to The Ohana. Outside the kitchen, Samuel enjoys music and the arts, with guitar playing remaining a lifelong passion.
Gabrielle Parilla Taylor, RD
Gabrielle is a Registered Dietitian originally from Massachusetts who has proudly called Hawaiʻi’s Big Island home since 2021. She brings a compassionate and individualized approach to nutrition, working with individuals of all ages and a variety of nutritional needs, with a particular passion for women’s health.
Gabrielle believes nutrition plays an important role in supporting overall health, wellness, and recovery. She strives to help individuals develop a balanced and positive relationship with food while providing practical nutrition guidance tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals.
Outside of her work, Gabrielle enjoys embracing the natural beauty of the Big Island through beach days and hiking. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, and practicing yoga.
Dr. Justyn Bonomi, DAcCHM, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac.
Dr. Justyn Bonomi is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine who has spent fourteen years training with teachers and lineage holders across several traditions, blending classical Taoist medicine with modern approaches to nervous system health. Much of her work centers on regulation — helping the body ease out of the fight-or-flight patterns that keep people stuck and settle back toward its own balance. She sees each person as a whole system — body, mind, and spirit moving together — and works to address the root of a condition rather than only its symptoms. Justyn came to this medicine through her own experience of what it feels like to live out of balance, and of what it takes to find the way back into harmony; that’s the same path she feels honored to walk alongside Ohana clients. Outside the treatment room, she tends to her cacao farm, Lokahi Farms Hawaii, enjoys the outdoors and her pets, and facilitates women’s circles and other holistic gatherings for the community.
Nicole Peary
Nicole’s mission is to share the influence massage gives to the mind and body by creating a space for healing and assisting to find balance within the receiver. Nicole practices compassion, enjoys helping people and utilizes massage modalities including Swedish, deep tissue, and Lomi Lomi, learned from her teachers Angela Leslie and Kumu Maka’ala Yates. Nicole has a passion for learning about mental and physical health, enjoys being outdoors, and discovering the world of music.
Tika Anindyasari
Tika Anindyasari is a yoga teacher, sound practitioner, and founder of Yoga Love. She began teaching yoga in 2010 and has continued her education through certifications in Barre, Sculpt, Inferno Hot Pilates, Vibrational Sound Therapy, and Art of Vinyasa. She is currently completing her 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training.
Tika believes movement, breath, and sound are powerful tools for healing, resilience, and connection. Having witnessed the impact of addiction through close family members, she is honored to share these practices in support of recovery and overall well-being.
When she’s not on her mat enjoying her own practice or managing her yoga studio, you’ll likely find her frolicking with her two dogs, cuddling her cat, or chasing her next adventure. Tika loves traveling, exploring new places, and embracing experiences that keep her curious, grounded, and inspired.
Where Our Team Welcomes You Home
Our three private acres above the Kona Coast and the Pacific are the everyday setting in which our team cares for you — therapy sessions in open-air spaces, meals prepared on-site by our chefs, sunrise walks with our care team along the trails. The pool, jacuzzi, outdoor rain shower, fire pit, and yoga spaces aren’t amenities tacked onto a clinical program. They’re the environment in which the work of healing unfolds.
A Hawaiian Journey, Led from the Big Island
‘Imi Ke Ola Mau — the ongoing pursuit of well-being — is the cultural foundation of how we work. It connects past, present, and future to bring harmony within yourself and with others. Our clinicians and care team are based here, licensed here, and grounded in the rhythms of Hawaiian life and the aloha spirit. Watch the video to see the setting — and meet the people — behind The Ohana.
